Play Therapy in West Long Branch, NJ
Rebecca (Beckie) Cartinella
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Sessions may include use of Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as well as Somatic therapy; which can include yoga, guided meditation, and breathwork, and/or play therapy.
My name is Beckie and I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Yoga Teacher. I also work as a School Social Worker, and previously spent twenty-two years as a Special Education teacher. Additionally, I am a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Usui Reiki Master. I am excited to join the WHC community as I work toward my LCSW! Much like my background, my therapeutic approach is eclectic, holistic, and trauma informed. As a clinician, I take a client-centered approach, where I serve as a guide for clients to realize their highest potential through treating the mind, body, emotions, and spirit.
Sessions may include use of Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as well as Somatic therapy; which can include yoga, guided meditation, and breathwork, and/or play therapy.
My name is Beckie and I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Yoga Teacher. I also work as a School Social Worker, and previously spent twenty-two years as a Special Education teacher. Additionally, I am a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Usui Reiki Master. I am excited to join the WHC community as I work toward my LCSW! Much like my background, my therapeutic approach is eclectic, holistic, and trauma informed. As a clinician, I take a client-centered approach, where I serve as a guide for clients to realize their highest potential through treating the mind, body, emotions, and spirit.
Reaching out for support can be a really difficult decision and I am so proud of you for taking the first step! As human beings, we need connection and a safe environment to work through the things we go through and I aim to offer that to all my clients. I create a non-judgmental and collaborative environment where clients feel safe and empowered to authentically explore and improve their lives. I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and the LGBTQIA+ community facing a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, social and relationship issues, grief and loss, and trauma.
Reaching out for support can be a really difficult decision and I am so proud of you for taking the first step! As human beings, we need connection and a safe environment to work through the things we go through and I aim to offer that to all my clients. I create a non-judgmental and collaborative environment where clients feel safe and empowered to authentically explore and improve their lives. I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and the LGBTQIA+ community facing a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, social and relationship issues, grief and loss, and trauma.
Welcome - I am a compassionate and supportive therapist dedicated to creating a safe, warm, and affirming space for individuals of all ages. I share a deep commitment to understanding and supporting the unique experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, I specialize in addressing a wide range of challenges, including gender identity, anxiety, depression, and marital/relationship difficulties. In my work with clients, I offer a holistic approach that combines mindfulness techniques with evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to help clients build resilience, self-awareness, and coping skills.
Welcome - I am a compassionate and supportive therapist dedicated to creating a safe, warm, and affirming space for individuals of all ages. I share a deep commitment to understanding and supporting the unique experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, I specialize in addressing a wide range of challenges, including gender identity, anxiety, depression, and marital/relationship difficulties. In my work with clients, I offer a holistic approach that combines mindfulness techniques with evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to help clients build resilience, self-awareness, and coping skills.
Emily Simonelli
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Welcome to this next chapter in your life! My name is Emily Simonelli, an LPC at WHC. I am here to walk alongside you through your journey in life. My goal is to help guide you through obstacles by providing support, teaching coping skills that work for you, and helping you to understand the connections between events from your past and who you are today. It can be difficult to be honest and vulnerable with ourselves and I aim to create a shared space that will allow you to do so. My approach as your clinician includes identifying challenges you face and generating achievable goals to help empower you to live the life you envision.
Welcome to this next chapter in your life! My name is Emily Simonelli, an LPC at WHC. I am here to walk alongside you through your journey in life. My goal is to help guide you through obstacles by providing support, teaching coping skills that work for you, and helping you to understand the connections between events from your past and who you are today. It can be difficult to be honest and vulnerable with ourselves and I aim to create a shared space that will allow you to do so. My approach as your clinician includes identifying challenges you face and generating achievable goals to help empower you to live the life you envision.
