Play Therapy in Plainfield, IL
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.
My areas of specialization include trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based interventions, play therapy, DBT, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
I passionately believe in the transformative power of embracing one's inner shine and strength. With warmth and empathy, I guide my clients on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through a strengths-based approach, I help individuals recognize their unique talents, resilience, and capacity for growth. My therapeutic style is grounded in authenticity and compassion, creating a calm space for clients to explore challenges, recognize their inherent strengths, and move toward solutions. I work to help clients embrace their authenticity, shine brightly in their lives, and harness their inner strength to overcome obstacles.
My areas of specialization include trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based interventions, play therapy, DBT, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
I passionately believe in the transformative power of embracing one's inner shine and strength. With warmth and empathy, I guide my clients on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through a strengths-based approach, I help individuals recognize their unique talents, resilience, and capacity for growth. My therapeutic style is grounded in authenticity and compassion, creating a calm space for clients to explore challenges, recognize their inherent strengths, and move toward solutions. I work to help clients embrace their authenticity, shine brightly in their lives, and harness their inner strength to overcome obstacles.
As a therapist, I enjoy helping individuals and families reach their full potential and overcome obstacles. I encourage clients to learn new skills in therapy, gain insight and learn to collaborate with me, their families, and other important individuals in their lives. I have experience working with young children, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and SPD. While working with parents, I respect them as the expert on their children, while providing insight based on experience and knowledge of current research. With young children, I use play therapy to help facilitate communication between the child and the therapist.
As a therapist, I enjoy helping individuals and families reach their full potential and overcome obstacles. I encourage clients to learn new skills in therapy, gain insight and learn to collaborate with me, their families, and other important individuals in their lives. I have experience working with young children, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and SPD. While working with parents, I respect them as the expert on their children, while providing insight based on experience and knowledge of current research. With young children, I use play therapy to help facilitate communication between the child and the therapist.
Gwen E. Ginski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plainfield, IL 60544
Not accepting new clients
I use play, game, and art to engage children and teens.
Everyone faces challenges in life. Seeking help for yourself, your child or relationship when experiencing difficulty is a strength which leads to creating a more fulfilling, healthy & happy life. With 18+ years' experience, I have helped many to overcome anxiety, trauma, depression, anger, loss, etc. I have helped couples restore intimacy/connection and learn ways to communicate. Children/teens learn ways to cope and manage social/school stress. Parents learn ways to connect, manage behaviors and heal their relationships with their children. Families heal from loss, life's transitions, substance abuse, divorce, mental illness.
I use play, game, and art to engage children and teens.
Everyone faces challenges in life. Seeking help for yourself, your child or relationship when experiencing difficulty is a strength which leads to creating a more fulfilling, healthy & happy life. With 18+ years' experience, I have helped many to overcome anxiety, trauma, depression, anger, loss, etc. I have helped couples restore intimacy/connection and learn ways to communicate. Children/teens learn ways to cope and manage social/school stress. Parents learn ways to connect, manage behaviors and heal their relationships with their children. Families heal from loss, life's transitions, substance abuse, divorce, mental illness.
Miranda Brennan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plainfield, IL 60585
I provide direct therapy services using a strengths-based approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques.
I earned her Master’s degree in Social Work at Aurora University in Aurora, IL, and am a Licensed Social Worker. I have provided counseling to clients since 2021 in a variety of settings, including residential, outpatient, and community mental health. My professional experience includes working with adults, adolescents, and children. I specializes in engaging with adolescents who may be experiencing a multitude of behavioral and mental struggles including anxiety and depression.
I provide direct therapy services using a strengths-based approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques.
I earned her Master’s degree in Social Work at Aurora University in Aurora, IL, and am a Licensed Social Worker. I have provided counseling to clients since 2021 in a variety of settings, including residential, outpatient, and community mental health. My professional experience includes working with adults, adolescents, and children. I specializes in engaging with adolescents who may be experiencing a multitude of behavioral and mental struggles including anxiety and depression.
