Play Therapy in Chester Springs, PA
Chanelle Bishop-Gilyard
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
Since grown-ups play a very important role in the lives of children, it was important for me to gain experience working with adults as well! My passion is to help children and adults cope with life's challenges by teaching them special skills that will last a lifetime! .
Do you ever feel like you're swimming up stream? Does it feel like the littlest things bother you? Maybe you're feeling like you aren't enjoying life like you did before? Or, maybe your child doesn't seem like he or she is as happy as before? Hard time sleeping? Struggling to manage your weight? It may be time to think and do your way to a happier and healthier you! It may have taken you quite some time to decide if you wanted to pursue treatment. That's okay, the most important thing is that you are here now! I am here to support you in learning strategies to live the life that is best for you!
Since grown-ups play a very important role in the lives of children, it was important for me to gain experience working with adults as well! My passion is to help children and adults cope with life's challenges by teaching them special skills that will last a lifetime! .
Do you ever feel like you're swimming up stream? Does it feel like the littlest things bother you? Maybe you're feeling like you aren't enjoying life like you did before? Or, maybe your child doesn't seem like he or she is as happy as before? Hard time sleeping? Struggling to manage your weight? It may be time to think and do your way to a happier and healthier you! It may have taken you quite some time to decide if you wanted to pursue treatment. That's okay, the most important thing is that you are here now! I am here to support you in learning strategies to live the life that is best for you!
Cassandra Keys
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
As a counselor I work with clients using CBT, Play therapy, Solution focused therapy, and Mindulness.
Hi! Is your teen struggling with peer relationships or fitting in? Are you struggling with change (divorce, college, relationships, etc). If you said Yes to either of those I would love to help support you on your journey. I am a pre-licensed Clinical Mental Heath Counselor. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, family systems, life transitions, and panic disorder. It can be hard to navigate the many different stages of life.
As a counselor I work with clients using CBT, Play therapy, Solution focused therapy, and Mindulness.
Hi! Is your teen struggling with peer relationships or fitting in? Are you struggling with change (divorce, college, relationships, etc). If you said Yes to either of those I would love to help support you on your journey. I am a pre-licensed Clinical Mental Heath Counselor. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, family systems, life transitions, and panic disorder. It can be hard to navigate the many different stages of life.
Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
We serve adults, teens, and children and offer individual, couple, family, sand tray and play therapy.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Are your intimate relationships not what you hoped they would be? Are you worried about your children's behavior or social skills?
There are times in everyone's life when help from a professional can make all the difference. Therapy starts with an effort to get to know you and your concerns. We then work together to create clear goals and form a plan that fits for you.
We serve adults, teens, and children and offer individual, couple, family, sand tray and play therapy.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Are your intimate relationships not what you hoped they would be? Are you worried about your children's behavior or social skills?
There are times in everyone's life when help from a professional can make all the difference. Therapy starts with an effort to get to know you and your concerns. We then work together to create clear goals and form a plan that fits for you.
Joy L Wawrzyniak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
Play therapy is an amazing resource to support a child through expressing their feelings.
The teenage years are the most vulnerable, exciting, and growing years of a young person’s life. Self discovery can often yield low self esteem, independence can easily shift to rebellion, and a slow maturation process often creates impulsive decision making. And when a parent’s warnings and worries don’t seem to have an impact on the teenager’s course, or when it feels too heavy to carry alone, it’s helpful to have another guiding force to help. Through counseling, an adolescent can feel understood, begin to understand themselves, and learn to understand and accept their role in the family and society.
Play therapy is an amazing resource to support a child through expressing their feelings.
The teenage years are the most vulnerable, exciting, and growing years of a young person’s life. Self discovery can often yield low self esteem, independence can easily shift to rebellion, and a slow maturation process often creates impulsive decision making. And when a parent’s warnings and worries don’t seem to have an impact on the teenager’s course, or when it feels too heavy to carry alone, it’s helpful to have another guiding force to help. Through counseling, an adolescent can feel understood, begin to understand themselves, and learn to understand and accept their role in the family and society.
Maegon Crader
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
From play therapy & activity-based therapy to sandtray therapy & EMDR, I adapt my methods to suit individual needs.
Are you or your child going through a challenging time due to a difficult experience? It's not uncommon to feel stuck in intense emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness. Seeking a bit of extra support can make a significant difference in helping you or your child not just cope but thrive. We all desire a way forward, a path to navigate through these often overwhelming feelings. Whether it's a recent traumatic event or past issues that persistently resurface, various therapeutic approaches are available to guide you on this journey.
