Play Therapy in Portage, MI
For both my adult and children clients I also incorporate Expressive Arts Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and, Play Therapy.
I am thrilled to be able to offer counseling services to people that live in the West Michigan area. Although, I specialize in the treatment of children and adolescents, I also enjoy working with individuals and couples. If you are having difficulty with adjusting to new life circumstances, having relationship issues, or if you are a person that is living with a Mental Illness I am eager to help you work through your situation. Life is too short to face your problems alone and I am always willing to listen and help you work towards a new way to face your life's challenges.
For both my adult and children clients I also incorporate Expressive Arts Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and, Play Therapy.
I am thrilled to be able to offer counseling services to people that live in the West Michigan area. Although, I specialize in the treatment of children and adolescents, I also enjoy working with individuals and couples. If you are having difficulty with adjusting to new life circumstances, having relationship issues, or if you are a person that is living with a Mental Illness I am eager to help you work through your situation. Life is too short to face your problems alone and I am always willing to listen and help you work towards a new way to face your life's challenges.
Nicole Pominville
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49002
Waitlist for new clients
Counseling is a sensitive process that can help individuals to gain insight, and a deeper understanding of their life, as well as achieve their personal goals. I have always had an interest in working with children and believe that despite their small size, their lives may be filled with big emotions that can be tough to handle. In working with children I believe it’s important to connect with them on their level, meeting them where they are and using their language of play to guide growth and healing.
Counseling is a sensitive process that can help individuals to gain insight, and a deeper understanding of their life, as well as achieve their personal goals. I have always had an interest in working with children and believe that despite their small size, their lives may be filled with big emotions that can be tough to handle. In working with children I believe it’s important to connect with them on their level, meeting them where they are and using their language of play to guide growth and healing.
I specialize in children's/play therapy, anxiety, depression, women's issues, and life changes.
Life is a journey! So many ups and downs. Whether you are going through a rough patch in life, need tools to help you grow, or just want someone to listen to what you are going through, I hope I can be that person for you. I will strive to be your safe place, be honest with you, encourage you, help you find your strengths, and help equip you for the life you live. I have several years of social work experience, many of them working with children and adolescents. Everything from pregnancy counseling and adoption, to working in the schools, to now being a therapist.
I specialize in children's/play therapy, anxiety, depression, women's issues, and life changes.
Life is a journey! So many ups and downs. Whether you are going through a rough patch in life, need tools to help you grow, or just want someone to listen to what you are going through, I hope I can be that person for you. I will strive to be your safe place, be honest with you, encourage you, help you find your strengths, and help equip you for the life you live. I have several years of social work experience, many of them working with children and adolescents. Everything from pregnancy counseling and adoption, to working in the schools, to now being a therapist.
We’re not meant to do this alone. Whether you come looking for new skills or perspective, for help making meaning or finding purpose, for help restoring a relationship, or just an ear to listen - I would love to walk with you. My desire is to provide therapy that focuses on the whole person - mind, body, and spirit - by collaborating with you in a safe and nonjudgmental way to create goals that promote health, growth, and autonomy. We may do this by exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and looking for ways to overcome old patterns. With children the process often involves play and finding safety in adult relationships.
We’re not meant to do this alone. Whether you come looking for new skills or perspective, for help making meaning or finding purpose, for help restoring a relationship, or just an ear to listen - I would love to walk with you. My desire is to provide therapy that focuses on the whole person - mind, body, and spirit - by collaborating with you in a safe and nonjudgmental way to create goals that promote health, growth, and autonomy. We may do this by exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and looking for ways to overcome old patterns. With children the process often involves play and finding safety in adult relationships.
Kara Applegate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW-C, CFLE
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49024
Waitlist for new clients
Additionally I am trained in PICT (Parent child interaction therapy), that I use in addition to play therapy techniques, and my Gottman level one to help support the whole Family system.
I work with children, teens, and adults who have been through a traumatic experience, and other changes throughout life. I work to help you or your child process those changes, support the family system, and help regulate through those challenging behaviors. Through play, connection, and relationship building I use evidence-based practices to help support my clients where their needs are at.
