Play Therapy in Birmingham, AL
Alison Creighton Johnson
Counselor, M Ed, LPC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35223
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity, family systems, trauma work, optional Christian counseling, and play therapy.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, questions of purpose, life transitions or familial and relational concerns, know that I will meet you where you are today. As a counselor, I work to create a safe space for you, explore the mysteries of life, heal and grow into becoming who you were created to be. I value integrating emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual exploration in the counseling process creatively. You are here for a reason and you are here for a purpose. It is worth navigating what an abundant life could look like.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity, family systems, trauma work, optional Christian counseling, and play therapy.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, questions of purpose, life transitions or familial and relational concerns, know that I will meet you where you are today. As a counselor, I work to create a safe space for you, explore the mysteries of life, heal and grow into becoming who you were created to be. I value integrating emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual exploration in the counseling process creatively. You are here for a reason and you are here for a purpose. It is worth navigating what an abundant life could look like.
Miranda Marcano
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
Hey there! I'm Miranda Marcano, and I'm so happy you found your way here. I got my M.Ed. in Counseling at the University of Montevallo. I am an Associate Licensed Counselor currently working towards my registered play therapy credential. I have been married to my husband for 14 years and I'm also a proud Momma to two amazing kiddos, one of whom has special needs. I completely understand the importance of finding a therapist who truly gets you, and I'm here to create a safe and understanding space for you. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, meaning we can tailor our sessions to find what works best for you.
Hey there! I'm Miranda Marcano, and I'm so happy you found your way here. I got my M.Ed. in Counseling at the University of Montevallo. I am an Associate Licensed Counselor currently working towards my registered play therapy credential. I have been married to my husband for 14 years and I'm also a proud Momma to two amazing kiddos, one of whom has special needs. I completely understand the importance of finding a therapist who truly gets you, and I'm here to create a safe and understanding space for you. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, meaning we can tailor our sessions to find what works best for you.
Strive Counseling Services, L.L.C.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, PIP, RPT
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35203
I am a Registered Play Therapist, this specialized treatment is for kids ages 3-12 years old.
“Building A Foundation For A Healthier You is paramount at Strive Counseling Services.” I provide the highest quality of therapeutic counseling to children and adults. I utilize evidenced-based approaches to assist clients with identifying their strengths to reach their optimal potential by developing confidence, skills for coping, and problem solving. I look forward to working with you to identify the best treatment modality to address your mental health needs. When you are ready to schedule your initial session please be prepared to provide your insurance information. “Let’s Strive Together!"
I am a Registered Play Therapist, this specialized treatment is for kids ages 3-12 years old.
“Building A Foundation For A Healthier You is paramount at Strive Counseling Services.” I provide the highest quality of therapeutic counseling to children and adults. I utilize evidenced-based approaches to assist clients with identifying their strengths to reach their optimal potential by developing confidence, skills for coping, and problem solving. I look forward to working with you to identify the best treatment modality to address your mental health needs. When you are ready to schedule your initial session please be prepared to provide your insurance information. “Let’s Strive Together!"
LaTonya Melton
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, JSOCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35209
Dr. Melton has almost two decades of experience working with children, adolescents and families. She utilizes a cognitive behavioral and person-centered approach coupled with her personal philosophy, 'touch one to reach one.' She is a Juvenile Sex Offender Certified Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider
Dr. Melton has almost two decades of experience working with children, adolescents and families. She utilizes a cognitive behavioral and person-centered approach coupled with her personal philosophy, 'touch one to reach one.' She is a Juvenile Sex Offender Certified Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider
Monique Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC-S, RPT-S, CCBT, TF-CBT
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35209
I specialize in play therapy, couple's therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy.
Ms. Johnson is committed to supporting individuals and families through a comprehensive approach. She strongly believes that, with the appropriate resources, everyone can achieve their fullest potential and is dedicated to ensuring they receive the utmost quality of service to make that possible. Her focus is on promoting the well-being of individuals, families, and the broader community by providing education, intervention, effective treatment, and prevention.
I specialize in play therapy, couple's therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy.
Ms. Johnson is committed to supporting individuals and families through a comprehensive approach. She strongly believes that, with the appropriate resources, everyone can achieve their fullest potential and is dedicated to ensuring they receive the utmost quality of service to make that possible. Her focus is on promoting the well-being of individuals, families, and the broader community by providing education, intervention, effective treatment, and prevention.
I have experience in using play therapy techniques and working with families to navigate the challenges they are faced with in life.
Are you having a tough time navigating life changes or finding a way to your ideal wellness? As a certified health and wellness coach and counselor I am here to support and provide you with the necessary tools to reach your wellness goals and to help you build the confidence in your strengths. The approach I take to counseling is to meet people where they are in their journey to then walk with them down the path of achieving their goals.
