Play Therapy in Pennington, NJ
Emily Anne Mattek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
My therapy modalities include cognitive behavior therapy, multicultural family therapy, narrative therapy, Trauma-focused CBT, play therapy and feminist therapy.
I believe in meeting clients where they are at! Every person is resilient. I intend our collaboration to remind you of your strengths, provide you tools to weather the storms of life, and a safe space to gain insight into your truest self. I come to social work from a social justice background and recognize that trauma and oppression are often intertwined. Acknowledging systemic issues is a vital part of my practice, particularly for youth and families directly impacted by it. Teaching you to advocate successfully on your own behalf, whether it be in your relationships or larger systems, is also essential.
My therapy modalities include cognitive behavior therapy, multicultural family therapy, narrative therapy, Trauma-focused CBT, play therapy and feminist therapy.
I believe in meeting clients where they are at! Every person is resilient. I intend our collaboration to remind you of your strengths, provide you tools to weather the storms of life, and a safe space to gain insight into your truest self. I come to social work from a social justice background and recognize that trauma and oppression are often intertwined. Acknowledging systemic issues is a vital part of my practice, particularly for youth and families directly impacted by it. Teaching you to advocate successfully on your own behalf, whether it be in your relationships or larger systems, is also essential.
My theoretical approaches include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Child-Centered Play therapy.
As a first-generation Asian-American born to immigrant parents, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and an advocate for the Deaf community, I believe that an individual’s cultures and communities are key factors in their self-actualization.
My theoretical approaches include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Child-Centered Play therapy.
As a first-generation Asian-American born to immigrant parents, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and an advocate for the Deaf community, I believe that an individual’s cultures and communities are key factors in their self-actualization.
Lauren Kretzmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
Like our fingerprints, there are no two people who will have the exact experiences, pain, struggles or stories. Everyone's pain will show up differently and everyone's story will have a tale that needs to be told. What is the same for most people is the need and want to find release from their pain, healing from their stories and a future to look forward to. When we work together, this is always our goal although our path to get there may look different from your friend, co-worker or family member. This is treatment designed for you and your unique story and needs.
Like our fingerprints, there are no two people who will have the exact experiences, pain, struggles or stories. Everyone's pain will show up differently and everyone's story will have a tale that needs to be told. What is the same for most people is the need and want to find release from their pain, healing from their stories and a future to look forward to. When we work together, this is always our goal although our path to get there may look different from your friend, co-worker or family member. This is treatment designed for you and your unique story and needs.
Carol G Quick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
I work with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. Couples come to me for help managing their conflict. My goal is to provide a safe space for clients, and couples to be heard, to facilitate ownership of their part of the relationship energy. This is a process of creating intention and consciousness. I help clients understand what they bring to their relationships and ways to make changes in a non-judgmental, accepting, caring way. I am a trained Imago Relationship therapist. I am also a Certified Trainer of the Nurtured Heart Approach to parenting when working with family conflict.
I work with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. Couples come to me for help managing their conflict. My goal is to provide a safe space for clients, and couples to be heard, to facilitate ownership of their part of the relationship energy. This is a process of creating intention and consciousness. I help clients understand what they bring to their relationships and ways to make changes in a non-judgmental, accepting, caring way. I am a trained Imago Relationship therapist. I am also a Certified Trainer of the Nurtured Heart Approach to parenting when working with family conflict.
Immediate morning and day openings! The relationship between a client and their therapist is one of the most important factors in achieving therapeutic success. I place an emphasis on empathy, compassion, and humor to build our rapport. Before work can begin, a client must be comfortable with and trust their therapist. I pride myself on being able to achieve a strong, trusting, safe connection with my clients.
Immediate morning and day openings! The relationship between a client and their therapist is one of the most important factors in achieving therapeutic success. I place an emphasis on empathy, compassion, and humor to build our rapport. Before work can begin, a client must be comfortable with and trust their therapist. I pride myself on being able to achieve a strong, trusting, safe connection with my clients.
Jennifer Lesage
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
I am accepting new clients and have current availability for after school and evening appointments. One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Have you become increasingly concerned about your child's behavior at home or school? Do you worry that your child is struggling with day to day functioning? Are their behaviors difficult to understand and manage? Does the smallest thing seem to trigger your child? Is your teen withdrawing and not engaging in activities that once brought them joy? Is your teen engaging in harmful behaviors?
I am accepting new clients and have current availability for after school and evening appointments. One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Have you become increasingly concerned about your child's behavior at home or school? Do you worry that your child is struggling with day to day functioning? Are their behaviors difficult to understand and manage? Does the smallest thing seem to trigger your child? Is your teen withdrawing and not engaging in activities that once brought them joy? Is your teen engaging in harmful behaviors?
Camille A Bloomberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCADC, CPS
Verified Verified
Pennington, NJ 08534
Issues: Behavioral issues, Coping Skills, Divorce, Family Conflict, Grief, Peer relationships, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self esteem, Stress, Codependency, Addiction issues, Depression, Anxiety, Life transitions, Martial and Premarital, Parenting, Substance Abuse and Career counseling.
