Play Therapy in Billings, MT
Grady Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
Waitlist for new clients
Play therapy with children aged 3-10 utilizes a child's natural play for expression and therapeutic change.
Welcome! I'm Grady, a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in couple and family therapy, premarital counseling, relationship/attachment issues, and play therapy. Beginning therapy is an exciting and potentially daunting experience. It's hard to know where to start when you've been feeling stuck. Know that you've made an excellent choice stepping up for yourself and your loved ones. In the therapy room, I aim to provide a welcoming, calming environment where my clients and I can collaborate to uncover questions, ideas and solutions that work for each family, couple, or individual's unique life situation.
Play therapy with children aged 3-10 utilizes a child's natural play for expression and therapeutic change.
Welcome! I'm Grady, a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in couple and family therapy, premarital counseling, relationship/attachment issues, and play therapy. Beginning therapy is an exciting and potentially daunting experience. It's hard to know where to start when you've been feeling stuck. Know that you've made an excellent choice stepping up for yourself and your loved ones. In the therapy room, I aim to provide a welcoming, calming environment where my clients and I can collaborate to uncover questions, ideas and solutions that work for each family, couple, or individual's unique life situation.
Nicole Frost Family Counseling LLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59101
Based on your child's developmental level, I use effective talk therapy, art and play therapy and I offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to achieve success.
We all need to feel heard, valued and respected. But, what happens when our own stress level or that of our children becomes more than we can manage? When ideal communication goes out the window, and we feel frustrated and at a loss? I work therapeutically with you and your child to discover the reasons behind your child's behavior and teach you the skills necessary to restore balance. Whether you or your child are experiencing the effects of divorce, depression, anxiety, oppositional acting out or ADHD, I can help by identifying the cause and offering solutions.
Based on your child's developmental level, I use effective talk therapy, art and play therapy and I offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to achieve success.
We all need to feel heard, valued and respected. But, what happens when our own stress level or that of our children becomes more than we can manage? When ideal communication goes out the window, and we feel frustrated and at a loss? I work therapeutically with you and your child to discover the reasons behind your child's behavior and teach you the skills necessary to restore balance. Whether you or your child are experiencing the effects of divorce, depression, anxiety, oppositional acting out or ADHD, I can help by identifying the cause and offering solutions.
Kyanne Wear (Sentinel Mental Health Inc)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
I utilize talk therapy, with techniques from cognitive behavioral, dialectic behavioral therapy as well as components of art therapy and play therapy and I am trained in EMDR.
We all experience some level of emotional distress throughout life. Sometimes the distress can be more than we can manage on our own. I have over 25 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families to navigate distress related to adverse life events, anxiety, depression, oppositional behaviors, anger, social skills, poor communication, and self-esteem.
I utilize talk therapy, with techniques from cognitive behavioral, dialectic behavioral therapy as well as components of art therapy and play therapy and I am trained in EMDR.
We all experience some level of emotional distress throughout life. Sometimes the distress can be more than we can manage on our own. I have over 25 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families to navigate distress related to adverse life events, anxiety, depression, oppositional behaviors, anger, social skills, poor communication, and self-esteem.
Serenitee Counseling ,LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS,LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59105
Teenagers have their own set of struggles including peer pressure, self esteem issues, depression and anxiety. Their hormones are changing as are their bodies and can be a very tough time. Most children under age 6 can't put into words how they're feeling so play therapy is the best way to help them work through their feelings, which I utilize. It's also very important that parents have the skills to help their children through these tough times and I use Love and Logic parenting to help parents learn skills that help everyone in the family.
Teenagers have their own set of struggles including peer pressure, self esteem issues, depression and anxiety. Their hormones are changing as are their bodies and can be a very tough time. Most children under age 6 can't put into words how they're feeling so play therapy is the best way to help them work through their feelings, which I utilize. It's also very important that parents have the skills to help their children through these tough times and I use Love and Logic parenting to help parents learn skills that help everyone in the family.
My practice is grounded in relational cultural theory, play, music and art may be used to facilitate the process.
