Play Therapy in Royal Oak, MI

Photo of Vickie Novell, LMSW, IECMH-E, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vickie Novell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, IECMH-E
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
I partner with families in their parenting journey through parent coaching, developmental guidance, play therapy, and family therapy.
Early Childhood is an amazing, complex time. Whether planning to grow your family, are currently pregnant, or planning an adoption, you may experience a mixture of joy, confusion, sadness, and worry. As an attachment therapist, I specialize in supporting caregivers through pregnancy and caring for newborns, infants, toddlers, or preschoolers. Whether you are looking for support for the challenges of pregnancy and parenting, or your child is struggling emotionally, has developmental/behavioral concerns, or has experienced stressors such divorce, trauma, I am here to support your family to grow and thrive.
I partner with families in their parenting journey through parent coaching, developmental guidance, play therapy, and family therapy.
Early Childhood is an amazing, complex time. Whether planning to grow your family, are currently pregnant, or planning an adoption, you may experience a mixture of joy, confusion, sadness, and worry. As an attachment therapist, I specialize in supporting caregivers through pregnancy and caring for newborns, infants, toddlers, or preschoolers. Whether you are looking for support for the challenges of pregnancy and parenting, or your child is struggling emotionally, has developmental/behavioral concerns, or has experienced stressors such divorce, trauma, I am here to support your family to grow and thrive.
(947) 203-3438 View (947) 203-3438
Photo of Liz DeLandsheer, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Liz DeLandsheer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
I provided play therapy, career counseling, group therapy, and parent/ child attachment.
Are you struggling to find meaningful relationships or just tired of feeling disappointed by others? Maybe your needs are not being met professionally, emotionally, or intellectually? We will explore why you’re stuck, understand the patterns, and create a plan to help you achieve your goals. By first developing insight into behavior and relationship patterns, we can create strategies to resolve those conflicts. Later, learn ways to tolerate pain, move forward in the fear, and feel ready to take action in those steps. You will learn to tolerate anxiety, heal past trauma, improve the connection with yourself, and feel understood.
I provided play therapy, career counseling, group therapy, and parent/ child attachment.
Are you struggling to find meaningful relationships or just tired of feeling disappointed by others? Maybe your needs are not being met professionally, emotionally, or intellectually? We will explore why you’re stuck, understand the patterns, and create a plan to help you achieve your goals. By first developing insight into behavior and relationship patterns, we can create strategies to resolve those conflicts. Later, learn ways to tolerate pain, move forward in the fear, and feel ready to take action in those steps. You will learn to tolerate anxiety, heal past trauma, improve the connection with yourself, and feel understood.
(248) 965-0587 View (248) 965-0587
Photo of Lindsay LaBoda, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lindsay LaBoda
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48068
I have received training in play therapy, art therapy, attachment theory and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) .
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my focus is to help provide support for individuals, children and families in a nurturing and empathic environment. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space in which you are in control of your own goals in treatment. I encourage an open therapeutic relationship to help individuals, parents or children feel emotionally supported and able to genuinely express themselves. I work to provide individuals and families with the tools to effectively move toward a positive change.
I have received training in play therapy, art therapy, attachment theory and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) .
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my focus is to help provide support for individuals, children and families in a nurturing and empathic environment. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space in which you are in control of your own goals in treatment. I encourage an open therapeutic relationship to help individuals, parents or children feel emotionally supported and able to genuinely express themselves. I work to provide individuals and families with the tools to effectively move toward a positive change.
(248) 997-4392 View (248) 997-4392
Photo of Katie Smith, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katie Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48073
Waitlist for new clients
I use play therapy, skill development and parent-child relationship building in session.
You work hard as a parent to give your child everything you can, but sometimes it’s hard to know what they are going through or how to help them. You don't have to figure it out alone. I have been a child and family therapist for fifteen years and have helped families going through all kinds of challenges. As children grow, they often struggle during times of change, stress or loss. When they are having a tough time it can impact the whole family. Your child deserves to feel better. You deserve to feel better. Let's start today.
I use play therapy, skill development and parent-child relationship building in session.
You work hard as a parent to give your child everything you can, but sometimes it’s hard to know what they are going through or how to help them. You don't have to figure it out alone. I have been a child and family therapist for fifteen years and have helped families going through all kinds of challenges. As children grow, they often struggle during times of change, stress or loss. When they are having a tough time it can impact the whole family. Your child deserves to feel better. You deserve to feel better. Let's start today.
