Play Therapy in Wheaton, IL
Amber Beebe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60189
Waitlist for new clients
I use techniques such as Trauma Informed Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Play Therapy.
I am a licensed clinical social worker, earning a Masters Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. I have provided therapy services in a variety of community, inpatient, and outpatient settings to children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, ADHD, trauma recovery, and self-injury.
I use techniques such as Trauma Informed Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Play Therapy.
I am a licensed clinical social worker, earning a Masters Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. I have provided therapy services in a variety of community, inpatient, and outpatient settings to children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, ADHD, trauma recovery, and self-injury.
Jennifer S Stein
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
I also incorporate other therapeutic approaches, such as art and play therapy.
Are you considering therapy but unsure if it's right for you? Rest assured, it's natural to have questions and concerns before starting therapy. Investing in your mental health is a decision you have every right to make. As a therapist, I create a safe and comforting space where we can navigate through any difficulties you're experiencing. Together, we will establish goals, explore solutions, and utilize your strengths to facilitate personal growth.
I also incorporate other therapeutic approaches, such as art and play therapy.
Are you considering therapy but unsure if it's right for you? Rest assured, it's natural to have questions and concerns before starting therapy. Investing in your mental health is a decision you have every right to make. As a therapist, I create a safe and comforting space where we can navigate through any difficulties you're experiencing. Together, we will establish goals, explore solutions, and utilize your strengths to facilitate personal growth.
Stenzel Clinical Services, Ltd.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Wheaton, IL 60187
We offer play therapy
We can bill your insurance for you.
We recognize how difficult it can be to seek help with mental health issues. Our goal is to meet you where you are in a supportive, encouraging way. We never use shame as a motivator. Instead we seek to provide a balance between giving you time and space to heal and challenging and encouraging you to move forward to a healthier place. We have a staff of over 40 therapists each with different specialties; we all possess the same single passion: to walk with our clients on the path of healing.
We offer play therapy
We can bill your insurance for you.
We recognize how difficult it can be to seek help with mental health issues. Our goal is to meet you where you are in a supportive, encouraging way. We never use shame as a motivator. Instead we seek to provide a balance between giving you time and space to heal and challenging and encouraging you to move forward to a healthier place. We have a staff of over 40 therapists each with different specialties; we all possess the same single passion: to walk with our clients on the path of healing.
I work towards providing a space for children to express their emotions, feelings, and experiences in ways they can understand: through play.
Everyone hits highs and lows in their lives. We all wish to be heard, understood, and accepted, which is why I value each and every experience shared. I believe in the notion of “putting yourself in ones’ shoes” to fully accept and understand others exactly how they are and what they are experiencing. I am passionate about giving voice to those who struggle making theirs heard and encouraging them to make positive changes in their lives. Each and every individual, child and adult, has the internal power to be the person they wish to be, through understanding, acceptance, and creating their unique meaning and purpose in life.
I work towards providing a space for children to express their emotions, feelings, and experiences in ways they can understand: through play.
Everyone hits highs and lows in their lives. We all wish to be heard, understood, and accepted, which is why I value each and every experience shared. I believe in the notion of “putting yourself in ones’ shoes” to fully accept and understand others exactly how they are and what they are experiencing. I am passionate about giving voice to those who struggle making theirs heard and encouraging them to make positive changes in their lives. Each and every individual, child and adult, has the internal power to be the person they wish to be, through understanding, acceptance, and creating their unique meaning and purpose in life.
I often utilize play therapy when working with kids and enjoy interacting with teens and young adults.
Hello, I'm Maggie! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The bulk of my work history has been in child welfare and working with children and youth in the context of their families. We all have a lot of navigating to do and I really enjoy walking alongside individuals as they pilot life's transitions. Adjusting can be hard, scary work. How can I help support you along life's path in ways that empower and, at times, challenge you? Let me help encourage and support you in discovering your potential through healthy change. Let's redefine your potential and find purpose by starting exactly where you are, today.
I often utilize play therapy when working with kids and enjoy interacting with teens and young adults.
Hello, I'm Maggie! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The bulk of my work history has been in child welfare and working with children and youth in the context of their families. We all have a lot of navigating to do and I really enjoy walking alongside individuals as they pilot life's transitions. Adjusting can be hard, scary work. How can I help support you along life's path in ways that empower and, at times, challenge you? Let me help encourage and support you in discovering your potential through healthy change. Let's redefine your potential and find purpose by starting exactly where you are, today.