Accepting new clients. Welcome, I’m looking forward to meeting and talking with you to hear and understand your unique situation. Many of my clients reach out because they are looking for help, they have been working to navigate difficult situations and need something to get through stuck or painful periods. I provide space for you to come and explore what you are encountering, and to collaborate with you. I can help as a guide offering curiosity, support, empowerment, and empathy, on a path to connecting more deeply.
My practice is grounded in relational cultural theory, play, music and art may be used to facilitate the process.
Accepting new clients. Welcome, I’m looking forward to meeting and talking with you to hear and understand your unique situation. Many of my clients reach out because they are looking for help, they have been working to navigate difficult situations and need something to get through stuck or painful periods. I provide space for you to come and explore what you are encountering, and to collaborate with you. I can help as a guide offering curiosity, support, empowerment, and empathy, on a path to connecting more deeply.
Ambrosia Lynn Isely
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, PMH-C, EMDR
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102 (Online Only)
Are you feeling lost? Are you unsure if you are making the right decisions? I am here to help! Anyone can start therapy but it takes trust in your therapist to truly invest in the process. This is why I use an attachment/relational modeI in my work with others. I am committed to creating this environment with you. You are the expert in your life, and I am here to help you find your highest purpose. When working with children, I have a variety of mediums to aid in organizing their emotional world. I use sand tray, play therapy, cognitive based approaches, EMDR, and clinically based sound therapy techniques.
Are you feeling lost? Are you unsure if you are making the right decisions? I am here to help! Anyone can start therapy but it takes trust in your therapist to truly invest in the process. This is why I use an attachment/relational modeI in my work with others. I am committed to creating this environment with you. You are the expert in your life, and I am here to help you find your highest purpose. When working with children, I have a variety of mediums to aid in organizing their emotional world. I use sand tray, play therapy, cognitive based approaches, EMDR, and clinically based sound therapy techniques.
Danielle Eldridge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59101
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in work with children and their families. I primarily work with children between the ages of 2-12. I seek to individualize therapy according to a child's age and developmental level and to take into consideration each child and families individual strengths and needs. I have experience working with a broad range of issues and treatment modalities. I specialize in supporting parents in dealing with severe emotional and behavioral challenges, trauma, parental separation/reunification and working with children in foster and adoptive families.
I specialize in work with children and their families. I primarily work with children between the ages of 2-12. I seek to individualize therapy according to a child's age and developmental level and to take into consideration each child and families individual strengths and needs. I have experience working with a broad range of issues and treatment modalities. I specialize in supporting parents in dealing with severe emotional and behavioral challenges, trauma, parental separation/reunification and working with children in foster and adoptive families.
Kelly Williams (Sentinel Mental Health)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
Change, hardship, pain, and grappling with the unknown are inevitable parts of life, but learning how to navigate these experiences and use them in ways that can contribute to your personal growth, meaning, and fulfillment is my goal as your therapist. Everyone’s journey to healing looks different and I look forward to joining you on yours.
Change, hardship, pain, and grappling with the unknown are inevitable parts of life, but learning how to navigate these experiences and use them in ways that can contribute to your personal growth, meaning, and fulfillment is my goal as your therapist. Everyone’s journey to healing looks different and I look forward to joining you on yours.
Sean Kennedy
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MSW, SWLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59105
Sean is passionate about helping individuals and families grow and solve problems as they work towards a happy, responsible, and balanced life. His therapy practice is designed to be a welcoming, calming space where clients can collaborate to find questions, ideas, and solutions tailored to their unique situations.
Sean is passionate about helping individuals and families grow and solve problems as they work towards a happy, responsible, and balanced life. His therapy practice is designed to be a welcoming, calming space where clients can collaborate to find questions, ideas, and solutions tailored to their unique situations.
Dustin Lehman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
We have an innate need to be in relationship. It is the very foundation of what it is to be human. We need to experience love, reciprocity and fulfillment. A healthy relationship considers the needs of others, focuses on patience and kindness, maintains honesty and trustworthiness and is nurturing. I'm a therapist who works at helping my clients restore love and trust within their identity and among relationships by essentially helping them become their own therapist. Everyone experiences violations in relationships and it's when we're without a restoration process that we continue feeling pain.