I have experience in using play therapy techniques and working with families to navigate the challenges they are faced with in life.
Are you having a tough time navigating life changes or finding a way to your ideal wellness? As a certified health and wellness coach and counselor I am here to support and provide you with the necessary tools to reach your wellness goals and to help you build the confidence in your strengths. The approach I take to counseling is to meet people where they are in their journey to then walk with them down the path of achieving their goals.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults, using creative approaches like art and play therapy to explore emotions and foster growth in a nurturing environment.
Taking the step to seek help is a courageous and powerful choice. I’m Melissa Sanchez, and I’m here to support you on this important journey. With a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and over 12 years of experience as an art teacher, I blend my expertise in mental health, education, and art to offer a unique and holistic approach to therapy.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults, using creative approaches like art and play therapy to explore emotions and foster growth in a nurturing environment.
Taking the step to seek help is a courageous and powerful choice. I’m Melissa Sanchez, and I’m here to support you on this important journey. With a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and over 12 years of experience as an art teacher, I blend my expertise in mental health, education, and art to offer a unique and holistic approach to therapy.
I offer individual, family, and couples counseling to adults and play therapy to children and adolescents.
My ideal client is someone who is looking for support with taking the next step in their lives. They are looking for someone to help provide them the tools to take that step and support them in accomplishing their goals.
I offer individual, family, and couples counseling to adults and play therapy to children and adolescents.
My ideal client is someone who is looking for support with taking the next step in their lives. They are looking for someone to help provide them the tools to take that step and support them in accomplishing their goals.
Brittany Cockrum
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
Waitlist for new clients
My counseling method is integrative, utilizing various theories as well as interactive art and play techniques as well as geek therapy, that work with children, teens, and adults.
Thank you for taking a moment to consider me for your counseling needs! I'm a counselor that specializes in children and adolescents, but has a wide scope of experience, ranging from severe mental illness, to parenting, to women's empowerment, and grief. I believe that the best counseling experience is derived when a person feels empowered enough to challenge their own comfort zone and explore their vulnerability, and I actively work to be the counselor that a client can do that with.
My counseling method is integrative, utilizing various theories as well as interactive art and play techniques as well as geek therapy, that work with children, teens, and adults.
Thank you for taking a moment to consider me for your counseling needs! I'm a counselor that specializes in children and adolescents, but has a wide scope of experience, ranging from severe mental illness, to parenting, to women's empowerment, and grief. I believe that the best counseling experience is derived when a person feels empowered enough to challenge their own comfort zone and explore their vulnerability, and I actively work to be the counselor that a client can do that with.
AEB Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35242
I utilize both play therapy and family systems techniques in my practice.
I am accepting new clients and can be a source of support for them in developing and achieving their goals. I work with clients who are experiencing grief, family conflict, excessive worry, perfectionism, and depression. I also work with clients who have experienced trauma in their lives in order to help them process this in a healthy way and move forward into a happier future. I am trained in EMDR which is a specialized therapy used to treat trauma-related needs. I enjoy working with children to help them learn to manage anger, distractions, hyperactivity, feelings resulting from divorce, and school problems.
I utilize both play therapy and family systems techniques in my practice.
I am accepting new clients and can be a source of support for them in developing and achieving their goals. I work with clients who are experiencing grief, family conflict, excessive worry, perfectionism, and depression. I also work with clients who have experienced trauma in their lives in order to help them process this in a healthy way and move forward into a happier future. I am trained in EMDR which is a specialized therapy used to treat trauma-related needs. I enjoy working with children to help them learn to manage anger, distractions, hyperactivity, feelings resulting from divorce, and school problems.
I am a passionate LPC who is working towards becoming a registered play therapist under the supervision of James Jackson LPC-S, RPT-S.
I believe in honesty, positive self-regard, and above all, genuineness The counseling room is a safe space to process your emotions and experiences. Life can be challenging as we adapt to the negative experiences beyond our control. Children are confronted with new obstacles hindering their personal growth and wellbeing. Parents relate to their child's experience and may feel helpless with the new dynamic they find themselves in. As a counselor, I would like to work with your child towards increasing self-awareness, coping skills and instilling hope as they navigate through life.
I am a passionate LPC who is working towards becoming a registered play therapist under the supervision of James Jackson LPC-S, RPT-S.
I believe in honesty, positive self-regard, and above all, genuineness The counseling room is a safe space to process your emotions and experiences. Life can be challenging as we adapt to the negative experiences beyond our control. Children are confronted with new obstacles hindering their personal growth and wellbeing. Parents relate to their child's experience and may feel helpless with the new dynamic they find themselves in. As a counselor, I would like to work with your child towards increasing self-awareness, coping skills and instilling hope as they navigate through life.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
I am certified in TraumaPlay, a developmentally sensitive play-based treatment curriculum, and I am trained in utilizing Theraplay Level 1 techniques, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR.