I have a passion for working with children & families. I have a theoretical foundation in Person-Centered Therapy & strive to create a safe & supportive environment for children & their parents. I have training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Thera play, & the Aut Play framework. I am currently working toward full certification as a Registered Play Therapist, Certified Thera play Practitioner, & Certified Aut Play Therapist. I utilize the therapeutic powers of play to increase children’s self-esteem, emotional regulation, emotional vocabulary, & worldview.
I have a passion for working with children & families. I have a theoretical foundation in Person-Centered Therapy & strive to create a safe & supportive environment for children & their parents. I have training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Thera play, & the Aut Play framework. I am currently working toward full certification as a Registered Play Therapist, Certified Thera play Practitioner, & Certified Aut Play Therapist. I utilize the therapeutic powers of play to increase children’s self-esteem, emotional regulation, emotional vocabulary, & worldview.
Kyle McCordic
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
Waitlist for new clients
I have received training in Play Therapy, specifically Child-Centered Play Therapy, and am pursuing professional certification as a Registered Play Therapist from the Play Therapy Association.
I am passionate about empowering people to express themselves in an open and honest manner. One main theme that drives what I do is the ongoing search for personal meaning and self-worth, something each of us has a natural right to seek out. I specialize in Play Therapy with children ages 3-11, particularly involving emotional regulation, anger management, behavioral issues, anxiety, and depression in children. Finally, I enjoy working with adolescents, teens, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grieving, and other interpersonal issues.
I have received training in Play Therapy, specifically Child-Centered Play Therapy, and am pursuing professional certification as a Registered Play Therapist from the Play Therapy Association.
I am passionate about empowering people to express themselves in an open and honest manner. One main theme that drives what I do is the ongoing search for personal meaning and self-worth, something each of us has a natural right to seek out. I specialize in Play Therapy with children ages 3-11, particularly involving emotional regulation, anger management, behavioral issues, anxiety, and depression in children. Finally, I enjoy working with adolescents, teens, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grieving, and other interpersonal issues.
Elena Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
I love working with kids and I use play therapy as a tool to empower kids to express their internal feelings and their natural language of play.
Hi there, my name is Elena. Starting therapy can sometimes seem challenging and scary. The prospect of having to talk about life’s hurts can make the process feel overwhelming. We all know life can he hard and my goal is to be available to help you process the difficult seasons you have been through. Yet other times, clients come to therapy to just talk about their daily lives. They want to be heard and listened to. Whether you are seeking therapy to address a significant hurt in your life or are just looking for a space where you can process your day-to-day life, I hope to provide a place where this all can happen.
I love working with kids and I use play therapy as a tool to empower kids to express their internal feelings and their natural language of play.
Hi there, my name is Elena. Starting therapy can sometimes seem challenging and scary. The prospect of having to talk about life’s hurts can make the process feel overwhelming. We all know life can he hard and my goal is to be available to help you process the difficult seasons you have been through. Yet other times, clients come to therapy to just talk about their daily lives. They want to be heard and listened to. Whether you are seeking therapy to address a significant hurt in your life or are just looking for a space where you can process your day-to-day life, I hope to provide a place where this all can happen.
I also help children, youth and families on many issues, incorporating mindfulness, art, play and creativity to ease stress and promote change.
Are you struggling with a painful situation? Have you lost something precious to you? Do you feel "stuck" and uncertain of which way to turn? Are you a parent who is worried about your child? Is your family in conflict? Are you feeling overwhelmed? If you are ready to regain control of your life, this is the perfect time to seek help. I offer a warm, supportive environment and strive to instill hope while empowering people to make meaningful changes in their lives. I am easy to connect with. Together, we can reduce your anxiety and depression so you can experience greater inner peace.
I also help children, youth and families on many issues, incorporating mindfulness, art, play and creativity to ease stress and promote change.
Are you struggling with a painful situation? Have you lost something precious to you? Do you feel "stuck" and uncertain of which way to turn? Are you a parent who is worried about your child? Is your family in conflict? Are you feeling overwhelmed? If you are ready to regain control of your life, this is the perfect time to seek help. I offer a warm, supportive environment and strive to instill hope while empowering people to make meaningful changes in their lives. I am easy to connect with. Together, we can reduce your anxiety and depression so you can experience greater inner peace.
