Play Therapy in Lansing, MI
Through Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and EMDR, your of a sense of well-being can be reached.
Everyone deserves a sense of control over their lives. When terrible things happen it can feel like the wind has been knocked out of you. The world feels unsafe. Feelings of deep sadness, fear, shame and a rawness seem to linger. Many people feel as though they are damaged goods and wonder if they will ever be themselves again, or if they will ever be happy again. Imagine what it will be like when you have more good days then bad, when you feel the laughter, when you hear your child start to sing again. In a relaxed, safe environment you will receive support, encouragement, and the skills you need to thrive not just survive.
Through Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and EMDR, your of a sense of well-being can be reached.
Everyone deserves a sense of control over their lives. When terrible things happen it can feel like the wind has been knocked out of you. The world feels unsafe. Feelings of deep sadness, fear, shame and a rawness seem to linger. Many people feel as though they are damaged goods and wonder if they will ever be themselves again, or if they will ever be happy again. Imagine what it will be like when you have more good days then bad, when you feel the laughter, when you hear your child start to sing again. In a relaxed, safe environment you will receive support, encouragement, and the skills you need to thrive not just survive.
J Robin Bell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-C, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48917
I especially use relational therapy, expressive therapies, and play therapy to access part of the brain normally untouched.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of mental health needs. I have a special interest in treating trauma and loss as well as religious trauma and deconstruction. I am a relational therapist using an integrative approach, drawing on the strategies that best fit the person I am working with. Parts work, play therapy, sandtray and art therapy-informed techniques are mediums that I use in addition to traditional therapy techniques. Above all, the success of therapy depends on the relationship between client and therapist. I aim to cater to the individual needs of those I work with and what they respond to best.
I especially use relational therapy, expressive therapies, and play therapy to access part of the brain normally untouched.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of mental health needs. I have a special interest in treating trauma and loss as well as religious trauma and deconstruction. I am a relational therapist using an integrative approach, drawing on the strategies that best fit the person I am working with. Parts work, play therapy, sandtray and art therapy-informed techniques are mediums that I use in addition to traditional therapy techniques. Above all, the success of therapy depends on the relationship between client and therapist. I aim to cater to the individual needs of those I work with and what they respond to best.
I offer activities such as art, play, relaxation and talking.
Grab a cup of coffee/tea and let’s talk! My goal is to create a safe and relaxing environment where you can be yourself. I do not believe that therapy must always be a stiff uncomfortable process. I am here to help you achieve your solutions and the life changes you are looking for while enjoying yourself and the process as much as possible. Asking for help is hard, but I hope you take a moment (and a deep refreshing breath) to call or email me to see how I can help you.
I offer activities such as art, play, relaxation and talking.
Grab a cup of coffee/tea and let’s talk! My goal is to create a safe and relaxing environment where you can be yourself. I do not believe that therapy must always be a stiff uncomfortable process. I am here to help you achieve your solutions and the life changes you are looking for while enjoying yourself and the process as much as possible. Asking for help is hard, but I hope you take a moment (and a deep refreshing breath) to call or email me to see how I can help you.
Jazmine Rivas Dinkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48911
I often incorporate play, art, bibliotherapy, and parenting skills training when working with child clients.
Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself or your child, my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to uncover the roots of issues such as trauma, behavioral challenges, school challenges, PTSD, depression, family conflicts, anxiety, anger, grief, shame, self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. My approach is guided by social justice and trauma-informed frameworks, which recognize the personal and systemic factors affecting a client's life. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive therapeutic space for historically marginalized clients and supporting those experiencing racial trauma or navigating racial identity.
I often incorporate play, art, bibliotherapy, and parenting skills training when working with child clients.
Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself or your child, my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to uncover the roots of issues such as trauma, behavioral challenges, school challenges, PTSD, depression, family conflicts, anxiety, anger, grief, shame, self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. My approach is guided by social justice and trauma-informed frameworks, which recognize the personal and systemic factors affecting a client's life. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive therapeutic space for historically marginalized clients and supporting those experiencing racial trauma or navigating racial identity.
Serene Pathways Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48917
I use sand play, guided imagery, art therapy and EMDR with children and adults.
Have you experienced a situation or an event that has caused you emotional pain and a loss of self? Does it interfere with the way you want to live? Everyone experiences emotional trauma whether little or big. Psychological trauma is defined as an emotional wound that creates distress or a disruption in your life. I specialize in helping others through the traumas of their life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of experience. My overall passion is to encourage, empower and support others as they follow the journey of their heart.
