Play Therapy in Ferndale, MI
I also draw on my training in Expressive Arts Therapy; in our work together we can integrate drama, dance/movement, music, visual art, writing, improvisation, and play.
I work both individually and in groups with men/boys seeking support exploring how masculine socialization relates to their problems, and cultivating healthier masculinity to heal themselves, their interpersonal relationships, and patriarchal systems of gender-based oppression in their communities. I also work with a variety of clients of different backgrounds and experiences looking for a therapist with an anti-oppressive lens, who will regard the client as the expert on their life and experiences, and see their struggles in the integrated context of the personal, cultural, and universal levels of their human experience.
I also draw on my training in Expressive Arts Therapy; in our work together we can integrate drama, dance/movement, music, visual art, writing, improvisation, and play.
I work both individually and in groups with men/boys seeking support exploring how masculine socialization relates to their problems, and cultivating healthier masculinity to heal themselves, their interpersonal relationships, and patriarchal systems of gender-based oppression in their communities. I also work with a variety of clients of different backgrounds and experiences looking for a therapist with an anti-oppressive lens, who will regard the client as the expert on their life and experiences, and see their struggles in the integrated context of the personal, cultural, and universal levels of their human experience.
Center for Therapeutic Arts
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Ferndale, MI 48220
I have additional training in Play Therapy, Sandtray and trauma.
I have always been amazed at the inherent healing qualities of art. By providing my clients with a safe holding environment, I pave the way to explore their concerns in therapy. Art has a way of quickly bringing issues from the unconscious into the conscious realm where they can be processed verbally or just witnessed. Art is wonderful for increasing tolerance of frustration, delay of gratification and learning to verbalize emotional states. I use all of the Expressive Arts to create individually tailored experientials to promote increased understanding and growth with my clients.
I have additional training in Play Therapy, Sandtray and trauma.
I have always been amazed at the inherent healing qualities of art. By providing my clients with a safe holding environment, I pave the way to explore their concerns in therapy. Art has a way of quickly bringing issues from the unconscious into the conscious realm where they can be processed verbally or just witnessed. Art is wonderful for increasing tolerance of frustration, delay of gratification and learning to verbalize emotional states. I use all of the Expressive Arts to create individually tailored experientials to promote increased understanding and growth with my clients.
I partner with families in their parenting journey through parent coaching, developmental guidance, play therapy, and family therapy.
Early Childhood is an amazing, complex time. Whether planning to grow your family, are currently pregnant, or planning an adoption, you may experience a mixture of joy, confusion, sadness, and worry. As an attachment therapist, I specialize in supporting caregivers through pregnancy and caring for newborns, infants, toddlers, or preschoolers. Whether you are looking for support for the challenges of pregnancy and parenting, or your child is struggling emotionally, has developmental/behavioral concerns, or has experienced stressors such divorce, trauma, I am here to support your family to grow and thrive.
I partner with families in their parenting journey through parent coaching, developmental guidance, play therapy, and family therapy.
Early Childhood is an amazing, complex time. Whether planning to grow your family, are currently pregnant, or planning an adoption, you may experience a mixture of joy, confusion, sadness, and worry. As an attachment therapist, I specialize in supporting caregivers through pregnancy and caring for newborns, infants, toddlers, or preschoolers. Whether you are looking for support for the challenges of pregnancy and parenting, or your child is struggling emotionally, has developmental/behavioral concerns, or has experienced stressors such divorce, trauma, I am here to support your family to grow and thrive.
My approach is informed by a variety of modalities including, Psychodynamic, Attachment Theory, the Enneagram, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
I believe it is our nature to heal and as individuals facing adversity, we often need support from others. My goal in therapy is to partner with clients to foster a relationship based on trust and mutual respect that acts as a container for healing, resilience, and growth. It is my passion to empower others to better understand themselves and the world around them so they can show up more fully in their lives. We’ll do this together by exploring challenges and strengths, uncovering blind spots, and developing new strategies for leading a happier and healthier life.
