Play Therapy in Sparta, NJ
Melissa Pirnos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Sparta, NJ 07871
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor by the state of New Jersey with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field in community agencies, school systems and private practice. I offer therapy services to adults, children and adolescents. I strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment and employ a variety of strategies depending on clients' needs, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play therapy.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor by the state of New Jersey with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field in community agencies, school systems and private practice. I offer therapy services to adults, children and adolescents. I strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment and employ a variety of strategies depending on clients' needs, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play therapy.
It is the discovery of this voice through art, drama, music, movement, play and creative writing that creates healing change.
As a licensed creative arts therapist (drama, art, music, movement, play. creative writing) my skills are especially suitable for clients who have been through levels of trauma (domestic violence, divorce, dating abuse, PTSD, grief and loss, depression, self-harm, anxiety. etc.). In addition, I work with high-functioning kids/teens on the autism spectrum. I have found that the visual and physical work of role-playing, scene-work, improvisation, simple drawings, and video work increases their skills to recognize facial cues and feelings. Through play, these clients build self-esteem, social skills, deepen their emotional range and gain empathy.
It is the discovery of this voice through art, drama, music, movement, play and creative writing that creates healing change.
As a licensed creative arts therapist (drama, art, music, movement, play. creative writing) my skills are especially suitable for clients who have been through levels of trauma (domestic violence, divorce, dating abuse, PTSD, grief and loss, depression, self-harm, anxiety. etc.). In addition, I work with high-functioning kids/teens on the autism spectrum. I have found that the visual and physical work of role-playing, scene-work, improvisation, simple drawings, and video work increases their skills to recognize facial cues and feelings. Through play, these clients build self-esteem, social skills, deepen their emotional range and gain empathy.
Therapeutic games, role- play and other modalities will help make the process fun for children.
It has been my pleasure to work with children, adolescents, and their families for 20 years. Many of the clients with whom I work experience anxiety, depression, or other disruptions in mood or behavior. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is a therapeutic approach that has been proven effective through scientific research. I use play therapy and other client centered approaches to empower clients as they embarke on their personal journey. Together we can foster change. The decision to begin therapy is a brave one! I provide a safe space where clients feel supported.
Therapeutic games, role- play and other modalities will help make the process fun for children.
It has been my pleasure to work with children, adolescents, and their families for 20 years. Many of the clients with whom I work experience anxiety, depression, or other disruptions in mood or behavior. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is a therapeutic approach that has been proven effective through scientific research. I use play therapy and other client centered approaches to empower clients as they embarke on their personal journey. Together we can foster change. The decision to begin therapy is a brave one! I provide a safe space where clients feel supported.
Catherine Ann Destefano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sparta, NJ 07871
I specialize in providing play therapy, numerous types of creative arts therapy, trauma focused therapy, sand play therapy and mental health counseling.
Call for a free phone consultation. I work with very young children, ages three and up and adolescents up to age eighteen and their families. I also work with adults who are experiencing life challenges that are making them anxious or fearful. My experience has centered around children and families who are experiencing divorce, trauma/abuse, familial upset, emotional disequilibrium, behavioral issues, anxiety, family conflict, mood disorders, self-harm, depression, PTSD, and self-medicating behaviors.
I specialize in providing play therapy, numerous types of creative arts therapy, trauma focused therapy, sand play therapy and mental health counseling.
Call for a free phone consultation. I work with very young children, ages three and up and adolescents up to age eighteen and their families. I also work with adults who are experiencing life challenges that are making them anxious or fearful. My experience has centered around children and families who are experiencing divorce, trauma/abuse, familial upset, emotional disequilibrium, behavioral issues, anxiety, family conflict, mood disorders, self-harm, depression, PTSD, and self-medicating behaviors.
Nicole Chaladoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, DVS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sparta, NJ 07871
I provide a down to earth, non-judgmental, atmosphere where I incorporate creativity, humor, and play to ensure that the therapy process is engaging for people of all ages!.
You are not defined by your most difficult moments. Together we can explore your current challenges with curiosity and compassion, address the areas holding you back, and uncover your potential to reach your goals.
I provide a down to earth, non-judgmental, atmosphere where I incorporate creativity, humor, and play to ensure that the therapy process is engaging for people of all ages!.
