Play Therapy in Parsippany, NJ
Ashley Lai
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Ashley Lai is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of New Jersey, double majoring in Psychology and Music with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Ashley has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and elders in educational, in-community, nursing home, non-profit, and outpatient settings providing both individual and group therapy. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), utilizes art therapy and play therapy, and incorporates mindfulness and
Ashley Lai is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of New Jersey, double majoring in Psychology and Music with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Ashley has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and elders in educational, in-community, nursing home, non-profit, and outpatient settings providing both individual and group therapy. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), utilizes art therapy and play therapy, and incorporates mindfulness and
I offer experiential therapies such as play therapy and using art for self exploration.
Are you feeling anxious and out of control when you think about your child? Do you have questions about relationships or parenting? I have a background in both development and psychotherapy. I teach parents about development and help them learn what is "getting in the way" of parenting the way they want to. I also help couples "get on the same page" with parenting. Children come here to enhance development, learn social skills and have good self esteem. Children with developmental, behavioral and sensory concerns find a safe place to grow and explore. Parent Coaching is also available.
I offer experiential therapies such as play therapy and using art for self exploration.
Are you feeling anxious and out of control when you think about your child? Do you have questions about relationships or parenting? I have a background in both development and psychotherapy. I teach parents about development and help them learn what is "getting in the way" of parenting the way they want to. I also help couples "get on the same page" with parenting. Children come here to enhance development, learn social skills and have good self esteem. Children with developmental, behavioral and sensory concerns find a safe place to grow and explore. Parent Coaching is also available.
In today's world, stress and anxiety can play a large role in the quality of one's life. A professional, supportive therapist can help you sort out issues and make changes in a different way than family and friends can. Whether you have a child who is struggling, or you are an adult trying to cope with relationships, depression or just balancing life, I can offer help and guidance. I have been practicing psychotherapy for over 20 years. I am also a certified expressive art therapist, which helps me a great deal in working with children/adolescents in addition to talk and play therapy.
In today's world, stress and anxiety can play a large role in the quality of one's life. A professional, supportive therapist can help you sort out issues and make changes in a different way than family and friends can. Whether you have a child who is struggling, or you are an adult trying to cope with relationships, depression or just balancing life, I can offer help and guidance. I have been practicing psychotherapy for over 20 years. I am also a certified expressive art therapist, which helps me a great deal in working with children/adolescents in addition to talk and play therapy.
Psychotherapy Milestones
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC, ACS
Verified Verified
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Accepting NEW clients! As a small group practice, each therapist has their own unique approach to treatment. As a whole, we specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), also drawing from several other treatment theories, in order to provide a well-rounded and customizable clinical experience. Several of our therapists specialize in working with young children and teens, making use of our play therapy rooms, while others exclusively work with an adult population.
Accepting NEW clients! As a small group practice, each therapist has their own unique approach to treatment. As a whole, we specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), also drawing from several other treatment theories, in order to provide a well-rounded and customizable clinical experience. Several of our therapists specialize in working with young children and teens, making use of our play therapy rooms, while others exclusively work with an adult population.
I also utilize play therapy, CBT, mindfulness, parent education and training, and other strategies to help my clients work through their challenges and effectively achieve their goals.
Is your child or teen going through a difficult time? Are you feeling challenged by their emotional responses and/ or behaviors? I'm here to help. I specialize in working with children ages 4 to 14 with anxiety, ADHD and behavioral concerns, as well as providing support to their parents. My aim is to provide a safe, caring environment where my clients feel comfortable to explore their feelings and any challenges they may be experiencing. I aspire to help my clients develop effective coping skills, as well as the resilience to face whatever obstacles life may bring along.
I also utilize play therapy, CBT, mindfulness, parent education and training, and other strategies to help my clients work through their challenges and effectively achieve their goals.
Is your child or teen going through a difficult time? Are you feeling challenged by their emotional responses and/ or behaviors? I'm here to help. I specialize in working with children ages 4 to 14 with anxiety, ADHD and behavioral concerns, as well as providing support to their parents. My aim is to provide a safe, caring environment where my clients feel comfortable to explore their feelings and any challenges they may be experiencing. I aspire to help my clients develop effective coping skills, as well as the resilience to face whatever obstacles life may bring along.
