Play Therapy in North Potomac, MD
Stephanie Natter
Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC, CGP, LCPAT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North Potomac, MD 20878
Our therapists come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing their own distinctive experiences, strengths and specialties and utilizing a range of therapies, including art, play, movement and traditional talk therapy.
I understand that there are many things in life that influence us and take a toll on our emotional well-being. I believe that with effective support, guidance and understanding, you have the ability to not only find the answers to your problems, but the strength to make positive changes in your life. Expressive Therapy Center offers a family-focused and individualized approach that is unique to each client and his or her family's needs.
Our therapists come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing their own distinctive experiences, strengths and specialties and utilizing a range of therapies, including art, play, movement and traditional talk therapy.
I understand that there are many things in life that influence us and take a toll on our emotional well-being. I believe that with effective support, guidance and understanding, you have the ability to not only find the answers to your problems, but the strength to make positive changes in your life. Expressive Therapy Center offers a family-focused and individualized approach that is unique to each client and his or her family's needs.
Selen Saydam
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Potomac, MD 20878 (Online Only)
art, play, sand tray), and somatic experiencing to foster resilience, process trauma, improve self-image, build self-respect, and reconnect with your sense of joy and wonder.
Hello, and welcome! What a big step you've taken by looking for help; I know it wasn't easy, but the hardest part is now behind you. My approach to therapy was born out of my passion for supporting and witnessing people on their journey to finding themselves. Along the way, my top priority is to hold compassionate space for all of you - all of your joy and sorrow, your fear and anger, your old wounds and new. I primarily specialize in working with neurodivergent adults and people struggling with numbness, anger, codependency, substance use, or low self-esteem due to trauma related to relationships, family, or adverse experiences.
art, play, sand tray), and somatic experiencing to foster resilience, process trauma, improve self-image, build self-respect, and reconnect with your sense of joy and wonder.
Hello, and welcome! What a big step you've taken by looking for help; I know it wasn't easy, but the hardest part is now behind you. My approach to therapy was born out of my passion for supporting and witnessing people on their journey to finding themselves. Along the way, my top priority is to hold compassionate space for all of you - all of your joy and sorrow, your fear and anger, your old wounds and new. I primarily specialize in working with neurodivergent adults and people struggling with numbness, anger, codependency, substance use, or low self-esteem due to trauma related to relationships, family, or adverse experiences.
Xiaofang (Bethanie) Wang Lanterman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
North Potomac, MD 20878
The process of finding a therapist can be daunting, but I believe it is a sign of courage and strength to seek help for lasting personal growth and for stronger relationships. My overall perspective about therapy is to show acceptance, compassion and care to all clients; to build safe, warm, trustworthy, and collaborative therapeutic relationships; to apply evidence-based and culturally-competent therapeutic concepts and skills to address clients’ specific needs; and to build upon client’s strength for change. I speak both English and Mandarin and provide immigration mental health evaluations. I am licensed in MD, D.C., and VA.
The process of finding a therapist can be daunting, but I believe it is a sign of courage and strength to seek help for lasting personal growth and for stronger relationships. My overall perspective about therapy is to show acceptance, compassion and care to all clients; to build safe, warm, trustworthy, and collaborative therapeutic relationships; to apply evidence-based and culturally-competent therapeutic concepts and skills to address clients’ specific needs; and to build upon client’s strength for change. I speak both English and Mandarin and provide immigration mental health evaluations. I am licensed in MD, D.C., and VA.
Ellen L Levin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
North Potomac, MD 20878 (Online Only)
I work with anyone who is experiencing a wide range of social and emotional difficulties including sadness, anxiety, phobias, family and life transitions and friendships. I provide individual therapy, family therapy and parent coaching in a warm, safe and non-judgmental environment in order to address individual needs and concerns. In addition, I provide support and guidance in promoting additional understanding of family dynamics and facilitating a better channel of communication between family members. I enjoy working collaboratively with families to find unique ways to help their children or themselves to progress and heal.
I work with anyone who is experiencing a wide range of social and emotional difficulties including sadness, anxiety, phobias, family and life transitions and friendships. I provide individual therapy, family therapy and parent coaching in a warm, safe and non-judgmental environment in order to address individual needs and concerns. In addition, I provide support and guidance in promoting additional understanding of family dynamics and facilitating a better channel of communication between family members. I enjoy working collaboratively with families to find unique ways to help their children or themselves to progress and heal.
