Play Therapy in Allentown, PA
When working with children, I utilize child centered play therapy techniques.
Over the last 35 years I have worked with adults, teens and children living through many difficult circumstances. I offer a safe and nurturing place to explore situations or problems that are causing you distress. Through therapy, you can connect with your inner strengths, identify your needs and priorities and take steps to greater peace and satisfaction. Many of my clients address depression, anxiety, life changes, unresolved issues of the past, relationships and trauma. Some people use therapy not to problem solve but to find ways to have more joy, greater well being or to gain a clear direction towards the future.
When working with children, I utilize child centered play therapy techniques.
Over the last 35 years I have worked with adults, teens and children living through many difficult circumstances. I offer a safe and nurturing place to explore situations or problems that are causing you distress. Through therapy, you can connect with your inner strengths, identify your needs and priorities and take steps to greater peace and satisfaction. Many of my clients address depression, anxiety, life changes, unresolved issues of the past, relationships and trauma. Some people use therapy not to problem solve but to find ways to have more joy, greater well being or to gain a clear direction towards the future.
Breanne Vanderbilt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18106
Play therapy and behavioral interventions are most used with the children I work with.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. Life can be challenging and we all need support to navigate the ups and downs, at times. I take a special interest in helping clients with anxiety, depression, life changes, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Play therapy and behavioral interventions are most used with the children I work with.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. Life can be challenging and we all need support to navigate the ups and downs, at times. I take a special interest in helping clients with anxiety, depression, life changes, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Emily Calcagni
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18103
I also have some training in play therapy and mindfulness.
I specialize in working with individuals on gender identity, sexuality, and self confidence. My other focuses include, but are not limited to trauma, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I work with any age, with a special interest in working with adolescents and young adults. I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming and competent therapist.
I also have some training in play therapy and mindfulness.
I specialize in working with individuals on gender identity, sexuality, and self confidence. My other focuses include, but are not limited to trauma, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I work with any age, with a special interest in working with adolescents and young adults. I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming and competent therapist.
Dench Counseling Sport & Wellness Centre
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, PhD, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18103
I may draw heavily on Play Therapy, Sandtray, Expressive Arts, and games, or other specialties including Jungian Psychotherapy and Sport Psychology.
If you are anxious, having difficulty with relationships, depression, self-esteem, or wrestling with an addiction & would like help, let's talk. I have been a psychotherapist for thirty years, and work with children, adolescents, and adults. How long ago did your issue begin? Many people don’t know the root cause of their problem. You may be suffering in silence not knowing where to turn. Counseling can provide tools for surviving the emotional fall out from COVID-19, building happy, healthy relationships, managing stress & anxiety, appreciating your strengths, & feeling good about yourself.
I may draw heavily on Play Therapy, Sandtray, Expressive Arts, and games, or other specialties including Jungian Psychotherapy and Sport Psychology.
If you are anxious, having difficulty with relationships, depression, self-esteem, or wrestling with an addiction & would like help, let's talk. I have been a psychotherapist for thirty years, and work with children, adolescents, and adults. How long ago did your issue begin? Many people don’t know the root cause of their problem. You may be suffering in silence not knowing where to turn. Counseling can provide tools for surviving the emotional fall out from COVID-19, building happy, healthy relationships, managing stress & anxiety, appreciating your strengths, & feeling good about yourself.
When treating children, I utilize play to engage the child and make therapy a positive experience.
Your mental health is important, and gathering the courage to get help is not an easy task. The notion of verbalizing your inner thoughts and feelings might seem intimidating, and make you feel vulnerable. Taking this into consideration, I strive to create a safe and calming space where you can feel understood and not judged. Through the process of therapy, you can better understand the patterns in your life, overcome barriers, and experience new ways of coping. You will gain a better understanding of your behaviors and communication styles that hinder you from achieving your goals.
When treating children, I utilize play to engage the child and make therapy a positive experience.
Your mental health is important, and gathering the courage to get help is not an easy task. The notion of verbalizing your inner thoughts and feelings might seem intimidating, and make you feel vulnerable. Taking this into consideration, I strive to create a safe and calming space where you can feel understood and not judged. Through the process of therapy, you can better understand the patterns in your life, overcome barriers, and experience new ways of coping. You will gain a better understanding of your behaviors and communication styles that hinder you from achieving your goals.