From play therapy & activity-based therapy to sandtray therapy & EMDR, I adapt my methods to suit individual needs.
Are you or your child going through a challenging time due to a difficult experience? It's not uncommon to feel stuck in intense emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness. Seeking a bit of extra support can make a significant difference in helping you or your child not just cope but thrive. We all desire a way forward, a path to navigate through these often overwhelming feelings. Whether it's a recent traumatic event or past issues that persistently resurface, various therapeutic approaches are available to guide you on this journey.
I am a flexible, accommodating therapist who believes people of all types are valuable human beings. My practice is client-centered, which means I focus on the problems that are important to you. I operate under the awareness that there is often an unseen power dynamic between client and therapist. This includes respecting the boundaries of what you are ready and not ready to discuss. I always operate under unconditional positive regard, which means accepting you where you are at this point in time in a judgement-free manner. I accept clients 6 years and older.
I am a flexible, accommodating therapist who believes people of all types are valuable human beings. My practice is client-centered, which means I focus on the problems that are important to you. I operate under the awareness that there is often an unseen power dynamic between client and therapist. This includes respecting the boundaries of what you are ready and not ready to discuss. I always operate under unconditional positive regard, which means accepting you where you are at this point in time in a judgement-free manner. I accept clients 6 years and older.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting your child or teen? Do you feel confused about which latest parenting expert’s advice you should be following? It can be frustrating to figure out which approach feels both best for your child and authentic to you as the parent. As a dedicated therapist with many years of experience treating children and teens with significant emotional and behavioral difficulties, this is where I can help. With a welcoming and candid approach, I create a space where kids feel listened to and parents feel truly supported.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting your child or teen? Do you feel confused about which latest parenting expert’s advice you should be following? It can be frustrating to figure out which approach feels both best for your child and authentic to you as the parent. As a dedicated therapist with many years of experience treating children and teens with significant emotional and behavioral difficulties, this is where I can help. With a welcoming and candid approach, I create a space where kids feel listened to and parents feel truly supported.
Dr. Bre Ford
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
Is somebody in your family struggling? I specialize in working with multiple members of a family. Together, we can identify the issues that are causing distress and create a plan for happiness and goal achievement. I have a gentle, calm approach that helps clients feel a sense of warmth and a lack of judgment during the therapy process. For older kids and adults, I use empowering therapeutic approaches designed to increase self-esteem, along with scientifically-based methods that help clients work through anxiety, communication issues, and trauma. I am passionate about helping families achieve change.
Is somebody in your family struggling? I specialize in working with multiple members of a family. Together, we can identify the issues that are causing distress and create a plan for happiness and goal achievement. I have a gentle, calm approach that helps clients feel a sense of warmth and a lack of judgment during the therapy process. For older kids and adults, I use empowering therapeutic approaches designed to increase self-esteem, along with scientifically-based methods that help clients work through anxiety, communication issues, and trauma. I am passionate about helping families achieve change.
Over the 18 years in the behavioral health field, I've attributed my growth and experience to all of the clients I've seen. One of the most difficult aspects of therapy is having to be vulnerable. In order to be vulnerable a client must feel seen, heard, respected and safe. I've worked in multiple settings such as school, corporate healthcare, home, clinic and private practice. I've worked with families, individually, with children, teen and adults with addiction, behavioral health needs and disabilities. Mostly utilizing a strengths based and family systems perspective/model.
Over the 18 years in the behavioral health field, I've attributed my growth and experience to all of the clients I've seen. One of the most difficult aspects of therapy is having to be vulnerable. In order to be vulnerable a client must feel seen, heard, respected and safe. I've worked in multiple settings such as school, corporate healthcare, home, clinic and private practice. I've worked with families, individually, with children, teen and adults with addiction, behavioral health needs and disabilities. Mostly utilizing a strengths based and family systems perspective/model.
Sandplay Therapy is an effective modality to for children, adolescents and adults. Often, finding the words to express ones' feelings is a challenge. Together the client and the therapist review the creative process to help understand the feelings and experience. The picture created in the sand tray is a way for expressing ones’ internal feelings. Trauma whether it happens to a child, adolescent or an adult can contribute to feeling disorganized and insecure. For a child, adolescent or an adult feeling disorganized is scary. Sandplay Therapy will enhance self- regulation evident in one' behavior.
