Play Therapy in Loves Park, IL
Sometimes it can be difficult to find a person you really feel safe to help you navigate through life that is challenging. This is where I come in. I work with people who would like to utilize my expertise in trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, play therapy techniques, and personality disorders. When you feel like you do not know where to turn to next, I will work with you to help you understand that you are not alone, and what your next steps might be.
Sometimes it can be difficult to find a person you really feel safe to help you navigate through life that is challenging. This is where I come in. I work with people who would like to utilize my expertise in trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, play therapy techniques, and personality disorders. When you feel like you do not know where to turn to next, I will work with you to help you understand that you are not alone, and what your next steps might be.
I specialize in art, play therapy, psychodrama, Jungian Psychology, CBT, DBT, EMDR and much more.
We want clients to feel comfortable and at ease while focusing on the issues that bring them to counseling. You will be heard, listened to and taken care of while working on short term or long term problems. My office has a group of other therapists on staff. Our team of professionals work together to insure you and your loved ones receive the highest level of care.
I specialize in art, play therapy, psychodrama, Jungian Psychology, CBT, DBT, EMDR and much more.
We want clients to feel comfortable and at ease while focusing on the issues that bring them to counseling. You will be heard, listened to and taken care of while working on short term or long term problems. My office has a group of other therapists on staff. Our team of professionals work together to insure you and your loved ones receive the highest level of care.
Rachel Rothermel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loves Park, IL 61111
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Master's Degree in Applied Child and Family Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. I enjoy working with children, families, and individuals. I utilize a strength based and family systemic approach when working with youth, families, and individuals . I also utilize play therapy, expressive therapy, CBT, DBT, and AAIT to help people better develop skills to manage difficult problems. I believe in providing a healthy and safe environment to encourage internal growth.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Master's Degree in Applied Child and Family Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. I enjoy working with children, families, and individuals. I utilize a strength based and family systemic approach when working with youth, families, and individuals . I also utilize play therapy, expressive therapy, CBT, DBT, and AAIT to help people better develop skills to manage difficult problems. I believe in providing a healthy and safe environment to encourage internal growth.
I offer EMDR, Family Therapy, and Play Therapy along with several day to day coping skills to help deal with difficult thoughts, feelings, and situations.
Sometimes life is just really hard. Sometimes we may not even know why. Let's work together to figure it out! Maybe your teen needs a sounding board. Perhaps you are facing a huge transition. Whether it's a past trauma such as experiencing abuse or daily struggles with anxiety or depression, you can reach your personal goals!
I offer EMDR, Family Therapy, and Play Therapy along with several day to day coping skills to help deal with difficult thoughts, feelings, and situations.
Sometimes life is just really hard. Sometimes we may not even know why. Let's work together to figure it out! Maybe your teen needs a sounding board. Perhaps you are facing a huge transition. Whether it's a past trauma such as experiencing abuse or daily struggles with anxiety or depression, you can reach your personal goals!
“Sometimes, the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life,” Naeem Callaway. It can be intimidating to start on a journey unaware of what the outcome might be. Yet within those moments, you have the power to shape your own experiences. When you struggle to find that power, or you feel like experiences are no longer enjoyable, I will be ready to listen. I want to hear your story. I want to meet you where you are at. I will help support and guide you on your journey of navigating, managing, and understanding your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
“Sometimes, the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life,” Naeem Callaway. It can be intimidating to start on a journey unaware of what the outcome might be. Yet within those moments, you have the power to shape your own experiences. When you struggle to find that power, or you feel like experiences are no longer enjoyable, I will be ready to listen. I want to hear your story. I want to meet you where you are at. I will help support and guide you on your journey of navigating, managing, and understanding your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Alix Rose Kavran
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Loves Park, IL 61111
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” — Fred Rogers. As your therapist, my focus is to provide a safe space for healing and personal growth. I understand that a felt sense of safety takes time and as your support in the process, I will guide you through at your own pace. I have been in the field for over a decade and have experience working with individuals experiencing PTSD, adjustment to life changes, grief, depression, anxiety, ADHD and other Mental Health concerns.
