Play Therapy in Peoria, IL
Megan Stickelmaier Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614
With children, I incorporate play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy and theraplay throughout treatment.
Children and adolescents are under more pressure now than ever before from social stress, transitions and divorce, bullying and past trauma. I specialize in providing therapy for children, adolescents and adults. I believe that there are no bad kids or bad parents. It is through my family centered, solution focused approach that I encourage my clients and their parents to begin to celebrate their unique abilities. I also focus on the whole person, exploring academics, career, diet and nutrition, medical, social support any and all elements that impact my clients.
With children, I incorporate play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy and theraplay throughout treatment.
Children and adolescents are under more pressure now than ever before from social stress, transitions and divorce, bullying and past trauma. I specialize in providing therapy for children, adolescents and adults. I believe that there are no bad kids or bad parents. It is through my family centered, solution focused approach that I encourage my clients and their parents to begin to celebrate their unique abilities. I also focus on the whole person, exploring academics, career, diet and nutrition, medical, social support any and all elements that impact my clients.
Areas of training and certification include EMDR, BrainSpotting,Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT (certified), Conscious Discipline, Attachment, Brain Painting, and Infant Mental health.
Dr. Diana Schroer, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. Diana has been working with children and families since 1993, specializing in areas related to emotional and behavioral development, sexual and physical abuse, trauma, attachment, depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. The theoretical orientation that best describes my beliefs, values, and worldview is integrative.
Areas of training and certification include EMDR, BrainSpotting,Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT (certified), Conscious Discipline, Attachment, Brain Painting, and Infant Mental health.
Dr. Diana Schroer, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. Diana has been working with children and families since 1993, specializing in areas related to emotional and behavioral development, sexual and physical abuse, trauma, attachment, depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. The theoretical orientation that best describes my beliefs, values, and worldview is integrative.
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.
Dr. Ryan Liberati
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, M-RAS, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614
I specialize in LGBTQ, Men's issues, and Play therapy.
Thank you for your interest. My ideal client is motivated for change and open to exploring more about themselves. I use a more direct style of counseling that heavily incorporates aspects of choice theory, reality therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help my adult clients make real changes in their lives. For children, I utilize evidence-based directive and non-directive play therapy approaches, depending upon the child's unique psychosocial needs.
I specialize in LGBTQ, Men's issues, and Play therapy.
Thank you for your interest. My ideal client is motivated for change and open to exploring more about themselves. I use a more direct style of counseling that heavily incorporates aspects of choice theory, reality therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help my adult clients make real changes in their lives. For children, I utilize evidence-based directive and non-directive play therapy approaches, depending upon the child's unique psychosocial needs.
Starfish Family Counseling
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CATP
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61614
Since 2018 I have been certified in and practicing play therapy.
The mission of Starfish Family Counseling, PLLC, is best described through a story. The Starfish Story tells of a child walking along a beach after a terrible storm which washed up thousands of starfish onto the beach. The child is throwing starfish back into the water, when someone admonishes the child that they cannot save them all, cannot really make a difference. The child responds by picking up another starfish and saying "it makes a difference to this one." Together we will explore your goals, strengths and most importantly that you, your child, your relationships deserve healing. You matter.
Since 2018 I have been certified in and practicing play therapy.
The mission of Starfish Family Counseling, PLLC, is best described through a story. The Starfish Story tells of a child walking along a beach after a terrible storm which washed up thousands of starfish onto the beach. The child is throwing starfish back into the water, when someone admonishes the child that they cannot save them all, cannot really make a difference. The child responds by picking up another starfish and saying "it makes a difference to this one." Together we will explore your goals, strengths and most importantly that you, your child, your relationships deserve healing. You matter.
My approach may include the incorporation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Play Therapy.
My approach is not just about providing therapy, but about creating a collaborative and empowering space. Together, we will navigate life’s challenges, setting treatment goals that are unique to your needs and desires. It would be a privilege to support you on this journey. I often support a diverse range of individuals, including: -those who have experienced trauma -parents -children aged 10 to 17 with various needs -young adults navigating life transitions
My approach may include the incorporation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Play Therapy.
My approach is not just about providing therapy, but about creating a collaborative and empowering space. Together, we will navigate life’s challenges, setting treatment goals that are unique to your needs and desires. It would be a privilege to support you on this journey. I often support a diverse range of individuals, including: -those who have experienced trauma -parents -children aged 10 to 17 with various needs -young adults navigating life transitions
Erin Surratt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614
I believe that we all need a little bit of help once in a while. I also know that sometimes we don't know how to get that help or whom to ask. I feel that therapy can be beneficial to help facilitate that change by providing an outlet or resource for those that need that help.
I believe that we all need a little bit of help once in a while. I also know that sometimes we don't know how to get that help or whom to ask. I feel that therapy can be beneficial to help facilitate that change by providing an outlet or resource for those that need that help.