I use sand play, guided imagery, art therapy and EMDR with children and adults.
Have you experienced a situation or an event that has caused you emotional pain and a loss of self? Does it interfere with the way you want to live? Everyone experiences emotional trauma whether little or big. Psychological trauma is defined as an emotional wound that creates distress or a disruption in your life. I specialize in helping others through the traumas of their life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of experience. My overall passion is to encourage, empower and support others as they follow the journey of their heart.
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.
Diversity Psychological Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48917
Waitlist for new clients
Hello there, my name is Renee' Schafer. My educational background is from MSU, MDI, and SAU. I am a LMSW, as well as a certified hypnotherapist, and dyslexia tutor. I enjoy working with all age ranges of individuals: children, couples, adults, elderly, families, marriages, co-parenting and other concerns, utilizing play therapy, sand tray, CBT, CPT, some DBT skills, and many other techniques specifically catered to your personal needs. Allow me to guide you in discovering and reaching your goals. I do have a hypoallergenic puppy on site that is currently in training. However, I have a waiting list only at this time.
Hello there, my name is Renee' Schafer. My educational background is from MSU, MDI, and SAU. I am a LMSW, as well as a certified hypnotherapist, and dyslexia tutor. I enjoy working with all age ranges of individuals: children, couples, adults, elderly, families, marriages, co-parenting and other concerns, utilizing play therapy, sand tray, CBT, CPT, some DBT skills, and many other techniques specifically catered to your personal needs. Allow me to guide you in discovering and reaching your goals. I do have a hypoallergenic puppy on site that is currently in training. However, I have a waiting list only at this time.
This is a safe space for all, and all of your child is welcome in the play room.
Hello, and welcome! My name is Ashley, and I provide mental health therapy to children and adolescents in a trauma-informed, neurodiversity affirming, and LGBTQIA+ affirming space. I have years of experience working with neurodivergent youth, specifically Autistic youth and ADHDers. I support neurodivergent children in developing and embracing a positive neurodivergent identity, learning and practicing self-advocacy and self-determination. I work with children who have anxiety, as well as those struggling with adjusting to big life changes.
This is a safe space for all, and all of your child is welcome in the play room.
Hello, and welcome! My name is Ashley, and I provide mental health therapy to children and adolescents in a trauma-informed, neurodiversity affirming, and LGBTQIA+ affirming space. I have years of experience working with neurodivergent youth, specifically Autistic youth and ADHDers. I support neurodivergent children in developing and embracing a positive neurodivergent identity, learning and practicing self-advocacy and self-determination. I work with children who have anxiety, as well as those struggling with adjusting to big life changes.
In addition to talk therapy, I can incorporate creative modalities such as art and play techniques.
Taking the steps towards healing can feel a lot like diving headfirst into cold water; in the beginning it might feel uncomfortable, but as you immerse yourself, you gradually begin to adapt and find rejuvenation in its depths. As a limited-licensed professional counselor, it is my goal to help you take that first plunge. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or navigating major life transitions, I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts.
In addition to talk therapy, I can incorporate creative modalities such as art and play techniques.
Taking the steps towards healing can feel a lot like diving headfirst into cold water; in the beginning it might feel uncomfortable, but as you immerse yourself, you gradually begin to adapt and find rejuvenation in its depths. As a limited-licensed professional counselor, it is my goal to help you take that first plunge. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or navigating major life transitions, I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts.
Playful Hearts Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Lansing, MI 48911
As a Therapist, my goal is to work with Children, Adolescents and Adults. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities and apply research based techniques.My counseling philosophy can best be described as Eclectic. I work on awareness, relationship and integration to encourage personal growth and wholeness. The goals and techniques used in therapy will be based on the individual needs of the client. With a Eclectic approach, I draw from a variety of techniques such as Child- Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ,Mindfulness, Hypnotherapy, Auricular Acupuncture and Solution Focused Principles.
As a Therapist, my goal is to work with Children, Adolescents and Adults. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities and apply research based techniques.My counseling philosophy can best be described as Eclectic. I work on awareness, relationship and integration to encourage personal growth and wholeness. The goals and techniques used in therapy will be based on the individual needs of the client. With a Eclectic approach, I draw from a variety of techniques such as Child- Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ,Mindfulness, Hypnotherapy, Auricular Acupuncture and Solution Focused Principles.
