Play Therapy in Northampton, MA
Besides working with adults I have extensive experience working with children of all ages and abilities, with expertise in creative arts therapy, play therapy, non-verbal communication, developmental issues, and adjustment issues.
Psychotherapy offers the opportunity to gain insight into ourselves, and to move forward in our lives. My approach combines talk therapy with expressive arts and a body/mind focus as it suits the needs of the client. First we focus on conversations to clarify what your needs are and how we would best work together. Active listening and being present and responsive to you is the foundation for the therapeutic relationship. In my work with children 4 to 12 years old I combine play therapy with expressive arts, as they naturally express themselves this way.
Besides working with adults I have extensive experience working with children of all ages and abilities, with expertise in creative arts therapy, play therapy, non-verbal communication, developmental issues, and adjustment issues.
Psychotherapy offers the opportunity to gain insight into ourselves, and to move forward in our lives. My approach combines talk therapy with expressive arts and a body/mind focus as it suits the needs of the client. First we focus on conversations to clarify what your needs are and how we would best work together. Active listening and being present and responsive to you is the foundation for the therapeutic relationship. In my work with children 4 to 12 years old I combine play therapy with expressive arts, as they naturally express themselves this way.
I often use expressive and play therapy modalities in sessions to explore topics that are difficult to vocalize.
**Practice currently full** I offer individual and family therapy, working with children, adolescents, and adults. My approach is relational, attachment-focused, and trauma-informed. I believe that each person is the expert of their own experience; I work collaboratively with clients to tailor treatment to best meet their needs and to identify strategies to improve their daily lives. I strive to remain attentive to social identities, dynamics in family systems, and the larger cultural landscape that impact a person's sense of self and shape their experiences.
I often use expressive and play therapy modalities in sessions to explore topics that are difficult to vocalize.
**Practice currently full** I offer individual and family therapy, working with children, adolescents, and adults. My approach is relational, attachment-focused, and trauma-informed. I believe that each person is the expert of their own experience; I work collaboratively with clients to tailor treatment to best meet their needs and to identify strategies to improve their daily lives. I strive to remain attentive to social identities, dynamics in family systems, and the larger cultural landscape that impact a person's sense of self and shape their experiences.
Angela Rietvelt
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton, MA 01060
Waitlist for new clients
I use play therapy techniques interwoven, when appropriate, with trauma focused strategies and sensorimotor techniques.
My approach is warm, playful, and relational. I work with children and teens whose stories are in the making; stories that are stored in their bodies and minds; stories that are played out through behaviors and actions. I help interpret behaviors as we work towards change and healing. I engage with children, adolescents and families when something feels “off”, when something bad, sad, or scary happens. Together we work on regulating feelings, thoughts, and experiences in our body. You learn to become more attuned to each other and connect.
I use play therapy techniques interwoven, when appropriate, with trauma focused strategies and sensorimotor techniques.
My approach is warm, playful, and relational. I work with children and teens whose stories are in the making; stories that are stored in their bodies and minds; stories that are played out through behaviors and actions. I help interpret behaviors as we work towards change and healing. I engage with children, adolescents and families when something feels “off”, when something bad, sad, or scary happens. Together we work on regulating feelings, thoughts, and experiences in our body. You learn to become more attuned to each other and connect.
My approach is based on the needs of the individual and can include psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and play therapy.
Life is hard when there is too much unhappiness, worry, anger or frustration. I have been psychotherapist since 1994 and have a deep respect for the process of growth and change that individuals and families can accomplish. I treat children, adolescents and adults who are stuck in patterns that keep them from feeling happy, peaceful and healthy. If you are interested in listening to the way I think about therapy, here is a link to my podcast: www.theartoflistening.me/episodes/sarah-abel
My approach is based on the needs of the individual and can include psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and play therapy.
Life is hard when there is too much unhappiness, worry, anger or frustration. I have been psychotherapist since 1994 and have a deep respect for the process of growth and change that individuals and families can accomplish. I treat children, adolescents and adults who are stuck in patterns that keep them from feeling happy, peaceful and healthy. If you are interested in listening to the way I think about therapy, here is a link to my podcast: www.theartoflistening.me/episodes/sarah-abel
Molly E Moses
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MTS, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton, MA 01060
Waitlist for new clients
I can integrate spirituality and ritual, art and music, and play for all ages into our work.
Humans are wacky, beautiful, awesome, creative, remarkable beings. When we have anchors within and outside of ourselves for safety, we can explore possibilities, feel organized and competent, and speak our minds and hearts. There are many forces that can inhibit our vitality. Sometimes, it can be hard to access feelings of curiosity, interest, motivation, connection, or being ourselves. But under the layers of what gets in our way, each of us is already here, already whole.