I employ tailored approaches such as CBT, Client-Centered, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Narrative Therapy.
With high motivation and dedication to your care, my passion is to first help client understand where their difficulties originate and develop, then to map out a pathway toward human flourishing. My strength enables me to tailor therapy for your unique journey, providing precision interventions that move those I care about toward peace. I love working with children and adolescents, to adults and couples.
I employ tailored approaches such as CBT, Client-Centered, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Narrative Therapy.
With high motivation and dedication to your care, my passion is to first help client understand where their difficulties originate and develop, then to map out a pathway toward human flourishing. My strength enables me to tailor therapy for your unique journey, providing precision interventions that move those I care about toward peace. I love working with children and adolescents, to adults and couples.
Michael Stolarik
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS Ed
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18106
I utilize a variety of treatment modalities including cognitive-behavioral strategies, motivational interviewing, child centered and filial play therapies, and structural family therapy.
For more than fifteen years, I’ve gained experience working in a variety of mental health settings including partial hospital treatment programs, a community-based family counseling clinic, in a mental health treatment program for individuals with chronic and acute mental health struggles, as well as private mental health counseling practices. I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, family relationship problems including family violence, PTSD and other trauma related issues and have experience and training in working with Autism and related sensory integration problems.
I utilize a variety of treatment modalities including cognitive-behavioral strategies, motivational interviewing, child centered and filial play therapies, and structural family therapy.
For more than fifteen years, I’ve gained experience working in a variety of mental health settings including partial hospital treatment programs, a community-based family counseling clinic, in a mental health treatment program for individuals with chronic and acute mental health struggles, as well as private mental health counseling practices. I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, family relationship problems including family violence, PTSD and other trauma related issues and have experience and training in working with Autism and related sensory integration problems.
I utilize an interactive play therapy-based approach that incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation.
I am Dawn Seeburger, a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in working with children and their families. I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field across various environments, including psychiatric hospitals and schools. I have worked with clients struggling with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, parenting issues, peer conflicts, trauma, and more. I completed my MS in School Counseling with licensure at Kutztown University.
I utilize an interactive play therapy-based approach that incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation.
I am Dawn Seeburger, a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in working with children and their families. I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field across various environments, including psychiatric hospitals and schools. I have worked with clients struggling with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, parenting issues, peer conflicts, trauma, and more. I completed my MS in School Counseling with licensure at Kutztown University.
I practice from a humanistic client-centered perspective, utilizing modalities such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and solutions-focused approaches to develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship geared toward change and growth.
I have a passion for working with individuals who identify as neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and/or disabled. I have experience working with individuals of all ages looking to address struggles related to anxiety, ADHD, ASD, poor self-esteem, emotional and verbal abuse, and difficult life-transitions, alongside assisting families and groups with these needs.
I practice from a humanistic client-centered perspective, utilizing modalities such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and solutions-focused approaches to develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship geared toward change and growth.
I have a passion for working with individuals who identify as neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and/or disabled. I have experience working with individuals of all ages looking to address struggles related to anxiety, ADHD, ASD, poor self-esteem, emotional and verbal abuse, and difficult life-transitions, alongside assisting families and groups with these needs.
By using play therapy, I can assess and learn how to build upon each client’s strength.
Is your child having difficulty following directions or socializing with their peers? Does he/she act on impulse and/or disregard safety concerns? Imagine your overactive or defiant child able to use skills to help calm themselves. Or your depressed child suddenly reaching out to a new friend. Growing up can be tough, and if your child also has a mental health need, that makes it even more challenging. Children from pre school to high school are faced with new demands constantly. They may need some extra assistance to help figure out how to manage these changes. Through participation in play therapy, your child can learn skills.
By using play therapy, I can assess and learn how to build upon each client’s strength.
Is your child having difficulty following directions or socializing with their peers? Does he/she act on impulse and/or disregard safety concerns? Imagine your overactive or defiant child able to use skills to help calm themselves. Or your depressed child suddenly reaching out to a new friend. Growing up can be tough, and if your child also has a mental health need, that makes it even more challenging. Children from pre school to high school are faced with new demands constantly. They may need some extra assistance to help figure out how to manage these changes. Through participation in play therapy, your child can learn skills.
My clinical background, training and experiences support a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as art, play and traditional therapy, depending on one's personal goals for treatment.