At Healing Hearts Counseling, we are a licensed and trained team of caring professionals who are dedicated to giving you the best care possible. We value your time and we respect your needs. In fact, we really listen! What we bring to the "therapy couch" is experience in treating a multitude of mental health issues along with lots and lots of training. Whether you are aged 4, 14 or 41, we are here and we are ready to tackle hard issues with you. At Healing Hearts Counseling, we understand and are honored to partner with you in changing thought and behavior patterns that have kept you unhappy and stuck.
At Healing Hearts Counseling, we are a licensed and trained team of caring professionals who are dedicated to giving you the best care possible. We value your time and we respect your needs. In fact, we really listen! What we bring to the "therapy couch" is experience in treating a multitude of mental health issues along with lots and lots of training. Whether you are aged 4, 14 or 41, we are here and we are ready to tackle hard issues with you. At Healing Hearts Counseling, we understand and are honored to partner with you in changing thought and behavior patterns that have kept you unhappy and stuck.
It's important that you find someone that you connect with. We will collaborate to define goals, learn coping skills to manage issues of concern and increase your ability to experience joy. Ex: academics, addiction, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, grief, occupational issues, relationship issues, suicide prevention, trauma, etc.
It's important that you find someone that you connect with. We will collaborate to define goals, learn coping skills to manage issues of concern and increase your ability to experience joy. Ex: academics, addiction, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, grief, occupational issues, relationship issues, suicide prevention, trauma, etc.
Everyone experiences pain in life and my goal is to keep the pain from becoming a person's identity. Our daily experiences are both joyful and painful. How we cope with these experience, either through healthy or unhealthy coping skills, will determine our new thought processes. These thought processes lead to self beliefs. I enjoy joining people in this moment of their lives and helping them redefine coping skills to rid themselves of related negative self beliefs.
Everyone experiences pain in life and my goal is to keep the pain from becoming a person's identity. Our daily experiences are both joyful and painful. How we cope with these experience, either through healthy or unhealthy coping skills, will determine our new thought processes. These thought processes lead to self beliefs. I enjoy joining people in this moment of their lives and helping them redefine coping skills to rid themselves of related negative self beliefs.
Howdy! I hope that for whichever reason you're 'here' that we are able to advocate for the resources you need. I personally share the viewpoint of reality counseling. I believe everyone has goals in their life that they wish to pursue. Whether it be financial, academic, emotional, or physical. I make it my endeavor to create an environment that is inviting, client-paced, and goal oriented.
Howdy! I hope that for whichever reason you're 'here' that we are able to advocate for the resources you need. I personally share the viewpoint of reality counseling. I believe everyone has goals in their life that they wish to pursue. Whether it be financial, academic, emotional, or physical. I make it my endeavor to create an environment that is inviting, client-paced, and goal oriented.
It takes courage to take the first step into a counseling relationship. Everyone needs help navigating life's issues and complexities from time to time. Sometimes these problems can lead to feelings of confusion, depression and anxiety. I want to assist you on your personal journey as you encounter life's challenges and obstacles. I am confident that each of my clients hold the capacity to overcome adversity, effectively communicate, make healthy life choices, and lead happy and productive lives. I believe that each individual is special and unique.
It takes courage to take the first step into a counseling relationship. Everyone needs help navigating life's issues and complexities from time to time. Sometimes these problems can lead to feelings of confusion, depression and anxiety. I want to assist you on your personal journey as you encounter life's challenges and obstacles. I am confident that each of my clients hold the capacity to overcome adversity, effectively communicate, make healthy life choices, and lead happy and productive lives. I believe that each individual is special and unique.
As a seasoned therapist of 32 years, I have a unique set of skills that allows me to assist in your healing. I practice the spiriutal concepts that I believe in and the healing techniques that I love. The techniques that I love the most are EFT, EMDR, Rapid Resolution Therapy, and Aroma Freedom Technique. These techniques allow me all that is necessary for us to heal your trauma issues or any other issues you may have. My passion is creating a space for all of us to unite and enrich your life. I look forward in working with you. Of course, I am well versed in typical cognitive/behavioral therapies as well.
As a seasoned therapist of 32 years, I have a unique set of skills that allows me to assist in your healing. I practice the spiriutal concepts that I believe in and the healing techniques that I love. The techniques that I love the most are EFT, EMDR, Rapid Resolution Therapy, and Aroma Freedom Technique. These techniques allow me all that is necessary for us to heal your trauma issues or any other issues you may have. My passion is creating a space for all of us to unite and enrich your life. I look forward in working with you. Of course, I am well versed in typical cognitive/behavioral therapies as well.
Caitlin Reeves
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61614
Caitlin's clinical specialties include treatment of children and adolescents who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, transitions in life, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and crises intervention. Her style of counseling is sympathetic, client centered and solution focused. She assists her clients in reducing mental health symptoms and improving their quality of life. She believes that therapy is a collaborative effort between client and therapist in which the counselor helps the client live their best life possible
Caitlin's clinical specialties include treatment of children and adolescents who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, transitions in life, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and crises intervention. Her style of counseling is sympathetic, client centered and solution focused. She assists her clients in reducing mental health symptoms and improving their quality of life. She believes that therapy is a collaborative effort between client and therapist in which the counselor helps the client live their best life possible
Daniel Osterloo
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61603
My goal is to help clients achieve as much out of life as possible. I love seeing people live the type of life that makes them happy. Many times, one's full potential for happiness gets overshadowed by life's stressors. During counseling, I guide clients to shed the layers of stress that are creating unnecessary weight. I work with many clients who experience depression and anxiety. I can help you navigate these feelings and find ways to manage your symptoms. I am passionate about helping clients who have experienced trauma. I can help you empower yourself by processing emotions and gaining insight.
