Play Therapy in Camden, NJ
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and trauma-informed care.
My goal is to empower individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve emotional well-being. I want to help my clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they work through difficult moments in life. By providing a safe and compassionate space, I aim to guide them toward personal growth, healing, and a better understanding of themselves. I am committed to helping my clients set meaningful goals, improve their mental health, and lead more fulfilling lives.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and trauma-informed care.
My goal is to empower individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve emotional well-being. I want to help my clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they work through difficult moments in life. By providing a safe and compassionate space, I aim to guide them toward personal growth, healing, and a better understanding of themselves. I am committed to helping my clients set meaningful goals, improve their mental health, and lead more fulfilling lives.
Elisha W Farley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Camden, NJ 08101
Taking care of yourself and your individual needs is not selfish it is necessity. I am eager to help those facing the challenges that come with life's journey. I believe that with a helping relationship, that I feel I can offer, anyone can cope with their unique challenges and develop individualized tools supportive to moving forward with personal growth, empowerment, and a renewed pattern of living.
Taking care of yourself and your individual needs is not selfish it is necessity. I am eager to help those facing the challenges that come with life's journey. I believe that with a helping relationship, that I feel I can offer, anyone can cope with their unique challenges and develop individualized tools supportive to moving forward with personal growth, empowerment, and a renewed pattern of living.
I believe strongly that clients come in all different shapes and sizes and from different walks of life. Therefore, I do not have an ideal client, as my wish is to help anyone who needs it regardless of their experiences, needs, and goals. I welcome the experiences I will gain from having diverse clients.
I believe strongly that clients come in all different shapes and sizes and from different walks of life. Therefore, I do not have an ideal client, as my wish is to help anyone who needs it regardless of their experiences, needs, and goals. I welcome the experiences I will gain from having diverse clients.
My ideal client is someone courageous enough to open up and commit to engaging in the therapeutic journey. I resonate deeply with clients of any age dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, childhood trauma, and navigating the nuances of LGBTQIA+ experiences. My ideal client desires to rediscover their authentic self amidst life's challenges and aspires to develop coping strategies and foster personal growth. They aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves, enhance daily living skills, improve relationships, and create a fulfilling life path aligned with their true identity and goals.
My ideal client is someone courageous enough to open up and commit to engaging in the therapeutic journey. I resonate deeply with clients of any age dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, childhood trauma, and navigating the nuances of LGBTQIA+ experiences. My ideal client desires to rediscover their authentic self amidst life's challenges and aspires to develop coping strategies and foster personal growth. They aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves, enhance daily living skills, improve relationships, and create a fulfilling life path aligned with their true identity and goals.
Elizabeth Tedeschi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Camden, NJ 08100 (Online Only)
Far too often we are weighed down by heavy emotions; intrusive thoughts and conditioned patterns. Through my varied experience I have been able to witness firsthand--that even in the most dire circumstances positive change is possible. My philosophy is to provide you with patience; positivity and pragmatism while varying the therapeutic approach to fit your current needs. To foster motivation and facilitate insight, I utilize a combination of strength-based techniques. I also believe in the significance of incorporating your interests and creativity (e.g. art, music, theatre and humor) into sessions.
Far too often we are weighed down by heavy emotions; intrusive thoughts and conditioned patterns. Through my varied experience I have been able to witness firsthand--that even in the most dire circumstances positive change is possible. My philosophy is to provide you with patience; positivity and pragmatism while varying the therapeutic approach to fit your current needs. To foster motivation and facilitate insight, I utilize a combination of strength-based techniques. I also believe in the significance of incorporating your interests and creativity (e.g. art, music, theatre and humor) into sessions.
MLPsych
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Camden, NJ 08105 (Online Only)
I'm Dr. Michele L. Shropshire, the founder of MLPsych. I specialize in helping my clients process traumatic events, relieving them of symptoms that have been a significant block in their lives through Trauma Focus-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Therapy. I provide therapy through a HIPAA-compliant telemental health platform. Using a holistic approach, I focus on people who have experienced trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, relationship difficulties, Life/career concerns.
I'm Dr. Michele L. Shropshire, the founder of MLPsych. I specialize in helping my clients process traumatic events, relieving them of symptoms that have been a significant block in their lives through Trauma Focus-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Therapy. I provide therapy through a HIPAA-compliant telemental health platform. Using a holistic approach, I focus on people who have experienced trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, relationship difficulties, Life/career concerns.