I am committed to working collaboratively with children, teens, and families to navigate and overcome social, academic, and behavioral challenges. Through consultation, individual therapy, and/or parent training, I utilize various therapeutic approaches and targeted interventions designed to meet the needs that arise for children and teens, both in the school setting and at home. Additionally, I have expertise working with parents of children with behavioral/learning differences, guiding them through the process of assessment, evaluation, and school meetings to ensure that students' needs are communicated and supported.
I am committed to working collaboratively with children, teens, and families to navigate and overcome social, academic, and behavioral challenges. Through consultation, individual therapy, and/or parent training, I utilize various therapeutic approaches and targeted interventions designed to meet the needs that arise for children and teens, both in the school setting and at home. Additionally, I have expertise working with parents of children with behavioral/learning differences, guiding them through the process of assessment, evaluation, and school meetings to ensure that students' needs are communicated and supported.
Maria Arrington
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Mia works from a strengths based perspective and believes that therapy is not a one-size fits all. She believes each client already possesses gifts and strengths, and she helps clients understand their innate abilities. Mia enjoys working collaboratively with her clients to help them identify their goals and encourages clients to utilize their existing strengths, while also learning new skills and tools to reach their goals. Mia prioritizes building trust and rapport with clients to build a foundation for meaningful connection and healing to occur. Mia knows clients deserve thoughtful, tailored treatment and is dedicated.
Mia works from a strengths based perspective and believes that therapy is not a one-size fits all. She believes each client already possesses gifts and strengths, and she helps clients understand their innate abilities. Mia enjoys working collaboratively with her clients to help them identify their goals and encourages clients to utilize their existing strengths, while also learning new skills and tools to reach their goals. Mia prioritizes building trust and rapport with clients to build a foundation for meaningful connection and healing to occur. Mia knows clients deserve thoughtful, tailored treatment and is dedicated.
My ideal client is someone who recognizes the impact of past traumas, struggles with anxiety, and is dealing with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This individual is courageous and ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. With the assistance of a therapist, my ideal client is ready to embark on a journey of healing and progression. My ideal client understands that the journey may be tough, but as a team we will help them progress into becoming the person they have always dreamed of being.
My ideal client is someone who recognizes the impact of past traumas, struggles with anxiety, and is dealing with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This individual is courageous and ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. With the assistance of a therapist, my ideal client is ready to embark on a journey of healing and progression. My ideal client understands that the journey may be tough, but as a team we will help them progress into becoming the person they have always dreamed of being.
Casey Santora
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, LMSW, SSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Hi there, I'm Casey! I am a licensed therapist in NJ, NY, MD & VT. I have devoted my life to helping individuals re-gain control of theirs! My passion is working with clients, as a team, to establish specific goals and areas they'd like to focus on. I understand the difficulty, as well as any personal feelings that come along with attending therapy; I commend ALL individuals on their journey to self improvement! I value the importance of a client-therapist relationship and create a safe, comfortable, holistic & judgment free place for clients to share anything that's on their mind! I work with clients of all ages!
Hi there, I'm Casey! I am a licensed therapist in NJ, NY, MD & VT. I have devoted my life to helping individuals re-gain control of theirs! My passion is working with clients, as a team, to establish specific goals and areas they'd like to focus on. I understand the difficulty, as well as any personal feelings that come along with attending therapy; I commend ALL individuals on their journey to self improvement! I value the importance of a client-therapist relationship and create a safe, comfortable, holistic & judgment free place for clients to share anything that's on their mind! I work with clients of all ages!
NJ Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Do you find yourself feeling worried regarding your family, relationship or work? Are you concerned about your child's behavior or your relationship with them? Many of my clients have considerable insight into their situation, but most find it difficult to change unproductive behavioral patterns or just "make" themselves feel better. I believe that change begins with knowing that no one is perfect...that every once in awhile we can all benefit from someone who will listen and guide us through our personal journeys.