I can integrate spirituality and ritual, art and music, and play for all ages into our work.
Humans are wacky, beautiful, awesome, creative, remarkable beings. When we have anchors within and outside of ourselves for safety, we can explore possibilities, feel organized and competent, and speak our minds and hearts. There are many forces that can inhibit our vitality. Sometimes, it can be hard to access feelings of curiosity, interest, motivation, connection, or being ourselves. But under the layers of what gets in our way, each of us is already here, already whole.
Amorn O'Connor
Counselor, LMHC, R-DMT
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060
Waitlist for new clients
I provide a welcoming, therapeutic space to explore and process inner conflicts as they emerge through a child’s most innate language of play.
I'm on maternity leave until January 2025. Please reach out for openings at that time. For children, behavior is a way to communicate needs. When complex emotions arise through challenging behaviors, parents may be left feeling unsure how to respond. Does your child seem overly anxious? Are they highly distressed when separated from you? Maybe they've experienced a significant loss or you’d like to prepare them for a family life change. Are you an adoptive or foster family wanting help with bonding and building secure attachment? Do you hope to gain clearer insight into your child’s needs and support them through a stressful time?
I provide a welcoming, therapeutic space to explore and process inner conflicts as they emerge through a child’s most innate language of play.
I'm on maternity leave until January 2025. Please reach out for openings at that time. For children, behavior is a way to communicate needs. When complex emotions arise through challenging behaviors, parents may be left feeling unsure how to respond. Does your child seem overly anxious? Are they highly distressed when separated from you? Maybe they've experienced a significant loss or you’d like to prepare them for a family life change. Are you an adoptive or foster family wanting help with bonding and building secure attachment? Do you hope to gain clearer insight into your child’s needs and support them through a stressful time?
Christina Garidis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Northampton, MA 01060
I provide play therapy for toddlers and school aged children, psychotherapy for adolescents, parenting support, and counseling for families whose children are experiencing difficulties in school or other settings.
Everyone experiences emotions and situations in life that can be overwhelming, burdening, and anxiety-ridden. Many of these symptoms reflect inner conflicts and desires, but also early attachment patterns. Talking to a professional can help you develop insight and change patterns. My training as a psychodynamic psychotherapist and my previous work in neuroscience have shaped my practice philosophy. I believe that we naturally strive toward growth, safety and making relationships fulfilling. I provide a space where we can explore emotional conflicts, and make meaning of them--the basis for change and developing healthier ways of coping.
I provide play therapy for toddlers and school aged children, psychotherapy for adolescents, parenting support, and counseling for families whose children are experiencing difficulties in school or other settings.
Everyone experiences emotions and situations in life that can be overwhelming, burdening, and anxiety-ridden. Many of these symptoms reflect inner conflicts and desires, but also early attachment patterns. Talking to a professional can help you develop insight and change patterns. My training as a psychodynamic psychotherapist and my previous work in neuroscience have shaped my practice philosophy. I believe that we naturally strive toward growth, safety and making relationships fulfilling. I provide a space where we can explore emotional conflicts, and make meaning of them--the basis for change and developing healthier ways of coping.
J. Michael Rowan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060 (Online Only)
I typically utilize a combination of approaches including play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family therapy.
I am an experienced family therapist who has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. I see self-pay clients and Blue Cross Blue Shield. I am often the first person to see a young child when emotional and behavioral difficulties emerge in pre-school or Kindergarten. I can help figure out what's going on diagnostically and we can develop a treatment plan together. I have successfully helped children and adults with ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders like Depression and Bipolar Disorder.
I typically utilize a combination of approaches including play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family therapy.
I am an experienced family therapist who has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. I see self-pay clients and Blue Cross Blue Shield. I am often the first person to see a young child when emotional and behavioral difficulties emerge in pre-school or Kindergarten. I can help figure out what's going on diagnostically and we can develop a treatment plan together. I have successfully helped children and adults with ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders like Depression and Bipolar Disorder.
With children I utilize art, play, sandtray, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Imagine sharing your most private thoughts and feelings, safely, and without risk, so that you get to know yourself more deeply. Neuroscience teaches us how emotions affect our behavior, how they are stored in the body, and how negative emotions can be healed. In my work, I utilize techniques that focus on the relationship and the feedback mechanisms between the mind and the body in order to promote deeper and more complete healing. I also help couples and families recognize patterns of behavior that contribute to misunderstanding, tension and conflict. My intention is to create a safe space that is non-judgmental, welcoming and warm.
