Play Therapy in Glen Ellyn, IL
Tiera creates a comforting environment where individuals and families can build on their strengths to reach their full potential. Tiera works with individuals of all ages but specializes in children, teens and the family systems. Family work is often focused on identifying cycles, strengthening family bonds, and creating new healthy patterns. Together you will strengthen your parenting skills and reveal your child’s potential. Treatment approaches include CBT, DBT, play therapy, and strength based strategies. Tiera specializes in play therapy, and treating ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Tiera creates a comforting environment where individuals and families can build on their strengths to reach their full potential. Tiera works with individuals of all ages but specializes in children, teens and the family systems. Family work is often focused on identifying cycles, strengthening family bonds, and creating new healthy patterns. Together you will strengthen your parenting skills and reveal your child’s potential. Treatment approaches include CBT, DBT, play therapy, and strength based strategies. Tiera specializes in play therapy, and treating ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Caitlin McNamara
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Play therapy is utilized for all ages through art work, sensory toys, improv, games, music, dance, as well as somatic expression.
Hello my name is Caitlin McNamara. My goal as a therapist is to create a warm, compassionate, and a non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their story, process and reflect to learn more about themselves. I focus on using a collaborative approach to treatment. I am professionally trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and work with adolescents and adults. I work with my clients to increase self awareness, identify and express emotions, and seek out change and growth in order to build a more secure relationship with themselves and others.
Play therapy is utilized for all ages through art work, sensory toys, improv, games, music, dance, as well as somatic expression.
Hello my name is Caitlin McNamara. My goal as a therapist is to create a warm, compassionate, and a non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their story, process and reflect to learn more about themselves. I focus on using a collaborative approach to treatment. I am professionally trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and work with adolescents and adults. I work with my clients to increase self awareness, identify and express emotions, and seek out change and growth in order to build a more secure relationship with themselves and others.
Frameworks include, but are not limited to: art and play therapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Interpersonal Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, and Positive Psychology.
Combining knowledge and skills acquired through education, a decade of professional experience, and my own lived experience with trauma and recovery, my mission is to facilitate hope and wellness using humor, empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard. I am familiar with treating a variety of populations and needs from years of work with nonprofit and community mental health agencies, but my passion truly lies with providing therapy to individuals (children through adults), couples, and families. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, anger, emotional-dysregulation, self-esteem, and interpersonal struggles.
Frameworks include, but are not limited to: art and play therapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Interpersonal Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, and Positive Psychology.
Combining knowledge and skills acquired through education, a decade of professional experience, and my own lived experience with trauma and recovery, my mission is to facilitate hope and wellness using humor, empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard. I am familiar with treating a variety of populations and needs from years of work with nonprofit and community mental health agencies, but my passion truly lies with providing therapy to individuals (children through adults), couples, and families. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, anger, emotional-dysregulation, self-esteem, and interpersonal struggles.
Kyle McCordic
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Waitlist for new clients
I have received training in Play Therapy, specifically Child-Centered Play Therapy, and am pursuing professional certification as a Registered Play Therapist from the Play Therapy Association.
I am passionate about empowering people to express themselves in an open and honest manner. One main theme that drives what I do is the ongoing search for personal meaning and self-worth, something each of us has a natural right to seek out. I specialize in Play Therapy with children ages 3-11, particularly involving emotional regulation, anger management, behavioral issues, anxiety, and depression in children. Finally, I enjoy working with adolescents, teens, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grieving, and other interpersonal issues.
I have received training in Play Therapy, specifically Child-Centered Play Therapy, and am pursuing professional certification as a Registered Play Therapist from the Play Therapy Association.
I am passionate about empowering people to express themselves in an open and honest manner. One main theme that drives what I do is the ongoing search for personal meaning and self-worth, something each of us has a natural right to seek out. I specialize in Play Therapy with children ages 3-11, particularly involving emotional regulation, anger management, behavioral issues, anxiety, and depression in children. Finally, I enjoy working with adolescents, teens, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grieving, and other interpersonal issues.
I bring compassion, empathy, and curiosity to the table through individualized, person-centered care that uses CBT, creativity, and play to set your child up to accomplish their goals around their needs.