My approach is informed by a variety of modalities including, Psychodynamic, Attachment Theory, the Enneagram, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
I believe it is our nature to heal and as individuals facing adversity, we often need support from others. My goal in therapy is to partner with clients to foster a relationship based on trust and mutual respect that acts as a container for healing, resilience, and growth. It is my passion to empower others to better understand themselves and the world around them so they can show up more fully in their lives. We’ll do this together by exploring challenges and strengths, uncovering blind spots, and developing new strategies for leading a happier and healthier life.
Kirsti J Reeve
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CAADC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ferndale, MI 48220
Waitlist for new clients
Everyone has times in their lives when stress seems overwhelming, when ways that we use to cope just aren't working anymore, or are even making the situation worse. Even more so coming out of a pandemic. You might be sad, anxious, hurting yourself or isolating and want to change. Counseling can help you to move forward at times when you feel stuck, can help you to develop new coping skills and tools to manage life's challenges, and rediscover the strength inside you. I provide an accepting, non-judgmental, confidential environment, and a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings with a caring, compassionate listener.
Everyone has times in their lives when stress seems overwhelming, when ways that we use to cope just aren't working anymore, or are even making the situation worse. Even more so coming out of a pandemic. You might be sad, anxious, hurting yourself or isolating and want to change. Counseling can help you to move forward at times when you feel stuck, can help you to develop new coping skills and tools to manage life's challenges, and rediscover the strength inside you. I provide an accepting, non-judgmental, confidential environment, and a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings with a caring, compassionate listener.
Liz is a Mom looking to help others Moms with the challenges of motherhood. This can include pregnancy, postpartum, and struggles with the early years of parenting. The adjustment to motherhood can feel overwhelming and challenging. Mothers often focus on their children before themselves. As a new parent all the self care strategies we perfected in the past can fall by the wayside. Liz can help you find a self care strategy that works for you. Liz utilizes cognitive therapy to challenge negative thinking patterns. We need to learn as mothers that we are enough, and Liz can help!
Liz is a Mom looking to help others Moms with the challenges of motherhood. This can include pregnancy, postpartum, and struggles with the early years of parenting. The adjustment to motherhood can feel overwhelming and challenging. Mothers often focus on their children before themselves. As a new parent all the self care strategies we perfected in the past can fall by the wayside. Liz can help you find a self care strategy that works for you. Liz utilizes cognitive therapy to challenge negative thinking patterns. We need to learn as mothers that we are enough, and Liz can help!
Life is full of transitions. Some are exciting. Some are scary. Some are both and more all rolled into one. It's important to have the best support you can for each set of transitions. I am here to support you while contemplating growing your family, during your pregnancy and the years to follow as you embark on your parenting journey. We all come to the table with our own history of experiences and being parented. This is the time many of us reflect on what we have experienced and the type of parent we want to be.
Life is full of transitions. Some are exciting. Some are scary. Some are both and more all rolled into one. It's important to have the best support you can for each set of transitions. I am here to support you while contemplating growing your family, during your pregnancy and the years to follow as you embark on your parenting journey. We all come to the table with our own history of experiences and being parented. This is the time many of us reflect on what we have experienced and the type of parent we want to be.
Kids are often just as clueless as we are, when trying to figure out why they are acting out. Everyone experiences an asverse reaction to life that at times may feel impossible to navigate. These reactions are intensified and more difficult if you are a child without the tools you need to express yourself. Trauma often contributes and deepens the pain we are feeling, and close us off from healthy expression, growth and healing. Many of us struggle with impulse control issues, self-defeating patterns, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. I have extensive work experience with children, adolescents, and individuals with trauma.