You are not defined by your most difficult moments. Together we can explore your current challenges with curiosity and compassion, address the areas holding you back, and uncover your potential to reach your goals.
I also enjoy incorporating art therapy and play therapy modalities when useful.
I am eager to help individuals of all ages and backgrounds. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, couples, and family therapy settings. Since everyone is unique, I know that each client who sits on my couch (or my virtual screen) will need something different and will have different goals for therapy, and my flexible therapeutic approach lends way for that. Above all else, I am passionate about providing my clients with a listening ear and a safe atmosphere to explore who they are and who they want to be.
I also enjoy incorporating art therapy and play therapy modalities when useful.
I am eager to help individuals of all ages and backgrounds. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, couples, and family therapy settings. Since everyone is unique, I know that each client who sits on my couch (or my virtual screen) will need something different and will have different goals for therapy, and my flexible therapeutic approach lends way for that. Above all else, I am passionate about providing my clients with a listening ear and a safe atmosphere to explore who they are and who they want to be.
Her eclectic style includes play therapy, yoga, and mindfulness.
Brianna helps children and families in all phases of life. After navigating her own infertility journey and IVF, Brianna became committed to helping families process and cope with the unique barriers and stressors of expanding their family. Whether through adoption, surrogacy, use of donor gametes, embryo donation, various assisted reproductive technology. Brianna provides a safe therapeutic space to help families manage expectations, grieving the loss of how one envisioned adding to their family, during the perinatal period, the transition into parenthood, and support across the lifespan. Brianna also provides parent coaching.
Her eclectic style includes play therapy, yoga, and mindfulness.
Brianna helps children and families in all phases of life. After navigating her own infertility journey and IVF, Brianna became committed to helping families process and cope with the unique barriers and stressors of expanding their family. Whether through adoption, surrogacy, use of donor gametes, embryo donation, various assisted reproductive technology. Brianna provides a safe therapeutic space to help families manage expectations, grieving the loss of how one envisioned adding to their family, during the perinatal period, the transition into parenthood, and support across the lifespan. Brianna also provides parent coaching.
Various forms of therapy are provided for clients of all ages: individual, couples, family, parenting support, play therapy, group therapy.
Tree House Therapy consists of clinical psychologists Dr. Jessica Platt Ph.D and Dr. Gina Adone Psy.D. Tree House believes that whether you are an individual child or adult, parent or grandparent, partner or spouse, you are or will be part of a larger family system. The branches of our family tree are often a source of support and joy, and can also bring stress to our lives. Tree House is here to meet the needs of all branches of the family tree, to strengthen them so that they bend, rather than break with the winds of life.
Various forms of therapy are provided for clients of all ages: individual, couples, family, parenting support, play therapy, group therapy.
Tree House Therapy consists of clinical psychologists Dr. Jessica Platt Ph.D and Dr. Gina Adone Psy.D. Tree House believes that whether you are an individual child or adult, parent or grandparent, partner or spouse, you are or will be part of a larger family system. The branches of our family tree are often a source of support and joy, and can also bring stress to our lives. Tree House is here to meet the needs of all branches of the family tree, to strengthen them so that they bend, rather than break with the winds of life.
Christine Webber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sparta, NJ 07871 (Online Only)
The research-based therapeutic techniques I use include cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, DBT, EMDR, ERP & play therapy.
Nobody should be in therapy forever. My strategy for over a decade has been to empower individuals and families to achieve their goals, improve their quality of life, and maintain lasting positive changes by getting to the root of what is causing you difficulty. I treat individuals (adults, children, teens) and families from a friendly, strengths-based, non-judgmental perspective. I specialize in treating adults, children, adolescents, and families who struggle with a variety of issues--from diagnosable mental health conditions (i.e., anxiety, OCD, PTSD), to normal life transition issues.
The research-based therapeutic techniques I use include cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, DBT, EMDR, ERP & play therapy.
Nobody should be in therapy forever. My strategy for over a decade has been to empower individuals and families to achieve their goals, improve their quality of life, and maintain lasting positive changes by getting to the root of what is causing you difficulty. I treat individuals (adults, children, teens) and families from a friendly, strengths-based, non-judgmental perspective. I specialize in treating adults, children, adolescents, and families who struggle with a variety of issues--from diagnosable mental health conditions (i.e., anxiety, OCD, PTSD), to normal life transition issues.
