Play Therapy in Kentwood, MI
Debra Peters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LPC, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
Kentwood, MI 49508
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.
Making the client feel comfortable is of top importance to me so I have found that expressive arts, play therapy, and other useful activities can help ease the stress of talking to a stranger.
We find ourselves traveling down the same roads all the time, same route to work, school, and even family and friends' houses. Sometimes we become so used to the way we are living that change is often difficult to achieve. I believe this is because we are stuck in ways of thinking because we have done it for as long as we can remember. "That's just the way I am." If you are looking to find a new way of doing things because you are unsatisfied or stuck in a rut, I would love to help you navigate change.
Making the client feel comfortable is of top importance to me so I have found that expressive arts, play therapy, and other useful activities can help ease the stress of talking to a stranger.
We find ourselves traveling down the same roads all the time, same route to work, school, and even family and friends' houses. Sometimes we become so used to the way we are living that change is often difficult to achieve. I believe this is because we are stuck in ways of thinking because we have done it for as long as we can remember. "That's just the way I am." If you are looking to find a new way of doing things because you are unsatisfied or stuck in a rut, I would love to help you navigate change.
Dr. Merrill E Graham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Kentwood, MI 49508
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a comfortable, convenient setting where both children and adults can express themselves verbally or through art, sand tray, and play.
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, attachment-focused therapy with the focus of eliminating the symptoms that have impaired healthy functioning.
I offer a comfortable, convenient setting where both children and adults can express themselves verbally or through art, sand tray, and play.
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, attachment-focused therapy with the focus of eliminating the symptoms that have impaired healthy functioning.
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.
Hello! I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Clare and I’ve been working with children in multiple settings including schools to help young minds thrive. I have a Bachelor’s and Master's degree from Michigan State University for social work. Through methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy I allow children to communicate their feelings and experiences in a way that feels natural and comfortable for them. I understand that every child is unique and I work on tailoring my approach to reach the goal of each child building resilience, improving emotional regulation and enhancing their overall well-being in a safe space.
Hello! I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Clare and I’ve been working with children in multiple settings including schools to help young minds thrive. I have a Bachelor’s and Master's degree from Michigan State University for social work. Through methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy I allow children to communicate their feelings and experiences in a way that feels natural and comfortable for them. I understand that every child is unique and I work on tailoring my approach to reach the goal of each child building resilience, improving emotional regulation and enhancing their overall well-being in a safe space.
Kimberly Culp Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Kentwood, MI 49512
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.
My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and adults, in order for them to process individual difficulties, devise a plan of action, and facilitate emotional health and well-being. My client base includes those experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, sexual and physical abuse, parenting difficulties, relationship issues, and family discord. I view myself as a coach to help identify strengths, determine what might be hindering progress, and pave the way for moving forward.
My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and adults, in order for them to process individual difficulties, devise a plan of action, and facilitate emotional health and well-being. My client base includes those experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, sexual and physical abuse, parenting difficulties, relationship issues, and family discord. I view myself as a coach to help identify strengths, determine what might be hindering progress, and pave the way for moving forward.
I am passionate about working with children, teens, and adults as they face various challenges. Building a supportive and compassionate environment for my clients to feel safe and comfortable to grow in is important to me. As is drawing on each individual's strengths, interests, and community as we reach toward our identified goals together.
I am passionate about working with children, teens, and adults as they face various challenges. Building a supportive and compassionate environment for my clients to feel safe and comfortable to grow in is important to me. As is drawing on each individual's strengths, interests, and community as we reach toward our identified goals together.
I work with individuals to recognize and embrace their strengths to overcome life's challenges. It is about overcoming the obstacles that get in the way of you being your best self. My priority is to make sure that I am working at my client's pace to address their needs and their concerns in a way each person feels heard and validated. The foundation of my work is to empower my clients to create success with present day issues and to understand how the roots of their past have impacted the present.
I work with individuals to recognize and embrace their strengths to overcome life's challenges. It is about overcoming the obstacles that get in the way of you being your best self. My priority is to make sure that I am working at my client's pace to address their needs and their concerns in a way each person feels heard and validated. The foundation of my work is to empower my clients to create success with present day issues and to understand how the roots of their past have impacted the present.