Kids are often just as clueless as we are, when trying to figure out why they are acting out. Everyone experiences an asverse reaction to life that at times may feel impossible to navigate. These reactions are intensified and more difficult if you are a child without the tools you need to express yourself. Trauma often contributes and deepens the pain we are feeling, and close us off from healthy expression, growth and healing. Many of us struggle with impulse control issues, self-defeating patterns, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. I have extensive work experience with children, adolescents, and individuals with trauma.
Are you feeling stuck? Feeling lost? Were you abandoned or abused? As a Counselor, I understand the impact that trauma has on individuals. My passion and purpose are to assist you in living a productive life despite your past. My goal is to create a safe space where empathy, compassion, and healing can lead to growth. I will provide different skills and techniques for a recovery towards self-actualization. There is hope on the other side of whatever you are going through. Let us take this journey together. If you or someone you know is frustrated with living in the same downward spiral, do not give up hope; give my office a call.
Are you feeling stuck? Feeling lost? Were you abandoned or abused? As a Counselor, I understand the impact that trauma has on individuals. My passion and purpose are to assist you in living a productive life despite your past. My goal is to create a safe space where empathy, compassion, and healing can lead to growth. I will provide different skills and techniques for a recovery towards self-actualization. There is hope on the other side of whatever you are going through. Let us take this journey together. If you or someone you know is frustrated with living in the same downward spiral, do not give up hope; give my office a call.
Elizabeth Kjar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ferndale, MI 48220
My area of expertise is assisting, empowering, and supporting children, adolescents, and women. I am committed to working as a partner with individuals and families to address life’s difficulties, offer new skills and perspectives, and empower healthy relationships and personal growth. I have over twenty years of experience in the social services field, specifically working with diverse populations in child welfare, school-based mental health, and victimization/trauma. I particularly enjoy working with children and adolescents, ages 5 through 21, as they develop coping strategies to maintain emotional and mental health.
My area of expertise is assisting, empowering, and supporting children, adolescents, and women. I am committed to working as a partner with individuals and families to address life’s difficulties, offer new skills and perspectives, and empower healthy relationships and personal growth. I have over twenty years of experience in the social services field, specifically working with diverse populations in child welfare, school-based mental health, and victimization/trauma. I particularly enjoy working with children and adolescents, ages 5 through 21, as they develop coping strategies to maintain emotional and mental health.
Bridie Mae Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW , MFT, LCSW, LAC, ICADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ferndale, MI 48220
Hello I am the Indigenous therapist for you. I am a licensed clinical/macro social worker with 20 years experience in the field of adult youth and family services. I specialize in generalized anxiety, major depression, PTSD, trauma, sexualtiy and/or gender exploration. Regardless of your cultural needs and expectations I will offer you the support and safe space needed for seeking treatment. For clinicians in the field working on full clinical lisencure. I also am a Supervisor for LMSW licensure both Group and Individial hours needed and offer a study group for the exam exclusively twice a month on Sundays.
Hello I am the Indigenous therapist for you. I am a licensed clinical/macro social worker with 20 years experience in the field of adult youth and family services. I specialize in generalized anxiety, major depression, PTSD, trauma, sexualtiy and/or gender exploration. Regardless of your cultural needs and expectations I will offer you the support and safe space needed for seeking treatment. For clinicians in the field working on full clinical lisencure. I also am a Supervisor for LMSW licensure both Group and Individial hours needed and offer a study group for the exam exclusively twice a month on Sundays.
15 Second Videos
Kirsti J Reeve
Elizabeth Kjar
Jeremy Fulwiler
At Michigan Modern Psychology (MMP) we offer therapy and evaluations for individuals of all ages in a private and comfortable setting. With multiple therapists on staff to meet your clinical needs, we provide comprehensive and well-rounded treatment for children, individuals, couples and families. We are committed to providing the latest in clinical innovations from the behavioral sciences within a psychodynamic context. The practice first opened in 1996 and continues to grow.
