Play Therapy in Jamesburg, NJ

Photo of Shelly M. Cordas, MA, LPC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shelly M. Cordas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Jamesburg, NJ 08831  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." - Helen Keller. I personally can identify with struggle, physical & emotional pain, and the heartache of loss, but I also can testify to the beauty of joy, peace, perseverance, resilience, and hope. Difficult seasons create opportunities for growth & insight and help you to learn more about yourself and others. Healing is possible no matter what the problem is and I’m here to help you discover what that looks like! I have worked with diverse groups of children and adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings.
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." - Helen Keller. I personally can identify with struggle, physical & emotional pain, and the heartache of loss, but I also can testify to the beauty of joy, peace, perseverance, resilience, and hope. Difficult seasons create opportunities for growth & insight and help you to learn more about yourself and others. Healing is possible no matter what the problem is and I’m here to help you discover what that looks like! I have worked with diverse groups of children and adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings.
(609) 772-4442 View (609) 772-4442
Photo of Connie Lieberman, LSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Connie Lieberman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
I view counseling as an opportunity to come alongside my clients and partner with them as they journey toward discovering a life of meaning and purpose. Through empathy, humor, and warmth, I aim to create and hold a safe space for my clients to begin the journey inward. My biggest joy is walking alongside my clients as they begin to realize their strength and resilience to find solutions to the issues they are facing.
I view counseling as an opportunity to come alongside my clients and partner with them as they journey toward discovering a life of meaning and purpose. Through empathy, humor, and warmth, I aim to create and hold a safe space for my clients to begin the journey inward. My biggest joy is walking alongside my clients as they begin to realize their strength and resilience to find solutions to the issues they are facing.
(732) 795-5790 View (732) 795-5790
Photo of Jillian Krutansky, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jillian Krutansky
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
Accepting new clients! In life, we will all face obstacles. My goal as a therapist is to help you learn more about yourself and come up with ways to overcome these obstacles - ways that actually work. I utilize various modalities, but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are the modalities I most frequently draw from. I believe that not all therapeutic modalities work for everybody, and as such, I adapt according to my clients' needs. I have experience working with children over 8, teenagers, and adults.
Accepting new clients! In life, we will all face obstacles. My goal as a therapist is to help you learn more about yourself and come up with ways to overcome these obstacles - ways that actually work. I utilize various modalities, but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are the modalities I most frequently draw from. I believe that not all therapeutic modalities work for everybody, and as such, I adapt according to my clients' needs. I have experience working with children over 8, teenagers, and adults.
(732) 561-5514 View (732) 561-5514
Photo of Alla Krutyansky, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alla Krutyansky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
I specialize in helping clients alleviate pervasive symptoms in order to develop a greater sense of self-worth and adequacy, construct nurturing relationships, and develop and achieve goals to work toward a healthy and happy life experience. Using the highly efficacious Schema Therapy model, clients learn to eliminate maladaptive coping responses by changing the beliefs (schemas) that drive them. Seeing my clients transform their lives, achieve personal development and reach true empowerment has been one of my greatest joys.
I specialize in helping clients alleviate pervasive symptoms in order to develop a greater sense of self-worth and adequacy, construct nurturing relationships, and develop and achieve goals to work toward a healthy and happy life experience. Using the highly efficacious Schema Therapy model, clients learn to eliminate maladaptive coping responses by changing the beliefs (schemas) that drive them. Seeing my clients transform their lives, achieve personal development and reach true empowerment has been one of my greatest joys.
(732) 479-7342 View (732) 479-7342
Photo of Paige Halverson, LAC, Counselor
Paige Halverson
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
Do you feel lost or stuck, unable to achieve your goals or find your way? Let's take the journey inward to find the keys to unlocking your best self. Together, we will create a safe and empathetic environment where you can share and explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. Are you ready to embark on the experience of self discovery? Every journey begins with the first step.
Do you feel lost or stuck, unable to achieve your goals or find your way? Let's take the journey inward to find the keys to unlocking your best self. Together, we will create a safe and empathetic environment where you can share and explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. Are you ready to embark on the experience of self discovery? Every journey begins with the first step.
