Photo of Fadumo Omar, LCPC, Counselor
Fadumo Omar
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, IL 61350
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.
(708) 741-2523 View (708) 741-2523

Online Therapists

Photo of Sheila A Boender, MA, LCPC, RPT-S, Counselor
Sheila A Boender
Counselor, MA, LCPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orland Park, IL 60467
I am also a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor.
I have been in the Professional Counseling field over ten years and my passion is to help individuals achieve their fullest potential utilizing their internal and external resources, especially during times of life's trials. I believe no one should walk through life alone and I feel privileged to work with young children, adolescents, adults, couples and families at times of need. My hope is to open my practice to those in need of support due to life circumstances, walk with them and evaluate healthy coping strategies to persevere in Life.
I am also a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor.
I have been in the Professional Counseling field over ten years and my passion is to help individuals achieve their fullest potential utilizing their internal and external resources, especially during times of life's trials. I believe no one should walk through life alone and I feel privileged to work with young children, adolescents, adults, couples and families at times of need. My hope is to open my practice to those in need of support due to life circumstances, walk with them and evaluate healthy coping strategies to persevere in Life.
(708) 274-7221 View (708) 274-7221
Photo of Tracey Kim Snow, PhD, LCPC, LFT, RMT, CFT, Counselor
Tracey Kim Snow
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LFT, RMT, CFT
Verified Verified
Homer Glen, IL 60491
Counseling is my calling. I feel honored to play a role in assisting people to overcome obstacles and to become the person that they always felt was possible. I am hear to guide people on their journey of self discovery while also providing the skills and tools necessary to overcome what ever challenges life has brought their way. I truly love what I do and provide caring acceptance and support to my clients. I am proud to say that my biggest referral base is former clients and I could not ask for a biggest compliment. Looking forward to helping you.
Counseling is my calling. I feel honored to play a role in assisting people to overcome obstacles and to become the person that they always felt was possible. I am hear to guide people on their journey of self discovery while also providing the skills and tools necessary to overcome what ever challenges life has brought their way. I truly love what I do and provide caring acceptance and support to my clients. I am proud to say that my biggest referral base is former clients and I could not ask for a biggest compliment. Looking forward to helping you.
(708) 265-3858 View (708) 265-3858
Photo of Lisa Hayasaki, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Hayasaki
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Savoy, IL 61874
We all have unique needs and goals and I am pleased to be part of a process which can bring positive change and healing. I've been privileged to know and help people from all walks of life w/diverse backgrounds and experiences. My background: community mental health, substance abuse, trauma work, student population, and overseas with US military families. I'm comfortable working w/people of all ages. I provide short-term, solution focused counselling, long term intensive therapy, play therapy, couples and family counseling.
We all have unique needs and goals and I am pleased to be part of a process which can bring positive change and healing. I've been privileged to know and help people from all walks of life w/diverse backgrounds and experiences. My background: community mental health, substance abuse, trauma work, student population, and overseas with US military families. I'm comfortable working w/people of all ages. I provide short-term, solution focused counselling, long term intensive therapy, play therapy, couples and family counseling.
(217) 718-3632 View (217) 718-3632
Photo of Michelle Wong, LPC, NCC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle Wong
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Some of my approaches include mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, ACT, CBT, DBT, feminist theory, relational-cultural theory, strengths based, play therapy, etc.
Hello! My name is Michelle Wong (she/hers) and I’m a provisionally licensed therapist at Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC in Oak Park. I received my training and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. My approach to the therapeutic process is integrative and I create a non-judgmental, safe, fruitful, healthy, and fun relationship. I value empathic understanding, compassion, diversity, and creativity.
Some of my approaches include mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, ACT, CBT, DBT, feminist theory, relational-cultural theory, strengths based, play therapy, etc.
Hello! My name is Michelle Wong (she/hers) and I’m a provisionally licensed therapist at Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC in Oak Park. I received my training and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. My approach to the therapeutic process is integrative and I create a non-judgmental, safe, fruitful, healthy, and fun relationship. I value empathic understanding, compassion, diversity, and creativity.
