Play Therapy in Douglas, MI
As a psychoanalyst with 40+ years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, parents, and couples, individuals often to come see me when they have reached the limit of how families, parents, friends, teachers, and colleagues can help. People with whom I have worked have taught me how being understood and responded to regarding interpersonal concerns, conflicts, and crises, can help them move forward in their lives. Just as with chronic physical pain, no one deserves to live with chronic emotional pain. Therapy, as I practice it, is based upon a collaborative effort to alleviate such pain and move forward.
As a psychoanalyst with 40+ years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, parents, and couples, individuals often to come see me when they have reached the limit of how families, parents, friends, teachers, and colleagues can help. People with whom I have worked have taught me how being understood and responded to regarding interpersonal concerns, conflicts, and crises, can help them move forward in their lives. Just as with chronic physical pain, no one deserves to live with chronic emotional pain. Therapy, as I practice it, is based upon a collaborative effort to alleviate such pain and move forward.
Whether you're struggling with a specific issue, or you can't quite put your finger on it, I'm here to help.
Whether you're struggling with a specific issue, or you can't quite put your finger on it, I'm here to help.
Amanda Grace Vollmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW, CAADC, CCS
Verified Verified
Douglas, MI 49406
Hello! Life has a way of coming at us in the most unpredictable, unimaginable ways. As such, it can make the most "put-together-person" crumble. If you are feeling overwhelmed, scared, angry, confused, alone, helpless, worthless, stressed, lost, sad.... you've come to the right place. It happens to most of us and that's what makes us human. We make mistakes, we fall down, we get hurt, life is messy, and it gets to be too much and is seemingly unmanageable for us. With some help, we will go through the process of rebuilding, stand back up and then become stronger than we were before.
Hello! Life has a way of coming at us in the most unpredictable, unimaginable ways. As such, it can make the most "put-together-person" crumble. If you are feeling overwhelmed, scared, angry, confused, alone, helpless, worthless, stressed, lost, sad.... you've come to the right place. It happens to most of us and that's what makes us human. We make mistakes, we fall down, we get hurt, life is messy, and it gets to be too much and is seemingly unmanageable for us. With some help, we will go through the process of rebuilding, stand back up and then become stronger than we were before.
More Therapists Nearby
I have extensive training in play therapy as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Child Counselor, Registered Play Therapist (RPT), Infant Family Specialist, (IMH-E(II)). Counseling helps children & families work on their concerns, relationships, behaviors, and feelings. As a therapist who specializes in working with children, I often use therapeutic play ( Play Therapy). Play is expression, communication, and learning for children. It is by using play therapy that I connect with kiddos, help children learn new skills, and join with them in processing their life experiences. It is my goal to work together with you toward enhancing your child's self-esteem, relationships, emotional health, and inner strength.
I have extensive training in play therapy as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Child Counselor, Registered Play Therapist (RPT), Infant Family Specialist, (IMH-E(II)). Counseling helps children & families work on their concerns, relationships, behaviors, and feelings. As a therapist who specializes in working with children, I often use therapeutic play ( Play Therapy). Play is expression, communication, and learning for children. It is by using play therapy that I connect with kiddos, help children learn new skills, and join with them in processing their life experiences. It is my goal to work together with you toward enhancing your child's self-esteem, relationships, emotional health, and inner strength.
My therapeutic toolkit includes cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, acceptance and commitment (ACT), attachment-based, feminist, humanistic and play therapy, ensuring we explore the methods that best align with your goals.
There are countless ways to build an effective counseling relationship, and my mission is to find the approach that resonates with you. As a person-centered clinician, I view therapy as a collaborative journey where we work together to address your unique needs. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where we can navigate challenges side by side.
My therapeutic toolkit includes cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, acceptance and commitment (ACT), attachment-based, feminist, humanistic and play therapy, ensuring we explore the methods that best align with your goals.
There are countless ways to build an effective counseling relationship, and my mission is to find the approach that resonates with you. As a person-centered clinician, I view therapy as a collaborative journey where we work together to address your unique needs. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where we can navigate challenges side by side.
Let’s face it, when life gets tough, it can be helpful to know you have someone to walk alongside you in your journey; to have a place where you can feel heard, valued, and supported. A place where you can express your honest feelings and develop strategies to improve your overall well being. To know that you are not alone. Whether you are looking for counseling for yourself, or your child, I am confident you will find our time together as an invaluable experience, where you have a deep-felt sense of support and understanding, where you feel confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges.
Let’s face it, when life gets tough, it can be helpful to know you have someone to walk alongside you in your journey; to have a place where you can feel heard, valued, and supported. A place where you can express your honest feelings and develop strategies to improve your overall well being. To know that you are not alone. Whether you are looking for counseling for yourself, or your child, I am confident you will find our time together as an invaluable experience, where you have a deep-felt sense of support and understanding, where you feel confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges.