(248) 721-8404 View (248) 721-8404
Photo of Jamie DeKraker, LMSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jamie DeKraker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48073
Does your child struggle with overwhelming emotions and challenging behaviors? Do you feel lost as a parent on how to best support your child, as well as yourself? I specialize in providing trauma-informed, compassionate care to develop effective coping skills for growing children and parents to manage life’s challenges and increase the joy of childhood. Utilizing play therapy and trauma treatment techniques along with advanced perinatal training, you and your child can expect caring encouragement and patience grounded in clinical expertise.
Does your child struggle with overwhelming emotions and challenging behaviors? Do you feel lost as a parent on how to best support your child, as well as yourself? I specialize in providing trauma-informed, compassionate care to develop effective coping skills for growing children and parents to manage life’s challenges and increase the joy of childhood. Utilizing play therapy and trauma treatment techniques along with advanced perinatal training, you and your child can expect caring encouragement and patience grounded in clinical expertise.
(248) 653-5038 View (248) 653-5038
Photo of Carissa Pintar - Center for Therapeutic Arts, PsyD, LPC, ATR-BC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Center for Therapeutic Arts
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48073
I have additional training in Play Therapy, Sandtray and trauma.
I have always been amazed at the inherent healing qualities of art. By providing my clients with a safe holding environment, I pave the way to explore their concerns in therapy. Art has a way of quickly bringing issues from the unconscious into the conscious realm where they can be processed verbally or just witnessed. Art is wonderful for increasing tolerance of frustration, delay of gratification and learning to verbalize emotional states. I use all of the Expressive Arts to create individually tailored experientials to promote increased understanding and growth with my clients.
I have additional training in Play Therapy, Sandtray and trauma.
I have always been amazed at the inherent healing qualities of art. By providing my clients with a safe holding environment, I pave the way to explore their concerns in therapy. Art has a way of quickly bringing issues from the unconscious into the conscious realm where they can be processed verbally or just witnessed. Art is wonderful for increasing tolerance of frustration, delay of gratification and learning to verbalize emotional states. I use all of the Expressive Arts to create individually tailored experientials to promote increased understanding and growth with my clients.
(248) 648-3981 View (248) 648-3981
Photo of Hasti Raveau, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Hasti Raveau
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Raveau works with a wide range of ages and utilizes a combination of approaches, such as IFS, ACT, executive function coaching, exposure therapy, inner child healing, somatic therapy, mindfulness, emotion focused couples/family therapy, play therapy, and parent coaching to support the needs of her clients.
Dr. Raveau is a clinical psychologist and founder of Mala Child & Family Institute. She is an expert in neurodiversity, trauma, anxiety/OCD, parenting, ethnic minorities, and family level challenges. She helps clients end intergenerational cycles of trauma, form safe relationships, embrace their neurodiversity and cultural background, and build authentic lives filled with a sense of belonging and inner peace. Dr. Raveau embraces working with individuals and families who identify with a range of ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. To learn more, visit www.malafamily.org.
Raveau works with a wide range of ages and utilizes a combination of approaches, such as IFS, ACT, executive function coaching, exposure therapy, inner child healing, somatic therapy, mindfulness, emotion focused couples/family therapy, play therapy, and parent coaching to support the needs of her clients.
Dr. Raveau is a clinical psychologist and founder of Mala Child & Family Institute. She is an expert in neurodiversity, trauma, anxiety/OCD, parenting, ethnic minorities, and family level challenges. She helps clients end intergenerational cycles of trauma, form safe relationships, embrace their neurodiversity and cultural background, and build authentic lives filled with a sense of belonging and inner peace. Dr. Raveau embraces working with individuals and families who identify with a range of ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. To learn more, visit www.malafamily.org.
(734) 245-2279 View (734) 245-2279
Photo of Pamela Newsome-Hartman, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Pamela Newsome-Hartman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
I believe a trusting relationship between counselor and client is important. I am comfortable working with individuals from diverse cultures and lifestyles and feel being accepting, objective, respectful, and genuine are essential characteristics for working with clients. My goal for the counseling process is to help clients gain personal insight, knowledge and tools that will facilitate continued growth and development after therapy has ended. As your counselor I do not have the answers to your dilemmas, instead I function as a facilitator of the process that will assist you with discovering your own solutions.
I believe a trusting relationship between counselor and client is important. I am comfortable working with individuals from diverse cultures and lifestyles and feel being accepting, objective, respectful, and genuine are essential characteristics for working with clients. My goal for the counseling process is to help clients gain personal insight, knowledge and tools that will facilitate continued growth and development after therapy has ended. As your counselor I do not have the answers to your dilemmas, instead I function as a facilitator of the process that will assist you with discovering your own solutions.
