Play Therapy in Byron Center, MI
My belief that children deeply desire for an environment that incorporates freedom, safety, unconditional acceptance, and play is at the core of my therapeutic approach.
Hello! I'm Miranda, a clinical social worker who is passionate about working with children ages 10 and younger. I strive to provide a safe, natural, and welcoming environment for children to come and make sense of life's various challenges in the most appropriate way- through play. Therapeutic play encourages children to express their feelings and struggles, and model what is happening in their world. They learn to solve their problems, accept themselves and others, regulate and develop self control, build coping skills and resilience, grow their self-esteem and emotional vocabulary, and understand others' perspectives.
My belief that children deeply desire for an environment that incorporates freedom, safety, unconditional acceptance, and play is at the core of my therapeutic approach.
Hello! I'm Miranda, a clinical social worker who is passionate about working with children ages 10 and younger. I strive to provide a safe, natural, and welcoming environment for children to come and make sense of life's various challenges in the most appropriate way- through play. Therapeutic play encourages children to express their feelings and struggles, and model what is happening in their world. They learn to solve their problems, accept themselves and others, regulate and develop self control, build coping skills and resilience, grow their self-esteem and emotional vocabulary, and understand others' perspectives.
While therapeutic methods vary based on the age of my client (from play therapy to trauma-focused CBT, and IFS), the goal is always: greater wellbeing.
Hi, I’m Nate Apel, LLPC, a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor, and I'm currently accepting new clients, so, for the time being anyway, there's no waiting to get in to see me. I specialize in working with children, youth, adults, families, and couples, and I look forward to helping you, and those in your care, achieve a greater sense of calm and wellbeing. I completed my Master’s in Counseling, and my Bachelors in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University, and I bring 15 years of clinical and life experience working with youth, families and adults in schools, churches, and private practice.
While therapeutic methods vary based on the age of my client (from play therapy to trauma-focused CBT, and IFS), the goal is always: greater wellbeing.
Hi, I’m Nate Apel, LLPC, a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor, and I'm currently accepting new clients, so, for the time being anyway, there's no waiting to get in to see me. I specialize in working with children, youth, adults, families, and couples, and I look forward to helping you, and those in your care, achieve a greater sense of calm and wellbeing. I completed my Master’s in Counseling, and my Bachelors in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University, and I bring 15 years of clinical and life experience working with youth, families and adults in schools, churches, and private practice.
Debra Peters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LPC, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
Byron Center, MI 49315
We offer a wide range of treatment modalities, including play therapy for children.
If your life has been disrupted by anxiety, anger, depression, an addiction or the crisis of a divorce/break-up, job loss, financial difficulty or parenting challenge, know that you are not alone and that counseling can help you - heal; conquer any type of challenge; establish a workable life plan; repair relationships; renew your faith; and restore your emotional health. If your child is struggling with a behavior problem, ADHD, a learning difficulty or worrisome levels of stress and anxiety, counseling can help them gain self-control, alter disruptive behavior, use effective coping skills and restore their self-confidence.
We offer a wide range of treatment modalities, including play therapy for children.
If your life has been disrupted by anxiety, anger, depression, an addiction or the crisis of a divorce/break-up, job loss, financial difficulty or parenting challenge, know that you are not alone and that counseling can help you - heal; conquer any type of challenge; establish a workable life plan; repair relationships; renew your faith; and restore your emotional health. If your child is struggling with a behavior problem, ADHD, a learning difficulty or worrisome levels of stress and anxiety, counseling can help them gain self-control, alter disruptive behavior, use effective coping skills and restore their self-confidence.
My experience in play therapy has been particularly effective for individuals dealing with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Autism.
My primary goal in therapy is to create a nonjudgmental, safe space for expressing feelings and emotions. I am deeply committed to helping children aged 8 and older with issues related to school, peers, anxiety, executive functioning, and self-esteem. Additionally, I enjoy supporting young adults as they navigate life transitions, depression, and anxiety. My approach is warm and compassionate, focusing on engaging children creatively to foster enthusiasm and interest in their therapeutic journey.
My experience in play therapy has been particularly effective for individuals dealing with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Autism.
My primary goal in therapy is to create a nonjudgmental, safe space for expressing feelings and emotions. I am deeply committed to helping children aged 8 and older with issues related to school, peers, anxiety, executive functioning, and self-esteem. Additionally, I enjoy supporting young adults as they navigate life transitions, depression, and anxiety. My approach is warm and compassionate, focusing on engaging children creatively to foster enthusiasm and interest in their therapeutic journey.
Amber C Deering- Hitson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR, LPC
Verified Verified
Byron Center, MI 49315
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist I have worked in several different settings, from inpatient mental health, to private practice. Using a person- centered approach, I am passionate about helping others cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult life transitions and the vulnerabilities these experiences may cause. Given my education and experience, I am well suited to treat mood disorders such as depression, anxiety based disorders, attachment issues and dysfunctional behaviors. "We don't have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to'- said Brene Brown".
