Play Therapy in Saint Joseph, MI
Megan Hines
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, EXAT
Verified Verified
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
Rather, a willingness to try new things, play, and remember your truest self.
I help adolescent and adult women nurture their inner wisdom to forge their own paths, using creativity as the map of the journey home. My clients have found, despite being smart, kind, and deeply hardworking, life can be overwhelming. Whether it's parenting, academic or athletic performances, or even making career decisions, you may notice you never feel good enough and are constantly striving, leaving you feeling less and less yourself every day. Through simple creative exercises, I can help you reconnect with your true self, regain your confidence, and reclaim your joy. I would be honored to support you in your journey.
Rather, a willingness to try new things, play, and remember your truest self.
I help adolescent and adult women nurture their inner wisdom to forge their own paths, using creativity as the map of the journey home. My clients have found, despite being smart, kind, and deeply hardworking, life can be overwhelming. Whether it's parenting, academic or athletic performances, or even making career decisions, you may notice you never feel good enough and are constantly striving, leaving you feeling less and less yourself every day. Through simple creative exercises, I can help you reconnect with your true self, regain your confidence, and reclaim your joy. I would be honored to support you in your journey.
When a child is abused, those who care for them often don't know who they can trust or where they can find help. Bridges of Courage Counseling, LLC is a partner in your healing journey. Therapist and owner Cindy Bridgman, LCSW, has years of experience working with children ages 2-17, specializing in providing therapy for those who have been sexually abused. Using play, art, and sand, children have opportunity to express themselves when there are no words. Parents often feel overwhelmed and paralyzed. The first step is to call. You won't have to take this journey alone.
When a child is abused, those who care for them often don't know who they can trust or where they can find help. Bridges of Courage Counseling, LLC is a partner in your healing journey. Therapist and owner Cindy Bridgman, LCSW, has years of experience working with children ages 2-17, specializing in providing therapy for those who have been sexually abused. Using play, art, and sand, children have opportunity to express themselves when there are no words. Parents often feel overwhelmed and paralyzed. The first step is to call. You won't have to take this journey alone.
Molly Triemstra
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
When you care for a child who has been through hard things you may feel alone, confused, and not sure how to help. Kids often don't have the words to express what they are feeling. When your child and I work together, we will use art, sand and other play activities to allow them to express themselves in ways that feel safe. Trauma affects all areas of life. I would be honored to work with you and your child to navigate the struggles and celebrate the victories.
When you care for a child who has been through hard things you may feel alone, confused, and not sure how to help. Kids often don't have the words to express what they are feeling. When your child and I work together, we will use art, sand and other play activities to allow them to express themselves in ways that feel safe. Trauma affects all areas of life. I would be honored to work with you and your child to navigate the struggles and celebrate the victories.
Midwest Recovery and Wellness Center
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
My goals are to listen to you openly and without judgement. Life can be hard and there are times when the stress feels more overwhelming. I strive to assist you with what your unique needs are and help you find solutions that are right for you. Being a parent and/or spouse and meeting all of the needs that are placed on you can cause you to need someone to talk to openly and honestly. I am also adept at working with children and helping parents and their children experience joy together while learning how to provide necessary support.
My goals are to listen to you openly and without judgement. Life can be hard and there are times when the stress feels more overwhelming. I strive to assist you with what your unique needs are and help you find solutions that are right for you. Being a parent and/or spouse and meeting all of the needs that are placed on you can cause you to need someone to talk to openly and honestly. I am also adept at working with children and helping parents and their children experience joy together while learning how to provide necessary support.
You have taken a huge first step– recognizing that you have something you would like to work through and wanting to do so with the help of a therapist. I aim to cater therapy towards your unique and individual needs.
You have taken a huge first step– recognizing that you have something you would like to work through and wanting to do so with the help of a therapist. I aim to cater therapy towards your unique and individual needs.
Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling is ready to get you back on track to a healthier, happier you! Our private group practice offers residents of Southwest Michigan opportunities to engage in traditional and online (telehealth) services with an office location in St. Joseph. We are a diverse team of professional providers with a wide range of training and specialties
Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling is ready to get you back on track to a healthier, happier you! Our private group practice offers residents of Southwest Michigan opportunities to engage in traditional and online (telehealth) services with an office location in St. Joseph. We are a diverse team of professional providers with a wide range of training and specialties
I incorporates traditional talk therapy techniques with carefully selected art media to allow clients to explore personal struggle through color, line and form. It is thru the creative process and the subsequent artwork where I aids clients in beginning their therapeutic journey. Art therapy is an effective therapeutic approach for clients across the lifespan. It can be applied to treat any mental health issues, or life challenge, be it short-term or ongoing. Anyone is a good candidate for art therapy. For many, it can be difficult to talk about complex issues.
I incorporates traditional talk therapy techniques with carefully selected art media to allow clients to explore personal struggle through color, line and form. It is thru the creative process and the subsequent artwork where I aids clients in beginning their therapeutic journey. Art therapy is an effective therapeutic approach for clients across the lifespan. It can be applied to treat any mental health issues, or life challenge, be it short-term or ongoing. Anyone is a good candidate for art therapy. For many, it can be difficult to talk about complex issues.
I'm Dr. Cullen Hardy. Do you feel anxious or depressed much of the time but can't exactly figure out why? Are you experiencing a significant life change and often feel hopeless or lost? Do you or someone you know struggle with an addiction or substance use issue? I believe that we are all capable of living happy, serene and confident lives but sometimes we need a little help. I approach clients from a collaborative perspective to help promote and achieve positive change. You deserve a happier, more fulfilling life so start living the life you want to live.
I'm Dr. Cullen Hardy. Do you feel anxious or depressed much of the time but can't exactly figure out why? Are you experiencing a significant life change and often feel hopeless or lost? Do you or someone you know struggle with an addiction or substance use issue? I believe that we are all capable of living happy, serene and confident lives but sometimes we need a little help. I approach clients from a collaborative perspective to help promote and achieve positive change. You deserve a happier, more fulfilling life so start living the life you want to live.
Hinman Counseling Services, LLC
Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
Are sexual issues and behaviors causing problems in your relationship? Whether for individual or couples counseling, we have sex positive experienced therapists with expertise to help. Has daily living become a struggle and you feel disconnected from yourself or others? We have therapists with proven techniques and tools to help! Are you struggling with parenting your child or teen or are they having concerning behaviors? We have talented therapists that can help you or them.
Are sexual issues and behaviors causing problems in your relationship? Whether for individual or couples counseling, we have sex positive experienced therapists with expertise to help. Has daily living become a struggle and you feel disconnected from yourself or others? We have therapists with proven techniques and tools to help! Are you struggling with parenting your child or teen or are they having concerning behaviors? We have talented therapists that can help you or them.
Abi Austin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-C
Verified Verified
Saint Joseph, MI 49085 (Online Only)
Most days, being a human can be overwhelming enough on its own, but when something traumatic happens, it can feel impossible to know how to begin to heal. Chronic stress or trauma not only affects your emotional well being but your thoughts, nervous system, and relationships as well. If you are feeling numb, defeated, anxious, and struggling to live life to the fullest, I would be honored to walk alongside you through your healing. I love doing this work and am continually in awe of the inner strength people possess to change.
Most days, being a human can be overwhelming enough on its own, but when something traumatic happens, it can feel impossible to know how to begin to heal. Chronic stress or trauma not only affects your emotional well being but your thoughts, nervous system, and relationships as well. If you are feeling numb, defeated, anxious, and struggling to live life to the fullest, I would be honored to walk alongside you through your healing. I love doing this work and am continually in awe of the inner strength people possess to change.
More Therapists Nearby
Children who experience trauma are at risk of many behavioral, social and academic problems. My job is to help them navigate and process their experiences. It is difficult for children to put into words things that they never should have seen or have happened to them. That is why I use art, sand tray and play as tools to assist a child through their trauma journey to healing.