Anne Cornell
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
North Potomac, MD 20878 (Online Only)
TELETHERAPY APPOINTMENTS I work with a wide variety of presenting issues with a broad range of clients. I am here to help you achieve your goals and be successful in therapy. I can help work through grief and loss situations as well as trauma whether current or historical. I have extensive experience working with trauma survivors. I can help with parenting and communication issues.
TELETHERAPY APPOINTMENTS I work with a wide variety of presenting issues with a broad range of clients. I am here to help you achieve your goals and be successful in therapy. I can help work through grief and loss situations as well as trauma whether current or historical. I have extensive experience working with trauma survivors. I can help with parenting and communication issues.
Sonja Chestnut
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, OSW-C
Verified Verified
North Potomac, MD 20878 (Online Only)
TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE My ideal client is someone who is coping with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, ADHD, grief, troubled relationship and family dynamics, developmental delays, LGBTQ and trauma issues. Any of these listed conditions or situations can negatively impact my clients’ ability to navigate daily living. So a successful client would be open to change and willing to try new approaches to collaborate with me in order to identify and verbalize their needs and goals and develop a plan to obtain these goals.
TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE My ideal client is someone who is coping with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, ADHD, grief, troubled relationship and family dynamics, developmental delays, LGBTQ and trauma issues. Any of these listed conditions or situations can negatively impact my clients’ ability to navigate daily living. So a successful client would be open to change and willing to try new approaches to collaborate with me in order to identify and verbalize their needs and goals and develop a plan to obtain these goals.
Geraldine E McBrinn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
North Potomac, MD 20878
TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE. The idea of therapy can be overwhelming for anyone that hasn't sought it before or for someone who desires to restart therapy. My job as a licensed clinical social worker is not only to support you with whatever issue is taking place, but also to make you feel comfortable and safe to communicate what is usually very personal.
TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE. The idea of therapy can be overwhelming for anyone that hasn't sought it before or for someone who desires to restart therapy. My job as a licensed clinical social worker is not only to support you with whatever issue is taking place, but also to make you feel comfortable and safe to communicate what is usually very personal.
Gertrud Irmgard Classen-Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
North Potomac, MD 20878
TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE, Welcome to collaborative and solution based help to experience joy, success and purpose in your life. For over 25 years I have worked with adults, couples, families, adolescents and children in Maryland. My practice is culturally and ethnically diverse. I founded the group practice Classen-Miller & Associates which offers a full range of clinical approaches for all age groups with our licensed clinicians reflecting the full diversity of our community.
TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE, Welcome to collaborative and solution based help to experience joy, success and purpose in your life. For over 25 years I have worked with adults, couples, families, adolescents and children in Maryland. My practice is culturally and ethnically diverse. I founded the group practice Classen-Miller & Associates which offers a full range of clinical approaches for all age groups with our licensed clinicians reflecting the full diversity of our community.
My ideal client is someone who is looking to better understand the functions of their behavior and take evidence based action to help manage their mental health. I'm looking for clients who want to discover themselves and better understand the triggers that keep them from achieving their particular ideal of wellness.I specialize in utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients better understand the function of their behaviors along with assessing the costs associated with their behavior followed by creating a plan to help the client use evidence based practices to help them achieve their mental health goals.
My ideal client is someone who is looking to better understand the functions of their behavior and take evidence based action to help manage their mental health. I'm looking for clients who want to discover themselves and better understand the triggers that keep them from achieving their particular ideal of wellness.I specialize in utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients better understand the function of their behaviors along with assessing the costs associated with their behavior followed by creating a plan to help the client use evidence based practices to help them achieve their mental health goals.
Rowan Blackmon
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
North Potomac, MD 20878 (Online Only)
Because no two patients are alike, therapy should be tailored to each patient, rather than trying to treat everyone with the same theoretical approach. I believe that a therapist’s job is to guide the patient as they learn to change the behaviors and thinking styles that may have once been helpful, but are now getting in their way. Most importantly, I believe it is a therapist's job to teach their patients the skills necessary to eventually function independent of their therapist, allowing them to eventually leave therapy instead of being stuck with having weekly sessions for the rest of their lives!
Because no two patients are alike, therapy should be tailored to each patient, rather than trying to treat everyone with the same theoretical approach. I believe that a therapist’s job is to guide the patient as they learn to change the behaviors and thinking styles that may have once been helpful, but are now getting in their way. Most importantly, I believe it is a therapist's job to teach their patients the skills necessary to eventually function independent of their therapist, allowing them to eventually leave therapy instead of being stuck with having weekly sessions for the rest of their lives!