(313) 466-5173 x132 View (313) 466-5173 x132
Photo of Early Wellness Group - Early Wellness Group, MSW, LMSW, CTP-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Early Wellness Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW, CTP-C
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Have you noticed increased stress, overwhelming emotions or moods, difficulty with school or work after the pandemic, or other emotional, social, or behavioral changes? Have you wondered if it would be beneficial to work with someone? Therapy can help you, your child, and/or your family. Our goal at Early Wellness Group is to provide our clients with the tools they need to support life-long mental health practices. These are applicable tools used to return to a place of stability, balance, and joy throughout your lives.
Have you noticed increased stress, overwhelming emotions or moods, difficulty with school or work after the pandemic, or other emotional, social, or behavioral changes? Have you wondered if it would be beneficial to work with someone? Therapy can help you, your child, and/or your family. Our goal at Early Wellness Group is to provide our clients with the tools they need to support life-long mental health practices. These are applicable tools used to return to a place of stability, balance, and joy throughout your lives.
(313) 217-6072 View (313) 217-6072
Photo of Chantelle James, MA, LLPC, Counselor
Chantelle James
Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067  (Online Only)
You dream of a calmer and fulfilled journey through your life. One where you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the benefits of your hard work. Taking a little extra time in the morning to enjoy a cup of coffee on your porch or seizing a special moment of your day. However, you find a contradiction in what your soul desires and in your actual life. You find yourself feeling busy, you barely have time to look up and often feel isolated and alone, as if no one quite understands your inner feelings of: anxiety, depression, sadness, trauma, relationship or self esteem concerns. When will your moment come to feel understood?
You dream of a calmer and fulfilled journey through your life. One where you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the benefits of your hard work. Taking a little extra time in the morning to enjoy a cup of coffee on your porch or seizing a special moment of your day. However, you find a contradiction in what your soul desires and in your actual life. You find yourself feeling busy, you barely have time to look up and often feel isolated and alone, as if no one quite understands your inner feelings of: anxiety, depression, sadness, trauma, relationship or self esteem concerns. When will your moment come to feel understood?
(248) 278-7131 View (248) 278-7131
Photo of Tiana Kennedy, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tiana Kennedy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety that disrupts your daily life? Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed by your child's behaviors? Are you facing relationship challenges? Or perhaps you're contending with intense emotional upheaval and difficulty regulating your feelings? I specialize in assisting individuals dealing with PTSD and other significant mental health concerns.
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety that disrupts your daily life? Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed by your child's behaviors? Are you facing relationship challenges? Or perhaps you're contending with intense emotional upheaval and difficulty regulating your feelings? I specialize in assisting individuals dealing with PTSD and other significant mental health concerns.
(248) 845-1713 View (248) 845-1713
Photo of Tanesha Shepherd, LMSW, IMH-E, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tanesha Shepherd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, IMH-E
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck in a situation, a relationship or pondering a career change? Are you seeking healthy and meaningful connections however, are uncertain where to begin? As we experience life, we develop strategies to help us get through these difficult times, which are either constructive or destructive and may lead us further away from the best version of ourselves. To fully immerse ourselves in our true potential, we need to feel safe, supported and empowered.
Are you feeling stuck in a situation, a relationship or pondering a career change? Are you seeking healthy and meaningful connections however, are uncertain where to begin? As we experience life, we develop strategies to help us get through these difficult times, which are either constructive or destructive and may lead us further away from the best version of ourselves. To fully immerse ourselves in our true potential, we need to feel safe, supported and empowered.
(248) 792-8273 View (248) 792-8273
Photo of Tracy Niyo, LMSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tracy Niyo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Waitlist for new clients
Overwhelmed, stressed and at a loss for what to do next. Hoping to find calm, a sense of control and room to breathe. Today’s daily life is, more often than not, exhausting; whether you’re a child, a teenager, young adult or parent.
Overwhelmed, stressed and at a loss for what to do next. Hoping to find calm, a sense of control and room to breathe. Today’s daily life is, more often than not, exhausting; whether you’re a child, a teenager, young adult or parent.
(947) 203-3949 View (947) 203-3949
Photo of Dana M Decapite, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dana M Decapite
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
I am state-licensed therapist serving Pleasant Ridge and the Metro Detroit area. I offer psychotherapy and counseling services, helping people overcome life's challenges. My specialties include the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, relationship problems, grief/bereavement, ADHD, OCD and mood disorders. I build a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs, and then take you through the process at your own pace. Opening up your soul to a stranger requires a great deal of trust. I provide a comfortable and private setting for you to share your feelings.
I am state-licensed therapist serving Pleasant Ridge and the Metro Detroit area. I offer psychotherapy and counseling services, helping people overcome life's challenges. My specialties include the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, relationship problems, grief/bereavement, ADHD, OCD and mood disorders. I build a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs, and then take you through the process at your own pace. Opening up your soul to a stranger requires a great deal of trust. I provide a comfortable and private setting for you to share your feelings.
