Play Therapy in Ann Arbor, MI
In my work, I use ACT, DBT, and CBT, with components of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT).
Note: current availability is limited to daytime appointments - Welcome! I’m Lio, a therapist at the Mala Child & Family Institute. I’m dedicated to empowering teens and young adults as they navigate LGBTQ+ identity, disability, Autism (including PDA and high-masking profiles), ADHD, and anxiety. As a neurodivergent and queer adult, I know that these experiences are often misunderstood and encounter a range of barriers. I also understand the impact that a safe environment can have on the development of self-worth, self-advocacy, and self-compassion.
In my work, I use ACT, DBT, and CBT, with components of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT).
Note: current availability is limited to daytime appointments - Welcome! I’m Lio, a therapist at the Mala Child & Family Institute. I’m dedicated to empowering teens and young adults as they navigate LGBTQ+ identity, disability, Autism (including PDA and high-masking profiles), ADHD, and anxiety. As a neurodivergent and queer adult, I know that these experiences are often misunderstood and encounter a range of barriers. I also understand the impact that a safe environment can have on the development of self-worth, self-advocacy, and self-compassion.
Wendy Klinski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC, CCS, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
As a dedicated and compassionate therapist since 2006, I specialize in working with teens and adults, providing a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth. With extensive experience and credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II (CCTP II), and Registered Play Therapist, I am equipped to address a variety of mental health and substance use concerns. In my practice, I strive to foster a therapeutic relationship built on trust and empathy.
As a dedicated and compassionate therapist since 2006, I specialize in working with teens and adults, providing a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth. With extensive experience and credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II (CCTP II), and Registered Play Therapist, I am equipped to address a variety of mental health and substance use concerns. In my practice, I strive to foster a therapeutic relationship built on trust and empathy.
Raveau works with a wide range of ages and utilizes a combination of approaches, such as IFS, ACT, executive function coaching, exposure therapy, inner child healing, family systemic therapy, mindfulness based interventions, emotion focused couples therapy, play therapy, and parent coaching to support the needs of her clients.
Dr. Raveau is a clinical psychologist and founder of Mala Child & Family Institute. She is an expert in treating ADHD/neurodiversity, trauma, anxiety/OCD/perfectionism, parenting/co-parenting issues, racial minorities, and family level challenges. She helps clients end intergenerational cycles of trauma, form authentic relationships, embrace their neurodiversity and cultural background, and build authentic lives filled with a sense of abundance and inner peace. Dr. Raveau embraces working with individuals and families who identify with a range of ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Raveau works with a wide range of ages and utilizes a combination of approaches, such as IFS, ACT, executive function coaching, exposure therapy, inner child healing, family systemic therapy, mindfulness based interventions, emotion focused couples therapy, play therapy, and parent coaching to support the needs of her clients.
Dr. Raveau is a clinical psychologist and founder of Mala Child & Family Institute. She is an expert in treating ADHD/neurodiversity, trauma, anxiety/OCD/perfectionism, parenting/co-parenting issues, racial minorities, and family level challenges. She helps clients end intergenerational cycles of trauma, form authentic relationships, embrace their neurodiversity and cultural background, and build authentic lives filled with a sense of abundance and inner peace. Dr. Raveau embraces working with individuals and families who identify with a range of ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Finding the right therapist for you or your child can feel like a challenge. As someone who is passionate about working with children, teens, and young adults, I strive to make therapy an experience that is both approachable and engaging for everyone. Through a warm and non-judgmental approach, I create a safe space for open expression and exploration, empowering you and your child to take an active role in the healing journey. I believe that therapy is not a "one-size-fits-all" process, which is why I bring creativity into our sessions, such as art, movement, and play to encourage self-expression and build on your strengths.
Finding the right therapist for you or your child can feel like a challenge. As someone who is passionate about working with children, teens, and young adults, I strive to make therapy an experience that is both approachable and engaging for everyone. Through a warm and non-judgmental approach, I create a safe space for open expression and exploration, empowering you and your child to take an active role in the healing journey. I believe that therapy is not a "one-size-fits-all" process, which is why I bring creativity into our sessions, such as art, movement, and play to encourage self-expression and build on your strengths.
Diane Grant
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS Ed, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
My training includes cognitive behavioral therapy, play & art therapy and more.
Thriving instead of Surviving. Life is hard sometimes and we need help moving through different phases whether it is parenting, aging, health concerns, career direction and more. Any of these phases are difficult and I'm uniquely qualified to support you. Sometimes, we don't know what is happening and why. Talking to a Professional Counselor can help.