I tailor my interventions to your needs and preferences, drawing from various modalities such as ACT, DBT, CBT, Psychodynamic, Client-Centered, Strengths Based, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and Solution Focused.
You have the power to shape your own life. I believe that every client has a unique story that deserves to be heard and respected. I have a passion for helping others achieve their goals and overcome their challenges, which stems from my own experience as a competitive athlete. I use a strengths-based and client-centered approach to therapy, which means that I focus on your existing resources and abilities, and I collaborate with you to find the best solutions for your needs. You can count on me to be your ally and advocate throughout your therapeutic journey.
I tailor my interventions to your needs and preferences, drawing from various modalities such as ACT, DBT, CBT, Psychodynamic, Client-Centered, Strengths Based, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and Solution Focused.
You have the power to shape your own life. I believe that every client has a unique story that deserves to be heard and respected. I have a passion for helping others achieve their goals and overcome their challenges, which stems from my own experience as a competitive athlete. I use a strengths-based and client-centered approach to therapy, which means that I focus on your existing resources and abilities, and I collaborate with you to find the best solutions for your needs. You can count on me to be your ally and advocate throughout your therapeutic journey.
I utilize strength based techniques, skill building, play therapy, mindfulness, and various modalities based on each individual's needs.
With 25 years dedicated to fostering the emotional well-being of children and adolescents, I bring a wealth of experience as a therapist committed to helping develop strong and resilient individuals. My clinical practice has been built on a compassionate attention to each person's unique development and creating a safe space for children and teens to explore their emotions. Throughout my career, I have advanced my skills in training for various therapeutic modalities to allow sessions to be tailored to the unique needs of children, teens and families.
I utilize strength based techniques, skill building, play therapy, mindfulness, and various modalities based on each individual's needs.
With 25 years dedicated to fostering the emotional well-being of children and adolescents, I bring a wealth of experience as a therapist committed to helping develop strong and resilient individuals. My clinical practice has been built on a compassionate attention to each person's unique development and creating a safe space for children and teens to explore their emotions. Throughout my career, I have advanced my skills in training for various therapeutic modalities to allow sessions to be tailored to the unique needs of children, teens and families.
My empathetic and supportive approach provides direct therapy services using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and mindfulness techniques.
I believe in the power of self-awareness and personal growth, and am dedicated to helping clients develop the tools they need to navigate life's challenges with resilience and strength. Therapy is a collaborative process, where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and non-judgmental space. I have experience working with children/youth with special healthcare needs; and have worked closely with other professionals such as Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Specialty Physicians and Schools to provide a holistic approach.
My empathetic and supportive approach provides direct therapy services using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and mindfulness techniques.
I believe in the power of self-awareness and personal growth, and am dedicated to helping clients develop the tools they need to navigate life's challenges with resilience and strength. Therapy is a collaborative process, where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and non-judgmental space. I have experience working with children/youth with special healthcare needs; and have worked closely with other professionals such as Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Specialty Physicians and Schools to provide a holistic approach.
Taking the first step to begin the counseling process can be a difficult one, as the decision to make changes in your life can be overwhelming. I believe in providing a safe, caring and compassionate environment for my clients that enables them to acquire the skills they need to lead a fulfilling life. Utilizing cognitive-behavioral and play therapies, I assist clients with identifying obstacles they wish to overcome in their lives. I strive to establish a supportive, trusting and collaborative relationship with my clients to assist them in reaching their goals.
Taking the first step to begin the counseling process can be a difficult one, as the decision to make changes in your life can be overwhelming. I believe in providing a safe, caring and compassionate environment for my clients that enables them to acquire the skills they need to lead a fulfilling life. Utilizing cognitive-behavioral and play therapies, I assist clients with identifying obstacles they wish to overcome in their lives. I strive to establish a supportive, trusting and collaborative relationship with my clients to assist them in reaching their goals.
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 ?