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” — Fred Rogers. As your therapist, my focus is to provide a safe space for healing and personal growth. I understand that a felt sense of safety takes time and as your support in the process, I will guide you through at your own pace. I have been in the field for over a decade and have experience working with individuals experiencing PTSD, adjustment to life changes, grief, depression, anxiety, ADHD and other Mental Health concerns.
Andrea K Olson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loves Park, IL 61111
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a broad range of experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults. I am committed to assisting individuals, couples, and families in their unique life circumstances. I believe that I can best help others by being a warm, welcoming and sincere person. I treat issues such as depression, anxiety, abuse and trauma. I also work with children and adolescents who are having behavior problems in school. I tend to have an eclectic approach, often using cognitive behavioral and solution focused counseling techniques.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a broad range of experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults. I am committed to assisting individuals, couples, and families in their unique life circumstances. I believe that I can best help others by being a warm, welcoming and sincere person. I treat issues such as depression, anxiety, abuse and trauma. I also work with children and adolescents who are having behavior problems in school. I tend to have an eclectic approach, often using cognitive behavioral and solution focused counseling techniques.
The good news is you do not have to worry or struggle alone. Let's work together to create positive changes in your life that can endure even when times get tough. Using evidence-based treatments, including EMDR and DBT, I can help you work through trauma and PTSD, as well as depression, anxiety, and family or relationship issues. I am also trained to use the developmental needs meeting psychotherapy approach (DNMS).
The good news is you do not have to worry or struggle alone. Let's work together to create positive changes in your life that can endure even when times get tough. Using evidence-based treatments, including EMDR and DBT, I can help you work through trauma and PTSD, as well as depression, anxiety, and family or relationship issues. I am also trained to use the developmental needs meeting psychotherapy approach (DNMS).
Amy Gustafson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Amy Gus, MSW, LSW, CTP
Verified Verified
Loves Park, IL 61111
Waitlist for new clients
As a licensed social worker and therapist, Amy works with clients in a safe and collaborative environment to work through struggles related to relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, childhood difficulties, and life transitions. She believes it is the connection to our emotions and our relationships that help us reach our personal goals and live fully. Amy works with all walks of life, including individuals, couples, and families using evidence-based therapies and research tailored to each client’s goals and needs.
As a licensed social worker and therapist, Amy works with clients in a safe and collaborative environment to work through struggles related to relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, childhood difficulties, and life transitions. She believes it is the connection to our emotions and our relationships that help us reach our personal goals and live fully. Amy works with all walks of life, including individuals, couples, and families using evidence-based therapies and research tailored to each client’s goals and needs.
More Therapists Nearby
Dr. Stear offers 30 years experience compassionately serving children, adolescents, adults and families. Receive expert assistance solving anxiety, depression, relationship issues, medical concerns, as well as the full range of treatment needs. Hypnosis, play therapy, executive coaching, psychological testing, and life style wellness coaching are available in addition to individualized therapy. Additionally, she has built a play therapy, art therapy and yoga space at the office. Meditation practice, yoga classes, pet therapy, & support groups are all available. It is Dr. Stear's highest honor to serve you and your loved ones.
Dr. Stear offers 30 years experience compassionately serving children, adolescents, adults and families. Receive expert assistance solving anxiety, depression, relationship issues, medical concerns, as well as the full range of treatment needs. Hypnosis, play therapy, executive coaching, psychological testing, and life style wellness coaching are available in addition to individualized therapy. Additionally, she has built a play therapy, art therapy and yoga space at the office. Meditation practice, yoga classes, pet therapy, & support groups are all available. It is Dr. Stear's highest honor to serve you and your loved ones.
For kids, I have a dedicated space designed to utilize hands-on/play therapy tools.
Feeling overwhelmed, detached, or anxious? Maybe it's the past that's interfering with your present. Does what always worked to "keep it together" before feel like it is on the brink of failing, or maybe already has? Maybe it's your child who is struggling. I understand the courage it takes to reach out for you or your child. Vulnerability can be scary, but it is never a weakness. When we have a safe space to allow it, it can become the place we find our strength again. My office is that safe space. A place where you can pause and allow yourself to feel. Where you can be just as you are find hope and again.
For kids, I have a dedicated space designed to utilize hands-on/play therapy tools.
