Play Therapy in Walker, MI
I do not believe that we are meant to merely survive in life, but rather, THRIVE! However, things in life, from mere annoyances to severe traumas, can rob us of the joy, energy, hope, and love of life! My goal as a therapist is that through compassionate & active listening, guidance, education, support and encouragement, you and I together can work through these issues that are holding you back, and set you on a new path of growth, hope and healing.
I do not believe that we are meant to merely survive in life, but rather, THRIVE! However, things in life, from mere annoyances to severe traumas, can rob us of the joy, energy, hope, and love of life! My goal as a therapist is that through compassionate & active listening, guidance, education, support and encouragement, you and I together can work through these issues that are holding you back, and set you on a new path of growth, hope and healing.
Tracy Thompson is the owner of the Family Therapy Place, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Tracy specializes in working with children and families who have discovered that life can be a tough journey. Tracy’s training and speciality is with children who have experienced developmental trauma, often due to neglect or abuse. Tracy has a strong belief and training in the experiences of attachment and works with families to rebuild and nurture attachments when they have been broken. Tracy also works with adult families that are working to manage and resolve conflict that has surfaced or created separation within the family.
Tracy Thompson is the owner of the Family Therapy Place, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Tracy specializes in working with children and families who have discovered that life can be a tough journey. Tracy’s training and speciality is with children who have experienced developmental trauma, often due to neglect or abuse. Tracy has a strong belief and training in the experiences of attachment and works with families to rebuild and nurture attachments when they have been broken. Tracy also works with adult families that are working to manage and resolve conflict that has surfaced or created separation within the family.
Steven Bristol
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MDiv, LMSW, TF-CBT, EMDR, CAADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walker, MI 49534
Waitlist for new clients
I'm passionate about providing support and compassionate counseling to individuals, couples, & families facing life-challenging crises, addictions, or illness with a heart of sincere concern. I assist clients in developing healthy life skills, resolving conflict, and accessing needed resources as they seek to fulfill their personal, family, and vocational goals. I'm experienced in a breath of crises and family needs through years of church-based pastoral care and clinical counseling. I provide Individual, Couples, and Group Therapy. I can help address Men's Issues, Grief Support, and Conflict Mediation needs.
I'm passionate about providing support and compassionate counseling to individuals, couples, & families facing life-challenging crises, addictions, or illness with a heart of sincere concern. I assist clients in developing healthy life skills, resolving conflict, and accessing needed resources as they seek to fulfill their personal, family, and vocational goals. I'm experienced in a breath of crises and family needs through years of church-based pastoral care and clinical counseling. I provide Individual, Couples, and Group Therapy. I can help address Men's Issues, Grief Support, and Conflict Mediation needs.
Jhenna Jamal VanTimmeren is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-C) with years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults to reach their full potential by addressing their unique struggles. She seeks to improve individual self-confidence and decision-making by equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate life's stressors. Jhenna specializes in treating anxiety sexual abuse, trauma, and PTSD.
Jhenna Jamal VanTimmeren is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-C) with years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults to reach their full potential by addressing their unique struggles. She seeks to improve individual self-confidence and decision-making by equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate life's stressors. Jhenna specializes in treating anxiety sexual abuse, trauma, and PTSD.
Brent Alan Parzuchowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walker, MI 49534
I enjoy working with adolescents, and the individual family members around them. I am dedicated to helping families navigate complex dynamics, developing goals to achieve harmony, and a consistent level of functioning and overall wellness .
I enjoy working with adolescents, and the individual family members around them. I am dedicated to helping families navigate complex dynamics, developing goals to achieve harmony, and a consistent level of functioning and overall wellness .
Vulnerability: while rewarding, can be daunting. It isn’t easy to let someone into your internal landscape and I value the possibility of learning yours. My name is Sam and I work with clients to become intimately comfortable with the buried and beautifully impactful aspects of themselves. Often, the relationship to yourself contributes to how your days unfold in the world around you. When was the last time you heard or nurtured the parts of yourself that long for you? In doing so, a gateway opens up to a sense of self-worth that will allow you to experience yourself and your environment with a new lens.
