Play Therapy in Spring Lake, NJ
Children's Wellness & Developmental Center
Art Therapist, FNP, LPC, ATR, BC
Verified Verified
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Mary utilizes a play therapy approach in addition to using solution-focused, motivational interviewing & behavioral techniques to help her clients grow.
We are multi-disciplinary practice committed to improving the health & mental wellness of children, adolescents, young adult & families, who affected by behavioral & developmental disorders. We offer a wide range of services from individual therapy/counseling, medication management, integrative/holistic treatments & nutritional counseling. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, behavioral or emotional difficulties and are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, you don't have to do this alone. Our experienced therapists/practitioners are here to help, by offering a variety of individual treatment options.
Mary utilizes a play therapy approach in addition to using solution-focused, motivational interviewing & behavioral techniques to help her clients grow.
We are multi-disciplinary practice committed to improving the health & mental wellness of children, adolescents, young adult & families, who affected by behavioral & developmental disorders. We offer a wide range of services from individual therapy/counseling, medication management, integrative/holistic treatments & nutritional counseling. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, behavioral or emotional difficulties and are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, you don't have to do this alone. Our experienced therapists/practitioners are here to help, by offering a variety of individual treatment options.
Dr. Tara Chalakani
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD , LPC, ACS, NCC, RN
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Waitlist for new clients
), Trauma (sexual, physical, emotional), Grief/Loss, Infertility, Self-Defeating Thoughts/Behaviors (low self-esteem), Improving Relationships, Communication, Personal Growth/Self-Improvement, Co-dependency, Sand Play Therapy, Holistic therapy (Reiki/Acupressure/Nutrition), Clinical Supervision.
Dr. Tara is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about her work. To help people grow, heal, and overcome obstacles brings her great joy. Her expansive knowledge makes her a well-known expert in her field. She believes that her clients possess the capacity to heal, but sometimes they need the right environment to foster their true potential. She is holistic and views each person as an individual. Dr. Tara has extensive experience and is well versed in several counseling modalities and understands that each person's needs are unique.
), Trauma (sexual, physical, emotional), Grief/Loss, Infertility, Self-Defeating Thoughts/Behaviors (low self-esteem), Improving Relationships, Communication, Personal Growth/Self-Improvement, Co-dependency, Sand Play Therapy, Holistic therapy (Reiki/Acupressure/Nutrition), Clinical Supervision.
Dr. Tara is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about her work. To help people grow, heal, and overcome obstacles brings her great joy. Her expansive knowledge makes her a well-known expert in her field. She believes that her clients possess the capacity to heal, but sometimes they need the right environment to foster their true potential. She is holistic and views each person as an individual. Dr. Tara has extensive experience and is well versed in several counseling modalities and understands that each person's needs are unique.
More Therapists Nearby
Emotions play a role in every relationship we have and every decision we make.
Anxiety and worry play a role in all of our lives. It can cause us feel stuck or make even the smallest decision seem impossible. You are not alone, many feel the same way everyday. Having children, parenting, illness, the loss of a loved one, divorce/relationship ending and changing jobs can all be sources of increased stress and worry. These stressors can impact our emotions causing our anxiety to become overwhelming. Learning to handle strong emotions and developing emotional intelligence is key to managing our life stressors.
Emotions play a role in every relationship we have and every decision we make.
Anxiety and worry play a role in all of our lives. It can cause us feel stuck or make even the smallest decision seem impossible. You are not alone, many feel the same way everyday. Having children, parenting, illness, the loss of a loved one, divorce/relationship ending and changing jobs can all be sources of increased stress and worry. These stressors can impact our emotions causing our anxiety to become overwhelming. Learning to handle strong emotions and developing emotional intelligence is key to managing our life stressors.
Lauren Tenenbaum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Wall Township, NJ 07719
Children are able to work through their feelings in play therapy, and teens thrive best in an environment where they feel accepted and understood.