(773) 312-3612 View (773) 312-3612
Photo of Sierra Larson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sierra Larson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cicero, IL 60804
Hi! I am Sierra Larson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of clinical experience working with all age groups in areas such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, and stress. I use a variety of treatments such as CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, Play, Solution-Focused, and Strength-Based Practices to help you become who you want to become. I believe in growth, change, and that anyone is capable of making their life what they want it to be with some help.
Hi! I am Sierra Larson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of clinical experience working with all age groups in areas such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, and stress. I use a variety of treatments such as CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, Play, Solution-Focused, and Strength-Based Practices to help you become who you want to become. I believe in growth, change, and that anyone is capable of making their life what they want it to be with some help.
(312) 626-7594 View (312) 626-7594
Photo of Sierra Larson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sierra Larson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Romeoville, IL 60446
Hi! I am Sierra Larson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of clinical experience working with all age groups in areas such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, and stress. I use a variety of treatments such as CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, Play, Solution-Focused, and Strength-Based Practices to help you become who you want to become. I believe in growth, change, and that anyone is capable of making their life what they want it to be with some help.
Hi! I am Sierra Larson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of clinical experience working with all age groups in areas such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, and stress. I use a variety of treatments such as CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, Play, Solution-Focused, and Strength-Based Practices to help you become who you want to become. I believe in growth, change, and that anyone is capable of making their life what they want it to be with some help.
(773) 915-0477 View (773) 915-0477
Photo of Keith Levasseur, LCPC, Counselor
Keith Levasseur
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
In my work with children I use play therapy and have used EMDR with children as well.
I have worked as a counselor for over 20 years. I see people of all ages from 4 years old to 60 years of age. Much of my practice focuses on treating issues of trauma and anxiety. I enjoy seeing the transformation in many of my clients when I treat their trauma issues with EMDR. I also specialize in working with children and families. I treat many types of childhood issues, including behavior problems, depression, ADHD, and abuse issues.
In my work with children I use play therapy and have used EMDR with children as well.
I have worked as a counselor for over 20 years. I see people of all ages from 4 years old to 60 years of age. Much of my practice focuses on treating issues of trauma and anxiety. I enjoy seeing the transformation in many of my clients when I treat their trauma issues with EMDR. I also specialize in working with children and families. I treat many types of childhood issues, including behavior problems, depression, ADHD, and abuse issues.
(630) 765-3801 x304 View (630) 765-3801 x304
Photo of Barrington Behavioral Health And Wellness - Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness, PsyD, LCSW, LCPC, CADC, NBCCHT, Psychologist
Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW, LCPC, CADC, NBCCHT
Verified Verified
Barrington, IL 60010
Play therapy for children.
We welcome you online or in person. We embrace the concept of body, mind & spirit and believe in treating the whole person. We believe in resilience, transformation and personal growth. Each clinician practices in different areas including; mood disorders, addiction recovery, services to senior citizens, veterans, children and adolescents, couples, womens issues, trauma, divorce recovery, mood disorders, life transitions, professional development or supervision. We have hours 7 days a week both in person and via telehealth. Insurance Friendly.
Play therapy for children.
We welcome you online or in person. We embrace the concept of body, mind & spirit and believe in treating the whole person. We believe in resilience, transformation and personal growth. Each clinician practices in different areas including; mood disorders, addiction recovery, services to senior citizens, veterans, children and adolescents, couples, womens issues, trauma, divorce recovery, mood disorders, life transitions, professional development or supervision. We have hours 7 days a week both in person and via telehealth. Insurance Friendly.
(877) 968-2745 View (877) 968-2745
Photo of Amanda Breeden, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Amanda Breeden
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61614
When working with children, I use play therapy and other creative therapies for a variety of issues.
As a therapist and human being, I believe in the power of counseling and its success at different times in one's life, whether for the purpose of personal growth or to address more serious mental health concerns or problematic behaviors. As a foundation to the counseling relationship, I help clients and families understand the process of therapy and that all people, children and adults, grow and heal on their own time. I believe that by providing a safe and supportive environment, clients are able to make positive, lasting change.
When working with children, I use play therapy and other creative therapies for a variety of issues.
As a therapist and human being, I believe in the power of counseling and its success at different times in one's life, whether for the purpose of personal growth or to address more serious mental health concerns or problematic behaviors. As a foundation to the counseling relationship, I help clients and families understand the process of therapy and that all people, children and adults, grow and heal on their own time. I believe that by providing a safe and supportive environment, clients are able to make positive, lasting change.