At Michigan Modern Psychology (MMP) we offer therapy and evaluations for individuals of all ages in a private and comfortable setting. With multiple therapists on staff to meet your clinical needs, we provide comprehensive and well-rounded treatment for children, individuals, couples and families. We are committed to providing the latest in clinical innovations from the behavioral sciences within a psychodynamic context. The practice first opened in 1996 and continues to grow.
Jeremy Fulwiler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACCEP, CTS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ferndale, MI 48220
I am here to support your most loving, vivid, relational and authentic self; and to help bring care to the ways and places your wholeness is or becomes blocked. I also specialize in supporting couples to drop beneath old narratives and into real feelings, where connection and meaningful change can occur. People reach out to me to support a variety of needs and longings, which I deeply appreciate. I notice that the clients who find our time particularly valuable are those who are seeking deeper connections with themselves, others and the world. Our work together steps beyond diagnosis, into vast possibility.
I am here to support your most loving, vivid, relational and authentic self; and to help bring care to the ways and places your wholeness is or becomes blocked. I also specialize in supporting couples to drop beneath old narratives and into real feelings, where connection and meaningful change can occur. People reach out to me to support a variety of needs and longings, which I deeply appreciate. I notice that the clients who find our time particularly valuable are those who are seeking deeper connections with themselves, others and the world. Our work together steps beyond diagnosis, into vast possibility.
Sarah M Bricker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ferndale, MI 48220 (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS (09/19/23) TELETHERAPY ONLY AT THIS TIME Life can be challenging, and unexpected changes are a part of the journey. It's okay not to be okay. You don't have to face these challenges alone. I believe in the power of human connection and the strength it takes to seek help and embark on a journey of personal growth. I work with individuals of all ages and identities who are dealing with anxiety, relationship challenges, family conflicts, and life changes.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS (09/19/23) TELETHERAPY ONLY AT THIS TIME Life can be challenging, and unexpected changes are a part of the journey. It's okay not to be okay. You don't have to face these challenges alone. I believe in the power of human connection and the strength it takes to seek help and embark on a journey of personal growth. I work with individuals of all ages and identities who are dealing with anxiety, relationship challenges, family conflicts, and life changes.
Sometimes you may become overwhelmed due to changes in routine or major events such as a new school, grades, finances, becoming a new parent, losing a loved one, divorce, or conflict in relationships. These life events may lead to anxiety, low self esteem, lack of motivation, and loss of direction. These struggles appear in different ways for each person and lasts for varying amounts of time. However, we can not always recover on our own due to depression, anxiety, past trauma, or other underlying influence. I am a therapist (LPC), here to help you on your journey to healing and becoming your best self.
Sometimes you may become overwhelmed due to changes in routine or major events such as a new school, grades, finances, becoming a new parent, losing a loved one, divorce, or conflict in relationships. These life events may lead to anxiety, low self esteem, lack of motivation, and loss of direction. These struggles appear in different ways for each person and lasts for varying amounts of time. However, we can not always recover on our own due to depression, anxiety, past trauma, or other underlying influence. I am a therapist (LPC), here to help you on your journey to healing and becoming your best self.
At Michigan Modern Psychology, we offer therapy and evaluations for individuals of all ages in a private and comfortable setting. With multiple therapists on staff to meet your clinical needs at several locations (Dearborn, Plymouth, Livonia, Ferndale, and Brownstown), we provide comprehensive and well-rounded treatment for children, individuals, couples and families. We are committed to providing the latest in clinical innovations from the behavioral sciences within a psychodynamic context.
At Michigan Modern Psychology, we offer therapy and evaluations for individuals of all ages in a private and comfortable setting. With multiple therapists on staff to meet your clinical needs at several locations (Dearborn, Plymouth, Livonia, Ferndale, and Brownstown), we provide comprehensive and well-rounded treatment for children, individuals, couples and families. We are committed to providing the latest in clinical innovations from the behavioral sciences within a psychodynamic context.