Brittany Barnstead
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR, NCC
Verified Verified
Camden, NJ 08102
My ideal client would be a child, adolescent, or adult with a degree of insight/self-awareness into their presenting issues and motivation to improve their mental health. My most prominent diagnoses specialties include anxiety and depression. I enjoy working with clients on interpersonal problems, building coping skills, practicing mindfulness, and changing mindset/ thought patterns. My ideal client's goals include increasing a sense of peace and acceptance, working towards change, and developing healthier habits to improve wellbeing. A client who wants to change and be a better version of themselves is willing to be challenged.
My ideal client would be a child, adolescent, or adult with a degree of insight/self-awareness into their presenting issues and motivation to improve their mental health. My most prominent diagnoses specialties include anxiety and depression. I enjoy working with clients on interpersonal problems, building coping skills, practicing mindfulness, and changing mindset/ thought patterns. My ideal client's goals include increasing a sense of peace and acceptance, working towards change, and developing healthier habits to improve wellbeing. A client who wants to change and be a better version of themselves is willing to be challenged.
I enjoy working with individuals who have medical conditions, who are anxious, depressed, and are interested in moving forward in their lives and working with couples who are eager to explore how to improve communication or improve their relationship. I enjoy working with parents looking for assistance in coping with the challenges of raising children. I enjoy working with children/teens facing challenges in school, at home, and with peers. I enjoy working with women who are pregnant and nervous, who have delivered and are nervous about their return to work, and who are having difficulty with the balance of work/home life.
I enjoy working with individuals who have medical conditions, who are anxious, depressed, and are interested in moving forward in their lives and working with couples who are eager to explore how to improve communication or improve their relationship. I enjoy working with parents looking for assistance in coping with the challenges of raising children. I enjoy working with children/teens facing challenges in school, at home, and with peers. I enjoy working with women who are pregnant and nervous, who have delivered and are nervous about their return to work, and who are having difficulty with the balance of work/home life.
More Therapists Nearby
I use CBT, play therapy, trauma informed care, DBT, and ACT primarily.
Asking for help is a big step that shows bravery courage and the dedication you have to yourself and the want to feel better. My goal is to make sure I can provide you with the tools and support that empowers you to reach your personal goals, and find peace, happiness, and healing. Coming from a social work background, I acknowledge that there are outside obstacles that we may not be able to control inside of the therapy room, but I can assure you that I will be your biggest advocate and provide support and action when applicable, and empower and lift your voice so that you can become your number 1 advocate as well.
I use CBT, play therapy, trauma informed care, DBT, and ACT primarily.
Asking for help is a big step that shows bravery courage and the dedication you have to yourself and the want to feel better. My goal is to make sure I can provide you with the tools and support that empowers you to reach your personal goals, and find peace, happiness, and healing. Coming from a social work background, I acknowledge that there are outside obstacles that we may not be able to control inside of the therapy room, but I can assure you that I will be your biggest advocate and provide support and action when applicable, and empower and lift your voice so that you can become your number 1 advocate as well.
My child-centered, strengths-based approach uses play therapy, CBT, and trauma-informed care to support children in expressing themselves and building coping skills.
My ideal client includes children and families facing a range of emotional and developmental challenges. This might involve managing big emotions, developmental delays, grief, behavioral issues, or adjusting to major life changes. Parents are seeking support to help their child build coping skills, improve social interactions, and navigate transitions. They want to foster their child’s growth and well-being while also receiving guidance and strategies to create a supportive home environment. Together, we focus on building resilience, confidence, and a strong, positive connection using play therapy and a family-centered approach.
My child-centered, strengths-based approach uses play therapy, CBT, and trauma-informed care to support children in expressing themselves and building coping skills.
My ideal client includes children and families facing a range of emotional and developmental challenges. This might involve managing big emotions, developmental delays, grief, behavioral issues, or adjusting to major life changes. Parents are seeking support to help their child build coping skills, improve social interactions, and navigate transitions. They want to foster their child’s growth and well-being while also receiving guidance and strategies to create a supportive home environment. Together, we focus on building resilience, confidence, and a strong, positive connection using play therapy and a family-centered approach.
Amy Salmon Kasten
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Collingswood, NJ 08108
I am a licensed therapist specializing in clinical work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. I view my role as assisting my clients to more fully realize and become their authentic selves. Often, life events occur that prevent us from feeling strong, brave, satisfied, or even present in the world. We may become disconnected from others as well as ourselves. My passion is supporting clients as they grow, heal, play, discover, and connect within their therapy sessions and in their lives. I provide a safe, secure space where clients can explore their innermost thoughts, feelings, wishes, and fears.
