Play Therapy in Westchester, IL
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.
Dr. Tichiya Maxey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Westchester, IL 60154 (Online Only)
As a therapist, I work to create a warm, inviting and safe space to speak with clients. I work tenaciously with clients to see a positive change and growth they desire. I see therapy as a partnership and an opportunity for clients benefit from the skills they attain. I work with people of all ages and circumstances, however my areas of specialty are working with children and adolescents, individuals with mental illness, individuals facing mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and families that have children in special education or in need of school support.
As a therapist, I work to create a warm, inviting and safe space to speak with clients. I work tenaciously with clients to see a positive change and growth they desire. I see therapy as a partnership and an opportunity for clients benefit from the skills they attain. I work with people of all ages and circumstances, however my areas of specialty are working with children and adolescents, individuals with mental illness, individuals facing mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and families that have children in special education or in need of school support.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed in your life and want to gain control back again? I am dedicated to helping people with the struggles they are facing by developing a caring relationship in which to work toward mutually determined therapeutic goals. I provide individual and family counseling and enjoy working with a variety of people.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed in your life and want to gain control back again? I am dedicated to helping people with the struggles they are facing by developing a caring relationship in which to work toward mutually determined therapeutic goals. I provide individual and family counseling and enjoy working with a variety of people.
As we walk through different seasons of our lives, we may all need caring individuals that can offer interventions, help and/or support during our circumstances. Going further, I believe that we were innately created to be in covenant or relationship with our creator, our family or other social circles that we choose to surround ourselves with. However, it is a very personal choice as to how each one of us chooses to go about this path. My strong belief in this basic aspect of life gave birth to Covenant Intuition Center.
As we walk through different seasons of our lives, we may all need caring individuals that can offer interventions, help and/or support during our circumstances. Going further, I believe that we were innately created to be in covenant or relationship with our creator, our family or other social circles that we choose to surround ourselves with. However, it is a very personal choice as to how each one of us chooses to go about this path. My strong belief in this basic aspect of life gave birth to Covenant Intuition Center.
Julie A Peterson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Westchester, IL 60154
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Peterson is a licensed clinical psychologist. In her therapy and testing work with clients, she places a large emphasis on support in addition to symptom reduction. She thoughtfully integrates perspectives from Family Systems, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Adlerian theory to assist clients through discouragements in their lives that may cause them to feel stuck in life transitions. Her therapeutic interventions encourage the client's assets and creativity to empower his or her ability to enhance every aspect of his or her life. Dr. Peterson also provides psychological testing services as needed.
Dr. Peterson is a licensed clinical psychologist. In her therapy and testing work with clients, she places a large emphasis on support in addition to symptom reduction. She thoughtfully integrates perspectives from Family Systems, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Adlerian theory to assist clients through discouragements in their lives that may cause them to feel stuck in life transitions. Her therapeutic interventions encourage the client's assets and creativity to empower his or her ability to enhance every aspect of his or her life. Dr. Peterson also provides psychological testing services as needed.
Kirsten S Langley
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westchester, IL 60154
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Langley is a compassionate therapist, dedicated to understanding and supporting her clients in times of need. She has helped children, adolescents, adults, couples and families overcome the challenges they face. Working with at-risk teens or adults battling depression, helping children with autism or counseling couples; Dr. Langley focuses on each individual's unique journey, while maintaining a strong grounding in theory, neurobiology and current research. Dr. Langley practices a psychodynamic, relational approach to therapy. We can make long lasting change only when we are able to explore our own narratives that have lead us to where we are.
Dr. Langley is a compassionate therapist, dedicated to understanding and supporting her clients in times of need. She has helped children, adolescents, adults, couples and families overcome the challenges they face. Working with at-risk teens or adults battling depression, helping children with autism or counseling couples; Dr. Langley focuses on each individual's unique journey, while maintaining a strong grounding in theory, neurobiology and current research. Dr. Langley practices a psychodynamic, relational approach to therapy. We can make long lasting change only when we are able to explore our own narratives that have lead us to where we are.
Frederika C. Theus
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Westchester, IL 60154 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Providing assistance to children, teens, and adults with special needs and their families is the focus of my practice. Beginning as a learning disabilities teacher, and then transitioning to clinical psychology, I have over 30 years of experience. My practice combines a solid foundation in traditional psychotherapy with specialized interventions for individuals with special needs. Whether seeking support for yourself or guidance for a loved one, together we can help you find solutions.