Feeling overwhelmed, detached, or anxious? Maybe it's the past that's interfering with your present. Does what always worked to "keep it together" before feel like it is on the brink of failing, or maybe already has? Maybe it's your child who is struggling. I understand the courage it takes to reach out for you or your child. Vulnerability can be scary, but it is never a weakness. When we have a safe space to allow it, it can become the place we find our strength again. My office is that safe space. A place where you can pause and allow yourself to feel. Where you can be just as you are find hope and again.
HOPE Child and Family Counseling/Teen & Adult Tx
Counselor, MA, LCPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roscoe, IL 61073
The counselors at HOPE - Child and Family Counseling/Adolescent and Adult Therapy specialize in therapy to promote emotional healing across the lifespan. We provide an atmosphere of acceptance and hope. Our skills are grounded in interpersonal connections and current interventions in neurobiology, attachment, cognitive-behavioral, trauma, family systems, child/play therapy, drug and alcohol treatment, and more. We apply principles that treat the whole person while knowing that the body, mind, and social world can interplay with how we feel, think, and navigate through life. Locations: Roscoe, IL, Gurnee, IL, and Janesville, WI.
The counselors at HOPE - Child and Family Counseling/Adolescent and Adult Therapy specialize in therapy to promote emotional healing across the lifespan. We provide an atmosphere of acceptance and hope. Our skills are grounded in interpersonal connections and current interventions in neurobiology, attachment, cognitive-behavioral, trauma, family systems, child/play therapy, drug and alcohol treatment, and more. We apply principles that treat the whole person while knowing that the body, mind, and social world can interplay with how we feel, think, and navigate through life. Locations: Roscoe, IL, Gurnee, IL, and Janesville, WI.
Jesse Belle is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the Rockford area. She works with a variety of clients across the lifespan including children, adolescents and adults, and has worked as a therapist in child welfare, schools, and as a trauma educator. She takes a nurturing and strength-based approach to treat trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-harm, abuse, foster care and adoption, communication and social skill building, sibling issues, self-esteem issues, and attachment-related issues through uses of trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, movement, CBT, and evidence-based therapies.
Jesse Belle is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the Rockford area. She works with a variety of clients across the lifespan including children, adolescents and adults, and has worked as a therapist in child welfare, schools, and as a trauma educator. She takes a nurturing and strength-based approach to treat trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-harm, abuse, foster care and adoption, communication and social skill building, sibling issues, self-esteem issues, and attachment-related issues through uses of trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, movement, CBT, and evidence-based therapies.
Counseling programs for children and teens include: divorce and bereavement, physical and sexual abuse, play therapy and interventions with parents/guardians and their children.
Do you want to feel, think and/or act differently? Advanced Counseling Therapies(ACT) focuses on creating lasting change for yourself and within your relationships.
ACT Therapies addresses your issues with care and confidentiality. Through extensive counseling experience we help to resolve problems and conflicts with work, school, relationships or the ability to enjoy life.
Counseling programs for children and teens include: divorce and bereavement, physical and sexual abuse, play therapy and interventions with parents/guardians and their children.
Do you want to feel, think and/or act differently? Advanced Counseling Therapies(ACT) focuses on creating lasting change for yourself and within your relationships.
ACT Therapies addresses your issues with care and confidentiality. Through extensive counseling experience we help to resolve problems and conflicts with work, school, relationships or the ability to enjoy life.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
Vicki Elizabeth Marcum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61102
I am a credentialed play therapist and I love to incorporate play using art, music, journaling, movies, writing assignments into treatment.
I have worked with all ages across the life span from birth to death and all the life issues in-between. I work with people with mood disorders, relationship issues, child and family, illness, grief/loss, women's issues, abuse, domestic violence. and trauma issues. You are not your diagnosis! I know some kind of pain has made you reach out. I want to help you find a way to make the pain go away so you will feel good. and live more fully in the moment.
I am a credentialed play therapist and I love to incorporate play using art, music, journaling, movies, writing assignments into treatment.