Do you find yourself feeling worried regarding your family, relationship or work? Are you concerned about your child's behavior or your relationship with them? Many of my clients have considerable insight into their situation, but most find it difficult to change unproductive behavioral patterns or just "make" themselves feel better. I believe that change begins with knowing that no one is perfect...that every once in awhile we can all benefit from someone who will listen and guide us through our personal journeys.
Estephani Diaz Herrera
Pre-Licensed Professional, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Hi there! My name is Estephani, and I am a bilingual Licensed Associate Counselor hoping to help individuals feel heard and seen. With today's never ending changes and fast pace lifestyle, it is impossible to escape feeling stressed and lost at times. While working together, I can help clients refocus on their strengths, develop positive behaviors and most importantly, provide guidance. I am dedicated to bringing mental health awareness to the community, specifically the Latinx community. Estoy aqui para ayudar a aquellos que piensan que los servicios de salud mental no son accesibles porque no hablan ingles.
Hi there! My name is Estephani, and I am a bilingual Licensed Associate Counselor hoping to help individuals feel heard and seen. With today's never ending changes and fast pace lifestyle, it is impossible to escape feeling stressed and lost at times. While working together, I can help clients refocus on their strengths, develop positive behaviors and most importantly, provide guidance. I am dedicated to bringing mental health awareness to the community, specifically the Latinx community. Estoy aqui para ayudar a aquellos que piensan que los servicios de salud mental no son accesibles porque no hablan ingles.
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Casey Santora
Celisse Del Valle
Mars & Venus Counseling Center
As a child and adolescent therapist with over 3 years in the field, I am driven by a profound passion for supporting young minds as they navigate the challenges of growing up. With a compassionate heart and a commitment to fostering resilience, I provide a safe and nurturing space where children and adolescents can explore their emotions, build coping skills, and thrive. Guided by empathy and a belief in the innate potential of every young person, I am dedicated to empowering my clients to overcome obstacles and embrace their unique strengths as they journey towards healing and self-discovery.
As a child and adolescent therapist with over 3 years in the field, I am driven by a profound passion for supporting young minds as they navigate the challenges of growing up. With a compassionate heart and a commitment to fostering resilience, I provide a safe and nurturing space where children and adolescents can explore their emotions, build coping skills, and thrive. Guided by empathy and a belief in the innate potential of every young person, I am dedicated to empowering my clients to overcome obstacles and embrace their unique strengths as they journey towards healing and self-discovery.
Patricia Johnsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Cultivating positive thinking can become a healthy habit through effective therapy. As a well-trained and experienced psychotherapist with more than 30 years in the mental health profession, I provide a positive, inspiring and safe place where individuals are able to share their fears, express emotions and desires, and identify their needs. Explore and embrace your personal strengths and positive self. Positive change happens in your life when you envision the awe of your own existence and the new path to a healthier you.
Cultivating positive thinking can become a healthy habit through effective therapy. As a well-trained and experienced psychotherapist with more than 30 years in the mental health profession, I provide a positive, inspiring and safe place where individuals are able to share their fears, express emotions and desires, and identify their needs. Explore and embrace your personal strengths and positive self. Positive change happens in your life when you envision the awe of your own existence and the new path to a healthier you.
Daniella Mironski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, PMH-C, NCC
Verified Verified
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Feeling stuck? overwhelmed? Unsure of who you are/what you want/where you are going? Has your life drastically shifted? Let me help you feel grounded in a world that can feel incredibly unpredictable. I have tons of experience working with family systems, youth, teens, college students, couples and individuals who have experienced a wide variety of traumas. I view my clients holistically and you will leave treatment with me feeling incredibly empowered, supported and well on your way to create the life you desire. Sometimes we just need some guidance as we navigate life and I've got your back!
Feeling stuck? overwhelmed? Unsure of who you are/what you want/where you are going? Has your life drastically shifted? Let me help you feel grounded in a world that can feel incredibly unpredictable. I have tons of experience working with family systems, youth, teens, college students, couples and individuals who have experienced a wide variety of traumas. I view my clients holistically and you will leave treatment with me feeling incredibly empowered, supported and well on your way to create the life you desire. Sometimes we just need some guidance as we navigate life and I've got your back!