Children who experience trauma are at risk of many behavioral, social and academic problems. My job is to help them navigate and process their experiences. It is difficult for children to put into words things that they never should have seen or have happened to them. That is why I use art, sand tray and play as tools to assist a child through their trauma journey to healing.
Online Therapists
I often use play, art, and music as tools for processing, however I am flexible to provide treatment that best suits an individual.
Feeling stuck, incomplete, or helpless is a debilitating place to be. I hope to provide a space for individuals to reflect on and experience their whole selves so they can heal. I have years of experience working with individuals from ages 5 to mid-adulthood. I have helped those who struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, traumatic grief, complex trauma and PTSD, behavioral issues, parenting, and/or family issues. For children, I offer a playful and engaging approach that is conducive to their level of development.
I often use play, art, and music as tools for processing, however I am flexible to provide treatment that best suits an individual.
Feeling stuck, incomplete, or helpless is a debilitating place to be. I hope to provide a space for individuals to reflect on and experience their whole selves so they can heal. I have years of experience working with individuals from ages 5 to mid-adulthood. I have helped those who struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, traumatic grief, complex trauma and PTSD, behavioral issues, parenting, and/or family issues. For children, I offer a playful and engaging approach that is conducive to their level of development.
Gen Manders
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCS, IBHPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Waitlist for new clients
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.
Kristine Berryman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Zeeland, MI 49464
Kris is skilled with treating a variety of life’s challenges, including adoption and foster care, identity, relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, body image/self-esteem issues, Obsessive-compulsive disorders and life transitions. She is expertly trained in numerous clinical utilities, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment Focused EMDR, Brainspotting, Child-Centered play therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Kris is skilled with treating a variety of life’s challenges, including adoption and foster care, identity, relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, body image/self-esteem issues, Obsessive-compulsive disorders and life transitions. She is expertly trained in numerous clinical utilities, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment Focused EMDR, Brainspotting, Child-Centered play therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I specialize in anger, anxiety, depression, family therapy, relationship issues, spiritual struggles, parenting, play therapy, stress management, grief, loss, life transitions and vocational stress.
My heart as a therapist is to create a safe space to help individuals, married couples and families who are navigating life's challenges. My mission is to support and guide them towards healing and personal or spiritual growth. I believe that through counseling, individuals can discover new perspectives, overcome obstacles, and experience a more profound connection with themselves and others. I will work collaboratively with you towards developing positive coping skills, healthy boundaries, and overall well-being.
I specialize in anger, anxiety, depression, family therapy, relationship issues, spiritual struggles, parenting, play therapy, stress management, grief, loss, life transitions and vocational stress.
My heart as a therapist is to create a safe space to help individuals, married couples and families who are navigating life's challenges. My mission is to support and guide them towards healing and personal or spiritual growth. I believe that through counseling, individuals can discover new perspectives, overcome obstacles, and experience a more profound connection with themselves and others. I will work collaboratively with you towards developing positive coping skills, healthy boundaries, and overall well-being.
My experience in play therapy has been particularly effective for individuals dealing with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Autism.
My primary goal in therapy is to create a nonjudgmental, safe space for expressing feelings and emotions. I am deeply committed to helping children aged 8 and older with issues related to school, peers, anxiety, executive functioning, and self-esteem. Additionally, I enjoy supporting young adults as they navigate life transitions, depression, and anxiety. My approach is warm and compassionate, focusing on engaging children creatively to foster enthusiasm and interest in their therapeutic journey.
My experience in play therapy has been particularly effective for individuals dealing with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Autism.
My primary goal in therapy is to create a nonjudgmental, safe space for expressing feelings and emotions. I am deeply committed to helping children aged 8 and older with issues related to school, peers, anxiety, executive functioning, and self-esteem. Additionally, I enjoy supporting young adults as they navigate life transitions, depression, and anxiety. My approach is warm and compassionate, focusing on engaging children creatively to foster enthusiasm and interest in their therapeutic journey.
My specialty often involves working with young children utilizing play therapy techniques to help them express themselves.