(248) 876-3549 View (248) 876-3549
Photo of Kali Skodack, MA, BC-DMT, APCC, LLPC, RYT-200, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kali Skodack
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, APCC, LLPC, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48073
Navigating life’s challenges can be difficult, but it does not need to be done alone. My goal is to support and empower individuals while helping us connect back to our own bodies. Each person brings their unique life and experiences to session and I invite people of all identities and walks of life while uniquely tailoring services to you. I am passionate about creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for individuals to investigate challenges presented in life.
Navigating life’s challenges can be difficult, but it does not need to be done alone. My goal is to support and empower individuals while helping us connect back to our own bodies. Each person brings their unique life and experiences to session and I invite people of all identities and walks of life while uniquely tailoring services to you. I am passionate about creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for individuals to investigate challenges presented in life.
(313) 351-4239 View (313) 351-4239
Photo of Jenna Debryn, MA, ATR, LPC, Counselor
Jenna Debryn
Counselor, MA, ATR, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Everyone deserves the opportunity to be the best version of themselves and sometimes we need support getting there. I am here to offer that support, however that may look for you. Therapy can be a transformative process that offers a number of possibilities. I believe everyone is unique and therapy is not a "one size fits all". Whether you are new to therapy looking to deal with life’s daily stress, looking for personal growth, or in need of some healing, we will work together as a team to make therapy right for you. I find joy in offering both a safe space and supportive ear to those looking and open to enlightenment and change.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to be the best version of themselves and sometimes we need support getting there. I am here to offer that support, however that may look for you. Therapy can be a transformative process that offers a number of possibilities. I believe everyone is unique and therapy is not a "one size fits all". Whether you are new to therapy looking to deal with life’s daily stress, looking for personal growth, or in need of some healing, we will work together as a team to make therapy right for you. I find joy in offering both a safe space and supportive ear to those looking and open to enlightenment and change.
(248) 418-4334 View (248) 418-4334
Photo of Carolyn Campbell Mullas - Mullas Counseling, MS, LCPC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mullas Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067  (Online Only)
Now accepting clients in Michigan and Illinois for telehealth sessions! I specialize in children, adolescents and adults. Experienced with ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD and adjustment disorders. My ideal client is open to the possibility that therapy can bring change, hope that life can get better and trust that I can provide a safe and respectful space to process challenges and vulnerabilities life brings.
Now accepting clients in Michigan and Illinois for telehealth sessions! I specialize in children, adolescents and adults. Experienced with ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD and adjustment disorders. My ideal client is open to the possibility that therapy can bring change, hope that life can get better and trust that I can provide a safe and respectful space to process challenges and vulnerabilities life brings.
(331) 704-1309 View (331) 704-1309
Photo of Kandice Moss, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, IMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kandice Moss
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, IMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Life can be overwhelming; from the chaotic daily stressors, to life changing transitions. Are you wondering how to tackle these challenging situations? Do you know something is "off" with your energy, but not quite sure what it is or how to access it?
Life can be overwhelming; from the chaotic daily stressors, to life changing transitions. Are you wondering how to tackle these challenging situations? Do you know something is "off" with your energy, but not quite sure what it is or how to access it?
(248) 301-0713 View (248) 301-0713
Photo of Marni Lauren Hus, LMSW, CASDCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marni Lauren Hus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CASDCS
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Waitlist for new clients
The goal of my practice is to provide behavioral and emotional support to families with children ages 4-13. I work to assist in developing a strong foundation from which a child can grow and reach their full potential.
The goal of my practice is to provide behavioral and emotional support to families with children ages 4-13. I work to assist in developing a strong foundation from which a child can grow and reach their full potential.
(248) 301-0996 View (248) 301-0996
Photo of Sarah Scales, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Scales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Do you find yourself always arguing with your child? Does it feel like your minds work completely opposite from each other? You all used to get along so well and now you feel so distant. Or maybe your child is struggling in school and you dread parent-teacher conferences. Maybe your child's friendships have changed in a profoundly negative way and you worry for your child. Growing up and becoming independent has never been more difficult for the younger generation, and I am here to assist your family in navigating these challenges.
Do you find yourself always arguing with your child? Does it feel like your minds work completely opposite from each other? You all used to get along so well and now you feel so distant. Or maybe your child is struggling in school and you dread parent-teacher conferences. Maybe your child's friendships have changed in a profoundly negative way and you worry for your child. Growing up and becoming independent has never been more difficult for the younger generation, and I am here to assist your family in navigating these challenges.
(248) 744-4702 View (248) 744-4702
1
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.