Play Therapy in Downingtown, PA

Photo of Rebecca Weidler, MS, LBS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Weidler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LBS, LPC
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335  (Online Only)
Specializing in trauma treatment, hypnotherapy, play therapy and behavioral consulting for children, adults and families.
No matter what life brings you, treatment can bring you "home." All walks of life and all experiences are unique, so your treatment will be tailored to fit for you. Direction, support, guidance and healing available now.
Specializing in trauma treatment, hypnotherapy, play therapy and behavioral consulting for children, adults and families.
No matter what life brings you, treatment can bring you "home." All walks of life and all experiences are unique, so your treatment will be tailored to fit for you. Direction, support, guidance and healing available now.
(484) 207-5572 View (484) 207-5572
Photo of Nikki Talarico Yatron, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nikki Talarico Yatron
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335  (Online Only)
Hello! I am so happy you found my page! I am very passionate about what I do and the families I serve. I have been a Mental Health Therapist serving children and adolescence for over 7 years.  I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. I am licensed in both DC and Pennsylvania. I hold a certification in TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and am in the process of obtaining my Registered Play Therapy Licensure.
Hello! I am so happy you found my page! I am very passionate about what I do and the families I serve. I have been a Mental Health Therapist serving children and adolescence for over 7 years.  I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. I am licensed in both DC and Pennsylvania. I hold a certification in TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and am in the process of obtaining my Registered Play Therapy Licensure.
(484) 209-1478 View (484) 209-1478
Photo of Dr. Dorothy Gail Monteith, LPC, EdD, MHS, Counselor
Dr. Dorothy Gail Monteith
Counselor, LPC, EdD, MHS
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335
I am EMDR trained and Mindfulness Play Therapy Based Family Therapy trained.
I work well with clients that want to add to their own improvement and are motivated to change. I want to help with this need, or their want to improve. I want to help how you feel, and make you feel more positive. I am a positive, caring, compassionate person and i I listen carefully, and want to help.
I am EMDR trained and Mindfulness Play Therapy Based Family Therapy trained.
I work well with clients that want to add to their own improvement and are motivated to change. I want to help with this need, or their want to improve. I want to help how you feel, and make you feel more positive. I am a positive, caring, compassionate person and i I listen carefully, and want to help.
(610) 347-5704 View (610) 347-5704
Erin Elizabeth Reigle
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335
When working with children and adolescence I often incorporate games and play into therapy to engage them and express themselves in developmentally appropriate ways.
Thank you for visiting my psychology today page! My philosophy is that clients are the experts on their own lives, and sometimes we all need guidance and support to achieve what we want to achieve. I base my approach on each individual client but primarily use a person centered approach along with teaching many coping skills from the DBT modality. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, including young children. I have also worked with a variety of different diagnoses and can help clients with a variety of issues. Included in this would be anxiety, depression, grief/loss, self esteem, and relationship issues.
When working with children and adolescence I often incorporate games and play into therapy to engage them and express themselves in developmentally appropriate ways.
Thank you for visiting my psychology today page! My philosophy is that clients are the experts on their own lives, and sometimes we all need guidance and support to achieve what we want to achieve. I base my approach on each individual client but primarily use a person centered approach along with teaching many coping skills from the DBT modality. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, including young children. I have also worked with a variety of different diagnoses and can help clients with a variety of issues. Included in this would be anxiety, depression, grief/loss, self esteem, and relationship issues.
(484) 209-0392 View (484) 209-0392
Photo of Shelby L Riley - Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
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.
(484) 257-9600 View (484) 257-9600
Photo of Joy L Wawrzyniak, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joy L Wawrzyniak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
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.
(610) 851-4876 View (610) 851-4876
Photo of Carter Weeber, LPC, MEd, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carter Weeber
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd, MS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
This form of play therapy is practiced along with talk therapy using the sandbox and figures as communication tools.
I am committed to helping you meet your goals by tailoring my therapeutic approach to fit the unique needs of each child, adolescent, couple or family. By providing a warm and empathetic environment, I will collaborate with you to identify what may be holding you back from the freedom to live a more enriching life. My mission is to help you rediscover a sense of hope and encourage you to move forward with the feeling of empowerment and a renewed ability to cope with life's challenges. If desired, I enjoy integrating Christianity into our discussions.
This form of play therapy is practiced along with talk therapy using the sandbox and figures as communication tools.
I am committed to helping you meet your goals by tailoring my therapeutic approach to fit the unique needs of each child, adolescent, couple or family. By providing a warm and empathetic environment, I will collaborate with you to identify what may be holding you back from the freedom to live a more enriching life. My mission is to help you rediscover a sense of hope and encourage you to move forward with the feeling of empowerment and a renewed ability to cope with life's challenges. If desired, I enjoy integrating Christianity into our discussions.