As a clinically licensed, board certified counselor, I have experience in the assessment and treatment of adults, adolescents and children. I have been very successful in utilizing play therapy when counseling youth. My specialty includes working on issues ranging from relationships and parenting, to anxiety and depression, to identity and low self-esteem.
As a clinically licensed, board certified counselor, I have experience in the assessment and treatment of adults, adolescents and children. I have been very successful in utilizing play therapy when counseling youth. My specialty includes working on issues ranging from relationships and parenting, to anxiety and depression, to identity and low self-esteem.
15 Second Videos
Paula Sejut-Dvorak
Dylan Bloom
Maryelizabeth Aguado
George Kulovitz
Kristina Jongsma
Kimberly Bosh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plainfield, IL 60586
I utilize CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and play therapy to promote personal growth within my clients.
Down-to-earth, empathetic, and energetic therapist here to help support you through life changes and challenges. I'm a therapist that thinks outside the box, cheers you on, and challenges you to set goals that will help get you to where you want to be. Whether you are looking for a fun and engaging therapist for your child, or you are looking for a therapist to sit and enjoy coffee with while focusing on your struggles and experiences, I am here to help. I structure my sessions around the individual client and with the understanding that all clients have diverse needs and require different approaches.
I utilize CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and play therapy to promote personal growth within my clients.
Down-to-earth, empathetic, and energetic therapist here to help support you through life changes and challenges. I'm a therapist that thinks outside the box, cheers you on, and challenges you to set goals that will help get you to where you want to be. Whether you are looking for a fun and engaging therapist for your child, or you are looking for a therapist to sit and enjoy coffee with while focusing on your struggles and experiences, I am here to help. I structure my sessions around the individual client and with the understanding that all clients have diverse needs and require different approaches.
I have experience utilizing play therapy, art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, and Person Centered therapy models.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I love working with children, adolescents and young adults. Focusing primarily on ages 8 through 40, I work best with those struggling with life transitions, trauma, behavioral issues, mood disorders, anxiety or those currently and/or have a history of crisis, such as experiencing thoughts or actions of self harm or suicidal thoughts. I tend to connect well with teens experiencing mood dysregulation, family or peer conflict and those in crisis. Those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as those who struggle with eating disorders or substance use are also encouraged to reach out!
I have experience utilizing play therapy, art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, and Person Centered therapy models.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I love working with children, adolescents and young adults. Focusing primarily on ages 8 through 40, I work best with those struggling with life transitions, trauma, behavioral issues, mood disorders, anxiety or those currently and/or have a history of crisis, such as experiencing thoughts or actions of self harm or suicidal thoughts. I tend to connect well with teens experiencing mood dysregulation, family or peer conflict and those in crisis. Those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as those who struggle with eating disorders or substance use are also encouraged to reach out!
Irina Sheppard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plainfield, IL 60586
I utilize a variety of counseling techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Family systems, Structural Family Therapy, Play Therapy, and Gottman.
Coming to America as a young child from Ukraine, I learned how to adjust to many different aspects of culture, language and life challenges. I believe that everyone can benefit from having a safe space to process one's own thoughts and lead their life in a way to improve their overall self being.
I utilize a variety of counseling techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Family systems, Structural Family Therapy, Play Therapy, and Gottman.
Coming to America as a young child from Ukraine, I learned how to adjust to many different aspects of culture, language and life challenges. I believe that everyone can benefit from having a safe space to process one's own thoughts and lead their life in a way to improve their overall self being.
Emily Christine Gibson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Plainfield, IL 60544
Perhaps you find yourself living a life you did not anticipate - or you struggle to find fulfillment in the day-to-day grind. You may be dealing with issues in your marriage or relationships, parenting challenges, or unexpected life events and coping is often difficult. Happiness may seem all but impossible. But in our work together, we will ask and answer the hard questions and put in real work to uncover why things are the way they are, strengthen your relationships, and provide practical actions, skills, and approaches to make things significantly better and even get to a place that reflects the life you envisioned for yourself.