Sara Peck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48901
Waitlist for new clients
I also incorporate mindfulness, somatic processing, expressive arts, and play therapy techniques.
I became a therapist because I believe people can do hard things. Regardless of where your path has led you - or has yet to lead you - as your therapist I will meet you where you are and empower you to find your inner strength. Everyone is at a different stage of their healing journey and I will walk alongside you on yours. When we work together, your sense of safety and security is my biggest priority; I firmly believe healing cannot happen in the presence of judgement. I welcome and celebrate all identities and appreciate the individuality of your experiences.
I also incorporate mindfulness, somatic processing, expressive arts, and play therapy techniques.
I became a therapist because I believe people can do hard things. Regardless of where your path has led you - or has yet to lead you - as your therapist I will meet you where you are and empower you to find your inner strength. Everyone is at a different stage of their healing journey and I will walk alongside you on yours. When we work together, your sense of safety and security is my biggest priority; I firmly believe healing cannot happen in the presence of judgement. I welcome and celebrate all identities and appreciate the individuality of your experiences.
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Teddy Jay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48917
Waitlist for new clients
I have mainly been training in using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), group therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and play therapy.
My name is Teddy and I'm an individual therapist who loves working with kids, teens, and adults. I'm LGBTQIA+ aligned and allied. I work with a diverse set of clients coming from all walks of life. Some of my areas of interest include LBTQ teens and young adults, anxiety, depression, trauma, smoking cessation, foster/adoptive families, religious trauma, and financial health. I enjoy working with both adults and kids and normally carry a diverse caseload. At this time I do not have immediate openings. However, please reach out if you feel like we may be a good fit and I can talk to you about my waitlist.
I have mainly been training in using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), group therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and play therapy.
My name is Teddy and I'm an individual therapist who loves working with kids, teens, and adults. I'm LGBTQIA+ aligned and allied. I work with a diverse set of clients coming from all walks of life. Some of my areas of interest include LBTQ teens and young adults, anxiety, depression, trauma, smoking cessation, foster/adoptive families, religious trauma, and financial health. I enjoy working with both adults and kids and normally carry a diverse caseload. At this time I do not have immediate openings. However, please reach out if you feel like we may be a good fit and I can talk to you about my waitlist.
Domenica Dalla-Vecchia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48912
She has additional training in play therapy and animal assisted therapy.
Domenica practices as a Limited License Master of Social Work (LLMSW) and specializes in working with children and adolescents. Domenica works to create a collaborative, strengths-based space for her clients. She practices from a trauma informed lens and strives to empower every client to write the narrative of their healing journey.
She has additional training in play therapy and animal assisted therapy.
Domenica practices as a Limited License Master of Social Work (LLMSW) and specializes in working with children and adolescents. Domenica works to create a collaborative, strengths-based space for her clients. She practices from a trauma informed lens and strives to empower every client to write the narrative of their healing journey.
Allison Dennis is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She works with children and adolescents age 7-18 and young adults up to about age 25. She uses a client-centered and strength-based approach to meet clients where they are at and help them reach their goals. Allison specializes in depression, mood disorders, anxiety, adjustment to life changes, parenting, peer/relationship struggles, and family conflict. She has been trained in Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy.
Allison Dennis is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She works with children and adolescents age 7-18 and young adults up to about age 25. She uses a client-centered and strength-based approach to meet clients where they are at and help them reach their goals. Allison specializes in depression, mood disorders, anxiety, adjustment to life changes, parenting, peer/relationship struggles, and family conflict. She has been trained in Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy.
I primarily use the modalities of Child Parent Psychotherapy, Infant Parent Psychotherapy, Play therapy, and DBT, as well as elements of PCIT, and CBT.
Welcome! I love working with clients through pregnancy, perinatal/postpartum, and early childhood stages. I often hear similar questions, whose needs do I attend to first? Is this behavior from my child typical or something more concerning? Should I talk about the trauma with my child or could that make it worse? Am I doing this parenting thing right? Parenting is incredibly hard and truthfully, there is no single right way to parent. But you don’t have to sit with those thoughts or questions alone; together we can explore the patterns and experiences of your family, ask questions, and identify what you value most as a parent.