Additionally I am trained in PICT (Parent child interaction therapy), that I use in addition to play therapy techniques, and my Gottman level one to help support the whole Family system.
I work with children, teens, and adults who have been through a traumatic experience, and other changes throughout life. I work to help you or your child process those changes, support the family system, and help regulate through those challenging behaviors. Through play, connection, and relationship building I use evidence-based practices to help support my clients where their needs are at.
Jeffrey J LaPonsie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49024
Do you have a behaviorally challenging child whose struggling to follow directions. I help children with behavior problems, unresolved trauma and attachment/relationship problems. I help adopted and foster children connect and form meaningful relationships with caregivers. I use a variety of methods to help children and their family, predominantly though I use play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-focused when needed).
Do you have a behaviorally challenging child whose struggling to follow directions. I help children with behavior problems, unresolved trauma and attachment/relationship problems. I help adopted and foster children connect and form meaningful relationships with caregivers. I use a variety of methods to help children and their family, predominantly though I use play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-focused when needed).
Lynn Steinhauer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49024
For both children and adolescents, therapeutic techniques which utilize play and alternative methods of expression can be most useful.
In my 18 years as a clinical social worker in private practice I have worked with a wide variety of people. I see my work as that of helping people to find and enhance their own coping abilities. I see it as my privilege to people who are temporarily stuck as any of us can be. I am particularly draw to helping people who have experienced trauma, are suffering from mood disorders, eating problems and the challenges of parenting and love relationships.
For both children and adolescents, therapeutic techniques which utilize play and alternative methods of expression can be most useful.
In my 18 years as a clinical social worker in private practice I have worked with a wide variety of people. I see my work as that of helping people to find and enhance their own coping abilities. I see it as my privilege to people who are temporarily stuck as any of us can be. I am particularly draw to helping people who have experienced trauma, are suffering from mood disorders, eating problems and the challenges of parenting and love relationships.
Ashley Huffman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-C, CAADC, C-DBT, CMIP
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002
I am also trained in play therapy.
Life is not easy; we often need support and someone to listen to our fears, hopes, and dreams. We sometimes need a nudge in a certain direction we can't see clearly. I can help provide that nudge with whatever you are struggling with and provide insight on how to get there. I work with a variety of ages from age 3+.
I am also trained in play therapy.
Life is not easy; we often need support and someone to listen to our fears, hopes, and dreams. We sometimes need a nudge in a certain direction we can't see clearly. I can help provide that nudge with whatever you are struggling with and provide insight on how to get there. I work with a variety of ages from age 3+.
Marisa Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49024 (Online Only)
I incorporate components of sand-tray, play therapy, expressive arts, DBT, and IFS to treat those who have dealt with traumas, life adjustments, LGBTQIA+ concerns, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts/self-harm, depression, and anxiety.
I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults on processing traumatic experiences, regulating emotions, navigating sensitive nervous systems, and strengthening relationships through laughter, creativity, art, and play.
I incorporate components of sand-tray, play therapy, expressive arts, DBT, and IFS to treat those who have dealt with traumas, life adjustments, LGBTQIA+ concerns, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts/self-harm, depression, and anxiety.
I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults on processing traumatic experiences, regulating emotions, navigating sensitive nervous systems, and strengthening relationships through laughter, creativity, art, and play.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I specialize in children ages 4-12 years. I engage them with both therapeutic play, creative arts interventions and therapeutic games. When children and young adolescents come to therapy they need to feel safe and enjoy the experience while learning skills to improve how they feel. When families come to therapy, they look for guidance from an experienced therapist who will join with their family and help them navigate through their family issues. Depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, divorce, adoption and life adjustments are all issues that lead many children and families to seek specialized treatment.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I specialize in children ages 4-12 years. I engage them with both therapeutic play, creative arts interventions and therapeutic games. When children and young adolescents come to therapy they need to feel safe and enjoy the experience while learning skills to improve how they feel. When families come to therapy, they look for guidance from an experienced therapist who will join with their family and help them navigate through their family issues. Depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, divorce, adoption and life adjustments are all issues that lead many children and families to seek specialized treatment.