Melissa D. South
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Melissa South is a compassionate, affirming, and caring counselor dedicated to helping children, teens, couples & families grow and thrive. Melissa specializes in treating a wide range of issues affecting youth and families including: coping skills for stress & anxiety, school challenges, bullying, behavioral issues, mood regulation, trauma--including youth sexual trauma, adoption & foster care, parenting, and more. Additionally, she is an experienced, competent, & inspiring Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) for LACs seeking outside clinical supervision to develop their professional identity & grow clinical skills.
Melissa South is a compassionate, affirming, and caring counselor dedicated to helping children, teens, couples & families grow and thrive. Melissa specializes in treating a wide range of issues affecting youth and families including: coping skills for stress & anxiety, school challenges, bullying, behavioral issues, mood regulation, trauma--including youth sexual trauma, adoption & foster care, parenting, and more. Additionally, she is an experienced, competent, & inspiring Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) for LACs seeking outside clinical supervision to develop their professional identity & grow clinical skills.
Hi there! I'm Celisse, a passionate and empathetic Licensed Associate Counselor dedicated to helping individuals of all ages overcome life's challenges and find their path to personal growth and fulfillment. With a deep commitment to inclusivity, and a person-centered approach to therapy, I'm here to assist you on your journey towards a happier and more meaningful life.
Hi there! I'm Celisse, a passionate and empathetic Licensed Associate Counselor dedicated to helping individuals of all ages overcome life's challenges and find their path to personal growth and fulfillment. With a deep commitment to inclusivity, and a person-centered approach to therapy, I'm here to assist you on your journey towards a happier and more meaningful life.
Do you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, or depressed dealing with life's difficulties? You are not alone as many people in different stages of their lives come across a bump in the road. I have the expertise to help you deal with these issues. Working from a strengths based perspective, I believe it is important to recognize the progress you have already made dealing with these life issues. Often, I have been told by clients I have worked with that I am approachable with any issue, whether it be a hard day at work or a serious long term issue.
Do you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, or depressed dealing with life's difficulties? You are not alone as many people in different stages of their lives come across a bump in the road. I have the expertise to help you deal with these issues. Working from a strengths based perspective, I believe it is important to recognize the progress you have already made dealing with these life issues. Often, I have been told by clients I have worked with that I am approachable with any issue, whether it be a hard day at work or a serious long term issue.
LaToya R Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Parsippany, NJ 07054 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! Congratulations, you’ve made the first step. Let me help you follow through. In working with me, you will be provided with an authentic, safe, and comfortable environment where you are free to be yourself while we explore what led you here.
Hello and welcome! Congratulations, you’ve made the first step. Let me help you follow through. In working with me, you will be provided with an authentic, safe, and comfortable environment where you are free to be yourself while we explore what led you here.
Step Up Family Services provides in person and Telehealth services to children, teens, adults, families, and couples. Our team of providers offers supportive and compassionate care using evidence based therapeutic models to address anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship issues. There is no wait to make an appointment with one of our experienced clinicians.
Step Up Family Services provides in person and Telehealth services to children, teens, adults, families, and couples. Our team of providers offers supportive and compassionate care using evidence based therapeutic models to address anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship issues. There is no wait to make an appointment with one of our experienced clinicians.
Caitlyn is a Licensed Associate Counselor who is dedicated to providing unique and empathic support to each of her clients. She believes that clients are in the driver’s seat and she is deeply committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth. She has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, with a focus on anxiety, depression, grief, and selective mutism. Caitlyn believes that trust and collaboration are important components of therapy and aims to help you feel well-equipped along your therapeutic journey together.
Caitlyn is a Licensed Associate Counselor who is dedicated to providing unique and empathic support to each of her clients. She believes that clients are in the driver’s seat and she is deeply committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth. She has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, with a focus on anxiety, depression, grief, and selective mutism. Caitlyn believes that trust and collaboration are important components of therapy and aims to help you feel well-equipped along your therapeutic journey together.
See more therapy options for Parsippany
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Parsippany
- Boonton
- Cedar Knolls
- Denville
- East Hanover
- Fairfield
- Florham Park
- Montville
- Morris Plains
- Morristown
- Mountain Lakes
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- Rockaway
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.