(973) 834-5630 View (973) 834-5630

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kirsten Kennedy - Kirsten Kennedy:  Adults, Couples, Youth, LAC, Counselor
Kirsten Kennedy: Adults, Couples, Youth
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
New Brunswick, NJ 08903
I empower couples, adults, and youth to navigate relationship challenges, family conflict, ADHD, social and academic pressures, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ issues. With kids and teens, I bring art, play, mindfulness, and coping skills into session while collaborating with parents for lasting change. For adults and couples, we’ll explore your patterns and early experiences to better understand your path forward today. I use approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Gottman Method couples therapy to boost connection and well-being. Check my availability and book at www.resolutioncc.com/team
I empower couples, adults, and youth to navigate relationship challenges, family conflict, ADHD, social and academic pressures, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ issues. With kids and teens, I bring art, play, mindfulness, and coping skills into session while collaborating with parents for lasting change. For adults and couples, we’ll explore your patterns and early experiences to better understand your path forward today. I use approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Gottman Method couples therapy to boost connection and well-being. Check my availability and book at www.resolutioncc.com/team
(973) 834-5964 View (973) 834-5964
Photo of Amy DeLuca Litkey, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy DeLuca Litkey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Through the use of art/ play therapy, I work with children to help them express their feelings in healthy ways and provide skills to reduce anxiety, depression, social difficulties, and conflict.
Feeling understood is an important aspect of personal development and life satisfaction at any age. As a Columbia University trained therapist, I provide a warm and nurturing environment where children, adolescents, and adults feel supported and are better able to understand and manage their emotions and behavior. I offer a safe place for individuals to process and cope with transition and challenges such as relationship concerns, divorce, grief, and traumatic experiences. My passion is helping women, young adults and children meet their individualized therapeutic goals and live their lives to the fullest potential.
Through the use of art/ play therapy, I work with children to help them express their feelings in healthy ways and provide skills to reduce anxiety, depression, social difficulties, and conflict.
Feeling understood is an important aspect of personal development and life satisfaction at any age. As a Columbia University trained therapist, I provide a warm and nurturing environment where children, adolescents, and adults feel supported and are better able to understand and manage their emotions and behavior. I offer a safe place for individuals to process and cope with transition and challenges such as relationship concerns, divorce, grief, and traumatic experiences. My passion is helping women, young adults and children meet their individualized therapeutic goals and live their lives to the fullest potential.
(848) 216-0871 View (848) 216-0871
Photo of Geraldine V Oades-Sese, PhD, Psychologist
Geraldine V Oades-Sese
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Cranbury, NJ 08512
Interventions include academic and organization strategies, play therapy, CBT, behavior management, and stress reduction/mindfulness.
Life is filled with many opportunities as well as challenges. My goal is to help children and adolescents recognize and seize those opportunities and overcome any challenges and obstacles that get in their way. By helping them create a positive mindset, build effective coping strategies, and expand their repertoire of problem-solving skills, they can live a healthy, satisfying, and successful social and academic life. The earlier these skills are cultivated within the child or adolescent, the greater the opportunities to practice and utilize them to their benefit. Please visit my website: www.childresilience.com
Interventions include academic and organization strategies, play therapy, CBT, behavior management, and stress reduction/mindfulness.
Life is filled with many opportunities as well as challenges. My goal is to help children and adolescents recognize and seize those opportunities and overcome any challenges and obstacles that get in their way. By helping them create a positive mindset, build effective coping strategies, and expand their repertoire of problem-solving skills, they can live a healthy, satisfying, and successful social and academic life. The earlier these skills are cultivated within the child or adolescent, the greater the opportunities to practice and utilize them to their benefit. Please visit my website: www.childresilience.com
(732) 387-4209 View (732) 387-4209
Photo of Elinor Bashe, PsyD, Psychologist
Elinor Bashe
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
In addition to consulting with parents, I do play therapy with younger children.
Have you ever said: "No one ever taught me how to be a parent or spouse?" Perhaps navigating the relationships at work is posing a challenge. I help clients look at patterns of communication and behaviors that aren't working and help them understand their origins. Together, we develop an understanding of what is causing the difficulties so that we may address them successfully. I've been a psychologist for 25 years, helping clients enhance their relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. While much of my work is with adults, I am also a child psychologist.
In addition to consulting with parents, I do play therapy with younger children.
Have you ever said: "No one ever taught me how to be a parent or spouse?" Perhaps navigating the relationships at work is posing a challenge. I help clients look at patterns of communication and behaviors that aren't working and help them understand their origins. Together, we develop an understanding of what is causing the difficulties so that we may address them successfully. I've been a psychologist for 25 years, helping clients enhance their relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. While much of my work is with adults, I am also a child psychologist.