Sandplay Therapy is an effective modality to for children, adolescents and adults. Often, finding the words to express ones' feelings is a challenge. Together the client and the therapist review the creative process to help understand the feelings and experience. The picture created in the sand tray is a way for expressing ones’ internal feelings. Trauma whether it happens to a child, adolescent or an adult can contribute to feeling disorganized and insecure. For a child, adolescent or an adult feeling disorganized is scary. Sandplay Therapy will enhance self- regulation evident in one' behavior.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Some of my clinical experience includes: trauma work and healing (with EMDR as an option), addiction recovery support, depression and/or anxiety combining mind and body work in treatment, working with teens and children on emotional regulation while building skills that will develop intrinsic self worth, and examining thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in interpersonal relations.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Some of my clinical experience includes: trauma work and healing (with EMDR as an option), addiction recovery support, depression and/or anxiety combining mind and body work in treatment, working with teens and children on emotional regulation while building skills that will develop intrinsic self worth, and examining thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in interpersonal relations.
Paoli Psychological Associates is a group of mental health professionals dedicated to helping people develop the skills they need for life’s challenges. Our well-trained and experienced professionals provide quality care utilizing evidence-based approaches in a comfortable and friendly environment. We specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychological evaluation. Our counseling, psychotherapy, and testing services offer personalized attention and an individualized approach to helping people overcome life’s challenges, grow, and develop greater satisfaction and success. Tele-therapy is available throughout Pennsylvania.
Paoli Psychological Associates is a group of mental health professionals dedicated to helping people develop the skills they need for life’s challenges. Our well-trained and experienced professionals provide quality care utilizing evidence-based approaches in a comfortable and friendly environment. We specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychological evaluation. Our counseling, psychotherapy, and testing services offer personalized attention and an individualized approach to helping people overcome life’s challenges, grow, and develop greater satisfaction and success. Tele-therapy is available throughout Pennsylvania.
Research shows that interacting with horses has many benefits like lower blood pressure and heart rate, an increase in neurotransmitters that act as pain suppressants, decreased stress, decreased anger, hostility, tension, and anxiety, better social skills can develop, greater feelings of empowerment, confidence, patience, and self-efficacy.
Research shows that interacting with horses has many benefits like lower blood pressure and heart rate, an increase in neurotransmitters that act as pain suppressants, decreased stress, decreased anger, hostility, tension, and anxiety, better social skills can develop, greater feelings of empowerment, confidence, patience, and self-efficacy.
Yellow Springs Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
In working with children and adolescents (ages 5-17) you accept the responsibility of meeting with a population who may not have consented to therapy. Although guardians act within the child's best interest, the intervention may not be something the adolescent supports at the time. With this understanding, my primary goal is to simply connect regardless of who walks through that door. Progress cannot occur without a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. To ensure this result, I rely on genuineness and transparency with the client. My extensive experience, both as a School Counselor and Therapist, lead my counseling direction
In working with children and adolescents (ages 5-17) you accept the responsibility of meeting with a population who may not have consented to therapy. Although guardians act within the child's best interest, the intervention may not be something the adolescent supports at the time. With this understanding, my primary goal is to simply connect regardless of who walks through that door. Progress cannot occur without a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. To ensure this result, I rely on genuineness and transparency with the client. My extensive experience, both as a School Counselor and Therapist, lead my counseling direction
Child And Young Adult Therapist Andi Peters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
I enjoy empowering young people to pursue peace and healing within themselves, become aware of patterns that have been holding them back, & become confident in their own abilities. I believe we all experience our own unique set of circumstances that subconsciously affect our emotional well-being, our relationships, how we see ourselves, and our interactions in the world. I use a holistic approach in therapy, which means, I look at all aspects of your internal and external environment to help you gain understanding, and discover your best self to begin healing.
I enjoy empowering young people to pursue peace and healing within themselves, become aware of patterns that have been holding them back, & become confident in their own abilities. I believe we all experience our own unique set of circumstances that subconsciously affect our emotional well-being, our relationships, how we see ourselves, and our interactions in the world. I use a holistic approach in therapy, which means, I look at all aspects of your internal and external environment to help you gain understanding, and discover your best self to begin healing.
Bent Mountain Springs Counseling, LLC Keisha Vuong
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LPCMH, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chester Springs, PA 19425
I know the importance of building rapport and a therapeutic relationship “trust” with my clients. I take a non-judgmental supportive approach and have experience working with a diverse population of all ages. Together my goal is to help support you through the current challenges/struggles you face and to truly hear you and assist you in reaching a positive place.