Hi! I'm so glad you are here. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and individuals who have experienced trauma (sexual abuse, physical abuse, maltreatment and neglect), anxiety, stress, trauma-related struggles, and attachment disturbances. Life can be challenging - especially when you feel stuck and joy seems lost. Experiencing challenging life events does not mean settling for unhappy circumstances. Together, we can work on creating positive meaning out of the most painful parts of your story, so that you can continue to move forward in the healing process and get to the place where you want to be.
I am certified in TraumaPlay, a developmentally sensitive play-based treatment curriculum, and I am trained in utilizing Theraplay Level 1 techniques, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR.
Hi! I'm so glad you are here. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and individuals who have experienced trauma (sexual abuse, physical abuse, maltreatment and neglect), anxiety, stress, trauma-related struggles, and attachment disturbances. Life can be challenging - especially when you feel stuck and joy seems lost. Experiencing challenging life events does not mean settling for unhappy circumstances. Together, we can work on creating positive meaning out of the most painful parts of your story, so that you can continue to move forward in the healing process and get to the place where you want to be.
Crossroads to Pathways Family Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35242
We also have a fully functional play therapy room, along with family therapy rooms.
Is your teen or adolescent struggling with cognitive and emotional disturbances? Are you getting calls from school officials weekly and you are unsure of what to do? Do you suspect that your child is struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, OCD, or other emotional/cognitive disorders? Well we would like to work with you and your family! We specialize in assisting teens/adolescents and their parents with formulating a therapeutic counseling plan that will address symptoms of emotional and cognitive disorders while providing parents with a plan to advocate for their child.
We also have a fully functional play therapy room, along with family therapy rooms.
Is your teen or adolescent struggling with cognitive and emotional disturbances? Are you getting calls from school officials weekly and you are unsure of what to do? Do you suspect that your child is struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, OCD, or other emotional/cognitive disorders? Well we would like to work with you and your family! We specialize in assisting teens/adolescents and their parents with formulating a therapeutic counseling plan that will address symptoms of emotional and cognitive disorders while providing parents with a plan to advocate for their child.
My orientation as a therapist includes utilizing techniques mainly from CBT, Play Therapy, DBT, and Person-Centered Therapy.
Offering FREE intake appointments- Hi! My name is Lee Knight, and I am an Associate Licensed Counselor at Alabama Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC. I have a passion for working with children and families through issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, OCD, and trauma. I also specialize in helping young adults as they navigate life transitions and associated mental health struggles.
My orientation as a therapist includes utilizing techniques mainly from CBT, Play Therapy, DBT, and Person-Centered Therapy.
Offering FREE intake appointments- Hi! My name is Lee Knight, and I am an Associate Licensed Counselor at Alabama Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC. I have a passion for working with children and families through issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, OCD, and trauma. I also specialize in helping young adults as they navigate life transitions and associated mental health struggles.
Sara Margaret Mayers
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35205
Welcome, I am so happy that you are here! Sometimes, life can go in a direction we were not expecting causing us to feel lost or overwhelmed. You may feel you are alone, but I promise you are not. In therapy, we can learn how to understand and live with difficult emotions and moments in life. Everyone is unique, making my approach to therapy different for everyone. My goal is to provide a therapeutic environment that allows families, children, and individuals to grow into their better selves through play and talk therapy.
Welcome, I am so happy that you are here! Sometimes, life can go in a direction we were not expecting causing us to feel lost or overwhelmed. You may feel you are alone, but I promise you are not. In therapy, we can learn how to understand and live with difficult emotions and moments in life. Everyone is unique, making my approach to therapy different for everyone. My goal is to provide a therapeutic environment that allows families, children, and individuals to grow into their better selves through play and talk therapy.
Misty Smith's supervision, I operate from an acceptance and commitment therapy approach, incorporating trauma-informed and somatic (mind-body) interventions, mindfulness and yoga, play therapy, and expressive therapies.
Taking the steps towards therapy can be uncomfortable, especially if this is your first time or if you haven’t found the right fit yet. I am passionate in knowing that authenticity & connection can foster a safe space to be exactly as you are with non-judgment & empowerment. I strive to see my clients through a multicultural lens, taking into consideration any social, racial, or cultural identities they feel are important to who they are. I work with my clients on reaching their goals & navigating life transitions. For my child & teen clients, understanding their worldview is essential to addressing challenges they may experience.
