Sandplay Therapists in University City, MO

The Art and Play Therapy Center
Counselor, LPC, , ATR, BC
Verified Verified
University City, MO 63130
Jane has extensive experience in working with children and families of all ages. She specializes in working with Autistic spectrum, ADHD, trauma and sensory interventions. She uses art and play therapy as well as sand tray and experiential play to address the difficulties of learning and growing.
Jane has extensive experience in working with children and families of all ages. She specializes in working with Autistic spectrum, ADHD, trauma and sensory interventions. She uses art and play therapy as well as sand tray and experiential play to address the difficulties of learning and growing.
(314) 916-4797 View (314) 916-4797
Photo of Rebecca Coulson, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Coulson
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
University City, MO 63130  (Online Only)
I have been working in the Behavioral Health field with children and their families for 15 years in a variety of settings. About 5 years into my career a pivotal point came when a caregiver who sat crying, grabbed my arm and said "Thank you for giving us hope that this can get better. That 4 letter word, HOPE is what I wish to inspire in each and every client. Our journey together is yours, so I use a variety of approaches and techniques based on each individual case and what the needs are. I hope to walk side by side with each client and show each child and family their potential and support whatever goals they may have.
I have been working in the Behavioral Health field with children and their families for 15 years in a variety of settings. About 5 years into my career a pivotal point came when a caregiver who sat crying, grabbed my arm and said "Thank you for giving us hope that this can get better. That 4 letter word, HOPE is what I wish to inspire in each and every client. Our journey together is yours, so I use a variety of approaches and techniques based on each individual case and what the needs are. I hope to walk side by side with each client and show each child and family their potential and support whatever goals they may have.
(314) 876-6282 View (314) 876-6282
Photo of Karen R Moist, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Karen R Moist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
University City, MO 63130
Waitlist for new clients
In my practice I work with families and children who have experienced trauma and are having attachment difficulties. Many children I see have pre-verbal trauma from parental stress during pregnancy, adoption, neglect, or abuse. Some of the children I see are experiencing traumatic stress due to gender fluidity or gender dysphoria. Because trauma is the result of feeling helpless in a situation, many of the families I see have never thought of their child's behavior as a symptom of a life trauma. This shift in perspective is often the beginning of the healing process.
In my practice I work with families and children who have experienced trauma and are having attachment difficulties. Many children I see have pre-verbal trauma from parental stress during pregnancy, adoption, neglect, or abuse. Some of the children I see are experiencing traumatic stress due to gender fluidity or gender dysphoria. Because trauma is the result of feeling helpless in a situation, many of the families I see have never thought of their child's behavior as a symptom of a life trauma. This shift in perspective is often the beginning of the healing process.
(314) 310-0413 View (314) 310-0413
Photo of Joy Ciskowski, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joy Ciskowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
University City, MO 63130
Hello! If you're reading this, I want you to know you are innately worthy of the care, change, and healing you so deeply desire. On top of that, you hold the power within to make those changes. Not only is this a belief I personally hold, it is one supported by research. On a molecular level, we are wired to develop and change when given what we need. This remains true starting from childhood and beyond into adulthood. Meaning, it's never too late to seek out wholeness and you haven't missed your chance.
Hello! If you're reading this, I want you to know you are innately worthy of the care, change, and healing you so deeply desire. On top of that, you hold the power within to make those changes. Not only is this a belief I personally hold, it is one supported by research. On a molecular level, we are wired to develop and change when given what we need. This remains true starting from childhood and beyond into adulthood. Meaning, it's never too late to seek out wholeness and you haven't missed your chance.
(314) 794-5946 View (314) 794-5946
Photo of Alyssa Castaño-Mann, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alyssa Castaño-Mann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
University City, MO 63130
Waitlist for new clients
I work with the healers and helpers who not only have seen the worst in their work, but also have a personal history of trauma. So many in the healing and helping professions have painful backgrounds that have fueled their fire to care for others. Healers experience some of the worst and most rampant burnout which can stem from a number of places including vicarious trauma and having past traumas triggered by clients, systems, and the overall work. Move from an inner place of fear, imposter syndrome and co-dependency to a place of inner security.
I work with the healers and helpers who not only have seen the worst in their work, but also have a personal history of trauma. So many in the healing and helping professions have painful backgrounds that have fueled their fire to care for others. Healers experience some of the worst and most rampant burnout which can stem from a number of places including vicarious trauma and having past traumas triggered by clients, systems, and the overall work. Move from an inner place of fear, imposter syndrome and co-dependency to a place of inner security.
(844) 586-0117 View (844) 586-0117