The human experience is full of highs and lows and everything in between. It makes sense that just like our physical bodies can benefit from care from time to time, so can our minds. You don’t have to do it by yourself or figure it all out at once. My goal is to create a space that provides safe, intentional, non-judgmental care as you or your child face some of those challenging moments. My role is to see, hear, and care about you and your family, to come alongside my clients and walk with them for a part of their journey. It’s my honor to be a part of that process.
I bring compassion, empathy, and curiosity to the table through individualized, person-centered care that uses CBT, creativity, and play to set your child up to accomplish their goals around their needs.
The human experience is full of highs and lows and everything in between. It makes sense that just like our physical bodies can benefit from care from time to time, so can our minds. You don’t have to do it by yourself or figure it all out at once. My goal is to create a space that provides safe, intentional, non-judgmental care as you or your child face some of those challenging moments. My role is to see, hear, and care about you and your family, to come alongside my clients and walk with them for a part of their journey. It’s my honor to be a part of that process.
Jennifer S Stein
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
I also incorporate other therapeutic approaches, such as art and play therapy.
Are you considering therapy but unsure if it's right for you? Rest assured, it's natural to have questions and concerns before starting therapy. Investing in your mental health is a decision you have every right to make. As a therapist, I create a safe and comforting space where we can navigate through any difficulties you're experiencing. Together, we will establish goals, explore solutions, and utilize your strengths to facilitate personal growth.
I also incorporate other therapeutic approaches, such as art and play therapy.
Are you considering therapy but unsure if it's right for you? Rest assured, it's natural to have questions and concerns before starting therapy. Investing in your mental health is a decision you have every right to make. As a therapist, I create a safe and comforting space where we can navigate through any difficulties you're experiencing. Together, we will establish goals, explore solutions, and utilize your strengths to facilitate personal growth.
Tamar Friedman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Hello! I'm Tamar, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who specializes in working with children and their families. I have more than 20 years of experience as a clinical social worker & have worked with children and families in a variety of different settings including private practice, outpatient mental health clinics, schools and inpatient psychiatry. I have a warm, supportive and empathic approach and use my knowledge of child development, attachment, play therapy, mindfulness, trauma and cognitive behavioral therapy to help children manage their feelings, improve self esteem, work through challenges and improve behavior.
Hello! I'm Tamar, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who specializes in working with children and their families. I have more than 20 years of experience as a clinical social worker & have worked with children and families in a variety of different settings including private practice, outpatient mental health clinics, schools and inpatient psychiatry. I have a warm, supportive and empathic approach and use my knowledge of child development, attachment, play therapy, mindfulness, trauma and cognitive behavioral therapy to help children manage their feelings, improve self esteem, work through challenges and improve behavior.
I work towards providing a space for children to express their emotions, feelings, and experiences in ways they can understand: through play.
Everyone hits highs and lows in their lives. We all wish to be heard, understood, and accepted, which is why I value each and every experience shared. I believe in the notion of “putting yourself in ones’ shoes” to fully accept and understand others exactly how they are and what they are experiencing. I am passionate about giving voice to those who struggle making theirs heard and encouraging them to make positive changes in their lives. Each and every individual, child and adult, has the internal power to be the person they wish to be, through understanding, acceptance, and creating their unique meaning and purpose in life.
I work towards providing a space for children to express their emotions, feelings, and experiences in ways they can understand: through play.
Everyone hits highs and lows in their lives. We all wish to be heard, understood, and accepted, which is why I value each and every experience shared. I believe in the notion of “putting yourself in ones’ shoes” to fully accept and understand others exactly how they are and what they are experiencing. I am passionate about giving voice to those who struggle making theirs heard and encouraging them to make positive changes in their lives. Each and every individual, child and adult, has the internal power to be the person they wish to be, through understanding, acceptance, and creating their unique meaning and purpose in life.
Bree Wysocki Casey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
I believe that seeking help can be a lot but a huge step in the right direction! I am here to provide a safe space that you can feel seen and heard. I bring a lot of love, energy and compassion to create a collaborative space where you can be yourself in.
I believe that seeking help can be a lot but a huge step in the right direction! I am here to provide a safe space that you can feel seen and heard. I bring a lot of love, energy and compassion to create a collaborative space where you can be yourself in.