Perhaps you find yourself living a life you did not anticipate - or you struggle to find fulfillment in the day-to-day grind. You may be dealing with issues in your marriage or relationships, parenting challenges, or unexpected life events and coping is often difficult. Happiness may seem all but impossible. But in our work together, we will ask and answer the hard questions and put in real work to uncover why things are the way they are, strengthen your relationships, and provide practical actions, skills, and approaches to make things significantly better and even get to a place that reflects the life you envisioned for yourself.
Hi, my name is Mario Garcia. I am a Spanish speaking Counselor and my pronouns are he/him. I provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to begin exploring areas of yourself that may be difficult or causing you distress. Counseling can often be an overwhelming experience. I understand that putting yourself in a vulnerable position is never easy. My genuine warmth and humor will allow you to begin addressing the areas in your life that may be holding you back.
Hi, my name is Mario Garcia. I am a Spanish speaking Counselor and my pronouns are he/him. I provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to begin exploring areas of yourself that may be difficult or causing you distress. Counseling can often be an overwhelming experience. I understand that putting yourself in a vulnerable position is never easy. My genuine warmth and humor will allow you to begin addressing the areas in your life that may be holding you back.
We all feel things in ways others cannot understand. I get it. I am definitely not your typical counselor, I have a back story that goes on for miles. I also started out with goals in life, dreams, and thoughts about how I wanted life to be. Just like you, my journey was sidetracked by paths that were unforeseen. At times, fun, tragic, and potholes and bumps that challenged my core. Making the choice to come to counseling is awkward. To have to admit to yourself we have unresolved issues is a milestone. The secret is if you are reading this, you are stronger than you believe.
We all feel things in ways others cannot understand. I get it. I am definitely not your typical counselor, I have a back story that goes on for miles. I also started out with goals in life, dreams, and thoughts about how I wanted life to be. Just like you, my journey was sidetracked by paths that were unforeseen. At times, fun, tragic, and potholes and bumps that challenged my core. Making the choice to come to counseling is awkward. To have to admit to yourself we have unresolved issues is a milestone. The secret is if you are reading this, you are stronger than you believe.
My therapeutic style blends patience, calmness, compassion, empathy, realism, and humor. Balancing the roles of a solace provider and as a professional comedian, I integrate humor as a guiding principle in connecting with others. With a dedication to ongoing education in social work, a profound passion for aiding others, and experience in handling intense situations, I adapt alongside clients on their journey to emotional wellness.
My therapeutic style blends patience, calmness, compassion, empathy, realism, and humor. Balancing the roles of a solace provider and as a professional comedian, I integrate humor as a guiding principle in connecting with others. With a dedication to ongoing education in social work, a profound passion for aiding others, and experience in handling intense situations, I adapt alongside clients on their journey to emotional wellness.
Amy Henderson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Plainfield, IL 60544
Waitlist for new clients
Specialty areas of focus are academic, adjustment difficulties, anxiety, career counseling, depression, family/peer conflict, grief and loss-especially loss to suicide, LGBTQ+, marital conflict, parenting, personality disorders, self-esteem/confidence, sexual or intimacy struggles, and stress management.
Specialty areas of focus are academic, adjustment difficulties, anxiety, career counseling, depression, family/peer conflict, grief and loss-especially loss to suicide, LGBTQ+, marital conflict, parenting, personality disorders, self-esteem/confidence, sexual or intimacy struggles, and stress management.
I help my clients find and build upon their strengths. Ideally, my clients will be motivated to learn and grow to become more confident in their own identity, values and life goals. I will nurture and support them through this process, helping to build strategies and practices to cope with life's challenges.
I help my clients find and build upon their strengths. Ideally, my clients will be motivated to learn and grow to become more confident in their own identity, values and life goals. I will nurture and support them through this process, helping to build strategies and practices to cope with life's challenges.
See more therapy options for Plainfield
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Plainfield
- Bolingbrook
- Crest Hill
- Homer Glen
- Joliet
- Lemont
- Lockport
- Minooka
- Montgomery
- Naperville
- Oswego
- Romeoville
- Shorewood
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.