Arlene Giacona
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to expertise in neurodivergence, I work very well with young children with play therapy techniques, adolescents, ADHD, and adults experiencing Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, and Depression.
Hello! Thank you for stopping by. I am a Social Worker and therapist with 20 years experience in the mental health field. What sets me apart though? I have a very passionate, upbeat personality that shines through in my practice. I work hard to help my clients see the strength they already have within and that I am just a facilitator to help them achieve any goal they set forth for themselves. I am honest and "real". I would be happy to chat with you about your goals and how we can work to achieve them together!
In addition to expertise in neurodivergence, I work very well with young children with play therapy techniques, adolescents, ADHD, and adults experiencing Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, and Depression.
Hello! Thank you for stopping by. I am a Social Worker and therapist with 20 years experience in the mental health field. What sets me apart though? I have a very passionate, upbeat personality that shines through in my practice. I work hard to help my clients see the strength they already have within and that I am just a facilitator to help them achieve any goal they set forth for themselves. I am honest and "real". I would be happy to chat with you about your goals and how we can work to achieve them together!
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Gen Manders
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCS, IBHPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49002
I am trained in TFCBT, EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy and other therapeutic models.
Hello, I believe that making the decision to reach out for therapeutic supports for you and your loved ones is a personal decision. I am honored to walk along side you in your journey. I believe in a Person Centered approach; allowing us to define the goals and areas of focus together in your journey. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have over 18 years of experience proving therapy services to youth and their families. My primary focus is working with youth, young adults and families in learning how to overcome traumas or adjusting to new stressors in life; supporting you in transitions.
I am trained in TFCBT, EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy and other therapeutic models.
Hello, I believe that making the decision to reach out for therapeutic supports for you and your loved ones is a personal decision. I am honored to walk along side you in your journey. I believe in a Person Centered approach; allowing us to define the goals and areas of focus together in your journey. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have over 18 years of experience proving therapy services to youth and their families. My primary focus is working with youth, young adults and families in learning how to overcome traumas or adjusting to new stressors in life; supporting you in transitions.
Do you constantly feel worried, irritated, exhausted, or like you’ve lost yourself a bit? Maybe you are struggling with a difficult pregnancy, or with raising little ones? Perhaps you’re just feeling overwhelmed in general, doing all you can to get by each day. Certain seasons of life can be hard! I promise you don’t have to go through it alone. Your mental health matters, and you deserve a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. While working together we can talk about life changes, coping with stress, improving your relationships, reconnecting with yourself, processing past trauma - whatever matters most to you!
Do you constantly feel worried, irritated, exhausted, or like you’ve lost yourself a bit? Maybe you are struggling with a difficult pregnancy, or with raising little ones? Perhaps you’re just feeling overwhelmed in general, doing all you can to get by each day. Certain seasons of life can be hard! I promise you don’t have to go through it alone. Your mental health matters, and you deserve a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. While working together we can talk about life changes, coping with stress, improving your relationships, reconnecting with yourself, processing past trauma - whatever matters most to you!
Sophie Skochelak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49024
Navigating medical and family systems as well as our individual circles can be overwhelming. Therapy can be a positive place to seek help, support, and guidance. I provide therapy to children, teenagers, and adults. Some of the more specific needs that I specialize in are chronic illness in children, adolescent anxiety and depression, life transitions in adulthood and caregiver burnout.
Navigating medical and family systems as well as our individual circles can be overwhelming. Therapy can be a positive place to seek help, support, and guidance. I provide therapy to children, teenagers, and adults. Some of the more specific needs that I specialize in are chronic illness in children, adolescent anxiety and depression, life transitions in adulthood and caregiver burnout.
I've noticed life is not as perfect as it appears on social media or television. Individuals often experience stress, worry, and sadness. Some become easily overwhelmed and feel isolated even when they're surrounded by people. In these times, I'm here to help.