Kristy Mathews
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
We must first accept where, what, and who we are in the present moment before seeking to change ourselves or our situation. In therapy, you'll learn how to access your inner wisdom and regain a sense of control over your thoughts and emotions. Our society is filled with contradicting messages that infiltrate our thoughts and alter our beliefs, goals, and behaviors. On a daily basis, we’re expected to stay connected, but limit screen time; be conscious of what you put in your body, but don’t restrict; be a leader, but don’t be bossy; do your best, but don’t be a perfectionist; be expressive, but not dramatic.
We must first accept where, what, and who we are in the present moment before seeking to change ourselves or our situation. In therapy, you'll learn how to access your inner wisdom and regain a sense of control over your thoughts and emotions. Our society is filled with contradicting messages that infiltrate our thoughts and alter our beliefs, goals, and behaviors. On a daily basis, we’re expected to stay connected, but limit screen time; be conscious of what you put in your body, but don’t restrict; be a leader, but don’t be bossy; do your best, but don’t be a perfectionist; be expressive, but not dramatic.
Grace and Healing Psychotherapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD MS, LPC, LCADC, CCS, NCC
Verified Verified
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
If you are struggling with an immigration case that requires a psychiatric evaluation we can provide you with one.
If you are struggling with an immigration case that requires a psychiatric evaluation we can provide you with one.
More Therapists Nearby
Lisa Zaffarese
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Red Bank, NJ 07703
While I utilize many therapeutic interventions, Play Therapy is at the heart of my practice.
Hi! I'm Lisa. I am a National Board Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. Profound Insights serves the various needs of children, adolescents, young adults, parents and families.
While I utilize many therapeutic interventions, Play Therapy is at the heart of my practice.
Hi! I'm Lisa. I am a National Board Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. Profound Insights serves the various needs of children, adolescents, young adults, parents and families.
I am certified in sand play therapy and I incorporate elements of play therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in my practice.
My clinical experience has been in the treatment of anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD and behavior management, family and school problems, issues related to grief/loss, and issues related to self-esteem and self-image. I primarily work with adolescents and young adults.
I am certified in sand play therapy and I incorporate elements of play therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in my practice.
My clinical experience has been in the treatment of anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD and behavior management, family and school problems, issues related to grief/loss, and issues related to self-esteem and self-image. I primarily work with adolescents and young adults.
Casey Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Branch, NJ 07740
Waitlist for new clients
I am certified in Sand Play Therapy and am currently pursuing additional certifications in childhood and adolescent trauma, ADHD, DBT, and nutrition and integrative medicine for mental health.
Welcome to Calm Shores! I offer individual therapy services for clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, trauma, self-esteem concerns, and relationship issues. I strive to create a warm and approachable environment while also challenging my clients to explore new perspectives and achieve their goals. My approach is person-centered and incorporates a blend of CBT, mindfulness, emotionally focused, and trauma-informed care.
I am certified in Sand Play Therapy and am currently pursuing additional certifications in childhood and adolescent trauma, ADHD, DBT, and nutrition and integrative medicine for mental health.
Welcome to Calm Shores! I offer individual therapy services for clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, trauma, self-esteem concerns, and relationship issues. I strive to create a warm and approachable environment while also challenging my clients to explore new perspectives and achieve their goals. My approach is person-centered and incorporates a blend of CBT, mindfulness, emotionally focused, and trauma-informed care.
Amanda Levitt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Have you been looking for ways to handle change, loss, or the unknowns of life? Being human means experiencing a wide range of emotions and finding a balance. It takes a lot of courage to reach out and connect with a therapist and I am here to support you and meet you where you are at! I work with children, teens, and adults mainly experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and adjustment issues. I love to bring creativity into the therapeutic setting utilizing art, play, and ecotherapy along with creating a safe atmosphere for clients to fully express themselves and work towards healing.
Have you been looking for ways to handle change, loss, or the unknowns of life? Being human means experiencing a wide range of emotions and finding a balance. It takes a lot of courage to reach out and connect with a therapist and I am here to support you and meet you where you are at! I work with children, teens, and adults mainly experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and adjustment issues. I love to bring creativity into the therapeutic setting utilizing art, play, and ecotherapy along with creating a safe atmosphere for clients to fully express themselves and work towards healing.