Vulnerability: while rewarding, can be daunting. It isn’t easy to let someone into your internal landscape and I value the possibility of learning yours. My name is Sam and I work with clients to become intimately comfortable with the buried and beautifully impactful aspects of themselves. Often, the relationship to yourself contributes to how your days unfold in the world around you. When was the last time you heard or nurtured the parts of yourself that long for you? In doing so, a gateway opens up to a sense of self-worth that will allow you to experience yourself and your environment with a new lens.
More Therapists Nearby
Lisa Williams Bratsburg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
I am a fully licensed Clinical Social Worker and I most often go by "Miss Lisa." For over 15 years I have supported children across residential, school and outpatient therapy settings. I have training in a variety of psychotherapy approaches including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and complimentary therapeutic play strategies with an interoception focus.
I am a fully licensed Clinical Social Worker and I most often go by "Miss Lisa." For over 15 years I have supported children across residential, school and outpatient therapy settings. I have training in a variety of psychotherapy approaches including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and complimentary therapeutic play strategies with an interoception focus.
I have been basic trained in EMDR therapy, TF-CBT, play therapy and utilize components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Dialectic Behavioral Therapy in my practice.
Taking this first step in finding a therapist can be difficult and overwhelming, I see you and am glad you are here and taking those first steps. My therapeutic approach is client-centered and empowerment focused. My goal is to provide a safe environment where you can navigate what feels most right to you. I want to provide a validating, empathetic, and comfortable space for you or your child to find healing and growth. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree of Psychology from Grand Valley State University and my Master’s of Social Work from Western Michigan University
I have been basic trained in EMDR therapy, TF-CBT, play therapy and utilize components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Dialectic Behavioral Therapy in my practice.
Taking this first step in finding a therapist can be difficult and overwhelming, I see you and am glad you are here and taking those first steps. My therapeutic approach is client-centered and empowerment focused. My goal is to provide a safe environment where you can navigate what feels most right to you. I want to provide a validating, empathetic, and comfortable space for you or your child to find healing and growth. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree of Psychology from Grand Valley State University and my Master’s of Social Work from Western Michigan University
Amy Lynn Ver Wey
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, RPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Waitlist for new clients
She has experience in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, interpersonal Therapy and is a Registered Play Therapist.
Amy (she/her) practices an active and interpersonal approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness, popular culture, art, music, role playing games and technological aspects to modify her treatment on an individualized basis to best meet the needs of her clients. Amy identifies as a queer therapist and strives to create a genuinely warm and inclusive therapeutic environment based upon empathy, resiliency and a relatable atmosphere to help normalize mental health services.
She has experience in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, interpersonal Therapy and is a Registered Play Therapist.
Amy (she/her) practices an active and interpersonal approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness, popular culture, art, music, role playing games and technological aspects to modify her treatment on an individualized basis to best meet the needs of her clients. Amy identifies as a queer therapist and strives to create a genuinely warm and inclusive therapeutic environment based upon empathy, resiliency and a relatable atmosphere to help normalize mental health services.
Diane L Atwater
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (Online Only)
I am a compassionate and experienced therapist dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults ( college age). Do you struggle with fear and anxiety, often thinking you’re not good enough, or that no one likes you? Do you lack self confidence and often compare yourself to others? Are you afraid to try something new, thinking you will fail? Maybe you feel lonely or seem to have problems forming good relationships with others. Whatever you're going through, I provide a safe, non- judgmental space for you, students and adults to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
I am a compassionate and experienced therapist dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults ( college age). Do you struggle with fear and anxiety, often thinking you’re not good enough, or that no one likes you? Do you lack self confidence and often compare yourself to others? Are you afraid to try something new, thinking you will fail? Maybe you feel lonely or seem to have problems forming good relationships with others. Whatever you're going through, I provide a safe, non- judgmental space for you, students and adults to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
My goal is to help provide my clients with the resources and tools to function successfully, grow, and experience overall personal wellness. Every client is unique in their own diverse experiences that has led them to where they are today. I look forward to helping provide my clients with a safe, empowering and healing place to work through life's challenges
My goal is to help provide my clients with the resources and tools to function successfully, grow, and experience overall personal wellness. Every client is unique in their own diverse experiences that has led them to where they are today. I look forward to helping provide my clients with a safe, empowering and healing place to work through life's challenges
Alliance Counseling Group and Prescribing
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Are you looking for BOTH high quality counseling AND mental health prescribing all-in-one? Alliance Counseling Group is the place for you! We have a team of friendly and highly skilled therapists who can meet your mental, emotional, relational, and behavioral health needs. We also have a mental health prescriber who can talk with you to understand if the addition of medication is the right fit for you. Our team of therapists and prescribers will work closely in collaboration to best manage your treatment, giving you the support you need to have the best chance of achieving your mental health goals.