My goal is to help clients achieve as much out of life as possible. I love seeing people live the type of life that makes them happy. Many times, one's full potential for happiness gets overshadowed by life's stressors. During counseling, I guide clients to shed the layers of stress that are creating unnecessary weight. I work with many clients who experience depression and anxiety. I can help you navigate these feelings and find ways to manage your symptoms. I am passionate about helping clients who have experienced trauma. I can help you empower yourself by processing emotions and gaining insight.
These difficult and unprecedented times are causing an increase in anxiety and depression. I am a Christian who is a counselor. I work with people of all faiths as well as those who do not have any particular spiritual viewpoint. It is my aim to treat all of my clients with compassion and integrity. I will take the time to get to know you, and help you get to know yourself. Throughout the decades, I have practiced a variety of counseling techniques that we can tailor to suit your individual needs and personality. "Welcome to your life... only better!"
These difficult and unprecedented times are causing an increase in anxiety and depression. I am a Christian who is a counselor. I work with people of all faiths as well as those who do not have any particular spiritual viewpoint. It is my aim to treat all of my clients with compassion and integrity. I will take the time to get to know you, and help you get to know yourself. Throughout the decades, I have practiced a variety of counseling techniques that we can tailor to suit your individual needs and personality. "Welcome to your life... only better!"
It's not easy to talk to a stranger about the things that make us feel most vulnerable. It's difficult to hope that things could be better or to believe that we could be loved or accepted once we are fully known. I work with my clients in an atmosphere of respect, believing the best things for you that you cannot see right now, working together towards the goals that you courageously speak out loud. After 15 years in practice, I have seen so many people find freedom from the fears and symptoms that hold them back and it brings me great joy and honor to walk beside them as they heal.
It's not easy to talk to a stranger about the things that make us feel most vulnerable. It's difficult to hope that things could be better or to believe that we could be loved or accepted once we are fully known. I work with my clients in an atmosphere of respect, believing the best things for you that you cannot see right now, working together towards the goals that you courageously speak out loud. After 15 years in practice, I have seen so many people find freedom from the fears and symptoms that hold them back and it brings me great joy and honor to walk beside them as they heal.
Life is meant to be lived well, yet it presents constant changes and challenges which can cause us to feel overwhelmed. Whether you are seeking relief from stress, depression and anxiety, trying to resolve some relationship issues, or understanding your children's concerns, I can help. If you have experienced a loss and would like to take the journey toward recovery so you can experience joy again, I can help. With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness techniques and Writing for emotional healing, I will help you find the path to inner peace. Call/text (309) 472-0798.
Life is meant to be lived well, yet it presents constant changes and challenges which can cause us to feel overwhelmed. Whether you are seeking relief from stress, depression and anxiety, trying to resolve some relationship issues, or understanding your children's concerns, I can help. If you have experienced a loss and would like to take the journey toward recovery so you can experience joy again, I can help. With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness techniques and Writing for emotional healing, I will help you find the path to inner peace. Call/text (309) 472-0798.
Kendrick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling locally at Bradley University. He has over 18 years of clinical experience providing care to clients with a wide range of needs. He serves all ages of clients from pre-adolescent to the life experienced senior citizen. His clinical experience includes outpatient settings, substance abuse clinics, emergency and disaster response teams, at risk adolescent group homes, family services agencies, universities, correctional facilities as well as private practice experience.
Kendrick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling locally at Bradley University. He has over 18 years of clinical experience providing care to clients with a wide range of needs. He serves all ages of clients from pre-adolescent to the life experienced senior citizen. His clinical experience includes outpatient settings, substance abuse clinics, emergency and disaster response teams, at risk adolescent group homes, family services agencies, universities, correctional facilities as well as private practice experience.
Jori Sparry graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Religious Studies. She completed a Master of Science degree with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2000. She was trained by William Boylin, Ph.D., who was supervised and trained by Carl Whitaker M.D. (a founding father of family therapy) in family systems and the creator of Symbolic Experiential Therapy. She has worked in a number of various settings including inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation, foster care/adoption, and a crisis stabilization home for teenagers.
Jori Sparry graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Religious Studies. She completed a Master of Science degree with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2000. She was trained by William Boylin, Ph.D., who was supervised and trained by Carl Whitaker M.D. (a founding father of family therapy) in family systems and the creator of Symbolic Experiential Therapy. She has worked in a number of various settings including inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation, foster care/adoption, and a crisis stabilization home for teenagers.
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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.