Play Therapy in Apex, NC
I provide Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
I believe therapy is about helping people realize the greatest amount of happiness in their lives. This may be learning how to manage one's depression and anxiety, a child or adolescent managing their opposition and defiance, or even some skills to make a speech or fall asleep. I also feel therapy is key in processing daily conflicts that affect our thoughts and feelings, but also learning how to make the best decisions that we value.
I provide Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
I believe therapy is about helping people realize the greatest amount of happiness in their lives. This may be learning how to manage one's depression and anxiety, a child or adolescent managing their opposition and defiance, or even some skills to make a speech or fall asleep. I also feel therapy is key in processing daily conflicts that affect our thoughts and feelings, but also learning how to make the best decisions that we value.
I also work with children ages 4 & up, utilizing Play therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Are you feeling like your life needs a change but you are not sure where to start? It seems, as life becomes more complex, more and more people are suffering from the devastating effects of stress, depression and anxiety and can benefit from the support and insight that therapy provides. I am a NC Licensed Psychologist working clinically with a wide range of ages and issues. I've worked in the field for 20 years, in schools, day treatment, and the private practice setting with adults, families, couples and children; focusing on adjustment difficulties, relationship problems, childhood abuse and maladaptive coping.
I also work with children ages 4 & up, utilizing Play therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Are you feeling like your life needs a change but you are not sure where to start? It seems, as life becomes more complex, more and more people are suffering from the devastating effects of stress, depression and anxiety and can benefit from the support and insight that therapy provides. I am a NC Licensed Psychologist working clinically with a wide range of ages and issues. I've worked in the field for 20 years, in schools, day treatment, and the private practice setting with adults, families, couples and children; focusing on adjustment difficulties, relationship problems, childhood abuse and maladaptive coping.
Kendall Panciera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA, EMDR-T
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27502
I infuse creativity into sessions, welcoming curiosity and play at any age by creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals feel comfortable to explore and express themselves.
I approach my practice with a comprehensive, whole-brain, patient-centered, and strengths-based perspective. My expertise includes additional specialized training in EMDR therapy. I am dedicated to creating a warm and compassionate environment for my clients. My goal is to meet individuals where they are and build a supportive relationship that empowers them to rediscover their resilience and well-being.
I infuse creativity into sessions, welcoming curiosity and play at any age by creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals feel comfortable to explore and express themselves.
I approach my practice with a comprehensive, whole-brain, patient-centered, and strengths-based perspective. My expertise includes additional specialized training in EMDR therapy. I am dedicated to creating a warm and compassionate environment for my clients. My goal is to meet individuals where they are and build a supportive relationship that empowers them to rediscover their resilience and well-being.
Sydney Menigoz Rudy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27502
Waitlist for new clients
Specific techniques that I utilize in my practice include: specialized training in Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and EMDR Therapy.
I work to provide a holistic, personal form of care that provides each client with the tools they need to overcome life's challenging moments. I take an integrative approach to helping others better understand how their patterns are impacting their lives and what options they have to do things differently. I utilize a creative, expressive approach to combine art and music into my practice to simulate new pathways in the brain and reprocess trauma. Implementing creativity is a critical component in the healing process and has particular power when working with children and adolescents.
Specific techniques that I utilize in my practice include: specialized training in Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and EMDR Therapy.
I work to provide a holistic, personal form of care that provides each client with the tools they need to overcome life's challenging moments. I take an integrative approach to helping others better understand how their patterns are impacting their lives and what options they have to do things differently. I utilize a creative, expressive approach to combine art and music into my practice to simulate new pathways in the brain and reprocess trauma. Implementing creativity is a critical component in the healing process and has particular power when working with children and adolescents.
Edla Prevette
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, RPT
Verified Verified
Apex, NC 27539
My primary focus is to help children, parents and adults reframe, rethink, then refresh their views, opinions, and actions. I enjoy taking research based theories and sharing the information in a pragmatic way. I believe my authentic and genuine interest in helping others is what enables my clients to "flip" their thinking and actions for positive change. With children I use various play and cognitive behavior therapies to help in navigating the academic, emotional and social stress they are faced with in today's digital world. Additionally, I work with parents to offer effective ways to parent their children for optimal success.
My primary focus is to help children, parents and adults reframe, rethink, then refresh their views, opinions, and actions. I enjoy taking research based theories and sharing the information in a pragmatic way. I believe my authentic and genuine interest in helping others is what enables my clients to "flip" their thinking and actions for positive change. With children I use various play and cognitive behavior therapies to help in navigating the academic, emotional and social stress they are faced with in today's digital world. Additionally, I work with parents to offer effective ways to parent their children for optimal success.