Are you feeling powerless? Is your fear, anger, confusion, and indecision getting the best of you? Unfortunately, we cannot control the experiences that impact us. At times, your lens of experience can lead you to a place of depression, anxiety, stress, or not living your best life. I will support you in facing adversity and reclaiming your power of self-love. Taking this step towards therapy is commendable. At 1 Verse Counseling and Consulting we believe you deserve to be "Mentally Well" 1 Verse at a time!
Are you feeling powerless? Is your fear, anger, confusion, and indecision getting the best of you? Unfortunately, we cannot control the experiences that impact us. At times, your lens of experience can lead you to a place of depression, anxiety, stress, or not living your best life. I will support you in facing adversity and reclaiming your power of self-love. Taking this step towards therapy is commendable. At 1 Verse Counseling and Consulting we believe you deserve to be "Mentally Well" 1 Verse at a time!
Courtney Cinglie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, RPT™
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kentwood, MI 49508
Not accepting new clients
My specialties include: Treating children & adolescents ages (4-17), Engaging parents, siblings, and family, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengthening Parenting Skills & Techniques.
When you seek out a therapist, you are entrusting someone you've never met with the well being of you and your family, so it's important that you learn more about me as you make your decision. While my therapeutic approach is typically positive and fun, I take client care seriously as I support children, adolescents and families on their journey toward achieving their goals. I enjoy collaborating with individuals and families to help uncover strengths and improve relationships while promoting positive communication skills and improved coping skills that can be easily transitioned from the our sessions into everyday life.
My specialties include: Treating children & adolescents ages (4-17), Engaging parents, siblings, and family, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengthening Parenting Skills & Techniques.
When you seek out a therapist, you are entrusting someone you've never met with the well being of you and your family, so it's important that you learn more about me as you make your decision. While my therapeutic approach is typically positive and fun, I take client care seriously as I support children, adolescents and families on their journey toward achieving their goals. I enjoy collaborating with individuals and families to help uncover strengths and improve relationships while promoting positive communication skills and improved coping skills that can be easily transitioned from the our sessions into everyday life.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
Bethany Christian Services - Grand Rapids
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Wyoming, MI 49508
Treatments utilized vary by your needs and the counselor's expertise, and may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), TF-CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, Interpersonal Process, and more.
Are you or your family going through a difficult time? Maybe you are experiencing relational challenges, feeling anxious or depressed, struggling to make sense of traumatic experiences, or worrying about your child's emotional or social functioning. At Bethany, we have an expert team of trauma-informed, culturally responsive counseling and psychiatric professionals who will walk alongside you in the pursuit of personal and relational wellbeing. As a community rooted in hope, our clinicians create an inclusive space that is open to all. No matter what you are facing, we are here to help.
Treatments utilized vary by your needs and the counselor's expertise, and may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), TF-CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, Interpersonal Process, and more.
Are you or your family going through a difficult time? Maybe you are experiencing relational challenges, feeling anxious or depressed, struggling to make sense of traumatic experiences, or worrying about your child's emotional or social functioning. At Bethany, we have an expert team of trauma-informed, culturally responsive counseling and psychiatric professionals who will walk alongside you in the pursuit of personal and relational wellbeing. As a community rooted in hope, our clinicians create an inclusive space that is open to all. No matter what you are facing, we are here to help.
Lindsey Beaver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wyoming, MI 49508 (Online Only)
Have you ever found yourself unable to feel better, despite past attempts to think your way out and move forward? Have you found that the same types of hardships keep happening over and over with your behaviors, family, friends, work, school, or partners, like a cycle you can't seem to escape? Maybe you've seen talk therapists or doctors for your symptoms before but didn't seem to get better for long. Or maybe you hold pain that's difficult to talk about. Are you tired of feeling stuck? Are you looking to get to the root of these challenges and heal them for good?