Are you looking for BOTH high quality counseling AND mental health prescribing all-in-one? Alliance Counseling Group is the place for you! We have a team of friendly and highly skilled therapists who can meet your mental, emotional, relational, and behavioral health needs. We also have a mental health prescriber who can talk with you to understand if the addition of medication is the right fit for you. Our team of therapists and prescribers will work closely in collaboration to best manage your treatment, giving you the support you need to have the best chance of achieving your mental health goals.
I work to create an environment that feels warm and supportive for each person. The relationship between the client and therapist is a true measure on how helpful the counseling experience will be for an individual. My goal is to guide and empower clients to make important meaningful changes in their life. I primarily use the methods of strength based and person centered talk therapy to achieve these outcomes. I believe everyone has the capacity to tap into the intuitive part of them self and use that wisdom to improve their life. People do have the ability to make positive changes in their life.
I work to create an environment that feels warm and supportive for each person. The relationship between the client and therapist is a true measure on how helpful the counseling experience will be for an individual. My goal is to guide and empower clients to make important meaningful changes in their life. I primarily use the methods of strength based and person centered talk therapy to achieve these outcomes. I believe everyone has the capacity to tap into the intuitive part of them self and use that wisdom to improve their life. People do have the ability to make positive changes in their life.
Kimberly Culp Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Difficult past? Chaotic present? Uncertain future? These are the questions that can plague us with anxiety and slowly take over our lives. You want relief from the constant worrying, or relief for your child who cannot stop worrying. You want freedom from the childhood experiences that, despite your best efforts, continue to impact your current life. You want to understand how to survive as an introvert in a world catering to extroverts. You want to find a way to communicate with a distant partner. You are in the right place and on your way to a better life.
Difficult past? Chaotic present? Uncertain future? These are the questions that can plague us with anxiety and slowly take over our lives. You want relief from the constant worrying, or relief for your child who cannot stop worrying. You want freedom from the childhood experiences that, despite your best efforts, continue to impact your current life. You want to understand how to survive as an introvert in a world catering to extroverts. You want to find a way to communicate with a distant partner. You are in the right place and on your way to a better life.
You deserve to work with a therapist that is able to meet your needs, makes you feel comfortable and, let's be honest, is someone that you mesh with! The relationship between therapist and client is the core of the therapeutic process, when you connect with and trust in your therapist you are able to safely explore the things that brought you to therapy in the first place. I believe that you hold the answers to your questions and stressors and that it is my job to provide you with the tools to help uncover them.
You deserve to work with a therapist that is able to meet your needs, makes you feel comfortable and, let's be honest, is someone that you mesh with! The relationship between therapist and client is the core of the therapeutic process, when you connect with and trust in your therapist you are able to safely explore the things that brought you to therapy in the first place. I believe that you hold the answers to your questions and stressors and that it is my job to provide you with the tools to help uncover them.
Rachel Watson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Waitlist for new clients
Accepting Clients Ages 10 and Older! As a dedicated therapist, my passion lies in guiding you or your child through emotional and behavioral challenges, helping to heal from past traumas, and fostering a sense of safety and connection. With experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults, I am well-versed in addressing issues such as trauma, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, divorce, transitions to adulthood, toxic stress, self-esteem, and interpersonal communication. My goal is to provide a supportive and empathetic environment where you can find the path to growth and well-being.
