Play Therapy in Bellefonte, PA
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and struggling to manage the day-to-day stressors? Are you feeling upset or overwhelmed regarding the state of change currently surrounding us? Do you feel like the day-to-day stressors are overtaking your ability to cope and utilize effective coping strategies? Are you interested in wanting to learn more about yourself, your talents, meeting your own goals and dreams and getting out of the feelings of being stuck?
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and struggling to manage the day-to-day stressors? Are you feeling upset or overwhelmed regarding the state of change currently surrounding us? Do you feel like the day-to-day stressors are overtaking your ability to cope and utilize effective coping strategies? Are you interested in wanting to learn more about yourself, your talents, meeting your own goals and dreams and getting out of the feelings of being stuck?
Emily Bumgarner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellefonte, PA 16823
We strive to have a life of balance or at least hope to. My goal is to provide a safe space, encouragement and a sound listening board. I have worked in the mental health field for 15 years. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults. My experience includes working with clients in regards to anxiety and depressive symptoms. I have experience working with ADHD and spectrum diagnoses. My modalities of therapy consists of CBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Behavioral. I also provide supervision for those searching for a qualified clinician to fulfill licensing hours.
We strive to have a life of balance or at least hope to. My goal is to provide a safe space, encouragement and a sound listening board. I have worked in the mental health field for 15 years. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults. My experience includes working with clients in regards to anxiety and depressive symptoms. I have experience working with ADHD and spectrum diagnoses. My modalities of therapy consists of CBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Behavioral. I also provide supervision for those searching for a qualified clinician to fulfill licensing hours.
Paula Ann Stahl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellefonte, PA 16823
I believe that the ability to grow and change lies within us all. My goal is to provide a supportive environment so that my clients can explore and discover their inner strengths. I enjoy helping individuals navigate through the obstacles and difficulties they are facing. I strive to assist clients in developing the skills necessary for self-empowerment, and improvement of the overall quality of their lives. I use an eclectic blend of therapeutic modalities to achieve this with the individuals that I work with.
I believe that the ability to grow and change lies within us all. My goal is to provide a supportive environment so that my clients can explore and discover their inner strengths. I enjoy helping individuals navigate through the obstacles and difficulties they are facing. I strive to assist clients in developing the skills necessary for self-empowerment, and improvement of the overall quality of their lives. I use an eclectic blend of therapeutic modalities to achieve this with the individuals that I work with.
Forward Path Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bellefonte, PA 16823
As we journey through life, there are times our travel becomes weary. We may feel lost, plagued by doubt, or burdened by uncertainty. Yet we are strong, resilient, and determined. We simply need a guide to help us discover the path forward. That is where Forward Path Counseling can help.
As we journey through life, there are times our travel becomes weary. We may feel lost, plagued by doubt, or burdened by uncertainty. Yet we are strong, resilient, and determined. We simply need a guide to help us discover the path forward. That is where Forward Path Counseling can help.
Breakwater Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellefonte, PA 16823
Life is sometimes messy and we all need a little help occasionally to navigate the real life struggles that come along. I am a caring, down to earth person who is committed to helping you discover your own best solutions to life's challenges. I don't pretend to know what I don't know. If I can't help you, I will help you find someone who can.
Life is sometimes messy and we all need a little help occasionally to navigate the real life struggles that come along. I am a caring, down to earth person who is committed to helping you discover your own best solutions to life's challenges. I don't pretend to know what I don't know. If I can't help you, I will help you find someone who can.
More Therapists Nearby
Jillian Sharp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
State College, PA 16803 (Online Only)
Certified in play therapy, I have an in depth understanding of child development and parent/child relationships, as well as how our past can impact and shape us.
Many clients have told me that they were nervous to start therapy but they are so glad they did. I practice a person centered approach where we explore your struggles, thoughts and feelings without judgement. I believe in connecting on a human level; in building trust through listening, deep understanding, and humor. Together, we will identify and work to change the things holding you back. We will discuss healthier ways to cope, communicate, and resolve conflicts. If you have been struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, low self esteem, major life changes, or parenting challenges, I'd love to help you thrive.