I've noticed life is not as perfect as it appears on social media or television. Individuals often experience stress, worry, and sadness. Some become easily overwhelmed and feel isolated even when they're surrounded by people. In these times, I'm here to help.
Lindsay Page South
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49024
Counseling provides a safe place for healing to occur. Children, teens and adults benefit from a private spot to sort out conflicting feelings, difficult life circumstances and relationship problems. Learning new ways of facing dilemmas present in everyday life produces energy. During therapy, many of my clients begin to experience an inner calm, increased self confidence and/or a clearer sense of self-concept, which in turn leads to a deeper sense of well being.
Counseling provides a safe place for healing to occur. Children, teens and adults benefit from a private spot to sort out conflicting feelings, difficult life circumstances and relationship problems. Learning new ways of facing dilemmas present in everyday life produces energy. During therapy, many of my clients begin to experience an inner calm, increased self confidence and/or a clearer sense of self-concept, which in turn leads to a deeper sense of well being.
Gabriel Kangas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002 (Online Only)
Gabriel Kangas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience in mental health. He specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, children, and adolescents. He knows that every client is different—that's why his responses and approaches to therapy are diverse.
Gabriel Kangas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience in mental health. He specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, children, and adolescents. He knows that every client is different—that's why his responses and approaches to therapy are diverse.
Adrianna P Nemeth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49024
I work with those who have experienced trauma, children who have behavioral and/or attachment concerns and individuals who are managing perinatal mood concerns and/or parenting stress. Additionally I work with people dealing with anxiety, grief, and other life stressors. The road to healing and wellness is different for each individual. I am here to provide a safe environment where you feel heard and supported. I utilize a holistic approach of treatment pulling from multiple evidence based treatment models. Together we will process and explore your concerns while developing skills and moving towards healing and greater wellness.
I work with those who have experienced trauma, children who have behavioral and/or attachment concerns and individuals who are managing perinatal mood concerns and/or parenting stress. Additionally I work with people dealing with anxiety, grief, and other life stressors. The road to healing and wellness is different for each individual. I am here to provide a safe environment where you feel heard and supported. I utilize a holistic approach of treatment pulling from multiple evidence based treatment models. Together we will process and explore your concerns while developing skills and moving towards healing and greater wellness.
Therapy is a great journey to start out on and I am glad you are taking this first step. It is not one you'll regret. My first goal as a therapist is to create an atmosphere where you feel comfortable. I use a strengths based approach and create a framework that makes it easy for you to create goals and a path so you'll know when you make them. To me it is crucial that the patient is a member of the care team. If you're struggling with Relationship Issues, Anxiety, Depression, BiPolar, Panic Attacks, Trauma, Problem Behaviors I may be a good fit assist you.
Therapy is a great journey to start out on and I am glad you are taking this first step. It is not one you'll regret. My first goal as a therapist is to create an atmosphere where you feel comfortable. I use a strengths based approach and create a framework that makes it easy for you to create goals and a path so you'll know when you make them. To me it is crucial that the patient is a member of the care team. If you're struggling with Relationship Issues, Anxiety, Depression, BiPolar, Panic Attacks, Trauma, Problem Behaviors I may be a good fit assist you.
Gabriel Kangas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCS
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002 (Online Only)
My personal theoretical foundation is not limited to one approach. I believe it is necessary for counselors to be adaptive. Every client is different and our responses and approaches should be equally diverse. One person may need a cognitive behavioral approach whereas another would be more responsive to brief counseling. This eclectic approach will be applied to all clients. Techniques will vary between clients to best meet the individual client's needs.
My personal theoretical foundation is not limited to one approach. I believe it is necessary for counselors to be adaptive. Every client is different and our responses and approaches should be equally diverse. One person may need a cognitive behavioral approach whereas another would be more responsive to brief counseling. This eclectic approach will be applied to all clients. Techniques will vary between clients to best meet the individual client's needs.
See more therapy options for Portage
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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.