We have an innate need to be in relationship. It is the very foundation of what it is to be human. We need to experience love, reciprocity and fulfillment. A healthy relationship considers the needs of others, focuses on patience and kindness, maintains honesty and trustworthiness and is nurturing. I'm a therapist who works at helping my clients restore love and trust within their identity and among relationships by essentially helping them become their own therapist. Everyone experiences violations in relationships and it's when we're without a restoration process that we continue feeling pain.
Rainya Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals, children, and families. I became a therapist to help people navigate through difficult experiences in life and to help make positive choices in order to live a healthier, happier life. I am commitment to helping my clients find solutions to real life issues. My areas of specialty include parenting education, anxiety and depression, oppositional and defiant behaviors, trauma, anger, and family therapy.
I work with individuals, children, and families. I became a therapist to help people navigate through difficult experiences in life and to help make positive choices in order to live a healthier, happier life. I am commitment to helping my clients find solutions to real life issues. My areas of specialty include parenting education, anxiety and depression, oppositional and defiant behaviors, trauma, anger, and family therapy.
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Sean Kennedy
Craig Patera
In Focus Counseling
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Hawaii, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of a Montana and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Wyoming. I have certifications as a Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH) as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I have over a decade of experience working in a variety of fields, including trauma, early childhood development, child and adolescent crisis, intensive-in-home family therapy, and private practice working with children, adolescents, families, couples and first responders.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Hawaii, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of a Montana and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Wyoming. I have certifications as a Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH) as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I have over a decade of experience working in a variety of fields, including trauma, early childhood development, child and adolescent crisis, intensive-in-home family therapy, and private practice working with children, adolescents, families, couples and first responders.
Throughout our lives we may encounter painful, traumatic, or difficult scenarios that leave us feeling hopeless or stuck. I believe every person has a resiliency and strength to pull from to achieve an enjoyable and fulfilling life. Sometimes we need outside support to tap into our full potential and to overcome challenges. My background includes addressing struggles related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorder, adjustment difficulties, trauma, and more. There are current openings available with my intern who is a male therapist specializing in trauma, depression, and anxiety as well.
Throughout our lives we may encounter painful, traumatic, or difficult scenarios that leave us feeling hopeless or stuck. I believe every person has a resiliency and strength to pull from to achieve an enjoyable and fulfilling life. Sometimes we need outside support to tap into our full potential and to overcome challenges. My background includes addressing struggles related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorder, adjustment difficulties, trauma, and more. There are current openings available with my intern who is a male therapist specializing in trauma, depression, and anxiety as well.
Kristi Lindell Elliott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, BSED
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
My entire adult life I have worked with children and their families as a professional teacher and now a therapist. I easily relate to all ages - children, adolescents, teens, and adults. I understand how important working with families and schools can be for the mental health of the child. As a teacher for over 20 years, I understand burnout, the inner-workings of schools, and the importance of the personnels' mental health and self care. Plus, over 16 years experience with child-rearing, elderly parental care, end of life choices, adult social services, and grief and bereavement therapies for children and adults.
My entire adult life I have worked with children and their families as a professional teacher and now a therapist. I easily relate to all ages - children, adolescents, teens, and adults. I understand how important working with families and schools can be for the mental health of the child. As a teacher for over 20 years, I understand burnout, the inner-workings of schools, and the importance of the personnels' mental health and self care. Plus, over 16 years experience with child-rearing, elderly parental care, end of life choices, adult social services, and grief and bereavement therapies for children and adults.
I am a therapist with 40+ years experience. As I build a relationship with my clients I integrate traditional therapy with innovative "best practice" tools. I help people become strong at the broken places in their life so they can move forward with peace and confidence.
I am a therapist with 40+ years experience. As I build a relationship with my clients I integrate traditional therapy with innovative "best practice" tools. I help people become strong at the broken places in their life so they can move forward with peace and confidence.
