Play Therapy in Jenison, MI
My therapeutic approach is person-centered. I take the time to get to know my clients and their families, and work with them to create a unique plan that best-fits the needs of the youth and their family. Every person and every family are different, and I always strive to honor the unique set of values and strengths each person brings through my door and integrate those strengths into our work together. I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions including cognitive interventions, sensory-motor interventions, mindfulness, and play therapy in order to meet the unique needs of each individual youth and family.
My therapeutic approach is person-centered. I take the time to get to know my clients and their families, and work with them to create a unique plan that best-fits the needs of the youth and their family. Every person and every family are different, and I always strive to honor the unique set of values and strengths each person brings through my door and integrate those strengths into our work together. I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions including cognitive interventions, sensory-motor interventions, mindfulness, and play therapy in order to meet the unique needs of each individual youth and family.
Michelle Van Elst
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jenison, MI 49428
I primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness strategies, as well as elements of art and play therapies to build skills to help you cope with the challenges of life.
I offer virtual therapy and in person in Allegan, Jenison, and Holland, MI. I am passionate about working alongside children, adolescents, and young adults struggling through depression, anxiety, difficult life stressors, and low self esteem. My passion as a therapist comes from a desire to help each client feel empowered to share their unique story and voice with the world. I create a safe space to navigate challenges, build coping skills, and ultimately, take control of your life and your story.
I primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness strategies, as well as elements of art and play therapies to build skills to help you cope with the challenges of life.
I offer virtual therapy and in person in Allegan, Jenison, and Holland, MI. I am passionate about working alongside children, adolescents, and young adults struggling through depression, anxiety, difficult life stressors, and low self esteem. My passion as a therapist comes from a desire to help each client feel empowered to share their unique story and voice with the world. I create a safe space to navigate challenges, build coping skills, and ultimately, take control of your life and your story.
My ideal client would be a child or teen, but can do adults if needed! Their issues could span a variety of areas. Coping with trauma, self-esteem issues, eating disorders and behavioral disorders are just a few areas of issues I can address. Their needs and goals may vary but adjusting to life situations, learning coping strategies and recognizing themselves as worthwhile people would be my goals.
My ideal client would be a child or teen, but can do adults if needed! Their issues could span a variety of areas. Coping with trauma, self-esteem issues, eating disorders and behavioral disorders are just a few areas of issues I can address. Their needs and goals may vary but adjusting to life situations, learning coping strategies and recognizing themselves as worthwhile people would be my goals.
I offer a full range of services to individuals, couples, and families. My services include psychotherapy and assessment for issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, parenting issues, personal growth and development, grief and loss. My ideal client would be someone who wants to live life to the fullest and is committed to developing the skills he or shee needs to reach that goal!
I offer a full range of services to individuals, couples, and families. My services include psychotherapy and assessment for issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, parenting issues, personal growth and development, grief and loss. My ideal client would be someone who wants to live life to the fullest and is committed to developing the skills he or shee needs to reach that goal!
Being a kid in this day in age is hard and being the parent and raising kids right now can be so difficult at times. With the stressors of academics, social media peer pressure, creating and maintaining healthy relationships are often things that cause your child to lash out or isolate and creates frustration as the parent and often begs the question, “why don’t they just come and talk to me?” I am here to help! I want your child to be successful with utilizing healthy coping skills and clearly communicate how they are feeling to avoid isolation and/or anger outbursts in the home and school.
Being a kid in this day in age is hard and being the parent and raising kids right now can be so difficult at times. With the stressors of academics, social media peer pressure, creating and maintaining healthy relationships are often things that cause your child to lash out or isolate and creates frustration as the parent and often begs the question, “why don’t they just come and talk to me?” I am here to help! I want your child to be successful with utilizing healthy coping skills and clearly communicate how they are feeling to avoid isolation and/or anger outbursts in the home and school.
I provide counseling for children, teenagers, young adults, and new mothers. I have years of experience working directly with children - including working with children in the foster care system, caring for children in the public school system, and therapeutically supporting children. My goal is to work with individuals who need guidance in the struggles of life. I am open to all walks of life and strive to create a supportive mentorship role with all clients.
I provide counseling for children, teenagers, young adults, and new mothers. I have years of experience working directly with children - including working with children in the foster care system, caring for children in the public school system, and therapeutically supporting children. My goal is to work with individuals who need guidance in the struggles of life. I am open to all walks of life and strive to create a supportive mentorship role with all clients.