With children I utilize art, play, sandtray, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Imagine sharing your most private thoughts and feelings, safely, and without risk, so that you get to know yourself more deeply. Neuroscience teaches us how emotions affect our behavior, how they are stored in the body, and how negative emotions can be healed. In my work, I utilize techniques that focus on the relationship and the feedback mechanisms between the mind and the body in order to promote deeper and more complete healing. I also help couples and families recognize patterns of behavior that contribute to misunderstanding, tension and conflict. My intention is to create a safe space that is non-judgmental, welcoming and warm.
Phoebe Hannon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060 (Online Only)
Phoebe loves using creative expression (drawing, writing, poetry, music, play, movement, and more) in therapy as a way to express feelings and stories that words alone can’t always reach.
Phoebe offers a warm and authentic space to connect, understanding “problems” in the context of societal oppression rather than as individual failures or pathologies. They offer a space where grief, anger and all parts of self are welcome, where you can rewrite old stories that no longer serve you, and envision/create a new future for yourself.
Phoebe loves using creative expression (drawing, writing, poetry, music, play, movement, and more) in therapy as a way to express feelings and stories that words alone can’t always reach.
Phoebe offers a warm and authentic space to connect, understanding “problems” in the context of societal oppression rather than as individual failures or pathologies. They offer a space where grief, anger and all parts of self are welcome, where you can rewrite old stories that no longer serve you, and envision/create a new future for yourself.
I work with adults, children, teens, their families and caregivers. I have a warm, attuned approach that supports each person's intuitive ability to heal. In my work with adults, Internal Family Systems-IFS is offered to work with a variety of challenges. Children go through challenging times, divorce, loss, adjustment to traumatic events. Treatment explores movement, art and expressive play focusing on emotion regulation.For young children, therapeutically supported expressive play therapy provides safety that helps children communicate their needs, feelings, modify behavior, and increase problem solving skills.
I work with adults, children, teens, their families and caregivers. I have a warm, attuned approach that supports each person's intuitive ability to heal. In my work with adults, Internal Family Systems-IFS is offered to work with a variety of challenges. Children go through challenging times, divorce, loss, adjustment to traumatic events. Treatment explores movement, art and expressive play focusing on emotion regulation.For young children, therapeutically supported expressive play therapy provides safety that helps children communicate their needs, feelings, modify behavior, and increase problem solving skills.
Tarn was adopted and raised in Southern Vermont on a farm. She has always loved helping others so the decision to become a therapist came easy. She first attended Community College in Vermont before continuing on to earn a BA in Sociology from Smith College in Northampton, MA. Tarn then attended the Smith College School for Social Work where she earned a Masters in Social Work (MSW). She has since worked in a variety of positions throughout her career which have assisted her in becoming an eclectic therapist with a wealth of knowledge in several facets of social work and life.
Tarn was adopted and raised in Southern Vermont on a farm. She has always loved helping others so the decision to become a therapist came easy. She first attended Community College in Vermont before continuing on to earn a BA in Sociology from Smith College in Northampton, MA. Tarn then attended the Smith College School for Social Work where she earned a Masters in Social Work (MSW). She has since worked in a variety of positions throughout her career which have assisted her in becoming an eclectic therapist with a wealth of knowledge in several facets of social work and life.
My work is rooted in the belief that there is nothing wrong with us. We just need support in finding what works and what doesn’t work and integrating the myriad parts of ourselves. I work within a relational framework and value collaboration every step of the way. It is also my commitment to create a safe space where the complexity of identity and experience is honored and affirmed.
My work is rooted in the belief that there is nothing wrong with us. We just need support in finding what works and what doesn’t work and integrating the myriad parts of ourselves. I work within a relational framework and value collaboration every step of the way. It is also my commitment to create a safe space where the complexity of identity and experience is honored and affirmed.
My approach to therapy is not limited to any one direction or technique. I work to stay open to and curious about each person's unfolding story. I listen closely to nuance and I look for underlying patterns, towards understanding what keeps people stuck. I am comfortable working with great adversity and extreme pain.
My approach to therapy is not limited to any one direction or technique. I work to stay open to and curious about each person's unfolding story. I listen closely to nuance and I look for underlying patterns, towards understanding what keeps people stuck. I am comfortable working with great adversity and extreme pain.
<- New sessions available mornings & evenings - New couples welcome -> Are you living with challenging routines like having the same fight over and over or the same negative thoughts about yourself each morning? Often, these painful patterns actually came out of an initial attempt to help care for yourself. My goal is to support you to explore how these patterns influence your life today and then to continue the ones that serve you and to change the ones that don’t. I support you to build new boundaries, to quiet shame and to invent new narratives of possibility to achieve the growth you're looking for.
