Play Therapy in Webster Groves, MO
Nikki Marsh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Play is the language of children, and play therapy allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and wishes in a safe and age-appropriate way.
Nikki is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist with 6 years of experience working with children and families. She received her master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University. She has level one training in Thera play as well as Sunshine Circle training, which is the group Thera play model. She has phase one training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and incorporates key principles of neurodevelopment into her clinical process. Nikki has worked as a program manager for several years and has helped caregivers navigate the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process.
Play is the language of children, and play therapy allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and wishes in a safe and age-appropriate way.
Nikki is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist with 6 years of experience working with children and families. She received her master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University. She has level one training in Thera play as well as Sunshine Circle training, which is the group Thera play model. She has phase one training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and incorporates key principles of neurodevelopment into her clinical process. Nikki has worked as a program manager for several years and has helped caregivers navigate the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process.
Catherine Travelstead
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
She has additional training in Play Therapy and Sandtray.
Catherine Travelstead is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is passionate about helping children and families thrive in times of distress. Catherine has extensive experience in working with children and adolescents with behavioral and mental health concerns. Additionally, she is comfortable working with high needs and intense behaviors.
She has additional training in Play Therapy and Sandtray.
Catherine Travelstead is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is passionate about helping children and families thrive in times of distress. Catherine has extensive experience in working with children and adolescents with behavioral and mental health concerns. Additionally, she is comfortable working with high needs and intense behaviors.
Julie K Play Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
I'm trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, Yoga & Mindfulness, Brainspotting, Sandtray, Thera play techniques, Safe& Sound Protocol, and practice from a strengths-based & trauma-informed perspective.
Hi, I'm Julie Kopf! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist & Registered Yoga Teacher. I have 20+ years working with children & families in school, hospital & clinical settings. I specialize in working with young children ages 2-12 as they learn to express emotions. It can be difficult for children to verbalize emotions and Play Therapy empowers children to communicate & make sense of the world around them. I have experience supporting children and families navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, anger management, attachment, grief/loss, trauma, & life changes.
I'm trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, Yoga & Mindfulness, Brainspotting, Sandtray, Thera play techniques, Safe& Sound Protocol, and practice from a strengths-based & trauma-informed perspective.
Hi, I'm Julie Kopf! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist & Registered Yoga Teacher. I have 20+ years working with children & families in school, hospital & clinical settings. I specialize in working with young children ages 2-12 as they learn to express emotions. It can be difficult for children to verbalize emotions and Play Therapy empowers children to communicate & make sense of the world around them. I have experience supporting children and families navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, anger management, attachment, grief/loss, trauma, & life changes.
True Wellness Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Are you looking for a play therapist in Webster Groves? Sarah Sanburn, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) has experience and a passion for working with children, teens and young adults that are experiencing anxiety, big behaviors or trauma. Sarah utilizes play therapy to help children (2+) build emotional strength, resilience and a sense of calm.
Are you looking for a play therapist in Webster Groves? Sarah Sanburn, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) has experience and a passion for working with children, teens and young adults that are experiencing anxiety, big behaviors or trauma. Sarah utilizes play therapy to help children (2+) build emotional strength, resilience and a sense of calm.
Lee Bascom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Webster Groves, MO 63119
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 Thera play, 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 Thera play, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and Trauma-Focused CBT. Click on "website" below my picture to see more about me.
Creative Counseling 4 Kids and Teens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
My primary focus is working with children 4-18 years old, through the use of art and play therapy techniques as well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
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.
My primary focus is working with children 4-18 years old, through the use of art and play therapy techniques as well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
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 no matter what age you are, most emotional struggles stem from a feeling of disconnection - from self, family and friends, or the world in general. You may feel as if you aren't yourself lately, or as if relationships have become difficult to navigate. Possibly you're having a hard time staying present and engaging in the world around you. If you are seeking therapy for your child or your teen, it may seem as if their behaviors or reactions don't match up to the situation they are in. Feeling seen, heard, and understood in therapy can allow adults and children to build or repair connections to self and others.