Certified in play therapy, I have an in depth understanding of child development and parent/child relationships, as well as how our past can impact and shape us.
Many clients have told me that they were nervous to start therapy but they are so glad they did. I practice a person centered approach where we explore your struggles, thoughts and feelings without judgement. I believe in connecting on a human level; in building trust through listening, deep understanding, and humor. Together, we will identify and work to change the things holding you back. We will discuss healthier ways to cope, communicate, and resolve conflicts. If you have been struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, low self esteem, major life changes, or parenting challenges, I'd love to help you thrive.
Lindsay Repko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
State College, PA 16801 (Online Only)
Your experience is worthy of exploration and I believe that we all benefit from a protected space to journey through our history, needs, thoughts, and wishes around who we've been and who we want to be. I'm also familiar with the many ways that we can feel prohibited from giving ourselves such a space.
Your experience is worthy of exploration and I believe that we all benefit from a protected space to journey through our history, needs, thoughts, and wishes around who we've been and who we want to be. I'm also familiar with the many ways that we can feel prohibited from giving ourselves such a space.
Crystal Horninger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
State College, PA 16801 (Online Only)
Counseling is a space where you can explore, process, heal and grow. By being vulnerable we can allow ourselves the space to reflect on who we are now and where we have come from. I believe that we deserve a space where we can feel safe, comfortable and free from judgement. In this space, we can take out some of the boxes that are stored away and discover how we can let go of what no longer serves us while creating new ways of being and relating to ourselves, others, and the world around us .
Counseling is a space where you can explore, process, heal and grow. By being vulnerable we can allow ourselves the space to reflect on who we are now and where we have come from. I believe that we deserve a space where we can feel safe, comfortable and free from judgement. In this space, we can take out some of the boxes that are stored away and discover how we can let go of what no longer serves us while creating new ways of being and relating to ourselves, others, and the world around us .
Anne Lloyd Batchelder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
State College, PA 16801
Anne Lloyd Batchelder, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania offering psychotherapy to adolescents, adults and families. She is committed to helping individuals and families by using a collaborative, strength based, client-centered approach. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the New School for Social Research and received her Masters in Social Work from Hunter College in New York. She has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in a variety of settings, including: clinics, schools, community-based organizations, and inpatient treatment programs.
Anne Lloyd Batchelder, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania offering psychotherapy to adolescents, adults and families. She is committed to helping individuals and families by using a collaborative, strength based, client-centered approach. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the New School for Social Research and received her Masters in Social Work from Hunter College in New York. She has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in a variety of settings, including: clinics, schools, community-based organizations, and inpatient treatment programs.
Casey Meiser
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
State College, PA 16801
We live in a world that caters to the neurotypical person, and you are really starting to feel the impact of that after years of working against it. You've tried so hard to "fit in" and hold yourself to the same standard as those around you, but you keep "failing". And all it's done is filled you with shame and left you feeling even more exhausted. Your multiple intersecting identities make this even more difficult, and sometimes you're not sure what's actually impacting things the most and where to start. You need a safe space to really dive in, and that in and of itself has been so difficult to find.
We live in a world that caters to the neurotypical person, and you are really starting to feel the impact of that after years of working against it. You've tried so hard to "fit in" and hold yourself to the same standard as those around you, but you keep "failing". And all it's done is filled you with shame and left you feeling even more exhausted. Your multiple intersecting identities make this even more difficult, and sometimes you're not sure what's actually impacting things the most and where to start. You need a safe space to really dive in, and that in and of itself has been so difficult to find.
Metamorphosis Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Park, PA 16802
You're looking to make life better - more satisfying, more meaningful, and more fulfilling. You’re the caterpillar: you need a space to cocoon, fall apart to goo and become a butterfly. Looking for a therapist feels daunting - wading through profile after profile is exhausting. You just want to find a therapist who can actually help, not just smile and nod. Even though this journey is tough, you've taken the best first step towards a new and improved you! You can become the person you want to be - and we're here to help. Check out our therapists and their specialties in the photos below.
