Play Therapy in Ottawa, IL
Empowering Minds Counseling
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, ICDVP, CADC, LPC, LSW
Verified Verified
Ottawa, IL 61350
We provide the support needed in a safe and confidential environment that promotes understanding and better well-being through individualized treatment plans.
We provide the support needed in a safe and confidential environment that promotes understanding and better well-being through individualized treatment plans.
I work with people who have experience trauma, abuse, and survived toxic environments. I believe that everyone can improve their lives through counseling. Life does not have to be filled with suffering, stress, anxiety, or depression. I base my treatment off of the belief that we heal through the mind, body, and spirit. I offer a unique approach to counseling with a sense of humor.
I work with people who have experience trauma, abuse, and survived toxic environments. I believe that everyone can improve their lives through counseling. Life does not have to be filled with suffering, stress, anxiety, or depression. I base my treatment off of the belief that we heal through the mind, body, and spirit. I offer a unique approach to counseling with a sense of humor.
Welcome! My name is Fadumo Omar and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 8 years of experience. My client focus currently is individual and couples. However, I have experience working with teens and families. I have experience treating mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, relational issues, life transitions, pre-marital/marital issues, grief, immigration-related issues, ADHD, and cultural issues. Although I have a designated working model that I utilize to help clients navigate presenting concerns, I make it a priority to match a client's learning style to effectively promote their path to healing.
Welcome! My name is Fadumo Omar and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 8 years of experience. My client focus currently is individual and couples. However, I have experience working with teens and families. I have experience treating mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, relational issues, life transitions, pre-marital/marital issues, grief, immigration-related issues, ADHD, and cultural issues. Although I have a designated working model that I utilize to help clients navigate presenting concerns, I make it a priority to match a client's learning style to effectively promote their path to healing.
Asking for help can be difficult, and to ask for help for mental health reasons can be seem almost impossible. People worry about being judged, appearing to be weak, or fear of being vulnerable. However, counseling doesn’t have to be scary. It can be seen as an opportunity to work with someone who wants you to succeed in life, and be there through the tough times. Counseling can be an opportunity for someone positive to work with you to build hope and strength. I work hard to be this person when working with my clients, and look forward to the opportunities to help people achieve their goals.
Asking for help can be difficult, and to ask for help for mental health reasons can be seem almost impossible. People worry about being judged, appearing to be weak, or fear of being vulnerable. However, counseling doesn’t have to be scary. It can be seen as an opportunity to work with someone who wants you to succeed in life, and be there through the tough times. Counseling can be an opportunity for someone positive to work with you to build hope and strength. I work hard to be this person when working with my clients, and look forward to the opportunities to help people achieve their goals.
I work with you to help you rediscover joy in your relationships, overcome depression and grief, find relief from anxiety, or help you with your parenting challenges.
I work with you to help you rediscover joy in your relationships, overcome depression and grief, find relief from anxiety, or help you with your parenting challenges.
Hello! My name is Raeann and I am the owner of Elevated Life Therapy, PLLC! Life is not always fair or easy. Sometimes we find ourselves living aimlessly, feeling burnt out, depressed, anxious or stuck in an unhelpful situation. At times, life can be exhausting. Do you feel overworked, tired, uninspired and depressed? Do you find yourself wishing life were different, but you do not know how to make the necessary changes? I see many clients from different walks of life. All ages and presenting issues are welcome.
Hello! My name is Raeann and I am the owner of Elevated Life Therapy, PLLC! Life is not always fair or easy. Sometimes we find ourselves living aimlessly, feeling burnt out, depressed, anxious or stuck in an unhelpful situation. At times, life can be exhausting. Do you feel overworked, tired, uninspired and depressed? Do you find yourself wishing life were different, but you do not know how to make the necessary changes? I see many clients from different walks of life. All ages and presenting issues are welcome.
Are you feeling “stuck,” unheard, and looking for someone who understands? Does your family not look like everyone else’s? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I am here to help. As a married gay man with six adopted children, I know that all families don’t look alike. I work with adults, children, families, and couples (marital and premarital) and those who struggle with parenting, foster parenting, bio-parent reunification, foster care trauma, anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, marriage, and LGBTQ issues.
Are you feeling “stuck,” unheard, and looking for someone who understands? Does your family not look like everyone else’s? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I am here to help. As a married gay man with six adopted children, I know that all families don’t look alike. I work with adults, children, families, and couples (marital and premarital) and those who struggle with parenting, foster parenting, bio-parent reunification, foster care trauma, anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, marriage, and LGBTQ issues.
Online Therapists
I use traditional psychodynamic modalities as well as expressive arts and play therapy that will meet you or your child/teen where you/they are and provide a space to develop strategies for coping and communicating or identifying what is further needed.
For over 15 years I have worked with children, teens and adults managing difficulties with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. The diverse experience with each age has given me insight to share in the therapy room with you. I address each challenge with great care and energy to help move toward growth with you or your child to find understanding and greater ways of coping, being in relationships and thriving.
I use traditional psychodynamic modalities as well as expressive arts and play therapy that will meet you or your child/teen where you/they are and provide a space to develop strategies for coping and communicating or identifying what is further needed.