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist I have worked in several different settings, from inpatient mental health, to private practice. Using a person- centered approach, I am passionate about helping others cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult life transitions and the vulnerabilities these experiences may cause. Given my education and experience, I am well suited to treat mood disorders such as depression, anxiety based disorders, attachment issues and dysfunctional behaviors. "We don't have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to'- said Brene Brown".
Kimberly Culp Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Byron Center, MI 49315
Difficult past? Chaotic present? Uncertain future? These are the questions that can plague us with anxiety and slowly take over our lives. You want relief from the constant worrying, or relief for your child who cannot stop worrying. You want freedom from the childhood experiences that, despite your best efforts, continue to impact your current life. You want to understand how to survive as an introvert in a world catering to extroverts. You want to find a way to communicate with a distant partner. You are in the right place and on your way to a better life.
Difficult past? Chaotic present? Uncertain future? These are the questions that can plague us with anxiety and slowly take over our lives. You want relief from the constant worrying, or relief for your child who cannot stop worrying. You want freedom from the childhood experiences that, despite your best efforts, continue to impact your current life. You want to understand how to survive as an introvert in a world catering to extroverts. You want to find a way to communicate with a distant partner. You are in the right place and on your way to a better life.
Megan Coleman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Byron Center, MI 49315
I am a child and family therapist, offering child and adolescent individual and family therapy. Overall, I find the therapeutic relationship the most important piece of therapy, and use an integrative approach including evidence-based treatment. My goal is to provide a welcoming, open-minded, and supportive therapy environment focused on helping clients make the changes they want in their lives.
I am a child and family therapist, offering child and adolescent individual and family therapy. Overall, I find the therapeutic relationship the most important piece of therapy, and use an integrative approach including evidence-based treatment. My goal is to provide a welcoming, open-minded, and supportive therapy environment focused on helping clients make the changes they want in their lives.
Stacey Vandenberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Byron Center, MI 49315
I am a psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping others to navigate life's journey. I offer a judgment-free environment to overcome life's challenges and provide a haven for self-discovery. Through this process, my clients have recognized their ability to heal and gain a greater insight into self-empowerment. I specialize in overcoming trauma, parts therapy (IFS), relationships, anxiety, depression, and more with individuals/couples in coordination with their PCP when needed. I have found that how we perceive ourselves is our reality, and, together, we can expand that perspective.
I am a psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping others to navigate life's journey. I offer a judgment-free environment to overcome life's challenges and provide a haven for self-discovery. Through this process, my clients have recognized their ability to heal and gain a greater insight into self-empowerment. I specialize in overcoming trauma, parts therapy (IFS), relationships, anxiety, depression, and more with individuals/couples in coordination with their PCP when needed. I have found that how we perceive ourselves is our reality, and, together, we can expand that perspective.
Alliance Counseling Group and Prescribing
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Byron Center, MI 49315
Are you looking for BOTH high quality counseling AND mental health prescribing all-in-one? Alliance Counseling Group is the place for you! We have a team of friendly and highly skilled therapists who can meet your mental, emotional, relational, and behavioral health needs. We also have a mental health prescriber who can talk with you to understand if the addition of medication is the right fit for you. Our team of therapists and prescribers will work closely in collaboration to best manage your treatment, giving you the support you need to have the best chance of achieving your mental health goals.
Are you looking for BOTH high quality counseling AND mental health prescribing all-in-one? Alliance Counseling Group is the place for you! We have a team of friendly and highly skilled therapists who can meet your mental, emotional, relational, and behavioral health needs. We also have a mental health prescriber who can talk with you to understand if the addition of medication is the right fit for you. Our team of therapists and prescribers will work closely in collaboration to best manage your treatment, giving you the support you need to have the best chance of achieving your mental health goals.
Dennis Langland
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA LPC
Verified Verified
Byron Center, MI 49315
Not accepting new clients
I use a person-centered and compassionate approach in offering the following trauma focused techniques and treatment modalities/focus: EMDR, Brainspotting, CBT, Internal Family Systems (Parts Work), Attachment Theory, Existential, Sand Tray, Family/Play Therapy, and Christian counseling.
I possess 20 years as a licensed professional counselor working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults and older adults. I offer individual, couples and family counseling. Areas of clinical experience cover Trauma/PTSD, mood disorders (Depression/Bipolar), ADHD, anxiety disorders, grief and loss issues, substance abuse and addiction, healing from physical, mental, emotional, sexual abuse and infidelity, chronic illness, stress/anger management, men's and women's issues, faith/spiritual and existential issues, relational/marital issues, issues around divorce, adoption, school, behavioral issues, and blended family issues.