I know the importance of building rapport and a therapeutic relationship “trust” with my clients. I take a non-judgmental supportive approach and have experience working with a diverse population of all ages. Together my goal is to help support you through the current challenges/struggles you face and to truly hear you and assist you in reaching a positive place.
More Therapists Nearby
I am an art & play therapist & child-adolescent specialist who helps children and parents develop powerful coping skills to overcome challenges & succeed at home, school, & in relationships. Parents who engage me in therapy are looking for an effective therapist with whom their child will feel supremely comfortable & not resist. I know how children think & my waiting rooms, offices, & every move I make is designed to help children & teens enjoy therapy. I treat a range of emotional-behavioral challenges & have a sub-specialty in social skills groups for neurodiverse children. Located in Haverford, Paoli, Blue Bell, & Center City.
I am an art & play therapist & child-adolescent specialist who helps children and parents develop powerful coping skills to overcome challenges & succeed at home, school, & in relationships. Parents who engage me in therapy are looking for an effective therapist with whom their child will feel supremely comfortable & not resist. I know how children think & my waiting rooms, offices, & every move I make is designed to help children & teens enjoy therapy. I treat a range of emotional-behavioral challenges & have a sub-specialty in social skills groups for neurodiverse children. Located in Haverford, Paoli, Blue Bell, & Center City.
Kelly Pohlig
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Exton, PA 19341 (Online Only)
I use a trauma informed approach to therapy which combines client focused therapy, psychodynamic applications, play therapy, and EMDR.
Hey there! It can be highly challenging it can be to reach out for help; you are taking the best step in seeking a partner for personal healing. I will work with you to create positive changes in your life, resolve conflicts, and towards the goals you desire. As a counselor, I work with individuals coping with various concerns related to neurodiversity, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD/ complex trauma, caregiver concerns, relationship issues, parenting struggles, communication skills, and general life dissatisfaction.
I use a trauma informed approach to therapy which combines client focused therapy, psychodynamic applications, play therapy, and EMDR.
Hey there! It can be highly challenging it can be to reach out for help; you are taking the best step in seeking a partner for personal healing. I will work with you to create positive changes in your life, resolve conflicts, and towards the goals you desire. As a counselor, I work with individuals coping with various concerns related to neurodiversity, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD/ complex trauma, caregiver concerns, relationship issues, parenting struggles, communication skills, and general life dissatisfaction.
Children do this work through play therapy, and adults through talk therapy.
I am sorry to say that my practice is full at this time. I am a clinical psychologist and a psychoanalyst with 30 years experience. I enjoy working with people of all ages including children from 0 to 18, young adults, adults and elders. I also work with parents on parenting issues and growth promoting strategies for their children.
Children do this work through play therapy, and adults through talk therapy.
I am sorry to say that my practice is full at this time. I am a clinical psychologist and a psychoanalyst with 30 years experience. I enjoy working with people of all ages including children from 0 to 18, young adults, adults and elders. I also work with parents on parenting issues and growth promoting strategies for their children.
Child and Family Art Therapy Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
We are child-adolescent art & play therapy specialists who help clients ages 3-22 develop powerful coping skills to overcome challenges to succeed at home, school, & in relationships! Parents who engage us in therapy seek an effective therapist with whom their child will feel supremely comfortable & not resist. You found us! We KNOW how children think, & our waiting rooms, offices, & approaches are designed to help children & teens enjoy therapy. We treat a range of emotional-behavioral challenges & have a sub-specialty in social skills groups for neurodiverse children. Located in Haverford, Paoli, Blue Bell, & Center City.
We are child-adolescent art & play therapy specialists who help clients ages 3-22 develop powerful coping skills to overcome challenges to succeed at home, school, & in relationships! Parents who engage us in therapy seek an effective therapist with whom their child will feel supremely comfortable & not resist. You found us! We KNOW how children think, & our waiting rooms, offices, & approaches are designed to help children & teens enjoy therapy. We treat a range of emotional-behavioral challenges & have a sub-specialty in social skills groups for neurodiverse children. Located in Haverford, Paoli, Blue Bell, & Center City.
See more therapy options for Chester Springs
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Chester Springs
- Berwyn
- Collegeville
- Downingtown
- Elverson
- Exton
- Limerick
- Malvern
- Paoli
- Phoenixville
- Pottstown
- Royersford
- West Chester
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.