My practice combines compassion and creativity to connect with individuals and families. It is through this connection that I will guide one through life's challenges and assist individuals and families in discovering and focusing on one's strengths and potential for growth. My own experiences, as a parent of a special needs child, have enriched my work as a therapist and helped me gain a richer understanding of the importance of a strong support system. Therefore, I strongly believe in working hard to help individuals and families feel supported during the various joys and adversities of life.
My clinical background, training and experiences support a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as art, play and traditional therapy, depending on one's personal goals for treatment.
My practice combines compassion and creativity to connect with individuals and families. It is through this connection that I will guide one through life's challenges and assist individuals and families in discovering and focusing on one's strengths and potential for growth. My own experiences, as a parent of a special needs child, have enriched my work as a therapist and helped me gain a richer understanding of the importance of a strong support system. Therefore, I strongly believe in working hard to help individuals and families feel supported during the various joys and adversities of life.
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Jonathan E Moyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CLC, AATBS
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18104
We are seeing a lot of people with anxiety, trauma, and/or depression. We have a variety of counselors who can help you learn how to manage your situation and feel better and offer play therapy for children or relationship help if you are looking to improve your communitcation skills.
We are seeing a lot of people with anxiety, trauma, and/or depression. We have a variety of counselors who can help you learn how to manage your situation and feel better and offer play therapy for children or relationship help if you are looking to improve your communitcation skills.
Jennifer Whitlock
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18102 (Online Only)
I have a playful style and can use writing and role play in therapy.
I have a soft spot for people who are quirky and unconventional, as I am. I welcome free spirits and those who yearn to express their authentic selves. Life can be more satisfying when one lives for what brings joy, not approval. I love to work with people who already have some insight into their issues and are ready to explore their emotions, thoughts and behaviors in greater depth and try new behaviors - that's why I do so well counseling fellow therapists. I encourage my clients to experience and understand their emotions, rather than regarding feelings as nasty symptoms that they want to get rid of.
I have a playful style and can use writing and role play in therapy.
I have a soft spot for people who are quirky and unconventional, as I am. I welcome free spirits and those who yearn to express their authentic selves. Life can be more satisfying when one lives for what brings joy, not approval. I love to work with people who already have some insight into their issues and are ready to explore their emotions, thoughts and behaviors in greater depth and try new behaviors - that's why I do so well counseling fellow therapists. I encourage my clients to experience and understand their emotions, rather than regarding feelings as nasty symptoms that they want to get rid of.
Utilizing an eclectic approach, I draw on various evidence-based modalities, including: Person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy.
Welcome! Choosing therapy and establishing a meaningful relationship with a therapist is a profound and empowering decision. We all encounter hardships in life, and as a parent, it's natural to feel overwhelmed when trying to support our children through difficult times. As a therapist, my aim is to guide children, teenagers, young adults, and families in acquiring the tools necessary to navigate depression, anxiety, anger, family life adjustments, grief/loss, behavioral difficulties, social skills, and trauma with resilience.
Utilizing an eclectic approach, I draw on various evidence-based modalities, including: Person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy.
Welcome! Choosing therapy and establishing a meaningful relationship with a therapist is a profound and empowering decision. We all encounter hardships in life, and as a parent, it's natural to feel overwhelmed when trying to support our children through difficult times. As a therapist, my aim is to guide children, teenagers, young adults, and families in acquiring the tools necessary to navigate depression, anxiety, anger, family life adjustments, grief/loss, behavioral difficulties, social skills, and trauma with resilience.
I utilize therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, solutions-focused therapy, play therapy, and family therapy.
I am Lucy Brown, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families to help them manage the effects of anxiety, depression, grief, life stress, trauma, work stress, OCD, Adult ADHD, and Mild Autism. I have significant experience working with children and adolescents and enjoy helping youth express their feelings, feel more positive about themselves, and develop positive coping skills.
I utilize therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, solutions-focused therapy, play therapy, and family therapy.
I am Lucy Brown, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families to help them manage the effects of anxiety, depression, grief, life stress, trauma, work stress, OCD, Adult ADHD, and Mild Autism. I have significant experience working with children and adolescents and enjoy helping youth express their feelings, feel more positive about themselves, and develop positive coping skills.