(484) 881-3995 View (484) 881-3995
Photo of Chanelle Bishop-Gilyard, PsyD, MS, Psychologist
Chanelle Bishop-Gilyard
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
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!
(610) 601-6889 View (610) 601-6889
Photo of Maegon Crader, MA, LPC, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Maegon Crader
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
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.
(484) 292-2480 View (484) 292-2480
Photo of Lauren Cunkelman, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lauren Cunkelman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Does your child often have meltdowns or emotional explosions? Are you constantly fighting and feel like your home is a battlefield? Is it hard to connect with your child and understand why they’re behaving the way that they are? My family-oriented and collaborative approach to therapy may be a fit. I want to help you and your child decrease the amount of fighting that occurs and uncover why your child behaves the way they do. I believe that if families are more connected, our society becomes more connected, which means a more positive future. And a positive future is what you want for your child.
Does your child often have meltdowns or emotional explosions? Are you constantly fighting and feel like your home is a battlefield? Is it hard to connect with your child and understand why they’re behaving the way that they are? My family-oriented and collaborative approach to therapy may be a fit. I want to help you and your child decrease the amount of fighting that occurs and uncover why your child behaves the way they do. I believe that if families are more connected, our society becomes more connected, which means a more positive future. And a positive future is what you want for your child.
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Photo of Kaitlyn Gawrylewski, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kaitlyn Gawrylewski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Later childhood and adolescence are one of the most challenging times in our lives. Whether you are a caregiver looking for someone to help your child manage the stressors that arise during these stages, or a teen looking for someone to help you navigate the emerging changes and challenges, my humanistic approach may be a good fit for you! I incorporate a whole person view when working with clients. Whether you are living with anxiety, depression, experiencing difficulty in family or peer relationships, or finding it a challenge acclimating to early adulthood, my collaborative approach may be the bridge toward optimal health.
Later childhood and adolescence are one of the most challenging times in our lives. Whether you are a caregiver looking for someone to help your child manage the stressors that arise during these stages, or a teen looking for someone to help you navigate the emerging changes and challenges, my humanistic approach may be a good fit for you! I incorporate a whole person view when working with clients. Whether you are living with anxiety, depression, experiencing difficulty in family or peer relationships, or finding it a challenge acclimating to early adulthood, my collaborative approach may be the bridge toward optimal health.
(484) 310-9062 View (484) 310-9062
Photo of Jessica DiIenno, MSS, LCSW, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica DiIenno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Relational trauma therapist who might be a good fit for you if: you find yourself scrolling through tiktok, find a video talking about a "toxic" relationship or "narcissistic" parents. You reel with confusion, anxiety, hurt because this content describes someone in your life so accurately and you had not considered how a relationship with this person may be negatively affecting your mental health. You may need some help processing your feelings, unpacking your relationship patterns, managing the negative affects of these relationships, or figuring out your next (potentially very scary) steps.
Relational trauma therapist who might be a good fit for you if: you find yourself scrolling through tiktok, find a video talking about a "toxic" relationship or "narcissistic" parents. You reel with confusion, anxiety, hurt because this content describes someone in your life so accurately and you had not considered how a relationship with this person may be negatively affecting your mental health. You may need some help processing your feelings, unpacking your relationship patterns, managing the negative affects of these relationships, or figuring out your next (potentially very scary) steps.
(610) 595-5170 View (610) 595-5170
Photo of Kellyann Peck, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kellyann Peck
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335
My desire is to help my clients grow in wholeness. Our life's journeys can be unpredictable and uncertain. We can experience transitional changes and shifts in our perspectives: mentally, physically and even spiritually. I believe you can walk through these circumstances with grace as we partner together. My hope is to support and assist you as we travel through therapeutic care and help you find the right path for your destination. I would love to help you move forward with vitality. Empowering you to become aware of what you desire and give you the tools to reach for hope and health!
My desire is to help my clients grow in wholeness. Our life's journeys can be unpredictable and uncertain. We can experience transitional changes and shifts in our perspectives: mentally, physically and even spiritually. I believe you can walk through these circumstances with grace as we partner together. My hope is to support and assist you as we travel through therapeutic care and help you find the right path for your destination. I would love to help you move forward with vitality. Empowering you to become aware of what you desire and give you the tools to reach for hope and health!
(484) 237-1339 View (484) 237-1339
Photo of Tracy Defina, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tracy Defina
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335
If you need a peaceful place to be heard with compassion, I can help. I believe the key to our mental health is being able to express our true selves and be heard. Receiving guidance for understanding and navigating emotions and behaviors that may be blocking our goals can lead to living more of the life we were meant to live. I work with individuals, children, couples or families. We can journey together with hope toward healing and thriving.