I feel privileged when I am invited into your life to share in your pain and suffering in order to try to help you understand, heal and grow from the emotional wounds and trauma you have experienced. I believe our relationship is one between two equal individuals who will work hard to help heal and understand your wounds. We will be travelers on the journey of healing together and both be changed by our time together. A good therapy experience offers opportunities to learn important things about yourself, to acquire helpful life skills, and to integrate both the past and present to achieve a much better quality of life.
I feel privileged when I am invited into your life to share in your pain and suffering in order to try to help you understand, heal and grow from the emotional wounds and trauma you have experienced. I believe our relationship is one between two equal individuals who will work hard to help heal and understand your wounds. We will be travelers on the journey of healing together and both be changed by our time together. A good therapy experience offers opportunities to learn important things about yourself, to acquire helpful life skills, and to integrate both the past and present to achieve a much better quality of life.
Nick William Bremer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jenison, MI 49428
I have experience working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as helping people manage trauma, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. I have worked with children, youth, teens, and young adults, helping them identify unhelpful thinking and behaviors. I utilize CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused therapy modalities in my practice.
I have experience working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as helping people manage trauma, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. I have worked with children, youth, teens, and young adults, helping them identify unhelpful thinking and behaviors. I utilize CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused therapy modalities in my practice.
The Therapy Collective of Michigan
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Jenison, MI 49428
Here at TCM, we prioritize the mind + body connection, as mental health IS physical health. We are a statewide mental health practice that serves clients all over Michigan. With locations in both Wayne and Ottawa counties, you can visit us in person in Wyandotte and Jenison. Our clinicians also provide virtual therapy services, so no matter where in the Mitten State you're located, we can help!
Here at TCM, we prioritize the mind + body connection, as mental health IS physical health. We are a statewide mental health practice that serves clients all over Michigan. With locations in both Wayne and Ottawa counties, you can visit us in person in Wyandotte and Jenison. Our clinicians also provide virtual therapy services, so no matter where in the Mitten State you're located, we can help!
Ever have one of those days/weeks? Are some days more of a struggle than others? Whether you have a child struggling, or teen struggling or you as an adult are struggling, the struggle is real! Are you sad, anxious, and just plain weary? If you are feeling like you just need to process overall life - Please know you are not alone and I would love to talk with you.
Ever have one of those days/weeks? Are some days more of a struggle than others? Whether you have a child struggling, or teen struggling or you as an adult are struggling, the struggle is real! Are you sad, anxious, and just plain weary? If you are feeling like you just need to process overall life - Please know you are not alone and I would love to talk with you.
I hope you will find working with me to be rewarding, educational and helpful. I am comfortable working with adolescents, men, women and senior citizens. You will receive counseling in a non-judgmental, relaxing and peaceful environment. Life can be a journey that is sometimes filled with struggles. I am here to help navigate that journey and learn some new techniques to get back on the path to a joyful life.
I hope you will find working with me to be rewarding, educational and helpful. I am comfortable working with adolescents, men, women and senior citizens. You will receive counseling in a non-judgmental, relaxing and peaceful environment. Life can be a journey that is sometimes filled with struggles. I am here to help navigate that journey and learn some new techniques to get back on the path to a joyful life.
Ashton G Campbell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Jenison, MI 49428
Waitlist for new clients
Thank you for viewing my profile. I am a professional mental health counselor that specializes in adolescent care. I specialize in working with teens and young adults that struggle with numerous difficulties, including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. While I currently serve many younger children and their families, I am currently only accepting teens and young adults (college age) in order to diversify my practice.
Thank you for viewing my profile. I am a professional mental health counselor that specializes in adolescent care. I specialize in working with teens and young adults that struggle with numerous difficulties, including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. While I currently serve many younger children and their families, I am currently only accepting teens and young adults (college age) in order to diversify my practice.
More Therapists Nearby
Alejandra Vences-Jurado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Grandville, MI 49418
I enjoy integrating play, movement and creativity to help children achieve their goals while having fun.
Hi! I'm Alejandra, and I believe that every child deserves a safe space to process and understand their emotions. Change is an unavoidable constant in our lives that may lead to feelings that are often difficult to manage and understand. Whether it is starting kindergarten, experiencing parents' divorce, medication adjustment, life transitions, or experiencing other mental health challenges, my goal is to provide a compassionate and empowering environment to all my clients.
I enjoy integrating play, movement and creativity to help children achieve their goals while having fun.