(732) 333-8625 View (732) 333-8625
Photo of Susan Glaser, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Glaser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Windsor, NJ 08550  (Online Only)
I find expressive arts therapy to be particularly effective with adolescents, and I use play therapy with younger children.
I am here to support you as an individual, a couple, or a family. If you are experiencing stress, depression, or anxiety due to a change in your circumstances, or to ongoing relationship problems, my goal is to assist you to heal and resolve difficulties. I work with many different family and marital issues, including helping adoptive families. I welcome couples and families, including young children, with whom I work in close consultation with their parents. Cómo terapeuta bilingual, estoy aquí para apoyar a Ud. como individuo, pareja, o familia.
I find expressive arts therapy to be particularly effective with adolescents, and I use play therapy with younger children.
I am here to support you as an individual, a couple, or a family. If you are experiencing stress, depression, or anxiety due to a change in your circumstances, or to ongoing relationship problems, my goal is to assist you to heal and resolve difficulties. I work with many different family and marital issues, including helping adoptive families. I welcome couples and families, including young children, with whom I work in close consultation with their parents. Cómo terapeuta bilingual, estoy aquí para apoyar a Ud. como individuo, pareja, o familia.
(908) 428-6901 View (908) 428-6901
Photo of Lori Lynn Haber, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lori Lynn Haber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
I specialize in using play, expressive arts, role- play, guided imagery, mindfulness, self-compassion, CBT, DBT, EFT, IFS, social skills.
Lori has over 30 years experience. Specializes children, teens, loves working adults of all ages. Emotional regulation, social challenges, struggles with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Young adults, college students. Seniors adjusting to changing health, independence. Woman’s issues, menopause; Lori understands the unique emotional needs and stressors- parents of children with special needs face. Inspired to nurture resilience in my clients, helping cultivate self-compassion, and recognize self-worth.
I specialize in using play, expressive arts, role- play, guided imagery, mindfulness, self-compassion, CBT, DBT, EFT, IFS, social skills.
Lori has over 30 years experience. Specializes children, teens, loves working adults of all ages. Emotional regulation, social challenges, struggles with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Young adults, college students. Seniors adjusting to changing health, independence. Woman’s issues, menopause; Lori understands the unique emotional needs and stressors- parents of children with special needs face. Inspired to nurture resilience in my clients, helping cultivate self-compassion, and recognize self-worth.
(732) 652-9649 View (732) 652-9649
Photo of Lauren Meyer, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Meyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Manalapan, NJ 07726
I can offer supports through Play Centered Therapy and through a Strengths based approach.
My ideal client is a child or adolescent who is struggling with anxiety and their goal would be to learn effective coping skills and strategies to better manage this. Usually children want a quick fix- so I like to provide them with lots of quick breathing exercises or creating a "tool box" with fidgets and anything that we have worked on together to help them when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
I can offer supports through Play Centered Therapy and through a Strengths based approach.
My ideal client is a child or adolescent who is struggling with anxiety and their goal would be to learn effective coping skills and strategies to better manage this. Usually children want a quick fix- so I like to provide them with lots of quick breathing exercises or creating a "tool box" with fidgets and anything that we have worked on together to help them when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
(848) 281-3084 View (848) 281-3084
Photo of Tammy Dorff, PsyD, Psychologist
Tammy Dorff
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
I have specialized training and experience in play therapy, parenting, working with LGBTQ clients and their families, EMDR, crisis intervention, and feminist therapy.
I have a diverse practice in which I work with adults, children, adolescents and couples who are struggling with a variety of different issues. These include depression, anxiety/panic attacks, relationship problems, school and behavioral issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, low self-esteem, stress, sexual orientation and gender identity concerns, struggles with spirituality, self-injurious behavior, adoption, dealing with medical problems, grief and loss, trauma, and coping with divorce and its aftermath. My ideal client is one who wants help and is feeling ready to do the work necessary to improve and enrich his or her life.
I have specialized training and experience in play therapy, parenting, working with LGBTQ clients and their families, EMDR, crisis intervention, and feminist therapy.