At Reframe Counselings Services, PLLC we have knowledgeable and caring therapists who specialize in individual counseling, couples therapy, family counseling, parenting skills/strategies, play therapy.
Jason Cole is a mental health counselor with experience working with children, adolescents and adults using a variety of theoretical perspectives in individual, group, couples and family therapy sessions. His area of expertise is in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with a diverse range of needs and difficulties in traditional talk therapy. Jason enjoys working with clients to create and meet life goals through times of difficulty or uncertainty, and has worked extensively in the areas of life changes, anger management, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, behavioral issues, and depression.
At Reframe Counselings Services, PLLC we have knowledgeable and caring therapists who specialize in individual counseling, couples therapy, family counseling, parenting skills/strategies, play therapy.
Jason Cole is a mental health counselor with experience working with children, adolescents and adults using a variety of theoretical perspectives in individual, group, couples and family therapy sessions. His area of expertise is in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with a diverse range of needs and difficulties in traditional talk therapy. Jason enjoys working with clients to create and meet life goals through times of difficulty or uncertainty, and has worked extensively in the areas of life changes, anger management, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, behavioral issues, and depression.
Cathy C Hedgepeth
Psychological Associate, MA, HSP, LPA
Verified Verified
Apex, NC 27502
Waitlist for new clients
In my part time private practice I offer counseling/therapy to adults, children, adolescents, and parents.. My areas of special interest include anxiety, depression, loss, and parent education. I enjoy working with adults who are dealing with life challenges, "parenting" issues, trauma, loss, and "aging". When seeing children or adolescents, I typically use a child centered approach combined with cognitive work and play therapy. as indicated. I have experience with CBT, EFT, mindfulness, and energetic. tools as therapeutic interventions.
In my part time private practice I offer counseling/therapy to adults, children, adolescents, and parents.. My areas of special interest include anxiety, depression, loss, and parent education. I enjoy working with adults who are dealing with life challenges, "parenting" issues, trauma, loss, and "aging". When seeing children or adolescents, I typically use a child centered approach combined with cognitive work and play therapy. as indicated. I have experience with CBT, EFT, mindfulness, and energetic. tools as therapeutic interventions.
Laura T Ashord LCSW, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27523
I have a practical, eclectic approach to therapy drawing from a rich resource of experience, employing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), communication therapies, relaxation therapy, Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT), Play Therapy, Mindfulness therapy, Family Therapy and Parent Training.
I am a native North Carolinian, having lived and worked here most all my life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have practiced Social Work since 1988. I provide psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, adolescents, children and families. I received my Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) from NC State University in 1986. Through an advanced standing program at University of South Carolina in Columbia, I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) with an emphasis in Children and Families in 1988. I became licensed (LCSW) by the NC Certification and Licensure Board in 1993.
I have a practical, eclectic approach to therapy drawing from a rich resource of experience, employing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), communication therapies, relaxation therapy, Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT), Play Therapy, Mindfulness therapy, Family Therapy and Parent Training.
I am a native North Carolinian, having lived and worked here most all my life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have practiced Social Work since 1988. I provide psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, adolescents, children and families. I received my Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) from NC State University in 1986. Through an advanced standing program at University of South Carolina in Columbia, I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) with an emphasis in Children and Families in 1988. I became licensed (LCSW) by the NC Certification and Licensure Board in 1993.
Jennifer E Thakur
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27502 (Online Only)
I enjoy helping teens, young adults, couples and families in both North Carolina and Florida achieve their counseling goals using research based strategies and techniques. I am trained in trauma informed techniques such as TF-CBT and EMDR. I also enjoy incorporating mindfulness, yoga, art and play into the therapeutic experience.
I enjoy helping teens, young adults, couples and families in both North Carolina and Florida achieve their counseling goals using research based strategies and techniques. I am trained in trauma informed techniques such as TF-CBT and EMDR. I also enjoy incorporating mindfulness, yoga, art and play into the therapeutic experience.
As a registered play therapist, Deborah incorporates directed and non-directed play - the language that children best use to communicate.
CHILD-TEEN - Are you concerned about your child? Are they anxious? angry? irritable? Or maybe you would just like to give your child some additional skills as they progress through their current developmental stage. Allow us to come alongside you. Give your child the gift of learning coping skills that will not only help them now but that they can take into their adult life. Children and teens are part of a larger family system so you are an integral part of treatment. Our goal is to strengthen the relationship between you and your child.