I primarily use the modalities of Child Parent Psychotherapy, Infant Parent Psychotherapy, Play therapy, and DBT, as well as elements of PCIT, and CBT.
Welcome! I love working with clients through pregnancy, perinatal/postpartum, and early childhood stages. I often hear similar questions, whose needs do I attend to first? Is this behavior from my child typical or something more concerning? Should I talk about the trauma with my child or could that make it worse? Am I doing this parenting thing right? Parenting is incredibly hard and truthfully, there is no single right way to parent. But you don’t have to sit with those thoughts or questions alone; together we can explore the patterns and experiences of your family, ask questions, and identify what you value most as a parent.
Alicia Montoya
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48911
My therapeutic style is mainly cognitive behavioral, with use of equine, art, play, acceptance, and mindfulness techniques.
I am a Counseling Psychologist and have 10+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults of diverse backgrounds, with a variety of mental health needs. Specialities that I have include Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and psychological assessment. These specialties are used intentionally to provide effective and individualized treatment for my clients, to address their personally identified treatment goal(s); individual and group therapy sessions are offered.
My therapeutic style is mainly cognitive behavioral, with use of equine, art, play, acceptance, and mindfulness techniques.
I am a Counseling Psychologist and have 10+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults of diverse backgrounds, with a variety of mental health needs. Specialities that I have include Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and psychological assessment. These specialties are used intentionally to provide effective and individualized treatment for my clients, to address their personally identified treatment goal(s); individual and group therapy sessions are offered.
I have been in practice in Kalamazoo for over 10 years. I am certified in Trauma Informed Assessment and Intervention, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, play therapy, and have expertise in several parenting approaches. In addition to clinical practice, I am a school social worker, and proud father of 8 children. I use a person-centered approach, allowing clients to set their goals, providing a safe space and supportive environment to move them in the direction of their goals.
I have been in practice in Kalamazoo for over 10 years. I am certified in Trauma Informed Assessment and Intervention, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, play therapy, and have expertise in several parenting approaches. In addition to clinical practice, I am a school social worker, and proud father of 8 children. I use a person-centered approach, allowing clients to set their goals, providing a safe space and supportive environment to move them in the direction of their goals.
Making a choice to seek help can be difficult and takes strength. This is an important step in your journey to healing your mind, body, soul. I am a Limited-Licensed Counselor who has experience working with people of all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. Everyone deserves to feel safe, understood, and heard. I am passionate in creating an environment where you feel safe, understood, and free to explore all parts of your self- no matter how messy.
Making a choice to seek help can be difficult and takes strength. This is an important step in your journey to healing your mind, body, soul. I am a Limited-Licensed Counselor who has experience working with people of all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. Everyone deserves to feel safe, understood, and heard. I am passionate in creating an environment where you feel safe, understood, and free to explore all parts of your self- no matter how messy.
Truss Counseling Services, LLC
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48917
Accepting New Clients Accept Beacon Health Insurance ***Accept Cash Pay*** ***Accepting new clients*** My mission in life, and as a professional, is to spread more good than harm. The reason this education and career have called me is my deep interest in change and positive growth in people. Inside of a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and confidentiality, counseling may provide you with the opportunity for change that you have been looking for.
Accepting New Clients Accept Beacon Health Insurance ***Accept Cash Pay*** ***Accepting new clients*** My mission in life, and as a professional, is to spread more good than harm. The reason this education and career have called me is my deep interest in change and positive growth in people. Inside of a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and confidentiality, counseling may provide you with the opportunity for change that you have been looking for.
The term Legacy by definition means "something of value transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past." As I reflect upon my life I noticed people who laid up for me a legacy, a promise and hope. The most influential people who have impacted my life and who established a legacy for me were my grandparents. They established a legacy, it was the legacy of care, compassion, and goodwill to mankind. I saw kindness, love, patience, meekness, faithfulness, and gentleness and these are the qualities I bring into the therapeutic relationships.
The term Legacy by definition means "something of value transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past." As I reflect upon my life I noticed people who laid up for me a legacy, a promise and hope. The most influential people who have impacted my life and who established a legacy for me were my grandparents. They established a legacy, it was the legacy of care, compassion, and goodwill to mankind. I saw kindness, love, patience, meekness, faithfulness, and gentleness and these are the qualities I bring into the therapeutic relationships.
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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.