I am a licensed therapist specializing in clinical work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. I view my role as assisting my clients to more fully realize and become their authentic selves. Often, life events occur that prevent us from feeling strong, brave, satisfied, or even present in the world. We may become disconnected from others as well as ourselves. My passion is supporting clients as they grow, heal, play, discover, and connect within their therapy sessions and in their lives. I provide a safe, secure space where clients can explore their innermost thoughts, feelings, wishes, and fears.
Judith Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Haddon Township, NJ 08107
Waitlist for new clients
I have a post-master's certificate in play and expressive therapies from Monmouth University and I am certified in TF-CBT.
Currently on personal leave through 12/1/24. Hello, my name is Judy Smith. I am a licensed clinical social worker and and registered play therapist. I am passionate about helping children and adolescents from ages 2-18 alongside their families with the complicated process of growing up. I work with individuals and families to work through the yuck to find the joy. The majority of my practice is with individuals and families who are working to overcome and manage challenges including adjustment, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, temper tantrums, depression, and self-esteem struggles. Strong emphasis is placed on strengths and resiliency.
I have a post-master's certificate in play and expressive therapies from Monmouth University and I am certified in TF-CBT.
Currently on personal leave through 12/1/24. Hello, my name is Judy Smith. I am a licensed clinical social worker and and registered play therapist. I am passionate about helping children and adolescents from ages 2-18 alongside their families with the complicated process of growing up. I work with individuals and families to work through the yuck to find the joy. The majority of my practice is with individuals and families who are working to overcome and manage challenges including adjustment, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, temper tantrums, depression, and self-esteem struggles. Strong emphasis is placed on strengths and resiliency.
Sarah Kershner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Collingswood, NJ 08108
"A journey begins with a single step." And, you can only start where you are. I believe awareness, exploration, and communication of feelings is key to being connected with others as well as with ourselves. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual and group settings. I use a strengths-based approach and am trained in Internal Family Systems. I have experience with crisis work, long-term, and short-term therapy. We will start where you feel comfortable taking your "single step" and the journey will go at the pace we set together. You have all the answers- let me help you find them!
"A journey begins with a single step." And, you can only start where you are. I believe awareness, exploration, and communication of feelings is key to being connected with others as well as with ourselves. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual and group settings. I use a strengths-based approach and am trained in Internal Family Systems. I have experience with crisis work, long-term, and short-term therapy. We will start where you feel comfortable taking your "single step" and the journey will go at the pace we set together. You have all the answers- let me help you find them!
Joseph Degenhart
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Collingswood, NJ 08108
I'm moved by the longing of couples to be to be listened to with undivided attention, to be understood and accepted, to be seen in their virtues and appreciated, to be held with affection and delight, to be allowed to be themselves and shift from it's all about me to you need all the same things. Your criticism and force can step back when I help you care about your own wounds - that your partner can respect, but cannot heal for you. I walk with confounded parents to calm their reactions to their children's resistance. They feel ignored, failing to raise a caring and responsible son or daughter. Heart is heavy, values seem irrelevant. Unburden the heart so your children can hear your values, not your reactions. Couple and family difficulties have roots in old hurts where we managed with knee jerk reactions and attitudes of how things should be. I can help you hold perspective, where you value yourself when others discredit you, where you're open to feedback about what is not helpful without feeling criticized or angry. Therapy is not getting partners or children or peers to respond, it's being able to bring my values with conviction without being attached to the outcome
I'm moved by the longing of couples to be to be listened to with undivided attention, to be understood and accepted, to be seen in their virtues and appreciated, to be held with affection and delight, to be allowed to be themselves and shift from it's all about me to you need all the same things. Your criticism and force can step back when I help you care about your own wounds - that your partner can respect, but cannot heal for you. I walk with confounded parents to calm their reactions to their children's resistance. They feel ignored, failing to raise a caring and responsible son or daughter. Heart is heavy, values seem irrelevant. Unburden the heart so your children can hear your values, not your reactions. Couple and family difficulties have roots in old hurts where we managed with knee jerk reactions and attitudes of how things should be. I can help you hold perspective, where you value yourself when others discredit you, where you're open to feedback about what is not helpful without feeling criticized or angry. Therapy is not getting partners or children or peers to respond, it's being able to bring my values with conviction without being attached to the outcome
It is my goal to help others heal past trauma; gain better insight into what motivates their behaviors and responses; learn positive coping skills and self-care activities; and grow into the person they want to be. Whether you struggle with chronic mental illness; situational stressors; or simply need a psychological clearance evaluation (such a pre-surgery), I will create a personalized plan to help each person meet individual goals in an accepting and respectful manner.