Wellness Therapeutics, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Sparta, NJ 07871
Specialties include individual and family therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a wide range of play therapy techniques.
Create the life you love! Now accepting new clients. Working from a client-centered approach, one’s focus is dedicated to truly meeting the client's needs. Through a side by side journey of self-exploration, I strive to assist my clients in experiencing a sense of wholeness and stability.
Specialties include individual and family therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a wide range of play therapy techniques.
Create the life you love! Now accepting new clients. Working from a client-centered approach, one’s focus is dedicated to truly meeting the client's needs. Through a side by side journey of self-exploration, I strive to assist my clients in experiencing a sense of wholeness and stability.
I use somatic art and sand play for trauma resolution.
I welcome anyone looking for deep personal growth and healing. If you are tired of just surviving, looking for relief from stress and emotional pain, and yearn for a path to your real potential, I use science-based techniques addressing the whole mind/body. I have a 3-pronged approach; #1 Trauma techniques integrate traumatic memory #2 Self-monitoring skills aid in mindful awareness of feelings and body reactions, #3 Self-regulating tools empower you to be the best you can be, to deal with the stressors of your life. As your control increases, confidence builds, and true healing begins.
I use somatic art and sand play for trauma resolution.
I welcome anyone looking for deep personal growth and healing. If you are tired of just surviving, looking for relief from stress and emotional pain, and yearn for a path to your real potential, I use science-based techniques addressing the whole mind/body. I have a 3-pronged approach; #1 Trauma techniques integrate traumatic memory #2 Self-monitoring skills aid in mindful awareness of feelings and body reactions, #3 Self-regulating tools empower you to be the best you can be, to deal with the stressors of your life. As your control increases, confidence builds, and true healing begins.
My primary treatment focus has been to use validation and empathy. I want to learn what goals you have and then help you in get to them. In addition to working with adults, I have extensive experience working with adolescents and their families in outpatient/school and inpatient settings dealing with anxiety, depression, psychosis, trauma, anger, grief and attention problems. I'm familiar with coaching DBT coping skills for distress tolerance, developing emotion management, and enhancing effective interpersonal skills. My greatest strength is in helping parents and their children reduce conflict and really hear each other.
My primary treatment focus has been to use validation and empathy. I want to learn what goals you have and then help you in get to them. In addition to working with adults, I have extensive experience working with adolescents and their families in outpatient/school and inpatient settings dealing with anxiety, depression, psychosis, trauma, anger, grief and attention problems. I'm familiar with coaching DBT coping skills for distress tolerance, developing emotion management, and enhancing effective interpersonal skills. My greatest strength is in helping parents and their children reduce conflict and really hear each other.
Sage Psychotherapy is a small private practice therapy group in Sparta NJ, made up of 10 experienced therapists who provide a wide range of services for adults, children, couples, and families. With our varying cultures, backgrounds, and experiences we are sure to have someone who is the right fit for you. We take a holistic and relaxed approach to therapy, aiming to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients to explore their mental and emotional well-being. Our on-site therapy dog, Sasha, will make you feel right at home. Please give us a call to schedule; evenings, weekends, and virtual options are available.
Sage Psychotherapy is a small private practice therapy group in Sparta NJ, made up of 10 experienced therapists who provide a wide range of services for adults, children, couples, and families. With our varying cultures, backgrounds, and experiences we are sure to have someone who is the right fit for you. We take a holistic and relaxed approach to therapy, aiming to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients to explore their mental and emotional well-being. Our on-site therapy dog, Sasha, will make you feel right at home. Please give us a call to schedule; evenings, weekends, and virtual options are available.
You are a fascinating being with valuable gifts to share. Unfortunately, it's hard for you to feel this way when you are overwhelmed by stress, consumed by worries, dampened with depression, feel scattered, or have painful memories you've been carrying for years. Under such circumstances it's easy to feel despair, hope seems so far out of reach. Therapy may not be easy work, but with dedication, persistance and the right guidance and support - change does happen. It can happen for you, too.