Have you ever found yourself unable to feel better, despite past attempts to think your way out and move forward? Have you found that the same types of hardships keep happening over and over with your behaviors, family, friends, work, school, or partners, like a cycle you can't seem to escape? Maybe you've seen talk therapists or doctors for your symptoms before but didn't seem to get better for long. Or maybe you hold pain that's difficult to talk about. Are you tired of feeling stuck? Are you looking to get to the root of these challenges and heal them for good?
Cherie D Rucker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, IMH-E
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Individuals seek therapy for many issues. I have been afforded the opportunity to work alongside people that want help in managing Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem barriers and daily stress. Often times these issues are masked by deep rooted trauma, grief and abuse. Individuals need encouragement, support, feeling that they are heard and validation while on their journey to healing.
Individuals seek therapy for many issues. I have been afforded the opportunity to work alongside people that want help in managing Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem barriers and daily stress. Often times these issues are masked by deep rooted trauma, grief and abuse. Individuals need encouragement, support, feeling that they are heard and validation while on their journey to healing.
Life Journey Psychological Services PLLC
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Each person is on a unique life journey. We look forward to learning where you are on your journey and how we can help you create the life you desire. It is not about dwelling on the past but about using life lessons to move forward in a positive way. Even our most difficult life experiences bring us wisdom, character and integrity.
Each person is on a unique life journey. We look forward to learning where you are on your journey and how we can help you create the life you desire. It is not about dwelling on the past but about using life lessons to move forward in a positive way. Even our most difficult life experiences bring us wisdom, character and integrity.
Melanie Szucs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Waitlist for new clients
Our lives are stories and we all want them to be stories worth telling, that give us hope. Maybe you long to rewrite the story you are living. I believe everyone has the ability to change their story. Whether you are a couple, a family, or an individual, you can have hope. I desire to walk alongside you in your struggles and help you to forge a new path. Sometimes all it takes is a listening ear; sometimes it takes long, hard work. But you have the choice-to step out in courage and to start writing a new story.
Our lives are stories and we all want them to be stories worth telling, that give us hope. Maybe you long to rewrite the story you are living. I believe everyone has the ability to change their story. Whether you are a couple, a family, or an individual, you can have hope. I desire to walk alongside you in your struggles and help you to forge a new path. Sometimes all it takes is a listening ear; sometimes it takes long, hard work. But you have the choice-to step out in courage and to start writing a new story.
My goal is to help provide my clients with the resources and tools to function successfully, grow, and experience overall personal wellness. Every client is unique in their own diverse experiences that has led them to where they are today. I look forward to helping provide my clients with a safe, empowering and healing place to work through life's challenges
My goal is to help provide my clients with the resources and tools to function successfully, grow, and experience overall personal wellness. Every client is unique in their own diverse experiences that has led them to where they are today. I look forward to helping provide my clients with a safe, empowering and healing place to work through life's challenges
We know it is often hard to figure out how to determine what type of Therapy is needed for you and your family. We are here to assist you in every step of the way, making sure that you are getting the personable service that benefits you individually. Our focus is always on our client(s) needs and HEALING. We are here to provide you with HOPE, and the tools needed to reach your goals so that you can live a productive life.
We know it is often hard to figure out how to determine what type of Therapy is needed for you and your family. We are here to assist you in every step of the way, making sure that you are getting the personable service that benefits you individually. Our focus is always on our client(s) needs and HEALING. We are here to provide you with HOPE, and the tools needed to reach your goals so that you can live a productive life.
Anna Herich is a Licensed Masters Social Worker who has more than 3 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples. Anna is passionate about helping people work through everyday challenges in order to live a fulfilling life. Anna specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, mental disorders, relationship issues, stress management, behavioral issues, and life transitions. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Spring Arbor University.
Anna Herich is a Licensed Masters Social Worker who has more than 3 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples. Anna is passionate about helping people work through everyday challenges in order to live a fulfilling life. Anna specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, mental disorders, relationship issues, stress management, behavioral issues, and life transitions. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Spring Arbor University.
See more therapy options for Kentwood
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Kentwood
- Ada
- Byron Center
- Caledonia
- East Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Hudsonville
- Jenison
- Lowell
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- Wayland
- Wyoming
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.