(309) 733-4074 View (309) 733-4074
Photo of Kenneth J Stanek, PhD, LCPC, Counselor
Kenneth J Stanek
Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hillside, IL 60162
Through play therapy children learn to process and identify emotions.
I have been in practice for 40 years. I treat children with behavioral problems, children-teens-adults with depression, panic/anxiety attacks, bipolar disorder, phobias, family conflicts, coping skills, academic issues, Employee Assistance, relationship counseling. Therapeutic approaches are designed specifically for the individual. Play therapy is used with children under 12. I set goals to measure progress and modify treatment based on goals obtainment and how the person feels. I focus on therapy teaching individuals better coping skills to use outside the office. Cognitive-Behavior therapy is most effective.
Through play therapy children learn to process and identify emotions.
I have been in practice for 40 years. I treat children with behavioral problems, children-teens-adults with depression, panic/anxiety attacks, bipolar disorder, phobias, family conflicts, coping skills, academic issues, Employee Assistance, relationship counseling. Therapeutic approaches are designed specifically for the individual. Play therapy is used with children under 12. I set goals to measure progress and modify treatment based on goals obtainment and how the person feels. I focus on therapy teaching individuals better coping skills to use outside the office. Cognitive-Behavior therapy is most effective.
(708) 787-3573 View (708) 787-3573
Photo of Andrea K Olson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea K Olson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockford, IL 61107
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.
(815) 844-8052 View (815) 844-8052
Photo of Ilyse Froy, MA, LCPC
Ilyse Froy
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60646
You are not alone....therapy is a journey that helps you get an understanding of where you have been, and where you would like to be. It's a chance to start something new and trust in the power of new beginnings. I believe that everyone has the potential for greatness, and sometimes it's important to talk through issues that are preventing you from achieving your goals. Together we will find ways to better understand the road blocks that are preventing you from moving forward, and develop healthier coping strategies and behaviors that will achieve greater results for your new journey.
You are not alone....therapy is a journey that helps you get an understanding of where you have been, and where you would like to be. It's a chance to start something new and trust in the power of new beginnings. I believe that everyone has the potential for greatness, and sometimes it's important to talk through issues that are preventing you from achieving your goals. Together we will find ways to better understand the road blocks that are preventing you from moving forward, and develop healthier coping strategies and behaviors that will achieve greater results for your new journey.
(773) 303-6531 View (773) 303-6531
Photo of Angela Ali - Evolve Counseling & Consults, PhD
Evolve Counseling & Consults
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60615
Evolve Counseling is a Chicago-based group practice of professional counselors providing psychotherapy treatment in-person and (virtual) online. We stand ready to assist clients that present with discomfort due to life’s challenges including relationship problems, loneliness, relocation, job stress, grief, discrimination, etc. We also treat clinical disorders that have symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, postpartum, anger, personality disorders, and ADHD to name a few.
Evolve Counseling is a Chicago-based group practice of professional counselors providing psychotherapy treatment in-person and (virtual) online. We stand ready to assist clients that present with discomfort due to life’s challenges including relationship problems, loneliness, relocation, job stress, grief, discrimination, etc. We also treat clinical disorders that have symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, postpartum, anger, personality disorders, and ADHD to name a few.
(872) 276-8688 View (872) 276-8688
Photo of Amanda Grippi, LPC
Amanda Grippi
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Rockford, IL 61101
Hey there! My name is Amanda Grippi. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, minors, preteens, and children with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, LGBTQIA+, Trauma, and PTSD. That being said, I am always client-centered and use a mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapies during treatment. I believe that I am down-to-Earth and open-minded and don't just tell them what I think but what they need to do.
Hey there! My name is Amanda Grippi. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, minors, preteens, and children with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, LGBTQIA+, Trauma, and PTSD. That being said, I am always client-centered and use a mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapies during treatment. I believe that I am down-to-Earth and open-minded and don't just tell them what I think but what they need to do.