Accepting Clients Ages 10 and Older! As a dedicated therapist, my passion lies in guiding you or your child through emotional and behavioral challenges, helping to heal from past traumas, and fostering a sense of safety and connection. With experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults, I am well-versed in addressing issues such as trauma, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, divorce, transitions to adulthood, toxic stress, self-esteem, and interpersonal communication. My goal is to provide a supportive and empathetic environment where you can find the path to growth and well-being.
Shawna Siegfried
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Not accepting new clients
Therapy through the use of play and art expression are two approaches that I have found very beneficial with my clients experiencing PTSD, self-esteem and/or eating disorders, and domestic abuse.
I help women and girls heal their wounds and transform their lives for the better. Whether your issues are depression, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, relationship issues, PTSD, or other personal issues, you deserve all that life has to offer and you don't have to achieve it alone. Let me walk beside you in your journey as a healing guide.
Therapy through the use of play and art expression are two approaches that I have found very beneficial with my clients experiencing PTSD, self-esteem and/or eating disorders, and domestic abuse.
I help women and girls heal their wounds and transform their lives for the better. Whether your issues are depression, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, relationship issues, PTSD, or other personal issues, you deserve all that life has to offer and you don't have to achieve it alone. Let me walk beside you in your journey as a healing guide.
Kathryn Padron
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Not accepting new clients
Perinatal Adjustment & Perinatal Mental Health (depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, mood) Play Therapy.
I primarily work with women and children. I specialize in anxiety, attachment and trauma (Complex-PTSD and PTSD), depression, and mood disorders. I have training in multiple modalities and my style is warm and relationship based. I work with children five and up and consult for the very young (0-5). Supporting children overcome and manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and other challenges is such meaningful work. I have worked for 20 years with women, families and children.
Perinatal Adjustment & Perinatal Mental Health (depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, mood) Play Therapy.
I primarily work with women and children. I specialize in anxiety, attachment and trauma (Complex-PTSD and PTSD), depression, and mood disorders. I have training in multiple modalities and my style is warm and relationship based. I work with children five and up and consult for the very young (0-5). Supporting children overcome and manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and other challenges is such meaningful work. I have worked for 20 years with women, families and children.
Beth Boshoven
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Not accepting new clients
I utilize CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, and other methods I have been trained in throughout the many years I have been in practice.
I work primarily with children and adults facing issues related to life transitions. I see many people who have experienced trauma, health situations and who are dealing with life stressors. I have worked with many individuals and families who have experienced the death of a loved one, and have focused much of my practice on seeing clients who have experienced trauma and loss, both physically and emotionally. I feel I am an educated professional who works to offer insight, education and support to my clients. I enjoy working with all ages.
I utilize CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, and other methods I have been trained in throughout the many years I have been in practice.
I work primarily with children and adults facing issues related to life transitions. I see many people who have experienced trauma, health situations and who are dealing with life stressors. I have worked with many individuals and families who have experienced the death of a loved one, and have focused much of my practice on seeing clients who have experienced trauma and loss, both physically and emotionally. I feel I am an educated professional who works to offer insight, education and support to my clients. I enjoy working with all ages.
Jen VanBeek
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Not accepting new clients
Hi, I'm Jen. As a therapist, I work with individuals of all ages & their families. The therapy is collaborative in nature, working alongside clients experiencing a variety of stressors, such as anxiety or depression, within relational contexts. These stressors affect all types of relationships and our lives in general. My focus and intention with clients is to provide a space where they feel safe and comfortable to process concerns while implementing specific client strengths and developing new strategies to reach personal bests.
Hi, I'm Jen. As a therapist, I work with individuals of all ages & their families. The therapy is collaborative in nature, working alongside clients experiencing a variety of stressors, such as anxiety or depression, within relational contexts. These stressors affect all types of relationships and our lives in general. My focus and intention with clients is to provide a space where they feel safe and comfortable to process concerns while implementing specific client strengths and developing new strategies to reach personal bests.
See more therapy options for Walker
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Walker
- Ada
- Allendale
- Byron Center
- East Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Hudsonville
- Jenison
- Kentwood
- Rockford
- Wyoming
- Zeeland
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.