I utilize many different treatment approaches including EMDR, Safe and Sound Protocol, play therapy and Sandtray therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified School Social Worker with a Master's degree from Widener University and additional post graduate training focused on the needs of children. Throughout my career, I have worked with children and their families in group homes, partial care programming, wrap around services, and as a School Social Worker. I take pride in creating a safe, warm and nurturing environment for clients to explore their experiences.
I utilize many different treatment approaches including EMDR, Safe and Sound Protocol, play therapy and Sandtray therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified School Social Worker with a Master's degree from Widener University and additional post graduate training focused on the needs of children. Throughout my career, I have worked with children and their families in group homes, partial care programming, wrap around services, and as a School Social Worker. I take pride in creating a safe, warm and nurturing environment for clients to explore their experiences.
I weave elements of play, art, and sand into traditional talk therapy to enrich our journey together.
I firmly believe in the uniqueness of every individual, each with their own strengths and challenges. Whether you're navigating personal issues or supporting your child through theirs, remember, you don't have to face it alone. My passion lies in working with clients of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—helping them lead fulfilling and joyful lives.
I weave elements of play, art, and sand into traditional talk therapy to enrich our journey together.
I firmly believe in the uniqueness of every individual, each with their own strengths and challenges. Whether you're navigating personal issues or supporting your child through theirs, remember, you don't have to face it alone. My passion lies in working with clients of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—helping them lead fulfilling and joyful lives.
Other complementary therapies that I use along with psychodynamic, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based and rational emotive behavioral therapies are hypnosis, Emotional Freedom Technique, Psychodrama and play therapy.
In my professional capacity as a licensed social worker and psychotherapist, I have had the honor to accompany persons of all ages and backgrounds in their quest for insight and self-discovery. I believe that trust and vulnerability are at the core of the client-therapist relationship and that the client’s innate wisdom and judgment rule supreme. With that in mind, strategies and interventions in achieving clearly defined yet dynamic goals arise through a process of critical inquiry. In this process, I have witnessed individuals redefine and recreate who they are as they move toward greater lucidity and self-fulfillment.
Other complementary therapies that I use along with psychodynamic, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based and rational emotive behavioral therapies are hypnosis, Emotional Freedom Technique, Psychodrama and play therapy.
In my professional capacity as a licensed social worker and psychotherapist, I have had the honor to accompany persons of all ages and backgrounds in their quest for insight and self-discovery. I believe that trust and vulnerability are at the core of the client-therapist relationship and that the client’s innate wisdom and judgment rule supreme. With that in mind, strategies and interventions in achieving clearly defined yet dynamic goals arise through a process of critical inquiry. In this process, I have witnessed individuals redefine and recreate who they are as they move toward greater lucidity and self-fulfillment.
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
For children from 3-12 years old, I utilize Child-Centered Play Therapy to create an arena where they can solve their own problems through metaphorical play.
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Trauma-focused therapy is an approach that recognizes how trauma can impact what you believe and think, how you behave, handle big emotions, and may cause illness or somatic (body) complaints, from children to adults. It also offers coping skills, evidence-based interventions and strategies to better understand, cope with, and process emotions and memories tied to trauma. The goal is to decrease symptoms, create more choices and be able to handle daily life stressors differently. Want to know more? I have an excellent website with lots of information & resources.
For children from 3-12 years old, I utilize Child-Centered Play Therapy to create an arena where they can solve their own problems through metaphorical play.
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Trauma-focused therapy is an approach that recognizes how trauma can impact what you believe and think, how you behave, handle big emotions, and may cause illness or somatic (body) complaints, from children to adults. It also offers coping skills, evidence-based interventions and strategies to better understand, cope with, and process emotions and memories tied to trauma. The goal is to decrease symptoms, create more choices and be able to handle daily life stressors differently. Want to know more? I have an excellent website with lots of information & resources.