I use a person-centered and compassionate approach in offering the following trauma focused techniques and treatment modalities/focus: EMDR, Brainspotting, CBT, Internal Family Systems (Parts Work), Attachment Theory, Existential, Sand Tray, Family/Play Therapy, and Christian counseling.
I possess 20 years as a licensed professional counselor working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults and older adults. I offer individual, couples and family counseling. Areas of clinical experience cover Trauma/PTSD, mood disorders (Depression/Bipolar), ADHD, anxiety disorders, grief and loss issues, substance abuse and addiction, healing from physical, mental, emotional, sexual abuse and infidelity, chronic illness, stress/anger management, men's and women's issues, faith/spiritual and existential issues, relational/marital issues, issues around divorce, adoption, school, behavioral issues, and blended family issues.
Kristi Pike-Beld Counseling and Consulting, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Byron Center, MI 49315
Not accepting new clients
My background includes providing trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, parenting techniques, and play therapy.
Currently, all late afternoon appointment slots are full. However, I do have daytime slots available. Thank you for stopping by my page! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in helping others reach their full potential and navigate life’s journey. I provide a safe and judgement-free environment where my clients can express themselves, grow, and overcome life’s challenges. My passion is helping others to achieve balance and harmony in their life and embrace their authentic self.
My background includes providing trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, parenting techniques, and play therapy.
Currently, all late afternoon appointment slots are full. However, I do have daytime slots available. Thank you for stopping by my page! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in helping others reach their full potential and navigate life’s journey. I provide a safe and judgement-free environment where my clients can express themselves, grow, and overcome life’s challenges. My passion is helping others to achieve balance and harmony in their life and embrace their authentic self.
Tara Blury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CAADC, TF-CBT
Verified Verified
Byron Center, MI 49315
Not accepting new clients
My goal is to work together, finding ways to help you improve your life & relationships, feel less anxious/depressed/provide clarity. Sharing your insecurities, fears, hurts, and struggles can be an intimidating experience. I strive to help each of my clients feel comfortable with the therapy process. I have extensive training to help individuals who have experienced many forms of trauma, abuse, grief and loss. I also have many clients who just feel "lost", "anxious", or "depressed" and they benefit greatly from counseling.I am trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, Sensorimotor Processing, CBT, and other therapeutic interventions.
My goal is to work together, finding ways to help you improve your life & relationships, feel less anxious/depressed/provide clarity. Sharing your insecurities, fears, hurts, and struggles can be an intimidating experience. I strive to help each of my clients feel comfortable with the therapy process. I have extensive training to help individuals who have experienced many forms of trauma, abuse, grief and loss. I also have many clients who just feel "lost", "anxious", or "depressed" and they benefit greatly from counseling.I am trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, Sensorimotor Processing, CBT, and other therapeutic interventions.
More Therapists Nearby
I am passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate transitions and struggles in their daily lives. I utilize aspects of play therapy, as well as creative and active interventions, and believe that a trusting relationship between the client and therapist is at the center of effective therapy. I am passionate about partnering with children and their families, ensuring that feel respected and supported. In my practice, I work with clients from a variety of different backgrounds and adjust my therapeutic approach to fit each person’s particular needs and developmental level.
I am passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate transitions and struggles in their daily lives. I utilize aspects of play therapy, as well as creative and active interventions, and believe that a trusting relationship between the client and therapist is at the center of effective therapy. I am passionate about partnering with children and their families, ensuring that feel respected and supported. In my practice, I work with clients from a variety of different backgrounds and adjust my therapeutic approach to fit each person’s particular needs and developmental level.
Offering services in; anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, family/marital therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, play therapy, person-centered therapy.
Rachael has been interested in mental health since she can remember. Growing up, this manifested itself into her being a nosy kiddo :). However, as she aged she turned that "nosiness" into a passion, an education, and a career. Rachael is excited about the relief and clarity offered in working through a therapeutic process. Being a Christian, Rachael is also sure that God cares deeply about the wholeness of His people.
Offering services in; anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, family/marital therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, play therapy, person-centered therapy.
Rachael has been interested in mental health since she can remember. Growing up, this manifested itself into her being a nosy kiddo :). However, as she aged she turned that "nosiness" into a passion, an education, and a career. Rachael is excited about the relief and clarity offered in working through a therapeutic process. Being a Christian, Rachael is also sure that God cares deeply about the wholeness of His people.
I am a fully licensed Clinical Social Worker and I most often go by "Miss Lisa." For over 15 years I have supported children across residential, school and outpatient therapy settings. I have training in a variety of psychotherapy approaches including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and complimentary therapeutic play strategies with an interoception focus.