Providing assistance to children, teens, and adults with special needs and their families is the focus of my practice. Beginning as a learning disabilities teacher, and then transitioning to clinical psychology, I have over 30 years of experience. My practice combines a solid foundation in traditional psychotherapy with specialized interventions for individuals with special needs. Whether seeking support for yourself or guidance for a loved one, together we can help you find solutions.
More Therapists Nearby
Kaitlyn “Kat” Evans (She They)
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC , Intern
Verified Verified
Brookfield, IL 60513
Some other specialities I offer include play and art therapy, and Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Do you feel like you are just barely surviving in life? Does your child show some signs of anxiety and struggle to socialize with others? Or maybe you have gone through a traumatic experience in your past that lingers in the present and keeps you from feeling like yourself. If you resonate with any of these and don’t know what to do, I could be the therapist for you. I like to think that the bravest thing a person can do is ask for help. Although life inevitably comes with its hardships, it does not have to be an endless experience consisting of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and past traumas constantly coming to the surface.
Some other specialities I offer include play and art therapy, and Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Do you feel like you are just barely surviving in life? Does your child show some signs of anxiety and struggle to socialize with others? Or maybe you have gone through a traumatic experience in your past that lingers in the present and keeps you from feeling like yourself. If you resonate with any of these and don’t know what to do, I could be the therapist for you. I like to think that the bravest thing a person can do is ask for help. Although life inevitably comes with its hardships, it does not have to be an endless experience consisting of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and past traumas constantly coming to the surface.
Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC
Counselor, MA, LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hinsdale, IL 60521
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward and Integrative approach and have our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward and Integrative approach and have our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
I use an eclectic mix of talk, cognitive behavioral, and play therapy approaches in order to customize treatment around my clients' unique needs.
Welcome! I provide therapy in both individual and family settings, and work with children and adults of all ages. I provide services both via telehealth utilizing zoom and in person at our Hinsdale office location. Whether your needs are related to better understanding emotions, complicated relationships, trauma, family of origin issues, self-esteem, grief, stress, or life changes, I can help you work through those tough thoughts and feelings in order to create a healthier, more mindful you. I welcome anyone that is willing to take that first step toward change.
I use an eclectic mix of talk, cognitive behavioral, and play therapy approaches in order to customize treatment around my clients' unique needs.
Welcome! I provide therapy in both individual and family settings, and work with children and adults of all ages. I provide services both via telehealth utilizing zoom and in person at our Hinsdale office location. Whether your needs are related to better understanding emotions, complicated relationships, trauma, family of origin issues, self-esteem, grief, stress, or life changes, I can help you work through those tough thoughts and feelings in order to create a healthier, more mindful you. I welcome anyone that is willing to take that first step toward change.
Great Lakes Psychology Group - Lombard
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Maywood, IL 60153
Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group - Lombard understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.
Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group - Lombard understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.
I am a Clinical Psychologist and private practice owner of AG Psychology Associates. I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents, parents, and adults. Together with my clients, I develop practical strategies to better express and manage their symptoms to foster long-lasting change. In addition to working individually with children, I also work with parents to identify strategies for home that complement their parenting style and develop effective communication skills in the child/parent relationship, as well as within the family.
I am a Clinical Psychologist and private practice owner of AG Psychology Associates. I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents, parents, and adults. Together with my clients, I develop practical strategies to better express and manage their symptoms to foster long-lasting change. In addition to working individually with children, I also work with parents to identify strategies for home that complement their parenting style and develop effective communication skills in the child/parent relationship, as well as within the family.
Welcome! As a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience working with children, adults, and families, I offer support in a compassionate and comfortable environment. I strive to help people grow and thrive through solution focused counseling sessions, and I implement various treatment modalities, including the Safe and Sound Protocol music therapy program. I provide special education advocate services to help families navigate the special education process. Please reach out to take the first step toward getting support today.
Welcome! As a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience working with children, adults, and families, I offer support in a compassionate and comfortable environment. I strive to help people grow and thrive through solution focused counseling sessions, and I implement various treatment modalities, including the Safe and Sound Protocol music therapy program. I provide special education advocate services to help families navigate the special education process. Please reach out to take the first step toward getting support today.
Melissa Amison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSEd, MAEA, LCSW, LICSW, CEAP
Verified Verified
Brookfield, IL 60513
My motto is "try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud". I enjoy working with individuals, groups, and families from all ages seeking ways to grow socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. I welcome all "walks of life" from various cultural backgrounds who are facing challenges with trauma, mental health disorders, autism, intellectual disabilities, youth in care, family dynamics, and many more. This office provides Telehealth Services (e.g., Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas) and face-to-face sessions.