For over 15 years I have worked with children, teens and adults managing difficulties with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. The diverse experience with each age has given me insight to share in the therapy room with you. I address each challenge with great care and energy to help move toward growth with you or your child to find understanding and greater ways of coping, being in relationships and thriving.
When working with younger clients, I use a more creative approach by incorporating games, play, and art into sessions.
I believe that the most important ingredient to successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship itself. My goal is to create a relationship in which my clients feel safe, understood, and free to be their genuine selves. When that is achieved, I believe that clients have the space to build self-compassion, discover their own unique strengths, and explore their goals for a more fulfilling life. I work with clients to collaboratively create treatment plans that fit their needs. I understand that coming to therapy is a vulnerable experience and I am careful to move at each client’s pace to help them feel comfortable.
When working with younger clients, I use a more creative approach by incorporating games, play, and art into sessions.
I believe that the most important ingredient to successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship itself. My goal is to create a relationship in which my clients feel safe, understood, and free to be their genuine selves. When that is achieved, I believe that clients have the space to build self-compassion, discover their own unique strengths, and explore their goals for a more fulfilling life. I work with clients to collaboratively create treatment plans that fit their needs. I understand that coming to therapy is a vulnerable experience and I am careful to move at each client’s pace to help them feel comfortable.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and belong to the National Association of Social Workers, the Association for Play Therapy, and the Illinois Society for Clinical Social Work.
I offer individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I have specialities in working with individuals who have issues related to abuse and trauma as well as behavioral disorders. I utilize several different treatment modalities and strive to meet the needs of each individual client. My approach with client's is to create a non-judgmental space that makes my client's feel supported and respected. I've had my own private practice for 11 years and over 20 years of experience.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and belong to the National Association of Social Workers, the Association for Play Therapy, and the Illinois Society for Clinical Social Work.
I offer individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I have specialities in working with individuals who have issues related to abuse and trauma as well as behavioral disorders. I utilize several different treatment modalities and strive to meet the needs of each individual client. My approach with client's is to create a non-judgmental space that makes my client's feel supported and respected. I've had my own private practice for 11 years and over 20 years of experience.
I am passionate about working with young people who are struggling to find their place and realize their strengths inside the challenges of this world. If you have been made to feel like you are difficult or too much this may be the place for you. Being queer, nonbinary and neurodivergent, I understand those who feel different and may need support and companionship as they shape their relationship with themselves and others. I like to work creatively bringing in the things you care about and incorporating art, movement and play therapy for all ages. My practice focuses on working with complex trauma, anxiety and neurodivergence.
I am passionate about working with young people who are struggling to find their place and realize their strengths inside the challenges of this world. If you have been made to feel like you are difficult or too much this may be the place for you. Being queer, nonbinary and neurodivergent, I understand those who feel different and may need support and companionship as they shape their relationship with themselves and others. I like to work creatively bringing in the things you care about and incorporating art, movement and play therapy for all ages. My practice focuses on working with complex trauma, anxiety and neurodivergence.
Esther Ruiz
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Arlington Heights, IL 60004 (Online Only)
Esther encourages you to accept all of your emotions and even encourages humor, as humor can play an important role in the therapeutic process.
Esther Elena Ruiz is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has over 10 years of experience providing care to children, adults, couples, and families. Esther specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, substance abuse, attachment, relationship issues, domestic violence, and parental issues. Her goal is to build a strong therapeutic relationship with you while actively working together to achieve your short- and long-term life goals. Esther completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Benedictine University and received her Master's in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University.
Esther encourages you to accept all of your emotions and even encourages humor, as humor can play an important role in the therapeutic process.
Esther Elena Ruiz is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has over 10 years of experience providing care to children, adults, couples, and families. Esther specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, substance abuse, attachment, relationship issues, domestic violence, and parental issues. Her goal is to build a strong therapeutic relationship with you while actively working together to achieve your short- and long-term life goals. Esther completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Benedictine University and received her Master's in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University.
I integrate several clinical approaches to meet my client’s needs by utilizing Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused, Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Focused Therapy and Whole Person Therapy.
I enjoy working with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum, ADHD/ADD, Learning Disabilities, depression, anxiety, trauma behavior concerns/challenges, bullying and those facing medical challenges through individual sessions, family group therapy, as well as collaborating with the client’s support team (school support team and/or medical team) if needed. I also have personal and professional experience working with the geriatric population and their family (caregivers) as they face life changing medical challenges along with life transitions.
I integrate several clinical approaches to meet my client’s needs by utilizing Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused, Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Focused Therapy and Whole Person Therapy.
I enjoy working with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum, ADHD/ADD, Learning Disabilities, depression, anxiety, trauma behavior concerns/challenges, bullying and those facing medical challenges through individual sessions, family group therapy, as well as collaborating with the client’s support team (school support team and/or medical team) if needed. I also have personal and professional experience working with the geriatric population and their family (caregivers) as they face life changing medical challenges along with life transitions.
Through a blend of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and play therapy, I tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of each client.