My training includes cognitive behavioral therapy, play & art therapy and more.
Thriving instead of Surviving. Life is hard sometimes and we need help moving through different phases whether it is parenting, aging, health concerns, career direction and more. Any of these phases are difficult and I'm uniquely qualified to support you. Sometimes, we don't know what is happening and why. Talking to a Professional Counselor can help.
Carla Hines Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW, CTS-C, CIRT
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
I specialize in working with trauma survivors, couples, parenting issues, play therapy, adoption related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adjustment, and immigration issues.
My goal is to create an atmosphere where every person that enters my office feels it is a safe place to learn and grow. I honor the unique strengths that each individual already possesses while challenging them to grow and develop in other areas. While I encourage people to stretch beyond their comfort zones, I respect and accept each person where they are at in their growth process. I have 19 years experience as a Psychotherapist. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. When working with children, I feel it is important to become a team with their parents.
I specialize in working with trauma survivors, couples, parenting issues, play therapy, adoption related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adjustment, and immigration issues.
My goal is to create an atmosphere where every person that enters my office feels it is a safe place to learn and grow. I honor the unique strengths that each individual already possesses while challenging them to grow and develop in other areas. While I encourage people to stretch beyond their comfort zones, I respect and accept each person where they are at in their growth process. I have 19 years experience as a Psychotherapist. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. When working with children, I feel it is important to become a team with their parents.
For children, I practice from a Play Therapy informed perspective, as I believe that a child can best express themselves and communicate through play.
I offer mental health services for children (5+), adolescents, and adult women. My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based.
For children, I practice from a Play Therapy informed perspective, as I believe that a child can best express themselves and communicate through play.
I offer mental health services for children (5+), adolescents, and adult women. My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based.
I provide play therapy for children to address a variety of concerns.
I'm committed to helping kids, adults and families experience greater enjoyment in their relationships and increased well-being and resilience at home, school, work and play. With the nervous system in mind, I help clients to increase their ability to cope with stressors. I address concerns about mood, attention, learning, behavior, and social and emotional development, and help families who are feeling stuck find new ways of relating.
I provide play therapy for children to address a variety of concerns.
I'm committed to helping kids, adults and families experience greater enjoyment in their relationships and increased well-being and resilience at home, school, work and play. With the nervous system in mind, I help clients to increase their ability to cope with stressors. I address concerns about mood, attention, learning, behavior, and social and emotional development, and help families who are feeling stuck find new ways of relating.
With children, I utilize child-centered play therapy and expressive therapies while integrating behavioral interventions with parents.
I work with individuals across the lifespan, from age three through older adults while establishing an environment of safety, collaboration, and growth. Whether it's through play therapy with a child or insight development with adults, individuals are treated as unique and celebrated for what makes them different as we work together to help you reach your goals. I prioritize patients feeling heard while being challenged to grow toward and through their stressors in a manner that maximizes their potential and leads to confidence, self-esteem, and empowerment.
With children, I utilize child-centered play therapy and expressive therapies while integrating behavioral interventions with parents.
I work with individuals across the lifespan, from age three through older adults while establishing an environment of safety, collaboration, and growth. Whether it's through play therapy with a child or insight development with adults, individuals are treated as unique and celebrated for what makes them different as we work together to help you reach your goals. I prioritize patients feeling heard while being challenged to grow toward and through their stressors in a manner that maximizes their potential and leads to confidence, self-esteem, and empowerment.
I am also experienced in play therapy for working with young children.
The cornerstone of any effective therapy experience is a good relationship. The relationship between therapist and client can provide an opportunity for working through difficult emotions and experiences, both past and present. I strive to develop a nonjudgmental partnership with each person I see in therapy, keeping in mind that every person and situation is unique. This allows us, together, to explore and understand the issues that bring you to therapy and how to begin to resolve them.
I am also experienced in play therapy for working with young children.
The cornerstone of any effective therapy experience is a good relationship. The relationship between therapist and client can provide an opportunity for working through difficult emotions and experiences, both past and present. I strive to develop a nonjudgmental partnership with each person I see in therapy, keeping in mind that every person and situation is unique. This allows us, together, to explore and understand the issues that bring you to therapy and how to begin to resolve them.
I use play interventions and various art forms extensively in my work.
Relationships are central to my work, whether it be the relationship between a child or adult and myself, or the complex web of relationships within a family. My training and experience in Infant Mental Health--a type of therapy focusing on the attachment relationship between a primary caregiver and and an infant or young child--permeates all aspects of my work. I believe that therapy cannot separate an individual from the context of his or her relationships, past or present. I am creative and flexible in my approach to working with the children, teens, adults and families that I serve.