I am a fully licensed Clinical Social Worker and I most often go by "Miss Lisa." For over 15 years I have supported children across residential, school and outpatient therapy settings. I have training in a variety of psychotherapy approaches including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and complimentary therapeutic play strategies with an interoception focus.
Dr. Merrill E Graham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Kentwood, MI 49508
Waitlist for new clients
As a Registered Play Therapist, I use child-centered play therapy and CBT.
I am an experienced Psychotherapist with over 25 years experience working with children, teens, adults, and families in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, divorce, and other life changes. I offer Polyvagal-informed therapy with the focus of eliminating the symptoms that have impaired healthy functioning.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I use child-centered play therapy and CBT.
I am an experienced Psychotherapist with over 25 years experience working with children, teens, adults, and families in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, divorce, and other life changes. I offer Polyvagal-informed therapy with the focus of eliminating the symptoms that have impaired healthy functioning.
Child Adult Trauma Therapist Amber Jarve
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
I have training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), earned Trauma Across the Lifespan and TF-CBT Specializations, and have training in Trauma Play.
Do my struggles really require counseling? Have you/ your child had experiences that impacted your/ your child's self-confidence, emotional well-being, sleep/appetite, thought patterns, or ability to enjoy relationships and feel safe and secure? Maybe you can't name the cause, but you know you or your child are struggling. Has your life become smaller and smaller as you try to manage anxiety? You can heal from really hard times and reclaim your life. Daring to hope that you could feel better can be the scariest part. I would be honored to accompany, support, and challenge you to process your past so your present is available to you.
I have training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), earned Trauma Across the Lifespan and TF-CBT Specializations, and have training in Trauma Play.
Do my struggles really require counseling? Have you/ your child had experiences that impacted your/ your child's self-confidence, emotional well-being, sleep/appetite, thought patterns, or ability to enjoy relationships and feel safe and secure? Maybe you can't name the cause, but you know you or your child are struggling. Has your life become smaller and smaller as you try to manage anxiety? You can heal from really hard times and reclaim your life. Daring to hope that you could feel better can be the scariest part. I would be honored to accompany, support, and challenge you to process your past so your present is available to you.
Alex Brito Counseling LLC
Counselor, MA, LPC, TLLP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grandville, MI 49418
My particular passions include empowering youth – using techniques such as play therapy – as they navigate their own particular struggles, and working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Do you need someone to walk alongside you as you navigate difficult times and seek personal growth? I am honored to offer a safe place for healing conversations. I have over 10 years of experience working with youth, families and individuals both in Latin America, as well as in the United States.
My particular passions include empowering youth – using techniques such as play therapy – as they navigate their own particular struggles, and working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Do you need someone to walk alongside you as you navigate difficult times and seek personal growth? I am honored to offer a safe place for healing conversations. I have over 10 years of experience working with youth, families and individuals both in Latin America, as well as in the United States.
Hannah E Schneider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Kentwood, MI 49508
Waitlist for new clients
In my practice, I tend to utilize art/play therapy techniques as well as solutions-focused therapy.
Hello! My name is Hannah Schneider and I'm glad that you're here! Over the past 9 years, I have been working with children and adults ages 4-30 years old in schools, homes, community, and office settings. In this work, I have focused on topics including depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, emotional regulation, and communication skills.
In my practice, I tend to utilize art/play therapy techniques as well as solutions-focused therapy.
Hello! My name is Hannah Schneider and I'm glad that you're here! Over the past 9 years, I have been working with children and adults ages 4-30 years old in schools, homes, community, and office settings. In this work, I have focused on topics including depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, emotional regulation, and communication skills.
Christina McPike
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Christina integrates Person-Centered Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction into her work with children and families in a culturally competent manner.
Christina specializes in creating safe spaces for children, adolescents, teens, and families to explore their emotions and experiences in order to facilitate a harmonious family system. With over a decade of experience both locally and internationally in the fields of mental health, trauma recovery, and education, Christina utilizes an eclectic therapeutic approach that is uniquely tailored to meet the family’s needs. Christina believes that the relationship between the client and the therapist is the cornerstone of progress and she values those relationships deeply.
Christina integrates Person-Centered Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction into her work with children and families in a culturally competent manner.
Christina specializes in creating safe spaces for children, adolescents, teens, and families to explore their emotions and experiences in order to facilitate a harmonious family system. With over a decade of experience both locally and internationally in the fields of mental health, trauma recovery, and education, Christina utilizes an eclectic therapeutic approach that is uniquely tailored to meet the family’s needs. Christina believes that the relationship between the client and the therapist is the cornerstone of progress and she values those relationships deeply.
See more therapy options for Byron Center
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Byron Center
- Caledonia
- East Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Hudsonville
- Jenison
- Kentwood
- Middleville
- Walker
- Wayland
- Wyoming
- Zeeland
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.