Center for Family Development
Limited Licensed Psychologist, LLP, LPC
Verified Verified
Macatawa, MI 49434
We love working with clients with a variety of issues. We find it engaging and rewarding to help people find happiness and contentment. Our ideal client is one who is motivated for personal change and healthier relationships with others. We believe happiness is based in developing a kind characters and connecting with others. In order to develop kinder characters and healthier attachments, one must be willing to question their own actions, thoughts and beliefs. This process can be intimidating; yet is made easier with the kind support of a caring therapist.
We love working with clients with a variety of issues. We find it engaging and rewarding to help people find happiness and contentment. Our ideal client is one who is motivated for personal change and healthier relationships with others. We believe happiness is based in developing a kind characters and connecting with others. In order to develop kinder characters and healthier attachments, one must be willing to question their own actions, thoughts and beliefs. This process can be intimidating; yet is made easier with the kind support of a caring therapist.
Headwaters Counseling; Abigail Spoelma, LMSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Holland, MI 49423
Life is full of changes. Sometimes these changes are filled with excited butterflies as you start a new school or career, begin a new relationship or pursue a dream. Other times these changes can be marked by frustration or pain as you go through the loss of a loved one, career or dream. No matter what you experience, having someone to walk alongside you can help bring a sigh of relief and be an added support.
Life is full of changes. Sometimes these changes are filled with excited butterflies as you start a new school or career, begin a new relationship or pursue a dream. Other times these changes can be marked by frustration or pain as you go through the loss of a loved one, career or dream. No matter what you experience, having someone to walk alongside you can help bring a sigh of relief and be an added support.
Natasha Rietveld, LMSW, LCSW, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW, PLLC
Verified Verified
Holland, MI 49423
Waitlist for new clients
As you seek out a counselor, you can understandably feel vulnerable at times. I provide a supportive space for you come as you are. It's a privilege when you trust and allow me to walk alongside you through challenges but also to celebrate your successes. It is rewarding to work with you, to learn together and to help you reach a more full life. For over twenty years I have offered support in relational work with children, teens, adults and families helping them navigate life transitions and offered information on supportive services.
As you seek out a counselor, you can understandably feel vulnerable at times. I provide a supportive space for you come as you are. It's a privilege when you trust and allow me to walk alongside you through challenges but also to celebrate your successes. It is rewarding to work with you, to learn together and to help you reach a more full life. For over twenty years I have offered support in relational work with children, teens, adults and families helping them navigate life transitions and offered information on supportive services.
Susan Hofland Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Macatawa, MI 49434
At Susan Hofland Counseling I am passionate about people. There are times in life when you are struggling, or your kids are struggling and you simply do not know what to do. You may be a young adult experiencing the growing pains of stress and transitions. Sometimes, you need a safe place to talk through your difficulties in order to gain new perspectives and learn new tools along the way. I would love the opportunity to walk with you and/or your kids toward health and healing.
At Susan Hofland Counseling I am passionate about people. There are times in life when you are struggling, or your kids are struggling and you simply do not know what to do. You may be a young adult experiencing the growing pains of stress and transitions. Sometimes, you need a safe place to talk through your difficulties in order to gain new perspectives and learn new tools along the way. I would love the opportunity to walk with you and/or your kids toward health and healing.
Online Therapists
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.
Feeling stressed and anxious due to worldly events? Need some help navigating life? I offer both in person and teletherapy sessions. I have over 10 years of experience working with families, adolescents, adults, and children. Helping people reach their full potential is my passion. I am easy going, down to earth and use a person-centered approach to counseling. I am trained in DBT, CBT and play therapy. My area of expertise is working with those who struggle with addictions, spirituality, trauma, depression and anxiety.
Feeling stressed and anxious due to worldly events? Need some help navigating life? I offer both in person and teletherapy sessions. I have over 10 years of experience working with families, adolescents, adults, and children. Helping people reach their full potential is my passion. I am easy going, down to earth and use a person-centered approach to counseling. I am trained in DBT, CBT and play therapy. My area of expertise is working with those who struggle with addictions, spirituality, trauma, depression and anxiety.
Jesilee Bonofiglio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Due to my training in Play Therapy, I see children as young as 2.
Have a cup of tea or coffee. Sit back, and maybe even wrap in a blanket. Take this time to go wherever you need to go emotionally, knowing this is a judgment free room. As your therapist, I will not be able to solve your problems for you. Actually, I would not want to even if I could. I do not presume that I have answers to your problems, or that my way is the best or only way. I fully believe that you have the answers you need within you, we just need to uncover them. I will walk with you for as long as you want and need.
Due to my training in Play Therapy, I see children as young as 2.
Have a cup of tea or coffee. Sit back, and maybe even wrap in a blanket. Take this time to go wherever you need to go emotionally, knowing this is a judgment free room. As your therapist, I will not be able to solve your problems for you. Actually, I would not want to even if I could. I do not presume that I have answers to your problems, or that my way is the best or only way. I fully believe that you have the answers you need within you, we just need to uncover them. I will walk with you for as long as you want and need.
Christina McPike
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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.