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Susan Gartenberg, M Ed, LPP-S, RPT, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Susan Gartenberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, M Ed, LPP-S, RPT, NCC
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105
Waitlist for new clients
A cornerstone of my belief system is that behavior is an expression of what we need. And this is no more truer than for children. The difficulty lies, however, in parenting a child with behaviors we don't quite understand. It can be frightening that, as a parent or caregiver, we don't know what to do. And, it can feel isolating. What I want to share is that it doesn't have to be overwhelming. And, you don't have to do it alone. What I hold to be true is that therapy for children is absolutely a collaborative process where children, and the adults in their lives, learn and grow together.
A cornerstone of my belief system is that behavior is an expression of what we need. And this is no more truer than for children. The difficulty lies, however, in parenting a child with behaviors we don't quite understand. It can be frightening that, as a parent or caregiver, we don't know what to do. And, it can feel isolating. What I want to share is that it doesn't have to be overwhelming. And, you don't have to do it alone. What I hold to be true is that therapy for children is absolutely a collaborative process where children, and the adults in their lives, learn and grow together.
(314) 310-7390 View (314) 310-7390
Photo of Lee Bascom, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lee Bascom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63132
As a clinical social worker/registered play therapist, I work with children ages 3-9 and their families. I primarily use Child Centered Play Therapy and I am also trained in Theraplay, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and Trauma-Focused CBT. Click on "website" below my picture to see more about me.
As a clinical social worker/registered play therapist, I work with children ages 3-9 and their families. I primarily use Child Centered Play Therapy and I am also trained in Theraplay, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and Trauma-Focused CBT. Click on "website" below my picture to see more about me.
(314) 649-5725 View (314) 649-5725
Photo of Angie Casey, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angie Casey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
Welcome! I offer counseling services for children and adolescents who are struggling with emotional regulation, anxious thoughts, peer relationships, depression, school related issues, and/or self-esteem in a compassionate and safe environment. Working with kiddos is my specialty and passion! I am a former teacher with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education (birth-3rd grade) and now a counselor with a Masters in Counseling.
Welcome! I offer counseling services for children and adolescents who are struggling with emotional regulation, anxious thoughts, peer relationships, depression, school related issues, and/or self-esteem in a compassionate and safe environment. Working with kiddos is my specialty and passion! I am a former teacher with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education (birth-3rd grade) and now a counselor with a Masters in Counseling.
(314) 310-2995 View (314) 310-2995
Photo of Christina A. Indriolo, LPC, Counselor
Christina A. Indriolo
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63112
Welcome! I’m so grateful you’re here. I believe deeply in the inherent worth and healing capacity of all human beings. I view the therapeutic relationship as a sacred, expansive, and co-created space that allows us to show up authentically, get curious, engage vulnerably, and step into our power. I believe that within therapy, we work to expand our capacity to be in relationship with ourselves and the world around us. Trauma is a part of life, and healing from it is a part of what our nervous systems are wired to do. As your trauma-informed therapist, you can expect me to show up authentically as a human first and foremost.
Welcome! I’m so grateful you’re here. I believe deeply in the inherent worth and healing capacity of all human beings. I view the therapeutic relationship as a sacred, expansive, and co-created space that allows us to show up authentically, get curious, engage vulnerably, and step into our power. I believe that within therapy, we work to expand our capacity to be in relationship with ourselves and the world around us. Trauma is a part of life, and healing from it is a part of what our nervous systems are wired to do. As your trauma-informed therapist, you can expect me to show up authentically as a human first and foremost.
(216) 284-7220 View (216) 284-7220
Photo of Erika M. Ottolini, MEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erika M. Ottolini
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
Whether you are a teen struggling with friendships and social media, a young person about to graduate from college and fraught with anxiety about your next transition, the parent of a young person wondering how best to help them grow or someone looking for change and not sure where to start, know that there is help available in a compassionate and understanding space. At Artemis Counseling, our goal is to empower teens, parents and families who often come to us during a time of transition, to move through life’s transitions and soar.
Whether you are a teen struggling with friendships and social media, a young person about to graduate from college and fraught with anxiety about your next transition, the parent of a young person wondering how best to help them grow or someone looking for change and not sure where to start, know that there is help available in a compassionate and understanding space. At Artemis Counseling, our goal is to empower teens, parents and families who often come to us during a time of transition, to move through life’s transitions and soar.
(314) 732-4507 View (314) 732-4507
Photo of Alice Kinsella, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alice Kinsella
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
6-8 sessions may be all you need. Do you often think/say to yourself: “I should know this?” “I’ve read all the self-help books.” “I’ve done therapy in the past.” "I was doing great." “What are you going to tell me that I don’t already know?” or "I have never done this before" I get it. I work with negative, self-limiting beliefs and past traumas that may be holding you back.