Issues: Behavioral issues, Coping Skills, Divorce, Family Conflict, Grief, Peer relationships, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self esteem, Stress, Codependency, Addiction issues, Depression, Anxiety, Life transitions, Martial and Premarital, Parenting, Substance Abuse and Career counseling.
Lindsey Bell - Lily Counseling And Art Therapy Llc
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, ACS
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
Welcome! I'm Lindsey, a counselor & art therapist. Life can be difficult sometimes and I'm here to help create realistic and healthy goals, while guiding you through the therapeutic process. I work to empower clients in using resources and tools gained in sessions. I encourage honesty & willingness during sessions and understand it takes time for some to get there. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, burn-out, poor emotional regulation, communication difficulties, perfectionism, ADHD/poor time management, work/school stress, and more. I accept clients virtually or in-person in NJ and virtual clients in FL.
Welcome! I'm Lindsey, a counselor & art therapist. Life can be difficult sometimes and I'm here to help create realistic and healthy goals, while guiding you through the therapeutic process. I work to empower clients in using resources and tools gained in sessions. I encourage honesty & willingness during sessions and understand it takes time for some to get there. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, burn-out, poor emotional regulation, communication difficulties, perfectionism, ADHD/poor time management, work/school stress, and more. I accept clients virtually or in-person in NJ and virtual clients in FL.
Healing And Recovery Arts, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
Do others see you as someone who has it all together? Inside, are you feeling like you're falling apart? Do feelings of emptiness consume you? For many women suffering with emotional wounds, anxiety, isolation and hopelessness can become a daily part of life. Sometimes managing painful times from the past intrude on their ability to enjoy the present. Sometimes compulsive eating patterns, substance abuse, spending or even relationships seem like the only way to numb the pain. You don't have to face it alone. We can work together to find new solutions for wellness, healing and recovery.
Do others see you as someone who has it all together? Inside, are you feeling like you're falling apart? Do feelings of emptiness consume you? For many women suffering with emotional wounds, anxiety, isolation and hopelessness can become a daily part of life. Sometimes managing painful times from the past intrude on their ability to enjoy the present. Sometimes compulsive eating patterns, substance abuse, spending or even relationships seem like the only way to numb the pain. You don't have to face it alone. We can work together to find new solutions for wellness, healing and recovery.
Sandra Weldon LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
I am firm believer in the philosophy that the only constant in life is change. I work together with my patient to allow them to recognize that accepting change is an important quality for a successful and happy life. I value specifically tailoring a treatment plan to the individual to ensure we have a compassionate and understanding relationship on the road towards personal betterment/growth. I treat children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. I also provide counseling to couples and families.
I am firm believer in the philosophy that the only constant in life is change. I work together with my patient to allow them to recognize that accepting change is an important quality for a successful and happy life. I value specifically tailoring a treatment plan to the individual to ensure we have a compassionate and understanding relationship on the road towards personal betterment/growth. I treat children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. I also provide counseling to couples and families.
Ryan Zelov
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
Pennington, NJ 08534 (Online Only)
I am excited about working with people that have come to a place where they recognize a shift is needed. Whatever your experience is that has brought you to that place - I welcome you and would like to help you identify the steps needed to make those changes. So can build a foundation that leads to long-lasting improvement.
I am excited about working with people that have come to a place where they recognize a shift is needed. Whatever your experience is that has brought you to that place - I welcome you and would like to help you identify the steps needed to make those changes. So can build a foundation that leads to long-lasting improvement.
15 Second Videos
Emily Anne Mattek
Lindsey Bell - Lily Counseling And Art Therapy Llc
Healing And Recovery Arts, LLC
Stacy Hoffer
Dr. Alyssa B. Catuogno
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD, NCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
My treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy for individuals suffering from various disorders and psychological distress including but not limited to eating disorders, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ, suicidal ideation, and family issues. In addition to psychotherapy, I conduct psychological evaluations/testing, psychoeducational testing, and biopsychosocial evaluations. I conduct testing for ADHD, gifted/talented, and special education services. I provide a compassionate, holistic, and caring atmosphere in order to provide my clients a trusting and supportive therapeutic experience.
My treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy for individuals suffering from various disorders and psychological distress including but not limited to eating disorders, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ, suicidal ideation, and family issues. In addition to psychotherapy, I conduct psychological evaluations/testing, psychoeducational testing, and biopsychosocial evaluations. I conduct testing for ADHD, gifted/talented, and special education services. I provide a compassionate, holistic, and caring atmosphere in order to provide my clients a trusting and supportive therapeutic experience.
Hello! As a goal-directed professional, my primary objective is to come to understand my clients in context, to identify influences that contribute to both stress and success, and help them generate strategies to move forward in their lives. For the past 16 years, I have had the pleasure of working with children, adolescents, and their families to help better understand how to reduce stress, how to do better in school, and ultimately, how to be happier.
Hello! As a goal-directed professional, my primary objective is to come to understand my clients in context, to identify influences that contribute to both stress and success, and help them generate strategies to move forward in their lives. For the past 16 years, I have had the pleasure of working with children, adolescents, and their families to help better understand how to reduce stress, how to do better in school, and ultimately, how to be happier.