With a focus on creating a warm and trusting environment, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life's challenges. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate and insightful approach to help individuals make sense of their thoughts and emotions, and discover new coping strategies. I believe effective therapy can empower people to cultivate fulfilling relationships, nurture their talents, enhance self-esteem, deepen self-awareness, renew hope, and adapt to life's inevitable trials.
Through a blend of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and play therapy, I tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of each client.
With a focus on creating a warm and trusting environment, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life's challenges. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate and insightful approach to help individuals make sense of their thoughts and emotions, and discover new coping strategies. I believe effective therapy can empower people to cultivate fulfilling relationships, nurture their talents, enhance self-esteem, deepen self-awareness, renew hope, and adapt to life's inevitable trials.
Kelly Fein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61820 (Online Only)
I have over 12 years of experience in the field. Areas I like to address include, past trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, relationships, eating disorders, personality disorders, self-esteem, bullying, social awareness, and parenting support among other issues. I have extensive training in therapeutic approaches with children and adolescents including art therapy and play-based approaches, however I enjoy working with all age groups.
I have over 12 years of experience in the field. Areas I like to address include, past trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, relationships, eating disorders, personality disorders, self-esteem, bullying, social awareness, and parenting support among other issues. I have extensive training in therapeutic approaches with children and adolescents including art therapy and play-based approaches, however I enjoy working with all age groups.
Charlotte Uteg Haning
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Morton, IL 61550
I utilize movement, play and art as additional avenues for growth and connection.
I focus on fostering strong, trusting relationships by providing a therapeutic space that is safe, supportive, and free from judgement. Using a strength-based perspective, I meet clients where they are with understanding and empathy. I invite my clients to bring their unique, authentic selves to session and offer a space for self-exploration, personal growth, and healing.
I utilize movement, play and art as additional avenues for growth and connection.
I focus on fostering strong, trusting relationships by providing a therapeutic space that is safe, supportive, and free from judgement. Using a strength-based perspective, I meet clients where they are with understanding and empathy. I invite my clients to bring their unique, authentic selves to session and offer a space for self-exploration, personal growth, and healing.
Nancy Bui
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Schaumburg, IL 60173
I utilize humanistic, strengths-based, and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches along with creative mediums such as art and play therapy.
I am dedicated to helping people from all walks of life navigate towards healthy, happy, and gratifying living. I create a supportive and caring environment for self-exploration in therapy: where individuals can explore difficult emotions, challenge thinking, and learn new tools and skills to take control of their mental health.
I utilize humanistic, strengths-based, and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches along with creative mediums such as art and play therapy.
I am dedicated to helping people from all walks of life navigate towards healthy, happy, and gratifying living. I create a supportive and caring environment for self-exploration in therapy: where individuals can explore difficult emotions, challenge thinking, and learn new tools and skills to take control of their mental health.
I have been trained in Experiential Play Therapy, Sand Play therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other expressive therapies.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in community counseling from Eastern Illinois University. Over my 28 year career I have worked in many settings including out-patient therapy, in-patient treatment, residential treatment and crisis assessment. During this time I have had experience working with youth, adolescents, adults and families of diverse backgrounds.
I have been trained in Experiential Play Therapy, Sand Play therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other expressive therapies.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in community counseling from Eastern Illinois University. Over my 28 year career I have worked in many settings including out-patient therapy, in-patient treatment, residential treatment and crisis assessment. During this time I have had experience working with youth, adolescents, adults and families of diverse backgrounds.
Gloria M Cockerill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Utilizing play based interventions, we will work as a team to understand what is happening for your child, while helping you manage the day to day struggles of parenting.
My career has focused on working with children from birth through their teen years and their families. Whether impacted by trauma and attachment issues, behavioral concerns or managing difficult emotions, my goal is to help you and your family get back on track sharing laughter, joy and connection.
Utilizing play based interventions, we will work as a team to understand what is happening for your child, while helping you manage the day to day struggles of parenting.
My career has focused on working with children from birth through their teen years and their families. Whether impacted by trauma and attachment issues, behavioral concerns or managing difficult emotions, my goal is to help you and your family get back on track sharing laughter, joy and connection.
We are able to utilize tools like Psychodynamic, Exposure Therapy, IFS, CBT, Play Therapy, and many more ways to serve our client's.
Just as we exist within an external system; family, work environments, neighborhoods, school community, we have a personal internal system within each of us. These two systems influence each other throughout every day of our lives. Just as our minds need to understand our external systems like the rules at our office or school, we need to understand the interaction of the parts within ourselves. This may be a difficult concept to wrap your mind around because we live in a world with such external rules. What would it be like if we lived by the knowledge of the internal and external systems ?
We are able to utilize tools like Psychodynamic, Exposure Therapy, IFS, CBT, Play Therapy, and many more ways to serve our client's.
Just as we exist within an external system; family, work environments, neighborhoods, school community, we have a personal internal system within each of us. These two systems influence each other throughout every day of our lives. Just as our minds need to understand our external systems like the rules at our office or school, we need to understand the interaction of the parts within ourselves. This may be a difficult concept to wrap your mind around because we live in a world with such external rules. What would it be like if we lived by the knowledge of the internal and external systems ?
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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.