Tamar Friedman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
Hello! I'm Tamar, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who specializes in working with children and their families. I have more than 20 years of experience as a clinical social worker & have worked with children and families in a variety of different settings including private practice, outpatient mental health clinics, schools and inpatient psychiatry. I have a warm, supportive and empathic approach and use my knowledge of child development, attachment, play therapy, mindfulness, trauma and cognitive behavioral therapy to help children manage their feelings, improve self esteem, work through challenges and improve behavior.
Hello! I'm Tamar, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who specializes in working with children and their families. I have more than 20 years of experience as a clinical social worker & have worked with children and families in a variety of different settings including private practice, outpatient mental health clinics, schools and inpatient psychiatry. I have a warm, supportive and empathic approach and use my knowledge of child development, attachment, play therapy, mindfulness, trauma and cognitive behavioral therapy to help children manage their feelings, improve self esteem, work through challenges and improve behavior.
Cassandra Nieves
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
By combining children's natural language of play with the evidenced-based foundation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I can help children understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in providing support to children, teens, adolescents and adults. My experience includes working with individuals experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, end of life, chronic illness, and life transitions. Having worked in the mental health field for ten years, I am committed to helping children and their families through whatever life challenges they are faced with.
By combining children's natural language of play with the evidenced-based foundation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I can help children understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in providing support to children, teens, adolescents and adults. My experience includes working with individuals experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, end of life, chronic illness, and life transitions. Having worked in the mental health field for ten years, I am committed to helping children and their families through whatever life challenges they are faced with.
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Julia Friesen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
I have received training in Trust Based Relational Intervention® and also Thera play® for families with children with trauma-based behaviors.
Are you looking to increase your sense of effectiveness with family, work, and friends? I assist individuals and families in sorting out what current and past factors may be contributing to their situation, in order to resolve issues and create space for healing. I am a psychotherapist experienced in working with adults, children and families with a variety of concerns. With adults and teens, my approaches include insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral therapy. When working with children, I often use play therapy and parent coaching.
I have received training in Trust Based Relational Intervention® and also Thera play® for families with children with trauma-based behaviors.
Are you looking to increase your sense of effectiveness with family, work, and friends? I assist individuals and families in sorting out what current and past factors may be contributing to their situation, in order to resolve issues and create space for healing. I am a psychotherapist experienced in working with adults, children and families with a variety of concerns. With adults and teens, my approaches include insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral therapy. When working with children, I often use play therapy and parent coaching.
Immediate daytime openings. I believe we are all here to become the best version of ourselves. Together we can work to continue to grow your strengths while taking a look into behaviors and thoughts that shape your choices. I believe in building a strong rapport in a safe environment to reach your full potential. I focus on person-centered growth while using therapeutic techniques such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, person centered, play therapy, and interpersonal therapy to empower all individuals through the process of healing and understanding.
Immediate daytime openings. I believe we are all here to become the best version of ourselves. Together we can work to continue to grow your strengths while taking a look into behaviors and thoughts that shape your choices. I believe in building a strong rapport in a safe environment to reach your full potential. I focus on person-centered growth while using therapeutic techniques such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, person centered, play therapy, and interpersonal therapy to empower all individuals through the process of healing and understanding.
My specialties include individual therapy with adults using the IFS model, CBT, ACT, child centered play therapy, and trauma informed therapy.
I enjoy helping those on a journey toward better self-awareness around their emotional life, satisfaction in relationships, and getting through what seems stuck. Counseling is a place to feel safe to explore difficult relationships or past or current trauma. I want my clients to feel advocated for, and to find a deeper understanding of self and gain insight into how our past affects present relationships and struggles. Finding your true-self is so important. Skill building and assertiveness training are also a part of the therapy I do. My experience for the last 22 years has been in individual therapy with kids, teens, and adults.
My specialties include individual therapy with adults using the IFS model, CBT, ACT, child centered play therapy, and trauma informed therapy.
I enjoy helping those on a journey toward better self-awareness around their emotional life, satisfaction in relationships, and getting through what seems stuck. Counseling is a place to feel safe to explore difficult relationships or past or current trauma. I want my clients to feel advocated for, and to find a deeper understanding of self and gain insight into how our past affects present relationships and struggles. Finding your true-self is so important. Skill building and assertiveness training are also a part of the therapy I do. My experience for the last 22 years has been in individual therapy with kids, teens, and adults.