I use play interventions and various art forms extensively in my work.
Relationships are central to my work, whether it be the relationship between a child or adult and myself, or the complex web of relationships within a family. My training and experience in Infant Mental Health--a type of therapy focusing on the attachment relationship between a primary caregiver and and an infant or young child--permeates all aspects of my work. I believe that therapy cannot separate an individual from the context of his or her relationships, past or present. I am creative and flexible in my approach to working with the children, teens, adults and families that I serve.
15 Second Videos
Diane Grant
Susan Barrow
Amber Silva
Chandler Sims Chang
Jamie Tauber
Laura Thomas
Jamie Yang
Josie M Kimball
Katie M Wyss LMSW-C
Great Lakes Psychology Group - Ann Arbor
Megan M. Julian
Deepwater Counseling
Great Lakes Psychology Group - Okemos
Kim J Logan-Nowlin
Brittany Sanders
Andrea Abadie
Charity M Loring
I use a collaborative and empathetic approach with clients, drawing on internal family systems, cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, mindfulness-based, and psychodynamic models.
I am dedicated to helping individuals and families find meaning and joy in relationships. I treat a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, major life transitions, and parenting issues. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and belief systems.
I use a collaborative and empathetic approach with clients, drawing on internal family systems, cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, mindfulness-based, and psychodynamic models.
I am dedicated to helping individuals and families find meaning and joy in relationships. I treat a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, major life transitions, and parenting issues. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and belief systems.
I use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Play Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy, incorporating creativity and trust to build strong connections.
Hello! I’m Kayla Ineich, and I’m here to support children, families, and individuals on their unique journeys. I believe in personalized care and work closely with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. I specialize in anxiety, depression, childhood issues, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, new parenting challenges, trauma, children of addicts, family conflicts, life transitions, and child and adolescent therapy. My approach is warm, empathetic, and collaborative, emphasizing respect and compassion.
I use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Play Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy, incorporating creativity and trust to build strong connections.
Hello! I’m Kayla Ineich, and I’m here to support children, families, and individuals on their unique journeys. I believe in personalized care and work closely with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. I specialize in anxiety, depression, childhood issues, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, new parenting challenges, trauma, children of addicts, family conflicts, life transitions, and child and adolescent therapy. My approach is warm, empathetic, and collaborative, emphasizing respect and compassion.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. I have over 10 years experience working in the mental health field. I specialize in play therapy with children (age 3 and up) and cognitive behavior therapy with teens and adults.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. I have over 10 years experience working in the mental health field. I specialize in play therapy with children (age 3 and up) and cognitive behavior therapy with teens and adults.
Chris Sanderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Waitlist for new clients
In working with kids, I become an interpreter of the language kids know best: play! With all of my clients, I emphasize a climate of safety and compassionate awareness of underlying emotion.
Are you often not getting what you want out of your relationships? Are you feeling guilt and shame far more than contentment or pride? Are you the parent of a child who is struggling to feel safe and protected in a chaotic world? I collaborate with individuals across the lifespan in addressing the causal factors underlying conditions like anxiety, depression and trauma. I completed an internship and a two year fellowship at University of Michigan Outpatient Psychiatry, where I had the unique opportunity to develop expertise in providing integrative, attachment-oriented psychotherapy for both adults and children.
In working with kids, I become an interpreter of the language kids know best: play! With all of my clients, I emphasize a climate of safety and compassionate awareness of underlying emotion.
Are you often not getting what you want out of your relationships? Are you feeling guilt and shame far more than contentment or pride? Are you the parent of a child who is struggling to feel safe and protected in a chaotic world? I collaborate with individuals across the lifespan in addressing the causal factors underlying conditions like anxiety, depression and trauma. I completed an internship and a two year fellowship at University of Michigan Outpatient Psychiatry, where I had the unique opportunity to develop expertise in providing integrative, attachment-oriented psychotherapy for both adults and children.
I love utilizing play-based strategies that are trauma-informed and relationally based so that you can find it easy to open up and work through your challenges with me.
If you're finding it tough to deal with your feelings, academic struggles, self-esteem issues, or even thoughts of self-harm or suicide, know that you're not alone. Maybe you're facing peer pressure, going through major life changes, having relationship difficulties with family members, or navigating having a differently wired brain. I'm here to provide a safe, understanding space where you can talk about what's going on and find ways to feel better.