You're looking to make life better - more satisfying, more meaningful, and more fulfilling. You’re the caterpillar: you need a space to cocoon, fall apart to goo and become a butterfly. Looking for a therapist feels daunting - wading through profile after profile is exhausting. You just want to find a therapist who can actually help, not just smile and nod. Even though this journey is tough, you've taken the best first step towards a new and improved you! You can become the person you want to be - and we're here to help. Check out our therapists and their specialties in the photos below.
Rebecca Kelly Friedenberg
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd
Verified Verified
State College, PA 16801 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Your mental health matters, and I am here to help you or your teen foster self-awareness, self-compassion, and confidence. We are living in an especially stressful time, and we all need some extra support. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I utilize an empathetic, person-centered approach. Together, we will develop goals and a treatment plan to help you become the best version of yourself. I will be transitioning to Telehealth after May 2024.
Your mental health matters, and I am here to help you or your teen foster self-awareness, self-compassion, and confidence. We are living in an especially stressful time, and we all need some extra support. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I utilize an empathetic, person-centered approach. Together, we will develop goals and a treatment plan to help you become the best version of yourself. I will be transitioning to Telehealth after May 2024.
Online Therapists
Alexys Grim
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
East York, PA 17402
Waitlist for new clients
Alexys Grim is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has been working in the human services field since 2010. She has a variety of experience working with children, families and couples, including a background in domestic violence and substance abuse. Alexys uses a client focused approach in her sessions and strives for full engagement of clients in building a strength based treatment plan. For younger clients, play and crafts are incorporated into sessions while addressing therapeutic topics.
Alexys Grim is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has been working in the human services field since 2010. She has a variety of experience working with children, families and couples, including a background in domestic violence and substance abuse. Alexys uses a client focused approach in her sessions and strives for full engagement of clients in building a strength based treatment plan. For younger clients, play and crafts are incorporated into sessions while addressing therapeutic topics.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience with all age groups and various diverse populations. I provide mental health and behavioral health services to children and their families. I provide couples counseling and marital counseling as well as co-parenting counseling that are mandated or not by the court. I am trauma certified and have extensive experience in this area and in various evidenced based therapies such as EMDR, ACT, CPT, CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, etc. I utilize various modalities as well as help people cope with their problem areas.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience with all age groups and various diverse populations. I provide mental health and behavioral health services to children and their families. I provide couples counseling and marital counseling as well as co-parenting counseling that are mandated or not by the court. I am trauma certified and have extensive experience in this area and in various evidenced based therapies such as EMDR, ACT, CPT, CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, etc. I utilize various modalities as well as help people cope with their problem areas.
Valley Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Our areas of focus include play therapy, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, school issues, behavioral concerns, recent transitions, ADHD, and family problems.
Life can be difficult. As a parent, you want your children to be happy and healthy so seeing them struggle can be difficult. Teenagers and young adults are faced with new challenges every day. Families can struggle to communicate and can feel disconnected. We strive to reduce the stress and stigma associated with mental health issues by creating a positive and up-beat learning environment where we can focus on one’s strengths to develop strategies to deal with challenges that you face. Through therapy, you’ll be able to find happiness in yourself, in relationships, and in your family to be empowered towards a bright future.
Our areas of focus include play therapy, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, school issues, behavioral concerns, recent transitions, ADHD, and family problems.
Life can be difficult. As a parent, you want your children to be happy and healthy so seeing them struggle can be difficult. Teenagers and young adults are faced with new challenges every day. Families can struggle to communicate and can feel disconnected. We strive to reduce the stress and stigma associated with mental health issues by creating a positive and up-beat learning environment where we can focus on one’s strengths to develop strategies to deal with challenges that you face. Through therapy, you’ll be able to find happiness in yourself, in relationships, and in your family to be empowered towards a bright future.
Dr. Debra Doubrava - Emdr Trauma And Play Focused
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
York, PA 17403 (Online Only)
Virtual sessions are an effective & powerful way to provide expressive, play based & trauma informed care incl.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.- John Watson...I am humbled & honored to have over 30 years experience working with clients of all ages & stages to lead more authentic, joyful, & peace-filled lives. I am an integrative, attachment focused & trauma-informed play therapist - inspired by theories grounded in client-centered, family systems, humanistic, Imago, mindfulness, & parts work. I enjoy working with a wide range of issues & diverse backgrounds in the human experience including LGBTQIA2S+. We all need to be truly seen and heard AND it is courageous and wise to seek help as we journey through life & love!