I have a diverse practice in which I work with adults, children, adolescents and couples who are struggling with a variety of different issues. These include depression, anxiety/panic attacks, relationship problems, school and behavioral issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, low self-esteem, stress, sexual orientation and gender identity concerns, struggles with spirituality, self-injurious behavior, adoption, dealing with medical problems, grief and loss, trauma, and coping with divorce and its aftermath. My ideal client is one who wants help and is feeling ready to do the work necessary to improve and enrich his or her life.
(732) 201-2138 View (732) 201-2138
Photo of Maggie Masterton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maggie Masterton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Post masters, I have received advanced training in attachment theory, trauma informed approaches, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sand play Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).
I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and families. I have numerous years experience working with children across a variety of clinical and educational settings, incorporating the use of play therapy and informed by current research in child development. I meet my clients with warmth, respect, and a desire to work to facilitate a relationship of deep understanding. Utilizing an integrative perspective, I engage my clients in creative and individualized therapeutic approaches, help them deepen their understanding of themselves, and support their work towards greater emotional health and well-being.
Post masters, I have received advanced training in attachment theory, trauma informed approaches, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sand play Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).
I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and families. I have numerous years experience working with children across a variety of clinical and educational settings, incorporating the use of play therapy and informed by current research in child development. I meet my clients with warmth, respect, and a desire to work to facilitate a relationship of deep understanding. Utilizing an integrative perspective, I engage my clients in creative and individualized therapeutic approaches, help them deepen their understanding of themselves, and support their work towards greater emotional health and well-being.
(856) 347-3475 View (856) 347-3475
Photo of Leigh Fagerstrom, LCSW, LCADC, C-DBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leigh Fagerstrom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC, C-DBT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Waitlist for new clients
My therapeutic modalities are eclectic and vary with each unique individual, however, I generally work towards skills building utilizing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), IFS/parts work and sand play therapy.
I look forward to collaborating with you throughout this empowering process. I specialize in the treatment of trauma and PTSD, addiction, family conflicts and difficulty managing stress and emotions. I am trained in sand play therapy and certified in DBT. I hope to offer you a safe and authentic space while we work towards your sustainable wellness and post traumatic growth. I have extensive experience working with older children, teens, adults and families.
My therapeutic modalities are eclectic and vary with each unique individual, however, I generally work towards skills building utilizing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), IFS/parts work and sand play therapy.
I look forward to collaborating with you throughout this empowering process. I specialize in the treatment of trauma and PTSD, addiction, family conflicts and difficulty managing stress and emotions. I am trained in sand play therapy and certified in DBT. I hope to offer you a safe and authentic space while we work towards your sustainable wellness and post traumatic growth. I have extensive experience working with older children, teens, adults and families.
(732) 838-9887 View (732) 838-9887
Marie Kifun Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCN, QEEGD
Verified Verified
East Windsor, NJ 08520
I use cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and play therapy.
I work with adults, couples, children and adolescents combining a variety of approaches including talk therapy and neurotherapy. I emphasize the value of our relationship, building trust by listening and understanding your needs. Treatment is geared to removing barriers that prevent you from having a meaningful life, developing the skills to support your journey towards healing and free you from negative emotions such as guilt, shame, fear, anxiety and anger. Through a process of self- exploration, problem solving, skills development, you can learn to overcome obstacles, clarify your values and reach your goals..
I use cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and play therapy.
I work with adults, couples, children and adolescents combining a variety of approaches including talk therapy and neurotherapy. I emphasize the value of our relationship, building trust by listening and understanding your needs. Treatment is geared to removing barriers that prevent you from having a meaningful life, developing the skills to support your journey towards healing and free you from negative emotions such as guilt, shame, fear, anxiety and anger. Through a process of self- exploration, problem solving, skills development, you can learn to overcome obstacles, clarify your values and reach your goals..
(609) 385-9703 View (609) 385-9703
Photo of Jennifer Rerngsamai, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Rerngsamai
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with patients from ages 7 & up, I use a strengths based approach, incorporate play therapy with children, and provide support & education to parents.
Each person possesses the power to make changes to be able to lead a more fulfilling life. At some point in our lives, most people will experience anxiety, depression, loss, relationship issues, or difficulty adjusting to life transitions. It is important to have a safe and nonjudgmental place to express yourself. Therapy can help you see your situation from different perspectives and help you to evaluate which path is the best one for you as your own unique person. I work with patients with various problems including depression, anxiety, behavioral disturbances, bullying, school issues, relationship problems, and self-esteem.