I believe that no matter what age you are, most emotional struggles stem from a feeling of disconnection - from self, family and friends, or the world in general. You may feel as if you aren't yourself lately, or as if relationships have become difficult to navigate. Possibly you're having a hard time staying present and engaging in the world around you. If you are seeking therapy for your child or your teen, it may seem as if their behaviors or reactions don't match up to the situation they are in. Feeling seen, heard, and understood in therapy can allow adults and children to build or repair connections to self and others.
Danielle Kiesler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, SEP, E-YTR
Verified Verified
Webster Groves, MO 63119
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and seasoned yoga instructor with over 20 years experience. I take a body-centered approach and specialize in couples and individuals under stress. I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and also the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy. If you are tired of talking about your issues and getting nowhere, then I can help. I go beyond traditional talk therapy methods to get to the heart of the problem, so that you can mend that great divide of heart, body and mind and get the love you deserve.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and seasoned yoga instructor with over 20 years experience. I take a body-centered approach and specialize in couples and individuals under stress. I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and also the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy. If you are tired of talking about your issues and getting nowhere, then I can help. I go beyond traditional talk therapy methods to get to the heart of the problem, so that you can mend that great divide of heart, body and mind and get the love you deserve.
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).
Lucy Zee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
You love and cherish your child or teenager. And, you work hard to provide for their physical/emotional well-being because happy, healthy kids promote joyful families. But sometimes despite your best efforts, your child continues to struggle with behavioral problems, peer relationships, family changes, deficits in social/emotional development, aftermath of traumatic experiences, or mental health challenges. Many parents like you are tasked to find the necessary help and resources that their children require. My training and experience in issues related to trauma, mental health, and attachment position me well to serve the needs of your family.
You love and cherish your child or teenager. And, you work hard to provide for their physical/emotional well-being because happy, healthy kids promote joyful families. But sometimes despite your best efforts, your child continues to struggle with behavioral problems, peer relationships, family changes, deficits in social/emotional development, aftermath of traumatic experiences, or mental health challenges. Many parents like you are tasked to find the necessary help and resources that their children require. My training and experience in issues related to trauma, mental health, and attachment position me well to serve the needs of your family.
Robert Fyfe
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119 (Online Only)
Change is powerful. We all have the capacity to change, however many times people are overwhelmed by the unknown. I believe that you have the resources and problem-solving skills to affect change. Through the use of collaborative questioning I can aid in discovering solutions to your concerns. I believe change is always occurring and relatively small changes can lead to large changes. My systems base approach encourages positive thinking, for example what is working in your life, to establish therapeutic goals based on issues that are important.
Change is powerful. We all have the capacity to change, however many times people are overwhelmed by the unknown. I believe that you have the resources and problem-solving skills to affect change. Through the use of collaborative questioning I can aid in discovering solutions to your concerns. I believe change is always occurring and relatively small changes can lead to large changes. My systems base approach encourages positive thinking, for example what is working in your life, to establish therapeutic goals based on issues that are important.
Laura's Therapeutic Solutions & Supervision
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Not accepting new clients
Are you feeling down or depressed due to a recent loss, life change, or unknown unexplained reason? Are you struggling with daily stresses or does your life just seem out of balance? Is anxiety affecting your relationships or your overall satisfaction in life? I work with clients to assist them in finding the solutions to get life back on track. Whether you are an adult struggling with the day to day routines or a family having parenting challenges I am here to help.
Are you feeling down or depressed due to a recent loss, life change, or unknown unexplained reason? Are you struggling with daily stresses or does your life just seem out of balance? Is anxiety affecting your relationships or your overall satisfaction in life? I work with clients to assist them in finding the solutions to get life back on track. Whether you are an adult struggling with the day to day routines or a family having parenting challenges I am here to help.
More Therapists Nearby
Through compassionate therapy & diverse modalities like CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, DDP, & ARC, I offer parent support, attachment development, life transition guidance, & emotion regulation skills, fostering resilience & positive transformation.
My ideal client needs a compassionate, client-centered approach to build trust and foster healing. Their goals include enhancing emotion regulation, fortifying parent-child connections, and developing effective communication skills. They seek my expertise in CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, DDP, and ARC to achieve resilience, personal growth, and positive transformation. Driven by a desire for stability and well-being, they find a safe, supportive space to overcome challenges and embrace change under my guidance.