Classen-Miller and Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MSW
Verified Verified
North Potomac, MD 20878
TELETHERAPY AND IN-OFFICE APPOINTMENTS with experienced psychotherapists who are licensed at the highest level of their profession. We accept mayor insurance plans and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, Our clinicians reflect the full diversity of our community. We provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment that enables our clients to work towards solutions, develop coping skills and have a better understanding of the issues that interfere with self-esteem and a sense of well being.
TELETHERAPY AND IN-OFFICE APPOINTMENTS with experienced psychotherapists who are licensed at the highest level of their profession. We accept mayor insurance plans and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, Our clinicians reflect the full diversity of our community. We provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment that enables our clients to work towards solutions, develop coping skills and have a better understanding of the issues that interfere with self-esteem and a sense of well being.
TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, couples, children and families who are facing a challenge and are looking for support. My experience in clinical practice allows me to assist with goal directed activities and work to achieve significant changes. A large part of my work is helping clients manage their anxiety or depression and to take concrete steps towards a more positive future. We work together to accomplish goals that the client has chosen to gain a greater understanding of themselves and their behaviors.We focus on changing relationship dynamics and learning new coping skills.
TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, couples, children and families who are facing a challenge and are looking for support. My experience in clinical practice allows me to assist with goal directed activities and work to achieve significant changes. A large part of my work is helping clients manage their anxiety or depression and to take concrete steps towards a more positive future. We work together to accomplish goals that the client has chosen to gain a greater understanding of themselves and their behaviors.We focus on changing relationship dynamics and learning new coping skills.
Diana Stewart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
North Potomac, MD 20878 (Online Only)
I have seen many clients over the years and each one has been a unique individual with their own story to tell. Just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two people are alike. Allow me to help you find your own path and solutions through empowerment utilizing your unique strengths. Individuals come to see me for many reasons: Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, OCD, changes in family dynamics and other life changes. I want to provide an open, relaxed, non-judgmental environment that allows you to reach your full potential. Whatever your reason, therapy can be the first step.
I have seen many clients over the years and each one has been a unique individual with their own story to tell. Just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two people are alike. Allow me to help you find your own path and solutions through empowerment utilizing your unique strengths. Individuals come to see me for many reasons: Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, OCD, changes in family dynamics and other life changes. I want to provide an open, relaxed, non-judgmental environment that allows you to reach your full potential. Whatever your reason, therapy can be the first step.
More Therapists Nearby
A combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Reality Therapy and Play Therapy are used to best meet the needs of my clients.
Are you a child, adolescent, college student, or adult struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, or PANDAS/PANS? If so, you have found the right therapist. I work with children, teens, and adults on issues that impact their everyday life. With a focus on problem-solving, coping skills, and social skills, clients discover how to work through their symptoms and best manage their challenges. My treatment uses a "foundation approach" which involves finding the core issues behind a problem.
A combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Reality Therapy and Play Therapy are used to best meet the needs of my clients.
Are you a child, adolescent, college student, or adult struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, or PANDAS/PANS? If so, you have found the right therapist. I work with children, teens, and adults on issues that impact their everyday life. With a focus on problem-solving, coping skills, and social skills, clients discover how to work through their symptoms and best manage their challenges. My treatment uses a "foundation approach" which involves finding the core issues behind a problem.
I offer Child Centered Play Therapy, especially useful in providing therapeutic help for children, and Sand Tray Therapy for all ages.
I received my MA in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University of DC, formerly American School of Professional Psychology. My background before studying Psychology was as a pediatric nurse and later a family childcare provider in Germany. These 15 years of this practical experience, enriched my expertise in the field of individual therapy and counseling especially when it comes to children.
Nevertheless, my education and professional experience over 7 years leading up to Licensure prepared me for providing therapeutic services to individuals of all ages. A sound clinical knowledge-base ensures proper diagnosis and treatment based on current research and methods.
I offer Child Centered Play Therapy, especially useful in providing therapeutic help for children, and Sand Tray Therapy for all ages.
I received my MA in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University of DC, formerly American School of Professional Psychology. My background before studying Psychology was as a pediatric nurse and later a family childcare provider in Germany. These 15 years of this practical experience, enriched my expertise in the field of individual therapy and counseling especially when it comes to children.
Nevertheless, my education and professional experience over 7 years leading up to Licensure prepared me for providing therapeutic services to individuals of all ages. A sound clinical knowledge-base ensures proper diagnosis and treatment based on current research and methods.
Edwana Cottman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Darnestown, MD 20878 (Online Only)
Hello, My name is Edwana Cottman and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Certified (LCSW-C) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) in the state of Maryland working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with people across the lifespan and specialize in anxiety, stress, mood disorders and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with.