You are the only expert in *your* life. As Carl Rogers did, I believe that all people have the ability to bring about meaningful change in their lives, and a my role is to guide you to a greater understanding of that power, while gaining new, positive skills. Level UP! I continually strive to demonstrate empathy and unconditional positive regard. Life is hard enough as it is - getting help shouldn't be just another stressor on top of your never-ending To Do List. Stop listening to that voice in your head that tells you that you aren't good enough/strong enough/smart enough/busy enough/making enough. That voice is wrong.
You are the only expert in *your* life. As Carl Rogers did, I believe that all people have the ability to bring about meaningful change in their lives, and a my role is to guide you to a greater understanding of that power, while gaining new, positive skills. Level UP! I continually strive to demonstrate empathy and unconditional positive regard. Life is hard enough as it is - getting help shouldn't be just another stressor on top of your never-ending To Do List. Stop listening to that voice in your head that tells you that you aren't good enough/strong enough/smart enough/busy enough/making enough. That voice is wrong.
Dennis William Muri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LAC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102
Waitlist for new clients
I was born and raised in southeastern Montana, lived in Seattle for fifteen years, and returned to be closer to family. I am a survivor of trauma, have worked as a special education teacher in Seattle for thirteen years, and have worked as a Licensed Psychotherapist and Licensed Addictions Counselor in Billings since 2004. My passions are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), people with special needs, grief/loss, the elderly, veterans, and helping people in crisis in general. I understand how addiction impacts people in crises. I specialize in improving communication. I inform my practice with brain research. Trust is everything.
I was born and raised in southeastern Montana, lived in Seattle for fifteen years, and returned to be closer to family. I am a survivor of trauma, have worked as a special education teacher in Seattle for thirteen years, and have worked as a Licensed Psychotherapist and Licensed Addictions Counselor in Billings since 2004. My passions are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), people with special needs, grief/loss, the elderly, veterans, and helping people in crisis in general. I understand how addiction impacts people in crises. I specialize in improving communication. I inform my practice with brain research. Trust is everything.
Have you experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, stress or loss? Or have a child who may have Autism, ADHD, Anger issues or Behavioral Difficulties? The hurts and pain can seem overwhelming and disturbing for youth and adults alike. Understanding and a nonjudgmental atmosphere may be what you are looking for, and can be found at Transformed RenU Counseling. Truth and security can go a long way to heal hurting hearts and minds.
Have you experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, stress or loss? Or have a child who may have Autism, ADHD, Anger issues or Behavioral Difficulties? The hurts and pain can seem overwhelming and disturbing for youth and adults alike. Understanding and a nonjudgmental atmosphere may be what you are looking for, and can be found at Transformed RenU Counseling. Truth and security can go a long way to heal hurting hearts and minds.
Are you ready to heal from PTSD, trauma, grief, anxiety or depression? Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Life can throw us curveballs which can leave us sad, unmotivated, and heartbroken. Loved ones can leave us, relationships end, and life can sometimes be difficult. I believe that even though bad things happen, we can heal and have good lives. I help my clients to work toward finding solutions and skills so that they can find happiness after traumatic events. Life is too short to be sad, anxious, and depressed. You deserve to feel good about yourself!
Are you ready to heal from PTSD, trauma, grief, anxiety or depression? Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Life can throw us curveballs which can leave us sad, unmotivated, and heartbroken. Loved ones can leave us, relationships end, and life can sometimes be difficult. I believe that even though bad things happen, we can heal and have good lives. I help my clients to work toward finding solutions and skills so that they can find happiness after traumatic events. Life is too short to be sad, anxious, and depressed. You deserve to feel good about yourself!
We all have a story to share that does not have to be defined by our past. You have what it takes to write the next chapter of your life. I would consider it a privilege for you to allow me to walk alongside you and support you as you begin this journey of healing. You are not alone. Together we can address and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. These concerns manifest differently for everyone. In my work I will draw from aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems and others to make this time suit you.
We all have a story to share that does not have to be defined by our past. You have what it takes to write the next chapter of your life. I would consider it a privilege for you to allow me to walk alongside you and support you as you begin this journey of healing. You are not alone. Together we can address and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. These concerns manifest differently for everyone. In my work I will draw from aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems and others to make this time suit you.
See more therapy options for Billings
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.