Through compassionate therapy & diverse modalities like CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, DDP, & ARC, I offer parent support, attachment development, life transition guidance, & emotion regulation skills, fostering resilience & positive transformation.
My ideal client needs a compassionate, client-centered approach to build trust and foster healing. Their goals include enhancing emotion regulation, fortifying parent-child connections, and developing effective communication skills. They seek my expertise in CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, DDP, and ARC to achieve resilience, personal growth, and positive transformation. Driven by a desire for stability and well-being, they find a safe, supportive space to overcome challenges and embrace change under my guidance.
Gina Nicole Holstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, MO 63144
I use a hands on approach with the power of choice in your session through cognitive behavioral therapy and non directive play therapy and expressive arts therapies.
Do you feel or does your child or teen feel overwhelmed, anxious, less confident, not understood or sad and just need someone to talk to. We want gravitate to others who get it and have a desire to feel relief when we have all the feelings. We have goals in life to be more capable, courageous, feel connection and feel like we matter. What if you could have those goals, what would that mean to you or your child? What if we could work together to work through your feelings and goals and in turn produce positive behavior change?
I use a hands on approach with the power of choice in your session through cognitive behavioral therapy and non directive play therapy and expressive arts therapies.
Do you feel or does your child or teen feel overwhelmed, anxious, less confident, not understood or sad and just need someone to talk to. We want gravitate to others who get it and have a desire to feel relief when we have all the feelings. We have goals in life to be more capable, courageous, feel connection and feel like we matter. What if you could have those goals, what would that mean to you or your child? What if we could work together to work through your feelings and goals and in turn produce positive behavior change?
Austin E Wilmot
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
With children, I provide a variety of mediums for play and expression, facilitating many avenues of access to a child's inner world.
I have experience treating all ages with an in-depth approach, beginning with meeting you and working to understand the difficulties you are facing. I offer a space that fosters fuller experiencing and understanding of your inner emotional life, including feelings, thoughts, dreams and fantasies. In connection with me, your symptoms and problematic patterns can become understood in new ways, leading to emotional growth and a greater capacity to make meaningful changes in your life. I provide dynamic therapy in-office and by videoconference to people whose location or commitments make it difficult to attend in-person meetings.
With children, I provide a variety of mediums for play and expression, facilitating many avenues of access to a child's inner world.
I have experience treating all ages with an in-depth approach, beginning with meeting you and working to understand the difficulties you are facing. I offer a space that fosters fuller experiencing and understanding of your inner emotional life, including feelings, thoughts, dreams and fantasies. In connection with me, your symptoms and problematic patterns can become understood in new ways, leading to emotional growth and a greater capacity to make meaningful changes in your life. I provide dynamic therapy in-office and by videoconference to people whose location or commitments make it difficult to attend in-person meetings.
Laura Adamgbo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
I'm a child and adolescent therapist and use play therapy in session with younger clients.
Are you going through a major change in your life? Divorce, remarriage, blending a family, new job, new baby? Have you hit a road block in your career? Is anxiety keeping you from living an enriching lifestyle? Do you have unresolved trauma? Do you have a difficult to manage child? I can help you with these sudden roadblocks. During these transitional phases of life, we need a support system to help us gain strength, resilience and maintain a healthy living. I use EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in working with adult clients and play therapy with my child clients. I act as an advocate, sounding board and gentle challenger.
I'm a child and adolescent therapist and use play therapy in session with younger clients.
Are you going through a major change in your life? Divorce, remarriage, blending a family, new job, new baby? Have you hit a road block in your career? Is anxiety keeping you from living an enriching lifestyle? Do you have unresolved trauma? Do you have a difficult to manage child? I can help you with these sudden roadblocks. During these transitional phases of life, we need a support system to help us gain strength, resilience and maintain a healthy living. I use EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in working with adult clients and play therapy with my child clients. I act as an advocate, sounding board and gentle challenger.
Sara Carpenter
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, MO 63144
My focus is to help youth and teens uncover what they already possess--highlighting their strengths, resilience, and ability to cope with life. Together, your child, your family, and I will work to make sense of troubling experiences and identify and learn coping strategies that allow my clients to realize the power they have in themselves. Using play based interventions, children can communicate their inner world in a way that is natural and feels comfortable to them. Using sand tray, expressive arts, and games, play provides a concrete, action-oriented way for children to work through what they are going through.