It is my goal to help others heal past trauma; gain better insight into what motivates their behaviors and responses; learn positive coping skills and self-care activities; and grow into the person they want to be. Whether you struggle with chronic mental illness; situational stressors; or simply need a psychological clearance evaluation (such a pre-surgery), I will create a personalized plan to help each person meet individual goals in an accepting and respectful manner.
Phoenix Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Our therapists are experts in helping clients manage and control their stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, and other mental health challenges. We are a team of licensed and trained therapists, helping individuals heal from trauma and revive their energy, hope, and enthusiasm. With a deeper understanding of how the brain reacts to traumas, we help our clients manage their emotions and behavior by gaining greater control over their thoughts.
Our therapists are experts in helping clients manage and control their stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, and other mental health challenges. We are a team of licensed and trained therapists, helping individuals heal from trauma and revive their energy, hope, and enthusiasm. With a deeper understanding of how the brain reacts to traumas, we help our clients manage their emotions and behavior by gaining greater control over their thoughts.
Johanna Clark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Collingswood, NJ 08108
It is with great pleasure that I have practiced with individuals of all ages for the last 25 years. I enjoy building trust in the therapeutic relationship-even with those who are resistant or not sure if therapy is for them. Accompanying individuals on their journey to self-discovery and witnessing their transformation is an enormous privilege of my job. People come to therapy looking to "fix" things. We forget that often we contain the solution to our problems, but that the solutions are buried under the residue of stressful life events, trauma and loss.
It is with great pleasure that I have practiced with individuals of all ages for the last 25 years. I enjoy building trust in the therapeutic relationship-even with those who are resistant or not sure if therapy is for them. Accompanying individuals on their journey to self-discovery and witnessing their transformation is an enormous privilege of my job. People come to therapy looking to "fix" things. We forget that often we contain the solution to our problems, but that the solutions are buried under the residue of stressful life events, trauma and loss.
Miriam Rosario
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Happiness, confidence and peace of mind require a commitment to self-reflection. Powerful feelings and personal struggles present obstacles. Being sensitive to life's complexities, I provide a safe environment to express feelings at your pace. During our time together we focus on the issues that are of importance to you and help strengthen your ability to manage the demands of life.
Happiness, confidence and peace of mind require a commitment to self-reflection. Powerful feelings and personal struggles present obstacles. Being sensitive to life's complexities, I provide a safe environment to express feelings at your pace. During our time together we focus on the issues that are of importance to you and help strengthen your ability to manage the demands of life.
Kelley Abbott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Haddon Township, NJ 08108
Waitlist for new clients
My passion is working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and pre-teens/teens/young adults ages 11-30 but I welcome clients outside of that age range! I specialize in LGBTQIA+ inclusive/gender-affirming care, trauma-informed practice, and a client-centered treatment approach. My professional experience also includes work with parents/coparents/caregivers of neurodiverse children as well as family therapy with a focus on relational trauma and emotion-based interventions. My goal is to always make clients feel heard, validated, and accepted for who they are while helping them to truly heal from what is holding them back in life.
My passion is working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and pre-teens/teens/young adults ages 11-30 but I welcome clients outside of that age range! I specialize in LGBTQIA+ inclusive/gender-affirming care, trauma-informed practice, and a client-centered treatment approach. My professional experience also includes work with parents/coparents/caregivers of neurodiverse children as well as family therapy with a focus on relational trauma and emotion-based interventions. My goal is to always make clients feel heard, validated, and accepted for who they are while helping them to truly heal from what is holding them back in life.
Michael ' Scot ' Ailes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Collingswood, NJ 08108
I have worked for over 20 years as a therapist and clinical supervisor helping adults, couples, teenagers, and children. I believe there is a reason for whatever you are struggling with in your life, with a child, or in your relationships. I have a respectful and focused approach that helps you make sense of your thoughts and feelings, and if needed to heal from experiences from the past that may be holding you back. I listen carefully to what is not working and help you or your child to develop strategies and approaches that better meet everyone's needs.
I have worked for over 20 years as a therapist and clinical supervisor helping adults, couples, teenagers, and children. I believe there is a reason for whatever you are struggling with in your life, with a child, or in your relationships. I have a respectful and focused approach that helps you make sense of your thoughts and feelings, and if needed to heal from experiences from the past that may be holding you back. I listen carefully to what is not working and help you or your child to develop strategies and approaches that better meet everyone's needs.
See more therapy options for Camden
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Camden
- Cherry Hill
- Clementon
- Collingswood
- Deptford
- Haddon Heights
- Haddon Township
- Haddonfield
- Moorestown
- Stratford
- Voorhees
- West Deptford
- Woodbury
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.