(779) 223-1912 View (779) 223-1912
Photo of Marissa Krager, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marissa Krager
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Glenview, IL 60025
My name is Marissa Krager, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed School Social Worker (PEL) in the state of Illinois. I like to look at my clients as a whole, (environment, support, interests, strengths, weaknesses) not just individually. I go by my client’s pace, assessing how you are working in counseling and understanding what you're able to process/handle in those moments, never adding pressure. Specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and general counseling.
My name is Marissa Krager, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed School Social Worker (PEL) in the state of Illinois. I like to look at my clients as a whole, (environment, support, interests, strengths, weaknesses) not just individually. I go by my client’s pace, assessing how you are working in counseling and understanding what you're able to process/handle in those moments, never adding pressure. Specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and general counseling.
(872) 274-2208 View (872) 274-2208
Photo of Christine Novak - Changes Counseling, LLC, MA, LCPC
Changes Counseling, LLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Rochelle, IL 61068
Hi, I'm Christine Novak, MA, LCPC, of Changes Counseling, LLC. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, youth and families in Rochelle and Peru, Illinois. Changes Counseling has been serving rural Northern Illinois since 2010 with professional, confidential mental health services. With a team of experienced, licensed counselors we know how to help you and your family improve your situation. Our first priority is for you to feel comfortable, listened to, and respected. We have helped hundreds of people through life's challenges. Call us today for an appointment. We look forward to helping your reach your goals.
Hi, I'm Christine Novak, MA, LCPC, of Changes Counseling, LLC. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, youth and families in Rochelle and Peru, Illinois. Changes Counseling has been serving rural Northern Illinois since 2010 with professional, confidential mental health services. With a team of experienced, licensed counselors we know how to help you and your family improve your situation. Our first priority is for you to feel comfortable, listened to, and respected. We have helped hundreds of people through life's challenges. Call us today for an appointment. We look forward to helping your reach your goals.
(815) 620-4944 View (815) 620-4944
Photo of Alex E Mckibbin - Alex E McKibbin MS LCPC, MS, LCPC, LSOTP, SEP, Counselor
Alex E McKibbin MS LCPC
Counselor, MS, LCPC, LSOTP, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plainfield, IL 60544
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults who are comfortable with a one on one approach to counseling. Working with children in therapy always involves working with the parents. As with adolescents, providing them with a sense of privacy and trust is something I try to develop from the very beginning. For adults, privacy, confidentiality, and respect occur in a atmosphere of warmth and patience. If you are dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Bipolar Disorder, or Post Traumatic Stress, I am sure you will find the relief you are looking for at my office.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults who are comfortable with a one on one approach to counseling. Working with children in therapy always involves working with the parents. As with adolescents, providing them with a sense of privacy and trust is something I try to develop from the very beginning. For adults, privacy, confidentiality, and respect occur in a atmosphere of warmth and patience. If you are dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Bipolar Disorder, or Post Traumatic Stress, I am sure you will find the relief you are looking for at my office.
(331) 244-5638 View (331) 244-5638
Photo of Jason Davis, MA, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Jason Davis
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
I believe counseling is a collaborative process that's rooted in a supportive, therapeutic relationship. I focus on creating a sense of safety and trust that allows for exploration of vulnerabilities, recognition of strengths/weaknesses, and increasing insight into your patterns of thinking and behavior. I bring an individualized, eclectic approach that utilizes multiple theoretical orientations into my personal therapeutic style. My main goal is for you to feel like you're healing and growing as a person in all areas of life.
I believe counseling is a collaborative process that's rooted in a supportive, therapeutic relationship. I focus on creating a sense of safety and trust that allows for exploration of vulnerabilities, recognition of strengths/weaknesses, and increasing insight into your patterns of thinking and behavior. I bring an individualized, eclectic approach that utilizes multiple theoretical orientations into my personal therapeutic style. My main goal is for you to feel like you're healing and growing as a person in all areas of life.
(309) 271-1696 View (309) 271-1696
Photo of Macie Scholes, LCPC, Counselor
Macie Scholes
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60634  (Online Only)
My name is Macie, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults. I specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, grief, and autism using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Strengths Based Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
My name is Macie, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults. I specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, grief, and autism using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Strengths Based Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
(708) 578-5147 View (708) 578-5147

See more therapy options for Ottawa

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.