If you have a child who is struggling with behavioral issues and you just can't understand what is going on, come see me. I see children as young as 3 years old. Using play as their voice I will help your child with those issues by teaching coping skills and gently guiding them to think before acting. At times I will provide you with tools to use at home so your child has consistent support. I have experience working with children on the spectrum, ADHD, ADD, ODD, Conduct Disorder, and DMDD. I also have experience working with both children and adults with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and trauma.
If you have a child who is struggling with behavioral issues and you just can't understand what is going on, come see me. I see children as young as 3 years old. Using play as their voice I will help your child with those issues by teaching coping skills and gently guiding them to think before acting. At times I will provide you with tools to use at home so your child has consistent support. I have experience working with children on the spectrum, ADHD, ADD, ODD, Conduct Disorder, and DMDD. I also have experience working with both children and adults with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and trauma.
Jolene Batarick
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18104
I specialize in treating eating disorders, trauma and ptsd, grief and loss, chronic pain and substance use issues. I am certified in intuitive therapy for eating disorders and am a certified trauma therapist. I strive to create a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which individuals can express themselves. I believe that compassion, empathy and patience are needed with all patients. I draw on mindfulness, DBT and CBT techniques. I also incorporate play, art and music therapy when appropriate. Each treatment is tailored to each client, so I focus on getting to know you and how you want to live your life, and what is stopping you.
I specialize in treating eating disorders, trauma and ptsd, grief and loss, chronic pain and substance use issues. I am certified in intuitive therapy for eating disorders and am a certified trauma therapist. I strive to create a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which individuals can express themselves. I believe that compassion, empathy and patience are needed with all patients. I draw on mindfulness, DBT and CBT techniques. I also incorporate play, art and music therapy when appropriate. Each treatment is tailored to each client, so I focus on getting to know you and how you want to live your life, and what is stopping you.
Carissa Young
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18104 (Online Only)
My counseling approach utilizes multiple modes of therapy such as: CBT, strength-based, mindfulness, person-centered, play therapy, and art therapy.
Sometimes we may feel like we don't have any control over the things in our lives. Right now by reaching out for help, you are taking some control back. Throughout our lives we all experience difficult times and need some support. I can provide a safe, healing space to work on managing the stressors in your life. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I also work as a School Counselor and volunteer as a crisis hotline counselor. Previously, I worked as a teacher for over 17 years across different grades. I love working with children of all ages and empowering women!
My counseling approach utilizes multiple modes of therapy such as: CBT, strength-based, mindfulness, person-centered, play therapy, and art therapy.
Sometimes we may feel like we don't have any control over the things in our lives. Right now by reaching out for help, you are taking some control back. Throughout our lives we all experience difficult times and need some support. I can provide a safe, healing space to work on managing the stressors in your life. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I also work as a School Counselor and volunteer as a crisis hotline counselor. Previously, I worked as a teacher for over 17 years across different grades. I love working with children of all ages and empowering women!
Peggy Bressette Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18103
I help them to untangle those thoughts and feelings through play or talk while working in their developmental age.
I have been working with children, adolescents and adults for many years in a variety of settings including child welfare, school settings and private practice. I specialize in working with children of all ages from toddlers to young adulthood. I have experience and I am trained in anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, Autism, ADHD and anger.
I help them to untangle those thoughts and feelings through play or talk while working in their developmental age.
I have been working with children, adolescents and adults for many years in a variety of settings including child welfare, school settings and private practice. I specialize in working with children of all ages from toddlers to young adulthood. I have experience and I am trained in anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, Autism, ADHD and anger.
Our vision at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates, LLC is to help bring growth, healing, and peace of mind to people who struggle with matters of the mind. We have caring, compassionate, experienced, credentialed, and licensed professionals who are both doctoral level psychologists and master's level clinicians. We provide individual, family, and couples counseling, life coaching, child and adolescent therapy, EMDR, educational, psychological, and forensic testing and evaluations, career coaching, and consultation for both individuals and businesses.
Our vision at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates, LLC is to help bring growth, healing, and peace of mind to people who struggle with matters of the mind. We have caring, compassionate, experienced, credentialed, and licensed professionals who are both doctoral level psychologists and master's level clinicians. We provide individual, family, and couples counseling, life coaching, child and adolescent therapy, EMDR, educational, psychological, and forensic testing and evaluations, career coaching, and consultation for both individuals and businesses.
See more therapy options for Allentown
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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.