You are a fascinating being with valuable gifts to share. Unfortunately, it's hard for you to feel this way when you are overwhelmed by stress, consumed by worries, dampened with depression, feel scattered, or have painful memories you've been carrying for years. Under such circumstances it's easy to feel despair, hope seems so far out of reach. Therapy may not be easy work, but with dedication, persistance and the right guidance and support - change does happen. It can happen for you, too.
We all struggle sometimes. Life can be unpredictable and it's ok to not feel "ok". Anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses can occur, whether biologically or due to life events, and it's ok to ask for help. It is human nature to seek happiness and wellness, and sometimes we need a little help and guidance to get there.
We all struggle sometimes. Life can be unpredictable and it's ok to not feel "ok". Anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses can occur, whether biologically or due to life events, and it's ok to ask for help. It is human nature to seek happiness and wellness, and sometimes we need a little help and guidance to get there.
When working wth clients I like to use a very laid back approach, as to make them more comfortable. I like to use humor and let the client feel comfortable giving me feedback as to what approach they feel most comfortable with so they do not see therapy as a "task", yet something they enjoy. My approach My therapeutic approach differs depending on the client and their needs. I like to create a very comfortable environment for clients to find enjoyment in their sessions. My focus I have a vast history working with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, as well as conflict resolution.
When working wth clients I like to use a very laid back approach, as to make them more comfortable. I like to use humor and let the client feel comfortable giving me feedback as to what approach they feel most comfortable with so they do not see therapy as a "task", yet something they enjoy. My approach My therapeutic approach differs depending on the client and their needs. I like to create a very comfortable environment for clients to find enjoyment in their sessions. My focus I have a vast history working with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, as well as conflict resolution.
Jennifer Obermiller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sparta, NJ 07871
Hello! I am a licensed clinician who is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome difficult life stressors. I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. I have extensive knowledge working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and all age ranges. I have a background in CBT/DBT and mindfulness, as well as ABA and Social Skills training. I look forward to working together to make you the best YOU possible.
Hello! I am a licensed clinician who is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome difficult life stressors. I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. I have extensive knowledge working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and all age ranges. I have a background in CBT/DBT and mindfulness, as well as ABA and Social Skills training. I look forward to working together to make you the best YOU possible.
Tasha DeFelice
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sparta, NJ 07871
Waitlist for new clients
Change can be intimidating, but I’m here to help you through it. I strive to provide a safe, encouraging, and growth-oriented environment for my clients as they explore emotional distress, increase self awareness, and work toward their personal goals. To best meet each clients’ needs, I use an integrative approach to counseling, incorporating techniques from various approaches and theories.
Change can be intimidating, but I’m here to help you through it. I strive to provide a safe, encouraging, and growth-oriented environment for my clients as they explore emotional distress, increase self awareness, and work toward their personal goals. To best meet each clients’ needs, I use an integrative approach to counseling, incorporating techniques from various approaches and theories.
You do not have to be alone in facing life's problems and difficulties. Having a caring, supportive and trusting therapist can allow you to feel comfortable to share your personal hardships that life can throw at you. Life can be hard and having a qualified and passionate therapist to help you explore and process your areas of concern can help make a hard task easier. There is immediate in-network availability in my practice.
You do not have to be alone in facing life's problems and difficulties. Having a caring, supportive and trusting therapist can allow you to feel comfortable to share your personal hardships that life can throw at you. Life can be hard and having a qualified and passionate therapist to help you explore and process your areas of concern can help make a hard task easier. There is immediate in-network availability in my practice.
Gina is a licensed professional counselor with over ten years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse fields. Gina has worked with a wide span of ages and topics, with most of her experience being with adolescents and adults. She has experience with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, trauma related, co-occurring disorders and beyond. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, she offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each of her clients individual needs to help attain the personal growth.
Gina is a licensed professional counselor with over ten years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse fields. Gina has worked with a wide span of ages and topics, with most of her experience being with adolescents and adults. She has experience with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, trauma related, co-occurring disorders and beyond. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, she offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each of her clients individual needs to help attain the personal growth.
See more therapy options for Sparta
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Sparta
- Boonton
- Budd Lake
- Denville
- Dover
- Flanders
- Hopatcong
- Morris Plains
- Mountain Lakes
- Newton
- Oak Ridge
- Randolph
- 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.