Are you feeling frustrated? Stuck? Overwhelmed in your life? Wanting change, but not sure how to go about it? I get it, I’ve been there, and it genuinely...sucks. It doesn’t have to be this way. Those feelings are telling you something, regardless of how unpleasant they may be. I am here to create a nonjudgmental space in order for you to work through those unpleasant feelings, discover their roots, and facilitate the change that you've been looking for in order to alleviate those feelings and work towards the healthier life you have envisioned for yourself. If the status quo is no longer working for you, let's figure out what will.
Are you feeling frustrated? Stuck? Overwhelmed in your life? Wanting change, but not sure how to go about it? I get it, I’ve been there, and it genuinely...sucks. It doesn’t have to be this way. Those feelings are telling you something, regardless of how unpleasant they may be. I am here to create a nonjudgmental space in order for you to work through those unpleasant feelings, discover their roots, and facilitate the change that you've been looking for in order to alleviate those feelings and work towards the healthier life you have envisioned for yourself. If the status quo is no longer working for you, let's figure out what will.
Dana M Decapite
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ferndale, MI 48220
I am state-licensed therapist serving Pleasant Ridge and the Metro Detroit area. I offer psychotherapy and counseling services, helping people overcome life's challenges. My specialties include the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, relationship problems, grief/bereavement, ADHD, OCD and mood disorders. I build a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs, and then take you through the process at your own pace. Opening up your soul to a stranger requires a great deal of trust. I provide a comfortable and private setting for you to share your feelings.
I am state-licensed therapist serving Pleasant Ridge and the Metro Detroit area. I offer psychotherapy and counseling services, helping people overcome life's challenges. My specialties include the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, relationship problems, grief/bereavement, ADHD, OCD and mood disorders. I build a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs, and then take you through the process at your own pace. Opening up your soul to a stranger requires a great deal of trust. I provide a comfortable and private setting for you to share your feelings.
If you could wake up tomorrow morning to a life that is exactly how you've always dreamt and visualized, what would that day look like? What is important to you - what are your most cherished values? Upon what do your curiosities hinge and linger? What awakens your inner child? Lends meaning to your being? My desire is to embark on the creative process of therapy with you, and serve as a guide as you explore the roads less traveled toward your most authentic patterns of being. We can take steps on this path via authentic 'I-Thou' encountering within a therapeutic relationship and a clean, well-lighted space.
If you could wake up tomorrow morning to a life that is exactly how you've always dreamt and visualized, what would that day look like? What is important to you - what are your most cherished values? Upon what do your curiosities hinge and linger? What awakens your inner child? Lends meaning to your being? My desire is to embark on the creative process of therapy with you, and serve as a guide as you explore the roads less traveled toward your most authentic patterns of being. We can take steps on this path via authentic 'I-Thou' encountering within a therapeutic relationship and a clean, well-lighted space.
In addressing the concerns of my clients, I wish to meet them where they are and then walk with them through the journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment. Critical to this fluid equation is the cultivation of the therapeutic alliance and a sincere focus on deep, empathic listening. I apply the basic elements of mindfulness, whole person perspective, and cognitive behavioral therapy in a series of counseling sessions that aim to guide the client toward their desired goals of healing, balance, and improved inner health. The pressures of modern life can lower a shadow of despair over anyone's sense of well-being.
In addressing the concerns of my clients, I wish to meet them where they are and then walk with them through the journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment. Critical to this fluid equation is the cultivation of the therapeutic alliance and a sincere focus on deep, empathic listening. I apply the basic elements of mindfulness, whole person perspective, and cognitive behavioral therapy in a series of counseling sessions that aim to guide the client toward their desired goals of healing, balance, and improved inner health. The pressures of modern life can lower a shadow of despair over anyone's sense of well-being.
See more therapy options for Ferndale
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Ferndale
- Berkley
- Beverly Hills
- Bingham Farms
- Birmingham
- Clawson
- Detroit
- Huntington Woods
- Madison Heights
- Oak Park
- Royal Oak
- Southfield
- Warren
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.