As a registered play therapist, Deborah incorporates directed and non-directed play - the language that children best use to communicate.
CHILD-TEEN - Are you concerned about your child? Are they anxious? angry? irritable? Or maybe you would just like to give your child some additional skills as they progress through their current developmental stage. Allow us to come alongside you. Give your child the gift of learning coping skills that will not only help them now but that they can take into their adult life. Children and teens are part of a larger family system so you are an integral part of treatment. Our goal is to strengthen the relationship between you and your child.
EPPT is best suited for children between the ages of 4 and 10 who are still interested in imaginative play.
Is your child struggling? Have you tried office based therapies and found them to be ineffective? Equine Partnered Play Therapy (EPPT) may be your next step. Rather than taking place in an office setting, EPPT takes place in a pasture with two miniature horses, a professionally licensed therapist (me!) and a Certified Equine Specialist. This unique approach to therapy provides children with an opportunity to work through big thoughts, feelings and behaviors while in nature, bonding with miniature horses.
EPPT is best suited for children between the ages of 4 and 10 who are still interested in imaginative play.
Is your child struggling? Have you tried office based therapies and found them to be ineffective? Equine Partnered Play Therapy (EPPT) may be your next step. Rather than taking place in an office setting, EPPT takes place in a pasture with two miniature horses, a professionally licensed therapist (me!) and a Certified Equine Specialist. This unique approach to therapy provides children with an opportunity to work through big thoughts, feelings and behaviors while in nature, bonding with miniature horses.
15 Second Videos
Laura T Ashord LCSW, PLLC
Andrea Bueno-Acosta
Smiling Spirit Pathways - Cherie L. Spehar
Carolina Counseling Services - Fuquay-Varina, NC
Stephanie Brekstad
I am currently working towards becoming a registered Play Therapist and an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist.
I enjoy working with adults, parents, infants, toddlers, children, and families. As a counselor, I aim to help my clients be their best selves. I aim to provide a safe and supportive space where I can collaborate and work with my clients to reach their goals. I work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds on issues including becoming new parents, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, grief and loss, transitions, and other mental health and life concerns.
I am currently working towards becoming a registered Play Therapist and an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist.
I enjoy working with adults, parents, infants, toddlers, children, and families. As a counselor, I aim to help my clients be their best selves. I aim to provide a safe and supportive space where I can collaborate and work with my clients to reach their goals. I work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds on issues including becoming new parents, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, grief and loss, transitions, and other mental health and life concerns.
This is exactly the work I love to do! Through the language of play, I work with children struggling to cope with worries, anger, life changes, and adverse experiences.
Your child has been having a hard time with “big feelings” and “big behaviors”. You have spent hours searching to find ways to help your young child have less intense meltdowns and tantrums, or to help your grade schooler better handle transitions or unexpected change, or to help your tween worry less about “adult things” and things they can’t control. It has been extremely difficult seeing your child struggle and you really wish you could just make it all stop, but you’re out of ideas. I know that the process of finding a counselor for your child can be exhausting and intimidating, but you don’t have to walk this journey alone .
This is exactly the work I love to do! Through the language of play, I work with children struggling to cope with worries, anger, life changes, and adverse experiences.
Your child has been having a hard time with “big feelings” and “big behaviors”. You have spent hours searching to find ways to help your young child have less intense meltdowns and tantrums, or to help your grade schooler better handle transitions or unexpected change, or to help your tween worry less about “adult things” and things they can’t control. It has been extremely difficult seeing your child struggle and you really wish you could just make it all stop, but you’re out of ideas. I know that the process of finding a counselor for your child can be exhausting and intimidating, but you don’t have to walk this journey alone .
As a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) I have extensive training in play therapy, child development, and attachment based therapies.
As a play therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for children and adolescents to express themselves and heal using their primary language: Play. Although appropriate for adults, traditional talk therapy can prove difficult for children and adolescents. By utilizing play therapy, I'm able to build a strong and safe therapeutic relationship, a cornerstone to change and healing. In addition, I provide supervision for licensed counselors seeking the Registered Play Therapist credential. Call or email today for current availability!
As a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) I have extensive training in play therapy, child development, and attachment based therapies.
As a play therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for children and adolescents to express themselves and heal using their primary language: Play. Although appropriate for adults, traditional talk therapy can prove difficult for children and adolescents. By utilizing play therapy, I'm able to build a strong and safe therapeutic relationship, a cornerstone to change and healing. In addition, I provide supervision for licensed counselors seeking the Registered Play Therapist credential. Call or email today for current availability!