Virtual sessions are an effective & powerful way to provide expressive, play based & trauma informed care incl.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.- John Watson...I am humbled & honored to have over 30 years experience working with clients of all ages & stages to lead more authentic, joyful, & peace-filled lives. I am an integrative, attachment focused & trauma-informed play therapist - inspired by theories grounded in client-centered, family systems, humanistic, Imago, mindfulness, & parts work. I enjoy working with a wide range of issues & diverse backgrounds in the human experience including LGBTQIA2S+. We all need to be truly seen and heard AND it is courageous and wise to seek help as we journey through life & love!
Services are in-person! My office has a relaxing and comfortable environment and for those younger clients, an area designated for play therapy.
I am dedicated to creating a friendly and inviting environment tailored specifically for children, teens, and young adults, providing a safe space where they can express their thoughts and emotions freely, free from judgment. Together, our collaborative efforts will be directed towards helping the younger members of our community achieve their developmental goals, utilizing strategies that are age-appropriate and responsive to their unique needs.
Services are in-person! My office has a relaxing and comfortable environment and for those younger clients, an area designated for play therapy.
I am dedicated to creating a friendly and inviting environment tailored specifically for children, teens, and young adults, providing a safe space where they can express their thoughts and emotions freely, free from judgment. Together, our collaborative efforts will be directed towards helping the younger members of our community achieve their developmental goals, utilizing strategies that are age-appropriate and responsive to their unique needs.
Christy Ranco
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Are you overwhelmed and need support with your child’s challenging behavior? Are you looking for coping skills to help your child with big emotions? As a parent, you want your child to thrive. I will work with you to meet your child’s needs every step of the way. I use play therapy to build upon a child’s natural language - play! Children often struggle to verbalize their concerns and struggles. Play can serve many purposes, including emotional expression, problem solving, confidence building, and behavioral change.
Are you overwhelmed and need support with your child’s challenging behavior? Are you looking for coping skills to help your child with big emotions? As a parent, you want your child to thrive. I will work with you to meet your child’s needs every step of the way. I use play therapy to build upon a child’s natural language - play! Children often struggle to verbalize their concerns and struggles. Play can serve many purposes, including emotional expression, problem solving, confidence building, and behavioral change.
My office has a relaxing and comfortable environment and for those younger clients, an area designated for play therapy.
Are you looking for support in managing your child's emotional needs? Are you seeking something other than traditional forms of talk therapy? As a provider, my goal is to build a safe emotional connection with all my clients, learn who they are, enter into their world, and provide them with the tools to help navigate it. Play is how a child navigates the world, and therefore play is how coping skills are delivered; in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
My office has a relaxing and comfortable environment and for those younger clients, an area designated for play therapy.
Are you looking for support in managing your child's emotional needs? Are you seeking something other than traditional forms of talk therapy? As a provider, my goal is to build a safe emotional connection with all my clients, learn who they are, enter into their world, and provide them with the tools to help navigate it. Play is how a child navigates the world, and therefore play is how coping skills are delivered; in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
Marcy Tocker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, ADHDCCS
Verified Verified
Mohrsville, PA 19541
You deserve to be the best functioning version of you. Navigate the journey to courage while feeling empowered and supported working through animal assisted psychotherapy, play therapy, and expressive art therapy. I also provide ADHD and executive function coaching services, ADHD assessment. Therapeutic services can look different for each person because we all walk different paths. That being said - our goals are all the same - to be the best functioning individual we can - whatever that looks like to us. Let us walk alongside you in your journey that we know you’re capable of.
You deserve to be the best functioning version of you. Navigate the journey to courage while feeling empowered and supported working through animal assisted psychotherapy, play therapy, and expressive art therapy. I also provide ADHD and executive function coaching services, ADHD assessment. Therapeutic services can look different for each person because we all walk different paths. That being said - our goals are all the same - to be the best functioning individual we can - whatever that looks like to us. Let us walk alongside you in your journey that we know you’re capable of.
See more therapy options for Bellefonte
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.