Heather Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60189
As a Person-Centered therapist utilizing techniques from Animal-Assisted Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Expressive Therapies such as Art Therapy and Play Therapy.
I graduated from Benedictine University in 2018 with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Specializing in children and adolescent therapy, I have experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, stress, grief, and trauma. I have recently developed an interest in working with couples and find that to be very meaningful. Whether it is topics of identity or communication, I am here to help!
As a Person-Centered therapist utilizing techniques from Animal-Assisted Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Expressive Therapies such as Art Therapy and Play Therapy.
I graduated from Benedictine University in 2018 with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Specializing in children and adolescent therapy, I have experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, stress, grief, and trauma. I have recently developed an interest in working with couples and find that to be very meaningful. Whether it is topics of identity or communication, I am here to help!
My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where client(s) feels comfortable to vent, reflect and process on current and past trauma they experience; in hopes the clients leave the session feeling motivated empowered. I challenge, encourage, motivate and celebrate clients in therapy by using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and C
My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where client(s) feels comfortable to vent, reflect and process on current and past trauma they experience; in hopes the clients leave the session feeling motivated empowered. I challenge, encourage, motivate and celebrate clients in therapy by using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and C
Aliyah Levi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60189 (Online Only)
I use trauma informed care to connect with individuals and help clients and families through emotional distress. I use humor, unconditional positive regard and clinical approaches to assess, diagnose and offer behavioral intervention strategies that promote positive growth, healing and increase life satisfaction.
I use trauma informed care to connect with individuals and help clients and families through emotional distress. I use humor, unconditional positive regard and clinical approaches to assess, diagnose and offer behavioral intervention strategies that promote positive growth, healing and increase life satisfaction.
Everyone deserves a safe, non-judgmental space to process, reflect and heal. I am passionate about providing my clients a space to examine patterns and behaviors that are no longer serving them and move forward with their lives in an empowered, healthy way. No matter what your current challenges and needs are, we can work together to establish realistic goals for therapy that will help move you toward creating the life and relationships you want.
Everyone deserves a safe, non-judgmental space to process, reflect and heal. I am passionate about providing my clients a space to examine patterns and behaviors that are no longer serving them and move forward with their lives in an empowered, healthy way. No matter what your current challenges and needs are, we can work together to establish realistic goals for therapy that will help move you toward creating the life and relationships you want.
I dedicate my practice to the treatment of children, adolescents, young adults, families, college and graduate students. Psychotherapy services are implemented utilizing current research-based concepts and practice models, developed to meet the specific needs of each individual. I work with a wide range of diagnostic concerns including depression, anxiety, attention deficits and adjustment. Additional areas include behavior management, self-esteem, perfectionism, loss and grieving, relationships and divorce.I specialize in comprehensive psychological and psycho-educational evaluations including assessments for cognitive, emotional and personality functioning. I also provide evaluations for gifted children, ADHD and Learning Disabilities.
I dedicate my practice to the treatment of children, adolescents, young adults, families, college and graduate students. Psychotherapy services are implemented utilizing current research-based concepts and practice models, developed to meet the specific needs of each individual. I work with a wide range of diagnostic concerns including depression, anxiety, attention deficits and adjustment. Additional areas include behavior management, self-esteem, perfectionism, loss and grieving, relationships and divorce.I specialize in comprehensive psychological and psycho-educational evaluations including assessments for cognitive, emotional and personality functioning. I also provide evaluations for gifted children, ADHD and Learning Disabilities.
As a social worker, I see each person as the expert of their own experience while also empowering them to grow and heal. I would love to walk alongside you in your journey and support you in identifying and building upon your strengths. I enjoy bringing humor and creativity into the healing process and I believe that building trust together will be the cornerstone of your healing process. We all bring our own stories into the therapy room and supporting you in telling yours is something that I look forward to!
As a social worker, I see each person as the expert of their own experience while also empowering them to grow and heal. I would love to walk alongside you in your journey and support you in identifying and building upon your strengths. I enjoy bringing humor and creativity into the healing process and I believe that building trust together will be the cornerstone of your healing process. We all bring our own stories into the therapy room and supporting you in telling yours is something that I look forward to!
See more therapy options for Wheaton
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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.