6-8 sessions may be all you need. Do you often think/say to yourself: “I should know this?” “I’ve read all the self-help books.” “I’ve done therapy in the past.” "I was doing great." “What are you going to tell me that I don’t already know?” or "I have never done this before" I get it. I work with negative, self-limiting beliefs and past traumas that may be holding you back.
(314) 328-7516 View (314) 328-7516
Photo of Shannon Hamilton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shannon Hamilton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63130  (Online Only)
Hello, I am Shannon Hamilton an LPC in Missouri. I take a very person centered and trauma focused approach to my practice. I have worked with all age groups and have a focus on addictions, trauma, attachment disorders, as well as anxiety and depression. Person centered and trauma focused. I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Sand tray, and art to assist clients in learning to manager emotions and heal through their lived experiences. I typically work with adolescents and adults. I am very comfortable treating addictive disorders, trauma, personality disorders, and attachment disorders.
Hello, I am Shannon Hamilton an LPC in Missouri. I take a very person centered and trauma focused approach to my practice. I have worked with all age groups and have a focus on addictions, trauma, attachment disorders, as well as anxiety and depression. Person centered and trauma focused. I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Sand tray, and art to assist clients in learning to manager emotions and heal through their lived experiences. I typically work with adolescents and adults. I am very comfortable treating addictive disorders, trauma, personality disorders, and attachment disorders.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Shannon Hamilton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shannon Hamilton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63117  (Online Only)
Hello, I am Shannon Hamilton an LPC in Missouri. I take a very person centered and trauma focused approach to my practice. I have worked with all age groups and have a focus on addictions, trauma, attachment disorders, as well as anxiety and depression. Person centered and trauma focused. I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Sand tray, and art to assist clients in learning to manager emotions and heal through their lived experiences. I typically work with adolescents and adults. I am very comfortable treating addictive disorders, trauma, personality disorders, and attachment disorders.
Hello, I am Shannon Hamilton an LPC in Missouri. I take a very person centered and trauma focused approach to my practice. I have worked with all age groups and have a focus on addictions, trauma, attachment disorders, as well as anxiety and depression. Person centered and trauma focused. I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Sand tray, and art to assist clients in learning to manager emotions and heal through their lived experiences. I typically work with adolescents and adults. I am very comfortable treating addictive disorders, trauma, personality disorders, and attachment disorders.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Lauren Graham, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Graham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63117  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! My name is Lauren Graham and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri. As a therapist, I specialize in working with both children and adults, catering to a diverse range of mental health needs and providing tailored support and interventions to promote well-being and growth. My approach is trauma-informed and through a strengths-based perspective. We will work together to identify your strengths, needs, goals, and motivations for therapy. I believe each person’s journey is unique and the approach to working with them should be too.
Hello and welcome! My name is Lauren Graham and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri. As a therapist, I specialize in working with both children and adults, catering to a diverse range of mental health needs and providing tailored support and interventions to promote well-being and growth. My approach is trauma-informed and through a strengths-based perspective. We will work together to identify your strengths, needs, goals, and motivations for therapy. I believe each person’s journey is unique and the approach to working with them should be too.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Lauren Graham, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Graham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63130  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! My name is Lauren Graham and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri. As a therapist, I specialize in working with both children and adults, catering to a diverse range of mental health needs and providing tailored support and interventions to promote well-being and growth. My approach is trauma-informed and through a strengths-based perspective. We will work together to identify your strengths, needs, goals, and motivations for therapy. I believe each person’s journey is unique and the approach to working with them should be too.
Hello and welcome! My name is Lauren Graham and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri. As a therapist, I specialize in working with both children and adults, catering to a diverse range of mental health needs and providing tailored support and interventions to promote well-being and growth. My approach is trauma-informed and through a strengths-based perspective. We will work together to identify your strengths, needs, goals, and motivations for therapy. I believe each person’s journey is unique and the approach to working with them should be too.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of James P Ahearn, MEd, LPC, JD, Licensed Professional Counselor
James P Ahearn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, JD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