Is your child or teen struggling with school issues, peer issues, attention, or behaviors? I can help make a positive change for your youth that will be reflected at home, in school, in the community, and for your family as a whole. I specialize in issues specific to school aged children and adolescents. In addition to attention and behavioral issues, I work with school refusal, depression, anxiety, the struggle to "fit in". I also treat youth with Autism Spectrum disorder, and provide behavioral/social support. My mission is to connect with youth and their families and to help them grow in the areas most needed.
Children are able to work through their feelings in play therapy, and teens thrive best in an environment where they feel accepted and understood.
Is your child or teen struggling with school issues, peer issues, attention, or behaviors? I can help make a positive change for your youth that will be reflected at home, in school, in the community, and for your family as a whole. I specialize in issues specific to school aged children and adolescents. In addition to attention and behavioral issues, I work with school refusal, depression, anxiety, the struggle to "fit in". I also treat youth with Autism Spectrum disorder, and provide behavioral/social support. My mission is to connect with youth and their families and to help them grow in the areas most needed.
I am a licensed social worker with a passion for supporting children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate the challenges of life. In my practice, I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual’s unique needs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and mindfulness techniques. I’m passionate about providing psychoeducation to help clients and their families understand and manage mental health challenges. I am here to help guide people on their journey to well-being and empowerment.
I am a licensed social worker with a passion for supporting children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate the challenges of life. In my practice, I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual’s unique needs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and mindfulness techniques. I’m passionate about providing psychoeducation to help clients and their families understand and manage mental health challenges. I am here to help guide people on their journey to well-being and empowerment.
Specialties include Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, Psychodrama, mindfulness based stress reduction, strengths based approach, CBT and trauma focused CBT, yoga, body movement and somatic expression and art.
NOW accepting new clients! I work with ages 5 through 105 helping to resolve and navigate issues of complex trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, interpersonal relationship issues, family conflict and phase of life transitions. I have extensive trauma training and have worked specifically with survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse in both group and individual settings. Visit www.creatingyourselfcounseling.com
Specialties include Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, Psychodrama, mindfulness based stress reduction, strengths based approach, CBT and trauma focused CBT, yoga, body movement and somatic expression and art.
NOW accepting new clients! I work with ages 5 through 105 helping to resolve and navigate issues of complex trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, interpersonal relationship issues, family conflict and phase of life transitions. I have extensive trauma training and have worked specifically with survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse in both group and individual settings. Visit www.creatingyourselfcounseling.com
My specialized training includes EMDR, Sand Play Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Yoga.
Now Accepting New Clients! I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental approach grounded in the biopsychosocial model, addressing the emotional, physical, and psychological aspects contributing to discomfort or life challenges. My clinical expertise spans working with trauma survivors of all ages, individuals managing chronic pain or complex medical conditions, those on the Autism Spectrum, and people seeking to overcome insecure attachment patterns affecting their relationships. If you're interested in exploring whether we're a good fit, feel free to reach out.
My specialized training includes EMDR, Sand Play Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Yoga.
Now Accepting New Clients! I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental approach grounded in the biopsychosocial model, addressing the emotional, physical, and psychological aspects contributing to discomfort or life challenges. My clinical expertise spans working with trauma survivors of all ages, individuals managing chronic pain or complex medical conditions, those on the Autism Spectrum, and people seeking to overcome insecure attachment patterns affecting their relationships. If you're interested in exploring whether we're a good fit, feel free to reach out.
Laurel Mallon
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT, CSC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Wall, NJ 07719
Specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults, I utilize a strength based approach and creative interventions to connect with each person, child, and/or family in a meaningful way. I have specific training in play therapy and incorporate those techniques as well as other empirically supported modalities into my treatment to produce positive change in a solution oriented style.
Specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults, I utilize a strength based approach and creative interventions to connect with each person, child, and/or family in a meaningful way. I have specific training in play therapy and incorporate those techniques as well as other empirically supported modalities into my treatment to produce positive change in a solution oriented style.
I have been extensively trained in play as well as sandplay therapies and work together closely with parents while treating their children.
Are you or your child overwhelmed with life's stressors? Perhaps you may be experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression and would like to learn to them manage differently. In my practice I offer compassionate mental health counseling services to people of all ages including children as young as 3 years old.
I have been extensively trained in play as well as sandplay therapies and work together closely with parents while treating their children.
Are you or your child overwhelmed with life's stressors? Perhaps you may be experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression and would like to learn to them manage differently. In my practice I offer compassionate mental health counseling services to people of all ages including children as young as 3 years old.
Ocean Counseling and Wellness, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manasquan, NJ 08736
I will help you find emotional balance through the use of psychotherapy, sand play therapy and mindfulness principles that will be tailored to your specific needs, challenges and concerns.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with individuals, teens, couples and families. Recognizing your need for help with life's challenges and choosing to begin therapy takes hope and a great deal of courage. My practice offers a safe, warm and calming environment where you can share your life story and begin the journey of healing, growth and change. I can help you with life's transitions, relationship and communication issues and personal growth, specializing in women's empowerment and strengthening families.
I will help you find emotional balance through the use of psychotherapy, sand play therapy and mindfulness principles that will be tailored to your specific needs, challenges and concerns.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with individuals, teens, couples and families. Recognizing your need for help with life's challenges and choosing to begin therapy takes hope and a great deal of courage. My practice offers a safe, warm and calming environment where you can share your life story and begin the journey of healing, growth and change. I can help you with life's transitions, relationship and communication issues and personal growth, specializing in women's empowerment and strengthening families.
By Design Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS Ed, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Wall Township, NJ 07719
In young children who are learning to express their emotions and develop coping strategies, Amy has found great success with a play-based therapy approach.
Everyone faces a unique set of challenges in life; there is no single approach or therapy modality that works best for everyone. This is why By Design Social Skills provides a variety of services to assist those struggling with behavioral, emotional, or school-based difficulties. Whether you are looking to enhance your child’s social skills through our popular Lego Clubs, seeking treatment for their issues with anxiety, or are interested in counseling for yourself to help navigate life’s challenges, we are here to help. Amy L. Young is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing assistance in a nurturing, safe, caring environment.
In young children who are learning to express their emotions and develop coping strategies, Amy has found great success with a play-based therapy approach.
Everyone faces a unique set of challenges in life; there is no single approach or therapy modality that works best for everyone. This is why By Design Social Skills provides a variety of services to assist those struggling with behavioral, emotional, or school-based difficulties. Whether you are looking to enhance your child’s social skills through our popular Lego Clubs, seeking treatment for their issues with anxiety, or are interested in counseling for yourself to help navigate life’s challenges, we are here to help. Amy L. Young is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing assistance in a nurturing, safe, caring environment.
Beth has been in private practice for over 10 years and uses art therapy and play therapy techniques for individual counseling, group therapy, and social skills training.
Elizabeth Couturier (Beth) is a Board-Certified Art Therapist. She received her M.A. in Art Therapy from George Washington University (2008). As an art therapist, she has seen how art can be a powerful tool of self-expression which leads to positive self-esteem, social interaction, and an overall increase in well-being. In addition to her art therapy background, she has extensively studied Play Therapy through trainings at The Play Therapy Training Institute, as well as the Association for Play Therapy.
Beth has been in private practice for over 10 years and uses art therapy and play therapy techniques for individual counseling, group therapy, and social skills training.
Elizabeth Couturier (Beth) is a Board-Certified Art Therapist. She received her M.A. in Art Therapy from George Washington University (2008). As an art therapist, she has seen how art can be a powerful tool of self-expression which leads to positive self-esteem, social interaction, and an overall increase in well-being. In addition to her art therapy background, she has extensively studied Play Therapy through trainings at The Play Therapy Training Institute, as well as the Association for Play Therapy.