Hi! I'm Alejandra, and I believe that every child deserves a safe space to process and understand their emotions. Change is an unavoidable constant in our lives that may lead to feelings that are often difficult to manage and understand. Whether it is starting kindergarten, experiencing parents' divorce, medication adjustment, life transitions, or experiencing other mental health challenges, my goal is to provide a compassionate and empowering environment to all my clients.
Hi, I'm Caitlin Trezise, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Child Therapist, and I'm currently accepting new clients, so, for now, there's no waiting to get in to see me. I completed my Master's of Social Work and my Bachelor's of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University. I specialize in pediatric counseling and have years of experience working with children within school settings. I'm also a qualified music instructor, and play multiple musical instruments including the drums. I often bring the use of instruments into my therapy with children and youth.
Hi, I'm Caitlin Trezise, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Child Therapist, and I'm currently accepting new clients, so, for now, there's no waiting to get in to see me. I completed my Master's of Social Work and my Bachelor's of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University. I specialize in pediatric counseling and have years of experience working with children within school settings. I'm also a qualified music instructor, and play multiple musical instruments including the drums. I often bring the use of instruments into my therapy with children and youth.
Kaylin Ziebarth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grandville, MI 49418
My favorite aspect of working with children, families, and adolescents involves getting to know and develop relationships with every individual. Helping an individuals and their families navigate difficult situations and celebrate positive growth in therapy and everyday situations is such a unique and positive aspect of being a part of a family’s therapeutic team. I utilize therapeutic techniques from play therapy, art therapy, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and more. Currently accepting clients with early afternoon and daytime availability.
My favorite aspect of working with children, families, and adolescents involves getting to know and develop relationships with every individual. Helping an individuals and their families navigate difficult situations and celebrate positive growth in therapy and everyday situations is such a unique and positive aspect of being a part of a family’s therapeutic team. I utilize therapeutic techniques from play therapy, art therapy, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and more. Currently accepting clients with early afternoon and daytime availability.
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.
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.
Raymond P Herzog
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Waitlist for new clients
I believe in a Client-centered, Cognitive-Behavioral approach with an emphasis on personal responsibility, accountability, and ownership of problem solving to bring about personal change. I specifically use the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) model. The goal of ACT is acceptance of what is out of personal control, and a commitment to action for life improvement and enrichment. Additionally, mindfulness training including meditation, relaxation, and guided imagery can be used for therapeutic intervention.
I believe in a Client-centered, Cognitive-Behavioral approach with an emphasis on personal responsibility, accountability, and ownership of problem solving to bring about personal change. I specifically use the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) model. The goal of ACT is acceptance of what is out of personal control, and a commitment to action for life improvement and enrichment. Additionally, mindfulness training including meditation, relaxation, and guided imagery can be used for therapeutic intervention.
Melanie Wiersma
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grandville, MI 49418 (Online Only)
It is a tremendous step to begin therapy or seek a new therapist. In your healing journey my intention is to create a space for safety so that you do not have to walk alone. I am a firm believer that each individual is the expert in their own life, therefore I hold in high honor the tenderness in walking alongside clients in sensitive emotions, relationships, and traumas.
It is a tremendous step to begin therapy or seek a new therapist. In your healing journey my intention is to create a space for safety so that you do not have to walk alone. I am a firm believer that each individual is the expert in their own life, therefore I hold in high honor the tenderness in walking alongside clients in sensitive emotions, relationships, and traumas.
Heartstone Guidance Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
29 Endorsed
Grandville, MI 49418
Heartstone Guidance Center is a group of neurodivergent therapists offering neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQIA-affirming, and culturally aware therapy services. We have autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent therapists who offer authenticity and a space where you will be seen, heard, and respected as the authority and expert in your life. We are the alternative to the world that tells you that you need to be neurotypical or normal to fit in and be accepted. We offer therapy to help you understand and embrace your true identity, find compassion for yourself, and develop coping strategies for living in a stressful world.
Heartstone Guidance Center is a group of neurodivergent therapists offering neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQIA-affirming, and culturally aware therapy services. We have autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent therapists who offer authenticity and a space where you will be seen, heard, and respected as the authority and expert in your life. We are the alternative to the world that tells you that you need to be neurotypical or normal to fit in and be accepted. We offer therapy to help you understand and embrace your true identity, find compassion for yourself, and develop coping strategies for living in a stressful world.
See more therapy options for Jenison
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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.