Kari Nicole Allen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Holland, MI 49423
I have also found play therapy to be very effective in helping children to become more comfortable to talk as they are doing things that bring them joy.
Have you ever wished for a way to feel better and learn to manage your emotions or a way to a better future? I work with children and adolescents, and those who care for them. I have experience in the areas of stress reduction/coping, post-partum depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. With children, I treat trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, grief, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I have also worked with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) with children who have autism and are nonverbal.
I have also found play therapy to be very effective in helping children to become more comfortable to talk as they are doing things that bring them joy.
Have you ever wished for a way to feel better and learn to manage your emotions or a way to a better future? I work with children and adolescents, and those who care for them. I have experience in the areas of stress reduction/coping, post-partum depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. With children, I treat trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, grief, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I have also worked with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) with children who have autism and are nonverbal.
I have been basic trained in EMDR therapy, TF-CBT, play therapy and utilize components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Dialectic Behavioral Therapy in my practice.
Taking this first step in finding a therapist can be difficult and overwhelming, I see you and am glad you are here and taking those first steps. My therapeutic approach is client-centered and empowerment focused. My goal is to provide a safe environment where you can navigate what feels most right to you. I want to provide a validating, empathetic, and comfortable space for you or your child to find healing and growth. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree of Psychology from Grand Valley State University and my Master’s of Social Work from Western Michigan University
I have been basic trained in EMDR therapy, TF-CBT, play therapy and utilize components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Dialectic Behavioral Therapy in my practice.
Taking this first step in finding a therapist can be difficult and overwhelming, I see you and am glad you are here and taking those first steps. My therapeutic approach is client-centered and empowerment focused. My goal is to provide a safe environment where you can navigate what feels most right to you. I want to provide a validating, empathetic, and comfortable space for you or your child to find healing and growth. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree of Psychology from Grand Valley State University and my Master’s of Social Work from Western Michigan University
I also incorporate art and play into sessions.
Do you experience pent-up trauma, constant worry, or sadness? Do you struggle to understand your kids big emotions or help them manage daily life? My passion is to work with you to restore your emotional well-being by reducing your anxiety, depression, & trauma responses as well increase relationship satisfaction. Call today for your free consultation.
I also incorporate art and play into sessions.
Do you experience pent-up trauma, constant worry, or sadness? Do you struggle to understand your kids big emotions or help them manage daily life? My passion is to work with you to restore your emotional well-being by reducing your anxiety, depression, & trauma responses as well increase relationship satisfaction. Call today for your free consultation.
Hannah E Schneider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
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.
I trained under two Registered Play Therapist- Supervisors, being trained in multiple areas Equine Assisted Play Therapy utilizing the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association model (EAGALA), Client Centered, Cognitive behavioral, Adlerian, and Solution focused techniques.
I am passionate about working with children and adolescents, who have experienced anxiety, depression, self-esteem, school issues, and education and learning disabilities. My goal is to create a safe environment for children to promote the processing of emotions, life challenges, and changes. I will work alongside caregivers to help instill hope, growth, and healing using an evidence-based approach. I work best with individuals who process emotions through play as well as parents working to help their children through what they are experiencing.
I trained under two Registered Play Therapist- Supervisors, being trained in multiple areas Equine Assisted Play Therapy utilizing the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association model (EAGALA), Client Centered, Cognitive behavioral, Adlerian, and Solution focused techniques.
I am passionate about working with children and adolescents, who have experienced anxiety, depression, self-esteem, school issues, and education and learning disabilities. My goal is to create a safe environment for children to promote the processing of emotions, life challenges, and changes. I will work alongside caregivers to help instill hope, growth, and healing using an evidence-based approach. I work best with individuals who process emotions through play as well as parents working to help their children through what they are experiencing.
Intentionally, I cater counseling specifically to each individual and group; implementing Play Therapy, Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I am committed to supporting individuals as they navigate difficulties with mood, anxiety, stress, trauma, self-esteem, relationship/peer conflict, anger, behavioral issues, life transitions/life skills, gender/sexual/racial identity, self-harm and suicidal ideation. I am motivated to work alongside clients as they grapple with the intersections of their racial, gender, sexual, and spiritual identities. I am invested in clients who are willing to be uncomfortable as side effect of their lifetime journey of healing and personal growth.
Intentionally, I cater counseling specifically to each individual and group; implementing Play Therapy, Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I am committed to supporting individuals as they navigate difficulties with mood, anxiety, stress, trauma, self-esteem, relationship/peer conflict, anger, behavioral issues, life transitions/life skills, gender/sexual/racial identity, self-harm and suicidal ideation. I am motivated to work alongside clients as they grapple with the intersections of their racial, gender, sexual, and spiritual identities. I am invested in clients who are willing to be uncomfortable as side effect of their lifetime journey of healing and personal growth.
See more therapy options for Douglas
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Douglas
- Allegan
- Allendale
- Byron Center
- Grand Haven
- Grandville
- Holland
- Hudsonville
- Jenison
- Spring Lake
- 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.