I offer sand play therapy, mandalas and art, music, reiki, yoga and meditation for all ages, in addition to traditional talk therapy.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards self improvement for yourself or your child! I often tell my clients, family and friends that therapy is the ultimate gift you can give yourself or your child. Imagine devoting a set time each week in a comfortable and calm environment to focus on yourself. This time is devoted to you and only you. I will ensure that the space is held and that you, or your child, feel safe and supported during this time of healing. With over a decade's worth of experience, I help individuals with challenges stemming from issues such of anxiety, depression, trauma, inattention, and family conflict.
I offer sand play therapy, mandalas and art, music, reiki, yoga and meditation for all ages, in addition to traditional talk therapy.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards self improvement for yourself or your child! I often tell my clients, family and friends that therapy is the ultimate gift you can give yourself or your child. Imagine devoting a set time each week in a comfortable and calm environment to focus on yourself. This time is devoted to you and only you. I will ensure that the space is held and that you, or your child, feel safe and supported during this time of healing. With over a decade's worth of experience, I help individuals with challenges stemming from issues such of anxiety, depression, trauma, inattention, and family conflict.
I use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and other modalities to work with clients towards the development of coping skills, improvement of communication, and overall happiness in their lives.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION AVAILABLE Therapy can help you change and improve your life. A therapist is an unconditional, non-judgemental listener. I am committed to your goals and want to make therapy comfortable and refreshing. I work with a variety of age groups, including children and adolescents, and conduct individual and family sessions. CERTIFIED CLINICAL ANXIETY TREATMENT PROFESSIONAL (CCATP)
I use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and other modalities to work with clients towards the development of coping skills, improvement of communication, and overall happiness in their lives.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION AVAILABLE Therapy can help you change and improve your life. A therapist is an unconditional, non-judgemental listener. I am committed to your goals and want to make therapy comfortable and refreshing. I work with a variety of age groups, including children and adolescents, and conduct individual and family sessions. CERTIFIED CLINICAL ANXIETY TREATMENT PROFESSIONAL (CCATP)
Jamie L. Barry, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Wall, NJ 07719
I also offer play therapy to children and adolescents.
Therapy is a great opportunity for individuals to improve their overall quality of life. As a therapist I provide unconditional support and listening in a relaxed and comfortable therapeutic environment. I work with a large variety of age groups and offer individual, couples and family therapy sessions. I specialize in treating patients with anxiety and depression and help others with developing healthy coping skills to alleviate everyday stress. I also teach individuals how to use effective strategies to help improve communication skills as well as their relationships with others.
I also offer play therapy to children and adolescents.
Therapy is a great opportunity for individuals to improve their overall quality of life. As a therapist I provide unconditional support and listening in a relaxed and comfortable therapeutic environment. I work with a large variety of age groups and offer individual, couples and family therapy sessions. I specialize in treating patients with anxiety and depression and help others with developing healthy coping skills to alleviate everyday stress. I also teach individuals how to use effective strategies to help improve communication skills as well as their relationships with others.
Erin Siciliano
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LSC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Manasquan, NJ 08736
A therapist is someone who joins you in the darkness with a light to help you find your own way out. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but is a brave act of self love. Congratulations on taking the first steps toward self improvement and healing. I believe you are the expert on your own life and counseling can be utilized as a tool to gain clarity, heal childhood wounds and offer new perspectives. My therapeutic approach is trauma informed and person-centered while utilizing, unconditional positive regard.
A therapist is someone who joins you in the darkness with a light to help you find your own way out. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but is a brave act of self love. Congratulations on taking the first steps toward self improvement and healing. I believe you are the expert on your own life and counseling can be utilized as a tool to gain clarity, heal childhood wounds and offer new perspectives. My therapeutic approach is trauma informed and person-centered while utilizing, unconditional positive regard.