You know what it feels like to sit at your kitchen table or on your front or back porch with a close friend or family member & talk the hours away? Some conversations bring laughter. Some bring tears. Some bring clarity. Therapy can take those conversations to the next level. You can expect therapy with me to be very relaxed. Put your feet up! Bring in your lunch! Check your phone! Tell me about your dog! Show me pictures! You tell me what is working and not working for you in therapy & I'll adjust. We'll move at your pace towards goals you set.
You know what it feels like to sit at your kitchen table or on your front or back porch with a close friend or family member & talk the hours away? Some conversations bring laughter. Some bring tears. Some bring clarity. Therapy can take those conversations to the next level. You can expect therapy with me to be very relaxed. Put your feet up! Bring in your lunch! Check your phone! Tell me about your dog! Show me pictures! You tell me what is working and not working for you in therapy & I'll adjust. We'll move at your pace towards goals you set.
Tequila Sanford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, LCASA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27502 (Online Only)
I believe in exploration and facilitating an understanding of the connection between mind, body and soul to achieve deep healing with my clients. I will incorporate humor, as appropriate, which has yielded great results, as it allows my clients to feel more relaxed. Serious challenges don’t have to be addressed in a stringent, cold manner. I am accepting new clients for telehealth sessions and am available for evening appointments. Please reach out to Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness PLLC to schedule. You may call 919-355-9792 or go to our website and complete the "contact us" form to get started.
I believe in exploration and facilitating an understanding of the connection between mind, body and soul to achieve deep healing with my clients. I will incorporate humor, as appropriate, which has yielded great results, as it allows my clients to feel more relaxed. Serious challenges don’t have to be addressed in a stringent, cold manner. I am accepting new clients for telehealth sessions and am available for evening appointments. Please reach out to Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness PLLC to schedule. You may call 919-355-9792 or go to our website and complete the "contact us" form to get started.
Rachelle Heller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
Apex, NC 27502 (Online Only)
Telehealth appointments available this week! As we head into the holiday season and gear up for 2024 you might be looking for a little extra support. I am currently accepting a few more new patients and appreciate you pausing to read more about me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychotherapist with experience in treating children, adolescents, & adults with relationship issues, substance abuse, trauma, personality disorders, anxiety & depression.
Telehealth appointments available this week! As we head into the holiday season and gear up for 2024 you might be looking for a little extra support. I am currently accepting a few more new patients and appreciate you pausing to read more about me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychotherapist with experience in treating children, adolescents, & adults with relationship issues, substance abuse, trauma, personality disorders, anxiety & depression.
Simron Richard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27502
I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the challenges they face in life. Using a compassionate and client-centered approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, or anything in between, my goal is to empower my clients to find balance, resilience, and fulfillment. Together, we can work towards meaningful change and personal growth. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.
I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the challenges they face in life. Using a compassionate and client-centered approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, or anything in between, my goal is to empower my clients to find balance, resilience, and fulfillment. Together, we can work towards meaningful change and personal growth. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.
Melissa Aguilar
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27502 (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed in how to manage your emotions or perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationships (marital, parent-child, parent-teenager, family, or friends)? Do you find yourself becoming irritable at small things or simply being someone you do not want to be anymore? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I am glad you have found my page. We all have difficult times throughout our life and it is okay to need and ask for help. Difficult times or difficult symptoms vary from person to person. I am here to help guide you and find ways to alleviate your concerns.
Are you feeling overwhelmed in how to manage your emotions or perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationships (marital, parent-child, parent-teenager, family, or friends)? Do you find yourself becoming irritable at small things or simply being someone you do not want to be anymore? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I am glad you have found my page. We all have difficult times throughout our life and it is okay to need and ask for help. Difficult times or difficult symptoms vary from person to person. I am here to help guide you and find ways to alleviate your concerns.
Whether you’re facing challenges or seeking personal growth, having someone to talk to can be invaluable. My approach is grounded in empathy and understanding, ensuring that each session is tailored to your unique needs and paced according to your comfort level. I’m dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and to help you navigate your journey with understanding and respect.
Whether you’re facing challenges or seeking personal growth, having someone to talk to can be invaluable. My approach is grounded in empathy and understanding, ensuring that each session is tailored to your unique needs and paced according to your comfort level. I’m dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and to help you navigate your journey with understanding and respect.
See more therapy options for Apex
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Apex
- Angier
- Carrboro
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Fuquay Varina
- Garner
- Holly Springs
- Knightdale
- Morrisville
- Pittsboro
- Raleigh
- Willow Spring
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.