Misty Smith's supervision, I operate from an acceptance and commitment therapy approach, incorporating trauma-informed and somatic (mind-body) interventions, mindfulness and yoga, play therapy, and expressive therapies.
Taking the steps towards therapy can be uncomfortable, especially if this is your first time or if you haven’t found the right fit yet. I am passionate in knowing that authenticity & connection can foster a safe space to be exactly as you are with non-judgment & empowerment. I strive to see my clients through a multicultural lens, taking into consideration any social, racial, or cultural identities they feel are important to who they are. I work with my clients on reaching their goals & navigating life transitions. For my child & teen clients, understanding their worldview is essential to addressing challenges they may experience.
I utilize an integrated approach of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and play therapy.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, based in Birmingham, Al servicing children 5-18 and families in need of therapeutic guidance. As a therapist it is my role to create a safe space for individuals and families to compassionately explore their journeys and assist them in reaching their full potential. I believe gaining insight into ones core self and accepting our past experiences as guided lessons lead us down the path to find the specific aspects of ourselves that makes us so unique. I support the notion that we don't need to be "broken" to need healing, yet we may simply desire the evolution of self.
I utilize an integrated approach of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and play therapy.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, based in Birmingham, Al servicing children 5-18 and families in need of therapeutic guidance. As a therapist it is my role to create a safe space for individuals and families to compassionately explore their journeys and assist them in reaching their full potential. I believe gaining insight into ones core self and accepting our past experiences as guided lessons lead us down the path to find the specific aspects of ourselves that makes us so unique. I support the notion that we don't need to be "broken" to need healing, yet we may simply desire the evolution of self.
Haley Oberholzer
Licensed Professional Counselor, BA, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35209
I also integrate play therapy with younger clients in order to provide a safe space as well as allowing families to work together towards a common goal.
Oftentimes in life we feel at a standstill as to what to do next. It can be overwhelming and difficult. Whether it be a transition to a new life stage, working on our self-esteem or processing any of life's unexpected changes. I like to work with client's and their families to navigate through these challenges in proving warmth and acceptance as well as meeting my clients where they are at. As a counselor I work to connect with my clients and empower them reach their individual goals.
I also integrate play therapy with younger clients in order to provide a safe space as well as allowing families to work together towards a common goal.
Oftentimes in life we feel at a standstill as to what to do next. It can be overwhelming and difficult. Whether it be a transition to a new life stage, working on our self-esteem or processing any of life's unexpected changes. I like to work with client's and their families to navigate through these challenges in proving warmth and acceptance as well as meeting my clients where they are at. As a counselor I work to connect with my clients and empower them reach their individual goals.
I offer play therapy for children 4 and above.
I utilize different approaches to help clients achieve self growth and to build better relationships. I provide a safe space for clients to explore their inner world to accomplish high self worth, competent boundaries, secure attachments, and individual purpose. I explore spiritual, mental, emotional and family dynamics with my clients to get to the root of any life stressors. I hope for my clients to experience inner peace and clarity after each session as they continue towards a journey of self-awareness. Practical and existential practices are utilized to bring about confidence and high self-esteem to achieve the client's goals.
I offer play therapy for children 4 and above.
I utilize different approaches to help clients achieve self growth and to build better relationships. I provide a safe space for clients to explore their inner world to accomplish high self worth, competent boundaries, secure attachments, and individual purpose. I explore spiritual, mental, emotional and family dynamics with my clients to get to the root of any life stressors. I hope for my clients to experience inner peace and clarity after each session as they continue towards a journey of self-awareness. Practical and existential practices are utilized to bring about confidence and high self-esteem to achieve the client's goals.
Melissa Werner
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35216
In work with young children I use expressive and play therapies.
Congratulations on wanting to make changes to enhance the quality of your life! I believe that most of us CAN make the changes we deeply want to, particularly if we have a knowledgeable advocate supporting us. I believe effective psychotherapy is often about both uncovering how we acquired the (literal or psychological) obstacles to our best paths and about the process of (emotional, cognitive and/or behavioral) skills' acquisition to remove those blocks. I strive to be a compassionate, trustworthy, and enthusiastic partner to my clients' growth processes.
In work with young children I use expressive and play therapies.
Congratulations on wanting to make changes to enhance the quality of your life! I believe that most of us CAN make the changes we deeply want to, particularly if we have a knowledgeable advocate supporting us. I believe effective psychotherapy is often about both uncovering how we acquired the (literal or psychological) obstacles to our best paths and about the process of (emotional, cognitive and/or behavioral) skills' acquisition to remove those blocks. I strive to be a compassionate, trustworthy, and enthusiastic partner to my clients' growth processes.
See more therapy options for Birmingham
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Birmingham
- Alabaster
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- Helena
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- Meadowbrook
- Mountain Brook
- Pelham
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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.