Stacy Hoffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MDiv, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pennington, NJ 08534
Worried moms & frazzled dads, look no further! Maybe your child is anxious, sad, angry, or acting out. You've tried empathy, rewards, punishments, extra attention, special privileges. You've read books, consulted parenting blogs, & asked other parents for advice. Whatever you try, it may even work for a few days but then all the old problems come right back. Maybe your boy wants to dress like a girl and it's freaking you out. Maybe your teen declares "I'm queer"--what does that even mean? Let's add the stress of the pandemic and you're exhausted, frustrated, and worried about your child's future.
Worried moms & frazzled dads, look no further! Maybe your child is anxious, sad, angry, or acting out. You've tried empathy, rewards, punishments, extra attention, special privileges. You've read books, consulted parenting blogs, & asked other parents for advice. Whatever you try, it may even work for a few days but then all the old problems come right back. Maybe your boy wants to dress like a girl and it's freaking you out. Maybe your teen declares "I'm queer"--what does that even mean? Let's add the stress of the pandemic and you're exhausted, frustrated, and worried about your child's future.
Arielle Skoryk
Psychologist, PsyD, NCSP
Verified Verified
Pennington, NJ 08534
Not accepting new clients
As the parent, you know your child best. Do you believe that your child's behavioral and/or emotional needs are impacting his/her ability to function at home or at school? If so, getting support from a professional can make a huge difference. Each child has strengths & needs, and I use a compassionate strengths-based approach to reach & support all children.
As the parent, you know your child best. Do you believe that your child's behavioral and/or emotional needs are impacting his/her ability to function at home or at school? If so, getting support from a professional can make a huge difference. Each child has strengths & needs, and I use a compassionate strengths-based approach to reach & support all children.
More Therapists Nearby
Offering down-to-earth, trauma-informed, affirming therapy services for children through adults in person and via telehealth, I help clients feel seen and appreciated for their authentic selves. As we work together to understand current issues, uncover root causes, and explore possible solutions, client dignity and autonomy are centered. With connection, sensitivity, and curiosity, I utilize a combination of approaches including Internal Family Systems, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness and self compassion, art, play, and more, to help clients gain insight and make positive changes.
Offering down-to-earth, trauma-informed, affirming therapy services for children through adults in person and via telehealth, I help clients feel seen and appreciated for their authentic selves. As we work together to understand current issues, uncover root causes, and explore possible solutions, client dignity and autonomy are centered. With connection, sensitivity, and curiosity, I utilize a combination of approaches including Internal Family Systems, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness and self compassion, art, play, and more, to help clients gain insight and make positive changes.
Cara Natale Ruddy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
Post masters, I have received advanced training in child development, attachment theory, Play Therapy, Mindfulness Based Play-Family Therapy, Sand play Therapy, EMDR, and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy).
There are times in life when we find ourselves feeling unbalanced, unsatisfied, lonely, or hurt. Healing and change begin when we feel deeply heard. I am a Registered Play Therapist and am skilled at helping children express their feelings, experiences and deep emotions. I meet each client with warmth and genuine curiosity as I am taught about their life experiences. Together we identify and challenge roadblocks to healthy coping, growing and thriving. I approach my therapeutic work with the ability to listen, to play and to be solutions-oriented.
Post masters, I have received advanced training in child development, attachment theory, Play Therapy, Mindfulness Based Play-Family Therapy, Sand play Therapy, EMDR, and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy).
There are times in life when we find ourselves feeling unbalanced, unsatisfied, lonely, or hurt. Healing and change begin when we feel deeply heard. I am a Registered Play Therapist and am skilled at helping children express their feelings, experiences and deep emotions. I meet each client with warmth and genuine curiosity as I am taught about their life experiences. Together we identify and challenge roadblocks to healthy coping, growing and thriving. I approach my therapeutic work with the ability to listen, to play and to be solutions-oriented.
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.
Kim Finnie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, NJ 08619
The primary therapeutic approaches Kim uses are: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Sand Play, EMDR.
Some of human suffering is about the way we experience the events of our lives rather than the things themselves. Therapy offers an opportunity to bring awareness to our experiences and change our relationship to them rather than try to change the events themselves. Through this approach, we gain a sense of control in our lives and positively experience and influence its direction. If we believe that we have power within us to achieve health and happiness, then the events in our lives that cause us pain and suffering can be seen as an opportunity to learn about ourselves and experience personal growth.
The primary therapeutic approaches Kim uses are: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Sand Play, EMDR.
Some of human suffering is about the way we experience the events of our lives rather than the things themselves. Therapy offers an opportunity to bring awareness to our experiences and change our relationship to them rather than try to change the events themselves. Through this approach, we gain a sense of control in our lives and positively experience and influence its direction. If we believe that we have power within us to achieve health and happiness, then the events in our lives that cause us pain and suffering can be seen as an opportunity to learn about ourselves and experience personal growth.
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
See more therapy options for Pennington
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Pennington
- Ewing
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- Lawrence Township
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- Monmouth Junction
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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.