The clients I serve are often at a crossroads in their life story and unsure of how to close one chapter and begin anew. Clients I enjoy working with recognize that counseling continues outside of the session in self reflection, exploring behavior change, and shifting how we think and relate to ourselves. I find that counseling helps meet goals and needs as diverse as the client, and sometimes goals arise throughout the course of the relationship. No one needs a "good reason" to come to counseling, for the desire to reach out and try will always be sufficient.
The clients I serve are often at a crossroads in their life story and unsure of how to close one chapter and begin anew. Clients I enjoy working with recognize that counseling continues outside of the session in self reflection, exploring behavior change, and shifting how we think and relate to ourselves. I find that counseling helps meet goals and needs as diverse as the client, and sometimes goals arise throughout the course of the relationship. No one needs a "good reason" to come to counseling, for the desire to reach out and try will always be sufficient.
(314) 325-1594 View (314) 325-1594
Photo of Yvette Kristine Pelikan - Creative Counseling 4 Kids and Teens, MSW, LCSW, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Creative Counseling 4 Kids and Teens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63144
I believe that every child has the right to feel loved, safe and heard. Working in the Counseling/ Social Work profession for 21 years, I have gained great insight in what helps children develop self-acceptance, self-awareness, self-regulation and many more essential qualities. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I engage children in play and art therapy to assist them with having their voices heard.
I believe that every child has the right to feel loved, safe and heard. Working in the Counseling/ Social Work profession for 21 years, I have gained great insight in what helps children develop self-acceptance, self-awareness, self-regulation and many more essential qualities. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I engage children in play and art therapy to assist them with having their voices heard.
(314) 270-1336 View (314) 270-1336
Photo of Carol Love, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carol Love
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63117
I specialize in working with families who have had, or are going through a divorce or parental separation. Chronic conflict will have a lasting negative effect on you and your children BUT if you are able to manage your emotions and parent successfully, you and your children can thrive in the future. It is important to develop a good coparenting relationship and make sure your children have the support they need to deal with divorce/separation issues. In order to facilitate a positive outcome for families, I provide Coparent Counseling, Family Therapy, Reunification Therapy Group and Individual Therapy (adult and child).
I specialize in working with families who have had, or are going through a divorce or parental separation. Chronic conflict will have a lasting negative effect on you and your children BUT if you are able to manage your emotions and parent successfully, you and your children can thrive in the future. It is important to develop a good coparenting relationship and make sure your children have the support they need to deal with divorce/separation issues. In order to facilitate a positive outcome for families, I provide Coparent Counseling, Family Therapy, Reunification Therapy Group and Individual Therapy (adult and child).
(314) 665-2301 View (314) 665-2301
Photo of Amy Brown, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105  (Online Only)
My belief is that no one "needs" counseling, but that everyone deserves it. I have more than 20 years of experience providing individual and family counseling to children, teens, adults, and families. The foundation of my counseling philosophy is that "anyone can overcome anything". I believe strongly that we all have inherent strengths and abilities to overcome life's most difficult challenges.
My belief is that no one "needs" counseling, but that everyone deserves it. I have more than 20 years of experience providing individual and family counseling to children, teens, adults, and families. The foundation of my counseling philosophy is that "anyone can overcome anything". I believe strongly that we all have inherent strengths and abilities to overcome life's most difficult challenges.
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Photo of Kolleen Lyn Simons - The Right Solution Counseling Service, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Right Solution Counseling Service
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63139
The Right Solution offers counseling services for individuals, families and children. We offer both in person and tele-health options.
The Right Solution offers counseling services for individuals, families and children. We offer both in person and tele-health options.
(314) 315-4348 View (314) 315-4348

See more therapy options for University City

Sandplay Therapists

What problems are best treated with sandplay therapy?

Research has examined this therapy’s utility in young people and found positive results. It has been shown to be useful for those who suffer from autism, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and or aggressive behavior. Children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or trauma have also seen improvement through this therapy. Abused children are often fearful and anxious about their safety, making verbal communication more difficult.

Is sandplay therapy suitable for children and teenagers?

Children and adolescents are good candidates for sandplay therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts, let alone the emotions they are experiencing. Through this play therapy, they will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.

Is sandplay suitable for adults?

This type of therapy can be useful for adults who have difficulties expressing themselves. People who have suffered neurological changes after a brain injury or because of a traumatic event might be good candidates for this therapy. In fact, anything that has had an effect on the brain, such as substance abuse, can make non-verbal sandplay a valuable option.

Does sandplay therapy work?

There have been studies on the effectiveness of sandplay therapy, and it appears to improve difficult behaviors in children. It may also enhance self-esteem and lessen feelings of physical anxiety as well as hypersensitivity. This type of therapy is based on non-verbal communication and may feel less threatening to the individual.