I have extensive experience working with patients from ages 7 & up, I use a strengths based approach, incorporate play therapy with children, and provide support & education to parents.
Each person possesses the power to make changes to be able to lead a more fulfilling life. At some point in our lives, most people will experience anxiety, depression, loss, relationship issues, or difficulty adjusting to life transitions. It is important to have a safe and nonjudgmental place to express yourself. Therapy can help you see your situation from different perspectives and help you to evaluate which path is the best one for you as your own unique person. I work with patients with various problems including depression, anxiety, behavioral disturbances, bullying, school issues, relationship problems, and self-esteem.
(848) 999-5560 View (848) 999-5560
Photo of Michelle Kessous, PsyD, Psychologist
Michelle Kessous
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Psychotherapy and Psychological Testing: Therapy ( play therapy for youngsters) follows cognitive-behavioral framework; goals involve bolstering independence/self-esteem.
I am a firm believer in encouraging positivity, bolstering self-efficacy, and cultivating independence in others. My typical client is a child, adolescent, or young adult (age 3 to 29) who may be struggling academically, socially, or with developing effective emotional coping skills. Often, the individuals I see have difficulty with attention, concentration, organization, and with meeting the daily demands required of them at school. I also offer much support to parents who may be frustrated with their attempts at connecting with their kids and who are in need of guidance relating to discipline techniques and behavior management.
Psychotherapy and Psychological Testing: Therapy ( play therapy for youngsters) follows cognitive-behavioral framework; goals involve bolstering independence/self-esteem.
I am a firm believer in encouraging positivity, bolstering self-efficacy, and cultivating independence in others. My typical client is a child, adolescent, or young adult (age 3 to 29) who may be struggling academically, socially, or with developing effective emotional coping skills. Often, the individuals I see have difficulty with attention, concentration, organization, and with meeting the daily demands required of them at school. I also offer much support to parents who may be frustrated with their attempts at connecting with their kids and who are in need of guidance relating to discipline techniques and behavior management.
(732) 412-6925 View (732) 412-6925
Photo of Emily S Lowenfels, MSW, LSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily S Lowenfels
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
I am also a huge proponent of play therapy.
My ideal client is person who has been experiencing some difficulties understanding and or manipulating through their environment. Perhaps this client needs a group to work overcome shyness and learn to speak up for themselves or perhaps this client misreads social situations. My ideal clients range from 3-35. I service struggling parents/families and teens/young adults/adults in areas of depression, anxiety, and self-care. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I will be offering teletherapy sessions as an option to any individuals who are having a difficult time adjusting to this ever evolving health crisis.
I am also a huge proponent of play therapy.
My ideal client is person who has been experiencing some difficulties understanding and or manipulating through their environment. Perhaps this client needs a group to work overcome shyness and learn to speak up for themselves or perhaps this client misreads social situations. My ideal clients range from 3-35. I service struggling parents/families and teens/young adults/adults in areas of depression, anxiety, and self-care. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I will be offering teletherapy sessions as an option to any individuals who are having a difficult time adjusting to this ever evolving health crisis.
(973) 287-4706 View (973) 287-4706
Photo of Jean Provance, MSW, LCSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jean Provance
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Evidenced based care modalities of EMDR, TF-CBT and play therapy for younger children integrate well to support symptoms reduction in sessions and out in the world day to day.
Now Accepting New Clients In-Person and via Telehealth for people who need to help with traumatic experiences that have caused stress in their lives. After traumatic events supportive counseling goes a long way to getting you back to your life. You do not need to suffer with nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation, panic or depression; working together we will get you to your goals. If you have experienced complex lifelong traumatic symptoms from foster care, abuse, neglect, adoption this is the specialized care you need. Nothing is too big or too small to step towards healing.
Evidenced based care modalities of EMDR, TF-CBT and play therapy for younger children integrate well to support symptoms reduction in sessions and out in the world day to day.
Now Accepting New Clients In-Person and via Telehealth for people who need to help with traumatic experiences that have caused stress in their lives. After traumatic events supportive counseling goes a long way to getting you back to your life. You do not need to suffer with nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation, panic or depression; working together we will get you to your goals. If you have experienced complex lifelong traumatic symptoms from foster care, abuse, neglect, adoption this is the specialized care you need. Nothing is too big or too small to step towards healing.
(732) 631-3597 View (732) 631-3597

See more therapy options for Jamesburg

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.