Annmarie Conte
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
I work with children and adults in developing healthy coping and social skills to promote positive change, well-being, and symptom reduction, and to deal with the various problems they may encounter in their life journey. Whether symptoms are due to stress, anxiety, crisis, life transitions, or other behavioral challenges, I provide a safe and supportive place to assist people in navigating through their life experiences and learn new approaches and perspectives for a positive outcome. I have a fully equipped play therapy center in my peaceful and calming therapy office.
I work with children and adults in developing healthy coping and social skills to promote positive change, well-being, and symptom reduction, and to deal with the various problems they may encounter in their life journey. Whether symptoms are due to stress, anxiety, crisis, life transitions, or other behavioral challenges, I provide a safe and supportive place to assist people in navigating through their life experiences and learn new approaches and perspectives for a positive outcome. I have a fully equipped play therapy center in my peaceful and calming therapy office.
Sheila Franklin Gilstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Dance/Movement Therapy and Play Therapy help children: 1.
I have been the leading provider of socialization groups for children with ADHD, Anxiety, and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Monmouth County for the past 20 years. Every child can learn ways to interact positively with other children. By using a combination of play therapy, dance/movement therapy, and cognitive-behavioral strategies in the groups, children learn to be successful with their peers. I offer individual counseling sessions on parenting issues and for those children that need help with selective mutism, anxiety, and specific behavior issues not applicable to the group situation.
Dance/Movement Therapy and Play Therapy help children: 1.
I have been the leading provider of socialization groups for children with ADHD, Anxiety, and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Monmouth County for the past 20 years. Every child can learn ways to interact positively with other children. By using a combination of play therapy, dance/movement therapy, and cognitive-behavioral strategies in the groups, children learn to be successful with their peers. I offer individual counseling sessions on parenting issues and for those children that need help with selective mutism, anxiety, and specific behavior issues not applicable to the group situation.
I utilize a combination of insight-oriented therapy and cognitive-behavioral strategies, as well as Play Therapy with younger children.
I am a NJ Licensed Clinical Psychologist, with more than 25 years of professional experience, specializing in the treatment of children and adults. Over the years I have provided therapy and psychodiagnostic testing to diverse populations in a large inner-city medical center, a community mental health agency and in the school system. Therapeutically, I utilize a cognitive behavioral approach, which is a widely used evidenced-based practice that is generally short-term and goal oriented.
I utilize a combination of insight-oriented therapy and cognitive-behavioral strategies, as well as Play Therapy with younger children.
I am a NJ Licensed Clinical Psychologist, with more than 25 years of professional experience, specializing in the treatment of children and adults. Over the years I have provided therapy and psychodiagnostic testing to diverse populations in a large inner-city medical center, a community mental health agency and in the school system. Therapeutically, I utilize a cognitive behavioral approach, which is a widely used evidenced-based practice that is generally short-term and goal oriented.
Our lives are forever changing in so many ways. With change comes so many different emotions such as happiness, sadness, grief and anxiety to just name a few. Whether the change is positive or negative we have to face it head on. Throughout our lives we need to learn how to embrace change and ride the waves of life.
Our lives are forever changing in so many ways. With change comes so many different emotions such as happiness, sadness, grief and anxiety to just name a few. Whether the change is positive or negative we have to face it head on. Throughout our lives we need to learn how to embrace change and ride the waves of life.
The Therapy Institute will help navigate your current life struggles, provide emotional support, and start the healing process. We are changing the way we talk about mental health and are committed to guiding you to embrace your vulnerability and develop a sense of comfort as we address emotional and mental health needs.
The Therapy Institute will help navigate your current life struggles, provide emotional support, and start the healing process. We are changing the way we talk about mental health and are committed to guiding you to embrace your vulnerability and develop a sense of comfort as we address emotional and mental health needs.
See more therapy options for West Long Branch
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for West Long Branch
- Asbury Park
- Eatontown
- Fair Haven
- Little Silver
- Long Branch
- Neptune
- Neptune City
- Ocean
- Red Bank
- Rumson
- Shrewsbury
- Tinton Falls
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.