My motto is "try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud". I enjoy working with individuals, groups, and families from all ages seeking ways to grow socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. I welcome all "walks of life" from various cultural backgrounds who are facing challenges with trauma, mental health disorders, autism, intellectual disabilities, youth in care, family dynamics, and many more. This office provides Telehealth Services (e.g., Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas) and face-to-face sessions.
Cecilia Rivera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Western Springs, IL 60558
Hello, my name is Cecilia and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with close to a decade of clinical experience providing individual, family, and group therapy at various levels of care. I am fluent in English and Spanish. I work with adults, children (ages 12+), and adolescents . I have a strengths and values driven therapeutic approach to empower my clients to build and sustain a meaningful and authentic life. My goal is to help you build real and lasting change.
Hello, my name is Cecilia and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with close to a decade of clinical experience providing individual, family, and group therapy at various levels of care. I am fluent in English and Spanish. I work with adults, children (ages 12+), and adolescents . I have a strengths and values driven therapeutic approach to empower my clients to build and sustain a meaningful and authentic life. My goal is to help you build real and lasting change.
Douglas K DeRhodes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Western Springs, IL 60558
I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion.
I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion.
I provide client-centered and creative therapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults, and families who present with interpersonal challenges, trauma, grief, developmental life transitions, neurocognitive conditions, anxiety, depression, stress, personality disorders, and other behavioral and learning difficulties. I also administer psycho-educational assessments, consultations, and school services for elementary, secondary, and college-aged students.
I provide client-centered and creative therapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults, and families who present with interpersonal challenges, trauma, grief, developmental life transitions, neurocognitive conditions, anxiety, depression, stress, personality disorders, and other behavioral and learning difficulties. I also administer psycho-educational assessments, consultations, and school services for elementary, secondary, and college-aged students.
Is your child or teen struggling with anxiety, depression, parental divorce, making friends, or challenges that come with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? Are you a young adult experiencing a life transition, relationship difficulties or grief and loss? If so, psychotherapy can help. My goal is not to provide strategies that simply lead to short term relief, but to work with you or your child to reduce symptoms quickly, while creating long-lasting change- a process that I believe only occurs in the context of a safe and trusting relationship.
Is your child or teen struggling with anxiety, depression, parental divorce, making friends, or challenges that come with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? Are you a young adult experiencing a life transition, relationship difficulties or grief and loss? If so, psychotherapy can help. My goal is not to provide strategies that simply lead to short term relief, but to work with you or your child to reduce symptoms quickly, while creating long-lasting change- a process that I believe only occurs in the context of a safe and trusting relationship.
Jessica Nikkila (Fenstemacher)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LLC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brookfield, IL 60513 (Online Only)
Welcome! I believe that therapy can be a very empowering experience for all ages and genders. I facilitate this for my clients by priding myself as a therapist on being empathetic, inviting and engaging. I provide therapy for Children, Adolescents and Families as well as Adults. I believe that therapy is a safe space which allows one to resolve problems and create personal growth. I am dedicated to my client's well being as well as their own self determination within the therapeutic process and therapeutic relationship. I work psychodynamically and cognitively while also utilizing strength based and family dynamic systems work.
Welcome! I believe that therapy can be a very empowering experience for all ages and genders. I facilitate this for my clients by priding myself as a therapist on being empathetic, inviting and engaging. I provide therapy for Children, Adolescents and Families as well as Adults. I believe that therapy is a safe space which allows one to resolve problems and create personal growth. I am dedicated to my client's well being as well as their own self determination within the therapeutic process and therapeutic relationship. I work psychodynamically and cognitively while also utilizing strength based and family dynamic systems work.
Vanessa Morales Lopez
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hinsdale, IL 60521
I believe that you can create the change and happiness that you want. I believe in creating a safe and healing space where you are able to explore what is brining you to therapy. I have extensive experience working with trauma survivors; and believe therapy is a space where you are able to decide how you want to be supported and when. More importantly, I am excited to serve you, as you create the changes in your life. Piece by piece, building the life that you deserve and want.
I believe that you can create the change and happiness that you want. I believe in creating a safe and healing space where you are able to explore what is brining you to therapy. I have extensive experience working with trauma survivors; and believe therapy is a space where you are able to decide how you want to be supported and when. More importantly, I am excited to serve you, as you create the changes in your life. Piece by piece, building the life that you deserve and want.
See more therapy options for Westchester
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Westchester
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Burr Ridge
- Elmhurst
- Forest Park
- Hinsdale
- La Grange
- Oak Brook
- River Forest
- Riverside
- Western Springs
- Willowbrook
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.