My focus is to help youth and teens uncover what they already possess--highlighting their strengths, resilience, and ability to cope with life. Together, your child, your family, and I will work to make sense of troubling experiences and identify and learn coping strategies that allow my clients to realize the power they have in themselves. Using play based interventions, children can communicate their inner world in a way that is natural and feels comfortable to them. Using sand tray, expressive arts, and games, play provides a concrete, action-oriented way for children to work through what they are going through.
With kids, I use play therapy and art to help them express themselves and learn to better regulate their emotions and behaviors.
My approach to therapy stems from the belief that feeling truly seen and understood is a basic human need. I aim to provide a safe and reflective space where you can bring your whole self without fear of judgment. We will work together in a collaborative process to understand your unique experiences and how they've impacted you, figure out where you may be stuck, and help you take back the reins. I work with people, not diagnoses, and take a strengths-based approach to help individuals of all ages gain self-awareness, curiosity, inspiration and hope.
With kids, I use play therapy and art to help them express themselves and learn to better regulate their emotions and behaviors.
My approach to therapy stems from the belief that feeling truly seen and understood is a basic human need. I aim to provide a safe and reflective space where you can bring your whole self without fear of judgment. We will work together in a collaborative process to understand your unique experiences and how they've impacted you, figure out where you may be stuck, and help you take back the reins. I work with people, not diagnoses, and take a strengths-based approach to help individuals of all ages gain self-awareness, curiosity, inspiration and hope.
Gabrielle Kunar-Macias
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, PLPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Maplewood, MO 63143
Life can be beautiful, but let’s be honest, it can also be stressful! From our very first session, you can expect to feel safe, validated, and at ease. I use humor and a strengths-based approach to create a space where we can be our authentic selves. My style is integrative, trauma-informed, and I tailor our work to meet your individual needs, goals, and interest. I incorporate art, play, reading, mindfulness, inner child, and parts work into our sessions. I can also communicate and collaborate with you or your child’s other providers (school counselors, teachers, physicians, etc.) to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach.
Life can be beautiful, but let’s be honest, it can also be stressful! From our very first session, you can expect to feel safe, validated, and at ease. I use humor and a strengths-based approach to create a space where we can be our authentic selves. My style is integrative, trauma-informed, and I tailor our work to meet your individual needs, goals, and interest. I incorporate art, play, reading, mindfulness, inner child, and parts work into our sessions. I can also communicate and collaborate with you or your child’s other providers (school counselors, teachers, physicians, etc.) to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach.
Through the use of play, humor, family involvement and other therapeutic strategies focused on creating change, my hope is to foster a supportive environment in which to explore one's own uniqueness, talents, and challenges in an effort to develop confidence, as well as cope more effectively when feeling over-whelmed, defeated, anxious or sad.
Children, teens and parents, alike, are facing new challenges in today's fast-paced world of ever-changing technology, expectations and youth culture. For over 15 years, I have been working as a Psychologist specializing in the treatment of children, teens, young adults and families to address the emotional and behavioral challenges of everyday life as well as those unique to ADHD, child development, anxiety and other mood disturbances. When working with clients, I feel it is important to develop a strong therapeutic alliance in which to learn new behaviors, coping strategies and ways of thinking and problem solving.
Through the use of play, humor, family involvement and other therapeutic strategies focused on creating change, my hope is to foster a supportive environment in which to explore one's own uniqueness, talents, and challenges in an effort to develop confidence, as well as cope more effectively when feeling over-whelmed, defeated, anxious or sad.
Children, teens and parents, alike, are facing new challenges in today's fast-paced world of ever-changing technology, expectations and youth culture. For over 15 years, I have been working as a Psychologist specializing in the treatment of children, teens, young adults and families to address the emotional and behavioral challenges of everyday life as well as those unique to ADHD, child development, anxiety and other mood disturbances. When working with clients, I feel it is important to develop a strong therapeutic alliance in which to learn new behaviors, coping strategies and ways of thinking and problem solving.
See more therapy options for Webster Groves
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Webster Groves
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- Ladue
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- Richmond Heights
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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.