If you need a peaceful place to be heard with compassion, I can help. I believe the key to our mental health is being able to express our true selves and be heard. Receiving guidance for understanding and navigating emotions and behaviors that may be blocking our goals can lead to living more of the life we were meant to live. I work with individuals, children, couples or families. We can journey together with hope toward healing and thriving.
(610) 269-2661 View (610) 269-2661
Photo of Genevieve Aucoin, MA, NCC, MT-BC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Genevieve Aucoin
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC, MT-BC
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335
Helping clients to create and discover healing, meaning, and joy.
Helping clients to create and discover healing, meaning, and joy.
(610) 646-5955 View (610) 646-5955
Photo of Erin Adamitis, PsyD, Psychologist
Erin Adamitis
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working within the field for 10+ years. My work focuses on both assessment and treatment of toddlers, children, and teens who are experiencing difficulties with behavior, mood, development, and cognition. Though I tailor my treatment to the individual needs of each client, I most often incorporate behavioral and solution-focused techniques and work collaboratively with others in the child's life. Now in private practice, I previously worked for various schools and clinics in Chicago, IL, Nationwide Children' s Hospital in OH, and the National Institutes of Health in MD.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working within the field for 10+ years. My work focuses on both assessment and treatment of toddlers, children, and teens who are experiencing difficulties with behavior, mood, development, and cognition. Though I tailor my treatment to the individual needs of each client, I most often incorporate behavioral and solution-focused techniques and work collaboratively with others in the child's life. Now in private practice, I previously worked for various schools and clinics in Chicago, IL, Nationwide Children' s Hospital in OH, and the National Institutes of Health in MD.
(610) 223-9356 View (610) 223-9356
Photo of Andrea Morganstein, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Andrea Morganstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Not accepting new clients
Current appt. availability on my website. People come to me because they are struggling and feel stuck. I specialize in working with adults and children/families who are challenged by anxiety, ADHD, or "Asperger's" but have experience with many different issues. My approach involves providing info about how the brain works, how to use it as your ally instead of an enemy, and how to find strength in the very things that challenge you. (ex: There are so many wonderful things about having ADHD!) I do this in the context of interpersonal relationships where we talk about things like identity and communication/conflict resolution skills.
Current appt. availability on my website. People come to me because they are struggling and feel stuck. I specialize in working with adults and children/families who are challenged by anxiety, ADHD, or "Asperger's" but have experience with many different issues. My approach involves providing info about how the brain works, how to use it as your ally instead of an enemy, and how to find strength in the very things that challenge you. (ex: There are so many wonderful things about having ADHD!) I do this in the context of interpersonal relationships where we talk about things like identity and communication/conflict resolution skills.
(610) 314-0799 View (610) 314-0799
Photo of Elizabeth Stone, MS, LPC, CCATP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Stone
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCATP
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Life is complicated and each individual's situation is unique. No one escapes having difficulties in life. Some are tougher obstacles and we might need help figuring out how that affects us personally. Together we can work through those obstacles life handed you. Let's talk about moving forward. You aren’t alone - Help is availble!
Life is complicated and each individual's situation is unique. No one escapes having difficulties in life. Some are tougher obstacles and we might need help figuring out how that affects us personally. Together we can work through those obstacles life handed you. Let's talk about moving forward. You aren’t alone - Help is availble!
(610) 880-0998 View (610) 880-0998
Photo of Kathy Devries, MBA, MA, Counselor
Kathy Devries
Counselor, MBA, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
We provide compassionate counseling care which is rooted in research proven methods as well as a Christian world view. In therapy we help you design a plan which will help you heal from past hurts, build better relationships, set boundaries, and celebrate your gifts and talents. We check in regularly to make sure you feel heard and are getting what you need from counseling.
We provide compassionate counseling care which is rooted in research proven methods as well as a Christian world view. In therapy we help you design a plan which will help you heal from past hurts, build better relationships, set boundaries, and celebrate your gifts and talents. We check in regularly to make sure you feel heard and are getting what you need from counseling.
(484) 270-4159 View (484) 270-4159
Photo of Abby S Mcgillivray, MSW, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Abby S Mcgillivray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Not accepting new clients
Abby specializes in psychotherapy and integrative wellness coaching. She has thirty years of experience counseling children, adults and families and coaching adults through life transitions. Abby obtained her Master's degree in Social Work from Syracuse University with a concentration in Family Mental Health. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and upholds the highest standards in her field as a Board Certified Clinical Social Worker.
Abby specializes in psychotherapy and integrative wellness coaching. She has thirty years of experience counseling children, adults and families and coaching adults through life transitions. Abby obtained her Master's degree in Social Work from Syracuse University with a concentration in Family Mental Health. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and upholds the highest standards in her field as a Board Certified Clinical Social Worker.
(610) 898-3226 View (610) 898-3226
1

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.