Hello, My name is Edwana Cottman and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Certified (LCSW-C) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) in the state of Maryland working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with people across the lifespan and specialize in anxiety, stress, mood disorders and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with.
Currently Accepting New Clients! Taylor is a therapist at Washington Psychological Wellness, blending compassion with creativity to help clients unlock personal growth. With 15 years as a theatre artist, she understands the transformative power of creative expression in therapy. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Play Therapy, Taylor works with children, adolescents, and adults, offering a safe space for building self-esteem, enhancing communication, and supporting emotional well-being. Her approach is ideal for anyone seeking a unique, engaging path to healing and resilience.
Currently Accepting New Clients! Taylor is a therapist at Washington Psychological Wellness, blending compassion with creativity to help clients unlock personal growth. With 15 years as a theatre artist, she understands the transformative power of creative expression in therapy. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Play Therapy, Taylor works with children, adolescents, and adults, offering a safe space for building self-esteem, enhancing communication, and supporting emotional well-being. Her approach is ideal for anyone seeking a unique, engaging path to healing and resilience.
Lilia is a Registered Play Therapist and a member of the Association for Play Therapist (APT), and The Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors of Maryland (LCPCM).
Lilia Cerón is a Bilingual Spanish Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Board Approved Supervisor in the state of Maryland. She obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Community Counseling from The Johns Hopkins University and graduated Chi Sigma Iota with honors. Her clinical work experience and training spans over 10+ years with children, pre-teens, adolescents, young adults, adults, and families of a variety of socioeconomic levels and ethnic backgrounds.
Lilia is a Registered Play Therapist and a member of the Association for Play Therapist (APT), and The Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors of Maryland (LCPCM).
Lilia Cerón is a Bilingual Spanish Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Board Approved Supervisor in the state of Maryland. She obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Community Counseling from The Johns Hopkins University and graduated Chi Sigma Iota with honors. Her clinical work experience and training spans over 10+ years with children, pre-teens, adolescents, young adults, adults, and families of a variety of socioeconomic levels and ethnic backgrounds.
Tiffany-Ann Osong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach incorporates a variety of modalities, including CBT, DBT, Narrative, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Informed, Mindfulness-Based, Play, Art, and Mind-Body therapies.
Do you struggle to navigate periods of overwhelming stress that impact your daily life at home, work, or school? Do even the simplest tasks like eating, sleeping, and personal hygiene seem daunting during these times? I understand how overwhelming it can feel when life's challenges seem insurmountable. I specialize in helping young adults, adolescents, children (ages 5+), and families facing a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger, trauma, substance use, and adjustment/life transitions through a holistic, person-centered approach to identify and achieve their goals, regardless of their obstacles.
My therapeutic approach incorporates a variety of modalities, including CBT, DBT, Narrative, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Informed, Mindfulness-Based, Play, Art, and Mind-Body therapies.
Do you struggle to navigate periods of overwhelming stress that impact your daily life at home, work, or school? Do even the simplest tasks like eating, sleeping, and personal hygiene seem daunting during these times? I understand how overwhelming it can feel when life's challenges seem insurmountable. I specialize in helping young adults, adolescents, children (ages 5+), and families facing a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger, trauma, substance use, and adjustment/life transitions through a holistic, person-centered approach to identify and achieve their goals, regardless of their obstacles.
I will frequently use the combination of client-centered approaches, mindfulness, play based therapy techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients reach their full potential.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or trapped in life and need a non-judgmental person to talk to, give me a call to see if we'd be a good fit. I provide therapy to children, adolescents and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, school related concerns and life stressors. I am experienced in working with children with autism and sensory disorders. I can offer useful skills and knowledge for navigating the school system, as well as suggestions for how the family can best support their child. My treatment approach is kind, conversational, and engaging.
I will frequently use the combination of client-centered approaches, mindfulness, play based therapy techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients reach their full potential.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or trapped in life and need a non-judgmental person to talk to, give me a call to see if we'd be a good fit. I provide therapy to children, adolescents and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, school related concerns and life stressors. I am experienced in working with children with autism and sensory disorders. I can offer useful skills and knowledge for navigating the school system, as well as suggestions for how the family can best support their child. My treatment approach is kind, conversational, and engaging.
See more therapy options for North Potomac
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for North Potomac
- Bethesda
- Chevy Chase
- Clarksburg
- Darnestown
- Gaithersburg
- Germantown
- Kensington
- North Bethesda
- Olney
- Potomac
- Rockville
- Silver Spring
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.