Hi! Nice to "meet" you. My role as a therapist is to help you navigate through life's transitions. My therapeutic goal with clients is to provide that safe space to work through life’s troubles. When a time comes where problems are interfering with your capacity to function properly, therapy can be a great help. I believe that therapy can be the gateway from the life you currently live to the life you want to live. Acknowledging that we are human and we do not always get it right or know all of the answers is a sign of strength and willingness to grow.
Hi! Nice to "meet" you. My role as a therapist is to help you navigate through life's transitions. My therapeutic goal with clients is to provide that safe space to work through life’s troubles. When a time comes where problems are interfering with your capacity to function properly, therapy can be a great help. I believe that therapy can be the gateway from the life you currently live to the life you want to live. Acknowledging that we are human and we do not always get it right or know all of the answers is a sign of strength and willingness to grow.
Caterina Carlin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wall Township, NJ 07719
Change, it is something we all have to face at some point in our lives. Change looks different to everyone; postpartum depression as our body changes from bringing a new life into this world, grief after we have lost a loved one that played a crucial role in our life, traumatic events that altered our life’s path, or anxiety that causes us to no longer enjoy the things we used to. Sometimes change is good, and other times it is not so good, but ultimately change is inevitable. Sometimes we need support and guidance to navigate change and therapy is a great place to learn how to navigate and overcome change.
Change, it is something we all have to face at some point in our lives. Change looks different to everyone; postpartum depression as our body changes from bringing a new life into this world, grief after we have lost a loved one that played a crucial role in our life, traumatic events that altered our life’s path, or anxiety that causes us to no longer enjoy the things we used to. Sometimes change is good, and other times it is not so good, but ultimately change is inevitable. Sometimes we need support and guidance to navigate change and therapy is a great place to learn how to navigate and overcome change.
Lisa M Dittman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CtH
Verified Verified
Manasquan, NJ 08736 (Online Only)
Lisa received her Master’s in Counseling at Montclair University. She’s worked in various positions in the field utilizing her counseling skills and innate problem solving abilities as a Guidance Counselor, a Crisis Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor, and an In home counselor for the last 20 + years where she has molded and guided at risk youth in crisis. Lisa holds certifications in: Eye Movement and Densitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy (Ct.H), National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC), Mind/Body Personal Trainer, Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, and CANS certified SNA (NA/BPS).
Lisa received her Master’s in Counseling at Montclair University. She’s worked in various positions in the field utilizing her counseling skills and innate problem solving abilities as a Guidance Counselor, a Crisis Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor, and an In home counselor for the last 20 + years where she has molded and guided at risk youth in crisis. Lisa holds certifications in: Eye Movement and Densitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy (Ct.H), National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC), Mind/Body Personal Trainer, Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, and CANS certified SNA (NA/BPS).
Kelli Marchitello
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manasquan, NJ 08736
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or stressed? Are you struggling with crisis within your own family? Have a child or teenager feeling the same? Although it may feel like it, you are not alone! Together, we will develop goals and build upon your strengths. I believe there is not one single approach to help every person since each individual is different and every situation is unique. I will offer you support, help you identify the cause of your struggles, and empower you to be utilize the skills that will allow for positive change in your life.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or stressed? Are you struggling with crisis within your own family? Have a child or teenager feeling the same? Although it may feel like it, you are not alone! Together, we will develop goals and build upon your strengths. I believe there is not one single approach to help every person since each individual is different and every situation is unique. I will offer you support, help you identify the cause of your struggles, and empower you to be utilize the skills that will allow for positive change in your life.
See more therapy options for Spring Lake
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Spring Lake
- Asbury Park
- Belmar
- Brielle
- Manasquan
- Neptune
- Neptune City
- Ocean
- Point Pleasant
- Point Pleasant Beach
- Sea Girt
- Wall
- Wall Township
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.