Amy is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and Certified EAGALA Professional. Since 1994, Amy has been working with children, teens, adults and families. She has provided direct clinical services, supervision, instruction, and program development locally, nationally and internationally. Amy has a passion for working with children, particularly young children with histories of complex trauma. Her intention is to partner with individuals to experience hope in their lives within a safe and compassionate environment.
My specialty often involves working with young children utilizing play therapy techniques to help them express themselves.
Amy is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and Certified EAGALA Professional. Since 1994, Amy has been working with children, teens, adults and families. She has provided direct clinical services, supervision, instruction, and program development locally, nationally and internationally. Amy has a passion for working with children, particularly young children with histories of complex trauma. Her intention is to partner with individuals to experience hope in their lives within a safe and compassionate environment.
Jennifer Hayden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
My approach blends traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and talk therapy with play and art interventions.
Is your child struggling right now? Do you have a child with ADHD or Autism? I am an experienced child, adolescent and family therapist. I work with kids ages 5 through young adulthood, and have specialization working with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and behavioral challenges. With a background in School Social Work, I am uniquely qualified to help with school challenges and collaborate closely with school staff to help your child thrive academically and socially. In sessions, I integrate art and play, making therapy a fun and meaningful experience for your child.
My approach blends traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and talk therapy with play and art interventions.
Is your child struggling right now? Do you have a child with ADHD or Autism? I am an experienced child, adolescent and family therapist. I work with kids ages 5 through young adulthood, and have specialization working with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and behavioral challenges. With a background in School Social Work, I am uniquely qualified to help with school challenges and collaborate closely with school staff to help your child thrive academically and socially. In sessions, I integrate art and play, making therapy a fun and meaningful experience for your child.
Melanie Bugnaski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
I currently serve all ages from pre-school children through empty-nesters! I use empirically validated solution focused and cognitive behavioral techniques while integrating play, art, exercise and music.
Have you ever felt alone and like people don't understand you? Or have you ever struggled with, am I making the right choices in parenting for my children? My passion in counseling is helping clients understand who they are, to gain skills that help them meet their goals, and to provide educational opportunities for growth. Together WE define your goals and set obtainable objectives to meet those goals... you are the expert of you! Think of me as your helper or guide...
I currently serve all ages from pre-school children through empty-nesters! I use empirically validated solution focused and cognitive behavioral techniques while integrating play, art, exercise and music.
Have you ever felt alone and like people don't understand you? Or have you ever struggled with, am I making the right choices in parenting for my children? My passion in counseling is helping clients understand who they are, to gain skills that help them meet their goals, and to provide educational opportunities for growth. Together WE define your goals and set obtainable objectives to meet those goals... you are the expert of you! Think of me as your helper or guide...
I trained under two Registered Play Therapist- Supervisors, being trained in multiple areas Equine Assisted Play Therapy utilizing the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association model (EAGALA), Client Centered, Cognitive behavioral, Adlerian, and Solution focused techniques.
I am passionate about working with children and adolescents, who have experienced anxiety, depression, self-esteem, school issues, and education and learning disabilities. My goal is to create a safe environment for children to promote the processing of emotions, life challenges, and changes. I will work alongside caregivers to help instill hope, growth, and healing using an evidence-based approach. I work best with individuals who process emotions through play as well as parents working to help their children through what they are experiencing.
I trained under two Registered Play Therapist- Supervisors, being trained in multiple areas Equine Assisted Play Therapy utilizing the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association model (EAGALA), Client Centered, Cognitive behavioral, Adlerian, and Solution focused techniques.
I am passionate about working with children and adolescents, who have experienced anxiety, depression, self-esteem, school issues, and education and learning disabilities. My goal is to create a safe environment for children to promote the processing of emotions, life challenges, and changes. I will work alongside caregivers to help instill hope, growth, and healing using an evidence-based approach. I work best with individuals who process emotions through play as well as parents working to help their children through what they are experiencing.
See more therapy options for Saint Joseph
Nearby Searches for Saint Joseph
- Benton Harbor
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- Bridgman
- Buchanan
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- Gobles
- Mattawan
- New Buffalo
- Niles
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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.