We are all faced with challenges in our lives and we need help managing life’s stressors. These stressors often lead us to behave in a way that may cause even more difficulty. If you are having trouble with depression, anxiety,or relationship issues then you are not alone.
We are all faced with challenges in our lives and we need help managing life’s stressors. These stressors often lead us to behave in a way that may cause even more difficulty. If you are having trouble with depression, anxiety,or relationship issues then you are not alone.
You have an innate capacity for inner peace, intuitive wisdom, and boundless love. It is through mindfulness-based strategies, rewriting your story, and fearless curiosity that we might venture to illuminate your best life.
You have an innate capacity for inner peace, intuitive wisdom, and boundless love. It is through mindfulness-based strategies, rewriting your story, and fearless curiosity that we might venture to illuminate your best life.
15 Second Videos
Bree Wysocki Casey
Jenna Hedglen Smith
Scott Henry van Slee
Lisa Burke
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Are you having difficulty coping with work, school, or life? Do you want to overcome trauma and reinvest in your life? Unique life experiences grew my passion for mental health. I am constantly learning and always willing to educate myself if it helps my clients. My therapeutic approach is creative and holistic (i.e., spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional). I constantly find strengths to move forward in a positive direction. Emphasizing a cognitive behavioral approach (CBT) to overcome thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions. Some essential tools that assist in developing a peaceful mind are meditation and mindfulness.
Are you having difficulty coping with work, school, or life? Do you want to overcome trauma and reinvest in your life? Unique life experiences grew my passion for mental health. I am constantly learning and always willing to educate myself if it helps my clients. My therapeutic approach is creative and holistic (i.e., spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional). I constantly find strengths to move forward in a positive direction. Emphasizing a cognitive behavioral approach (CBT) to overcome thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions. Some essential tools that assist in developing a peaceful mind are meditation and mindfulness.
As a professional, and a parent I truly understand there is no greater joy than seeing your child happy and healthy. I also know there is no greater heartache than seeing your child unhappy. For adults: stress, anxiety, and depression can diminish time with families. For children: poor self-esteem, decreased confidence, bullying/ loss, academic struggles or a disability can impact friendships,family, and academics. I specialize in working with people who have experienced a twist in life that they were not expecting. I have 25 years of treating adults and children who want to reclaim control of their lives.
As a professional, and a parent I truly understand there is no greater joy than seeing your child happy and healthy. I also know there is no greater heartache than seeing your child unhappy. For adults: stress, anxiety, and depression can diminish time with families. For children: poor self-esteem, decreased confidence, bullying/ loss, academic struggles or a disability can impact friendships,family, and academics. I specialize in working with people who have experienced a twist in life that they were not expecting. I have 25 years of treating adults and children who want to reclaim control of their lives.
¡Hola! My name is Yessica (pronouns: she/her/hers). I have close to two decades of joyful work with children and collaboration with families as an early childhood educator and in mental health work. I strive to aid individuals, children, and families in navigating life’s challenges. We all hold struggles that have given us the knowledge, skills, and capacity to shift difficulties into strengths to enhance our well-being.
¡Hola! My name is Yessica (pronouns: she/her/hers). I have close to two decades of joyful work with children and collaboration with families as an early childhood educator and in mental health work. I strive to aid individuals, children, and families in navigating life’s challenges. We all hold struggles that have given us the knowledge, skills, and capacity to shift difficulties into strengths to enhance our well-being.
Jenna Hedglen Smith
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Waitlist for new clients
We all start somewhere. And we all have progress to make. Our past and present experiences inform our future. Understanding our past helps us create a coherent narrative of who we are today. It sets us up for better success, both now and in the future. I enjoy working with clients who are looking to explore past and present relational dynamics, work through past traumas, find inner peace, or strengthen their connection with others. I value the opportunity to guide clients on their path toward self-exploration and I use evidence-based practices to tailor my approach to individual needs.
We all start somewhere. And we all have progress to make. Our past and present experiences inform our future. Understanding our past helps us create a coherent narrative of who we are today. It sets us up for better success, both now and in the future. I enjoy working with clients who are looking to explore past and present relational dynamics, work through past traumas, find inner peace, or strengthen their connection with others. I value the opportunity to guide clients on their path toward self-exploration and I use evidence-based practices to tailor my approach to individual needs.