I have worked with all ages across the life span from birth to death and all the life issues in-between. I work with people with mood disorders, relationship issues, child and family, illness, grief/loss, women's issues, abuse, domestic violence. and trauma issues. You are not your diagnosis! I know some kind of pain has made you reach out. I want to help you find a way to make the pain go away so you will feel good. and live more fully in the moment.
Healing Crown Counseling PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61101 (Online Only)
Therapeutic treatment approaches include CBT, DBT, play therapy, motivational interviewing, holistic therapy, and other client centered approaches.
Candice has worked with clients who have struggled with mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, grief and loss, substance abuse, LGBTQ Issues, personality disorders, and PTSD. Her specialties include struggles with intimate and family relationships, personality disorders, criminal thinking, anger management, poor self image, depression, and trauma. Candice prioritizes the therapeutic relationship and rapport that is developed with each of her clients. She is passionate about helping clients draw strength from their experiences; to live a better quality of life and reach personal fulfillment.
Therapeutic treatment approaches include CBT, DBT, play therapy, motivational interviewing, holistic therapy, and other client centered approaches.
Candice has worked with clients who have struggled with mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, grief and loss, substance abuse, LGBTQ Issues, personality disorders, and PTSD. Her specialties include struggles with intimate and family relationships, personality disorders, criminal thinking, anger management, poor self image, depression, and trauma. Candice prioritizes the therapeutic relationship and rapport that is developed with each of her clients. She is passionate about helping clients draw strength from their experiences; to live a better quality of life and reach personal fulfillment.
Cristina Gloria
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rockford, IL 61108
Life isn't easy and we are not born all knowing. Throughout our life span, we face exciting and terrifying situations that impact the way we function every day and how we interact with others. Then, we feel like we are the only ones suffering, and feelings of loneliness emerge. Our first reaction is to hide and portray that we are doing fine. Then we try dealing with the problem on our own. Later, we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed. We start experiencing extreme difficulties just trying to deal with simple daily life tasks. This is where I come in!
Life isn't easy and we are not born all knowing. Throughout our life span, we face exciting and terrifying situations that impact the way we function every day and how we interact with others. Then, we feel like we are the only ones suffering, and feelings of loneliness emerge. Our first reaction is to hide and portray that we are doing fine. Then we try dealing with the problem on our own. Later, we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed. We start experiencing extreme difficulties just trying to deal with simple daily life tasks. This is where I come in!
Elisa Tessier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61101 (Online Only)
Life is challenging, you don’t need to navigate it by yourself. If you are bewildered and unsure of your life path, experiencing strained relationships, having difficulty “keeping up” and continually feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. These are questions that many of my clients are searching for answers to. Life comes with many responsibilities and can be challenging to navigate. Children, adolescents and adults are becoming discouraged, lacking motivation, and frustrated by their commitments.
Life is challenging, you don’t need to navigate it by yourself. If you are bewildered and unsure of your life path, experiencing strained relationships, having difficulty “keeping up” and continually feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. These are questions that many of my clients are searching for answers to. Life comes with many responsibilities and can be challenging to navigate. Children, adolescents and adults are becoming discouraged, lacking motivation, and frustrated by their commitments.
Chelsea Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61101 (Online Only)
Resiliency Counseling is an individual based practice located in the Northwest Illinois area, including Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties. I provide phone and video sessions for anyone living in the state of Illinois. I have spent the last 5 years of my career providing therapy services to my local community, where the need for community based therapy is very high. I have provided services in a variety of areas; a local homeless shelter, food pantry, domestic violence shelter, sexual assault advocacy center, courthouse, law enforcement, community mental health center, and in the school systems.
Resiliency Counseling is an individual based practice located in the Northwest Illinois area, including Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties. I provide phone and video sessions for anyone living in the state of Illinois. I have spent the last 5 years of my career providing therapy services to my local community, where the need for community based therapy is very high. I have provided services in a variety of areas; a local homeless shelter, food pantry, domestic violence shelter, sexual assault advocacy center, courthouse, law enforcement, community mental health center, and in the school systems.
See more therapy options for Loves Park
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Loves Park
- Belvidere
- Cortland
- Crystal Lake
- Dekalb
- Huntley
- Lake In The Hills
- Machesney Park
- Rockford
- Rockton
- Roscoe
- Sycamore
- Woodstock
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.