<- New sessions available mornings & evenings - New couples welcome -> Are you living with challenging routines like having the same fight over and over or the same negative thoughts about yourself each morning? Often, these painful patterns actually came out of an initial attempt to help care for yourself. My goal is to support you to explore how these patterns influence your life today and then to continue the ones that serve you and to change the ones that don’t. I support you to build new boundaries, to quiet shame and to invent new narratives of possibility to achieve the growth you're looking for.
Amy Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060
Waitlist for new clients
*****PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS****** I am an experienced (24 years) psychotherapist with an intuitive, down to earth style. I specialize in LGBTQIA+ issues, relationships, body image and self-esteem, sex and sexuality, working through trauma and family of origin issues, depression, anxiety, first responders and vicarious trauma, creativity and self-expression, and gender variance and transition. My work is relational and is rooted in an awareness of social and cultural realities. I provide a safe, stable, warm environment in which to explore and address your concerns.
*****PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS****** I am an experienced (24 years) psychotherapist with an intuitive, down to earth style. I specialize in LGBTQIA+ issues, relationships, body image and self-esteem, sex and sexuality, working through trauma and family of origin issues, depression, anxiety, first responders and vicarious trauma, creativity and self-expression, and gender variance and transition. My work is relational and is rooted in an awareness of social and cultural realities. I provide a safe, stable, warm environment in which to explore and address your concerns.
I work with indivuals who are open to experimenting with different modalities in order to identify the best path to their healing. I support adults who are ready to make the changes in their lives needed to grow out of stagnancy. I believe that supporting my clients to connect with the unconscious parts of themselves is the key to healing. I support clients in understanding their relationship to their gender and sexuality.
I work with indivuals who are open to experimenting with different modalities in order to identify the best path to their healing. I support adults who are ready to make the changes in their lives needed to grow out of stagnancy. I believe that supporting my clients to connect with the unconscious parts of themselves is the key to healing. I support clients in understanding their relationship to their gender and sexuality.
Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I provide a practical framework that helps individuals, parents, and kids. I also enjoy working with college-aged students and athletes. I believe the relationship we create is crucial in our work. Together we can explore the areas where you are struggling and find ways to help you live more authentically. I provide tele-health, walk/run while we talk therapy. I am trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Please feel free to reach out for a 15 minute consultation call to see if it is a good fit.
Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I provide a practical framework that helps individuals, parents, and kids. I also enjoy working with college-aged students and athletes. I believe the relationship we create is crucial in our work. Together we can explore the areas where you are struggling and find ways to help you live more authentically. I provide tele-health, walk/run while we talk therapy. I am trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Please feel free to reach out for a 15 minute consultation call to see if it is a good fit.
Accepting new in-person patients - I consider the overlapping experiences of self, authenticity, identity, regulation, and relationships as central to therapy and the ways in which we make sense of ourselves and others in the world. I work with patients in an empathic, challenging, supportive and relational way toward life changes, as well as to discover coping skills tailored to their particular needs and experiences. I work from a relational, psychoanalytic, psychodynamic and attachment perspective of the whole person.
Accepting new in-person patients - I consider the overlapping experiences of self, authenticity, identity, regulation, and relationships as central to therapy and the ways in which we make sense of ourselves and others in the world. I work with patients in an empathic, challenging, supportive and relational way toward life changes, as well as to discover coping skills tailored to their particular needs and experiences. I work from a relational, psychoanalytic, psychodynamic and attachment perspective of the whole person.
Maxwell Ehrnfelt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton, MA 01060 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
To begin, I would like to share a reading that resonates with me personally and professionally. In "Decolonizing Therapy," Dr. Jennifer Mullan offers, "We are demanding trauma-responsive, culturally full, transparent, anti-carceral, non-ableist care. We all deserve this. Our children deserve this. Our elders deserve this. Future generations deserve this. This book is my offering for more cross-movement, intergenerational, neurodivergent, gender-queer, ancestral, abolition-centered, embodied therapeutic work that actually works, and does not devour." <3
To begin, I would like to share a reading that resonates with me personally and professionally. In "Decolonizing Therapy," Dr. Jennifer Mullan offers, "We are demanding trauma-responsive, culturally full, transparent, anti-carceral, non-ableist care. We all deserve this. Our children deserve this. Our elders deserve this. Future generations deserve this. This book is my offering for more cross-movement, intergenerational, neurodivergent, gender-queer, ancestral, abolition-centered, embodied therapeutic work that actually works, and does not devour." <3
See more therapy options for Northampton
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Northampton
- Amherst
- Belchertown
- Chicopee
- Easthampton
- Florence
- Hadley
- Holyoke
- Ludlow
- South Deerfield
- South Hadley
- West Springfield
- Westfield
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.