I love utilizing play-based strategies that are trauma-informed and relationally based so that you can find it easy to open up and work through your challenges with me.
If you're finding it tough to deal with your feelings, academic struggles, self-esteem issues, or even thoughts of self-harm or suicide, know that you're not alone. Maybe you're facing peer pressure, going through major life changes, having relationship difficulties with family members, or navigating having a differently wired brain. I'm here to provide a safe, understanding space where you can talk about what's going on and find ways to feel better.
Samantha Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
My primary interventions include CBT, behavioral management and play therapy with children.
My background in various human services settings has allowed me space to develop skills and understand people in a different way than most. My goal is to help you attain the skills to be who you want to be and have a place to let your feelings be heard. I love to help people start from where they are now and grow into who they want to be. My passion is working with children and young adults, focusing on becoming more independent through aquiring knowledge and skills for success and to better manage life stressors, anxiety, depression, transition, divorce, family changes, behavioral problems and school related issues.
My primary interventions include CBT, behavioral management and play therapy with children.
My background in various human services settings has allowed me space to develop skills and understand people in a different way than most. My goal is to help you attain the skills to be who you want to be and have a place to let your feelings be heard. I love to help people start from where they are now and grow into who they want to be. My passion is working with children and young adults, focusing on becoming more independent through aquiring knowledge and skills for success and to better manage life stressors, anxiety, depression, transition, divorce, family changes, behavioral problems and school related issues.
Amber Silva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Waitlist for new clients
My clients can play with fidgets, color/draw, and/or read to best describe how they are feeling and to be able to communicate that.
Hey there! I am passionate about creating a safe and open-minded space for all identities in their therapy. I believe the most important aspect when it comes to therapy is having it be collaborative, compassionate, empathetic, and fun! I have experience working with youth and adults who present with anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, lack of motivation, and substance use. I look at each symptom that the individual presents through a trauma-focused lens. Outside of work, I enjoy cuddling my three cats (pictures below), watching crime shows, and playing videogames.
My clients can play with fidgets, color/draw, and/or read to best describe how they are feeling and to be able to communicate that.
Hey there! I am passionate about creating a safe and open-minded space for all identities in their therapy. I believe the most important aspect when it comes to therapy is having it be collaborative, compassionate, empathetic, and fun! I have experience working with youth and adults who present with anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, lack of motivation, and substance use. I look at each symptom that the individual presents through a trauma-focused lens. Outside of work, I enjoy cuddling my three cats (pictures below), watching crime shows, and playing videogames.
We offer play therapy to children as young as two, individual and group therapy to teens, family and couples therapy, parent coaching, individual therapy for parents and grandparents, biofeedback training, executive function coaching, yoga, and comprehensive psychological testing.
We are dedicated to supporting children, couples, and families. We are built on the principle that every family, no matter their background or presenting issues, deserves a compassionate, caring, and resourceful village to help them repair, grow, and thrive. We work hard to make sure that families have access to high quality, evidence-based, holistic mental health care. And the best part is that we tailor every service to each client's unique needs so they can experience the best possible. We use a team approach and work closely with parents and extended family, schools, and other medical professionals to provide clients the best ca
We offer play therapy to children as young as two, individual and group therapy to teens, family and couples therapy, parent coaching, individual therapy for parents and grandparents, biofeedback training, executive function coaching, yoga, and comprehensive psychological testing.
We are dedicated to supporting children, couples, and families. We are built on the principle that every family, no matter their background or presenting issues, deserves a compassionate, caring, and resourceful village to help them repair, grow, and thrive. We work hard to make sure that families have access to high quality, evidence-based, holistic mental health care. And the best part is that we tailor every service to each client's unique needs so they can experience the best possible. We use a team approach and work closely with parents and extended family, schools, and other medical professionals to provide clients the best ca
Miah Hamdan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Waitlist for new clients
Specializing in ADHD, anxiety,depression, and anger. I blen neurodiversity-affirming care with the magic of art, play and conversation. Let’s unlock your child’s strengths and turn challenges into triumphs. Therapy with me isn’t just about healing; it’s about thriving through creativity and laughter. Ready to see your child shine? Let’s connect!
Specializing in ADHD, anxiety,depression, and anger. I blen neurodiversity-affirming care with the magic of art, play and conversation. Let’s unlock your child’s strengths and turn challenges into triumphs. Therapy with me isn’t just about healing; it’s about thriving through creativity and laughter. Ready to see your child shine? Let’s connect!
See more therapy options for Ann Arbor
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Ann Arbor
See More Play TherapyPlay 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.