Matthew Patton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Matthew specializes in working with clients with ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety. Before becoming a counselor, Matthew worked in special education. This combination of experience in makes him a great fit for clients struggling with school stressors and families having difficulty with school-aged kids. He also understands that relationships and parenting can be challenging and is adept at working with husbands and dads. Matthew continues his work in education as a professor in the psychology department at COD. He works extremely well with clients interested in learning skills to flourish with ADHD or autism.
Matthew specializes in working with clients with ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety. Before becoming a counselor, Matthew worked in special education. This combination of experience in makes him a great fit for clients struggling with school stressors and families having difficulty with school-aged kids. He also understands that relationships and parenting can be challenging and is adept at working with husbands and dads. Matthew continues his work in education as a professor in the psychology department at COD. He works extremely well with clients interested in learning skills to flourish with ADHD or autism.
Molly Michaels
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (Online Only)
New Availability Limited Spots Open Wednesdays and Fridays 10 am - 12 pm! I understand that life transitions, making decisions, and feeling comfortable with who you are can feel isolating and I want you to know you are not alone. I focus on creating a meaningful, therapeutic, and authentic relationship. Seeking support can feel overwhelming, so I commit to fostering a space that is non-judgmental, empathetic, and validating. My approach to psychotherapy involves creative exploration through person-centered and strength-based techniques.
New Availability Limited Spots Open Wednesdays and Fridays 10 am - 12 pm! I understand that life transitions, making decisions, and feeling comfortable with who you are can feel isolating and I want you to know you are not alone. I focus on creating a meaningful, therapeutic, and authentic relationship. Seeking support can feel overwhelming, so I commit to fostering a space that is non-judgmental, empathetic, and validating. My approach to psychotherapy involves creative exploration through person-centered and strength-based techniques.
Joel Tornquist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Waitlist for new clients
Your healing and restoration are my priority. My passion is the empowerment of others within their lives. I believe the counseling relationship is sacred, and through it, individuals experience growth by gaining self-awareness regarding the strengths they hold within. It is a privilege to work alongside individuals who desire growth, along with healing and restoration within themselves. My role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to empower individuals as they write their own stories, tailoring my therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each client.
Your healing and restoration are my priority. My passion is the empowerment of others within their lives. I believe the counseling relationship is sacred, and through it, individuals experience growth by gaining self-awareness regarding the strengths they hold within. It is a privilege to work alongside individuals who desire growth, along with healing and restoration within themselves. My role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to empower individuals as they write their own stories, tailoring my therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each client.
When reaching out can feel intimidating and difficult, the therapists at Authentic Growth Wellness Group will provide you with an approachable and comfortable experience. We get how hard it can be to begin and engage in this endeavor, and, therefore, we possess a deep empathy and enriched understanding from which we can professionally, ethically, and effectively support our clients initiate and engage in a trajectory of healing from which they will courageously grow.
When reaching out can feel intimidating and difficult, the therapists at Authentic Growth Wellness Group will provide you with an approachable and comfortable experience. We get how hard it can be to begin and engage in this endeavor, and, therefore, we possess a deep empathy and enriched understanding from which we can professionally, ethically, and effectively support our clients initiate and engage in a trajectory of healing from which they will courageously grow.
Are you looking for a competent, accepting and genuine therapist for yourself or your child? Do you or your family need support in your relationships? Is your kid struggling at school or at home? My name is Mihaela Bernard but most clients call me Misha. I specialize in counseling children and adolescents who struggle with behavioral and emotional issues. In my practice, we work together to help you and/or your family modify the way in which you relate to each other, and to improve the quality of your relationships.
Are you looking for a competent, accepting and genuine therapist for yourself or your child? Do you or your family need support in your relationships? Is your kid struggling at school or at home? My name is Mihaela Bernard but most clients call me Misha. I specialize in counseling children and adolescents who struggle with behavioral and emotional issues. In my practice, we work together to help you and/or your family modify the way in which you relate to each other, and to improve the quality of your relationships.
See more therapy options for Glen Ellyn
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Glen Ellyn
- Addison
- Aurora
- Bloomingdale
- Carol Stream
- Downers Grove
- Elmhurst
- Glendale Heights
- Lisle
- Lombard
- Oakbrook Terrace
- Villa Park
- Wheaton
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.