Play Therapy in Sioux Falls, SD
Emily Gislason
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-MH, RPT-S™, QMHP, NCC
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Are you looking for a Registered Play Therapist? One of my greatest passions in life is to help children reach their full potential. As a Registered Play Therapist, I offer individual, sibling and family therapy services. I have worked with women, teens and children impacted by physical abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse and secondary victimization. In addition, I have experience with a variety of child related difficulties including anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, family disruptions, foster care involvement, adjustment difficulties, self esteem difficulties and cognitive delays. Please let me know how I can best support your child, yourself or your family.
Are you looking for a Registered Play Therapist? One of my greatest passions in life is to help children reach their full potential. As a Registered Play Therapist, I offer individual, sibling and family therapy services. I have worked with women, teens and children impacted by physical abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse and secondary victimization. In addition, I have experience with a variety of child related difficulties including anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, family disruptions, foster care involvement, adjustment difficulties, self esteem difficulties and cognitive delays. Please let me know how I can best support your child, yourself or your family.
Michelle Warsing
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
I work from a family systems and attachment-based perspective using child-centered play therapy and directive play therapy techniques.
I am passionate about helping children grow to their full potential and I am honored to journey with families in challenging moments and joyous celebrations of growth. I had a private practice in Seattle for 6 years and I have recently returned to my midwestern roots to open Roots Play Therapy! The Mission of Roots Play Therapy is: To help children develop strong roots that allow them to flourish into a life of abundant growth. To support and strengthen the whole family system so that the positive growth now can impact future generations. To utilize the child’s language of play to guide them through their healing journey.
I work from a family systems and attachment-based perspective using child-centered play therapy and directive play therapy techniques.
I am passionate about helping children grow to their full potential and I am honored to journey with families in challenging moments and joyous celebrations of growth. I had a private practice in Seattle for 6 years and I have recently returned to my midwestern roots to open Roots Play Therapy! The Mission of Roots Play Therapy is: To help children develop strong roots that allow them to flourish into a life of abundant growth. To support and strengthen the whole family system so that the positive growth now can impact future generations. To utilize the child’s language of play to guide them through their healing journey.
As a client-centered, compassionate and collaborative therapist, my treatment approach focuses on the individual needs of my clients to help them reach their goals. I help adolescents, adults and families discover their strengths, gain perspective, and address their current challenges and long-standing issues. I use a selection of styles and techniques to incorporate what is most helpful for each client. Play therapy is the approach I use when working with early adolescents.
As a client-centered, compassionate and collaborative therapist, my treatment approach focuses on the individual needs of my clients to help them reach their goals. I help adolescents, adults and families discover their strengths, gain perspective, and address their current challenges and long-standing issues. I use a selection of styles and techniques to incorporate what is most helpful for each client. Play therapy is the approach I use when working with early adolescents.
Kahthrina (Trina) Ruud
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, QMHP
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Has your child started behaving out of character leading you to wonder what they are going through? Perhaps they are struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger. As a supervisee actively pursuing licensure for my PIP and RPT, I am passionate about utilizing play-based techniques and art therapies to promote growth for children ages 3-11. Play and creativity is the way a child communicates and processes the world around them. My goal is to offer a safe space for children to be themselves so they can navigate experiences through their own lenses.
Has your child started behaving out of character leading you to wonder what they are going through? Perhaps they are struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger. As a supervisee actively pursuing licensure for my PIP and RPT, I am passionate about utilizing play-based techniques and art therapies to promote growth for children ages 3-11. Play and creativity is the way a child communicates and processes the world around them. My goal is to offer a safe space for children to be themselves so they can navigate experiences through their own lenses.
I strive to create a strong therapeutic relationship with children and families to improve overall functioning with the use of play therapy techniques. As a supervisee actively pursuing licensure for LMFT and RPT, I am passionate about utilizing play therapy techniques to promote growth for all children. I have completed training for EMDR therapy in which I can utilize with children who have traumatic experiences. I enjoy providing opportunities for parent and sibling involvement to enhance the family system as a whole. I strive to help children reach their full potential through fostering courage to face life’s various challenges.
I strive to create a strong therapeutic relationship with children and families to improve overall functioning with the use of play therapy techniques. As a supervisee actively pursuing licensure for LMFT and RPT, I am passionate about utilizing play therapy techniques to promote growth for all children. I have completed training for EMDR therapy in which I can utilize with children who have traumatic experiences. I enjoy providing opportunities for parent and sibling involvement to enhance the family system as a whole. I strive to help children reach their full potential through fostering courage to face life’s various challenges.
Alicen Hauck
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, RPT, LPC
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT), I'm able to provide individual counseling to adults, adolescents, and children (3+).
Every person deserves a secure, safe space where they can become their most authentic selves. I strive to approach therapy with genuine compassion, warmth, and empathy. I believe that therapy at its core is a creative, non-judgmental space between equals. Here, you can be yourself and learn to manage the thoughts and emotions getting in your way. I like to incorporate a combination of techniques from Person-Centered, Adlerian, Solution-Focused, Strengths-Based, and Trauma-Focused counseling approaches to fully comprehend your unique experience and how best to help you.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT), I'm able to provide individual counseling to adults, adolescents, and children (3+).
Every person deserves a secure, safe space where they can become their most authentic selves. I strive to approach therapy with genuine compassion, warmth, and empathy. I believe that therapy at its core is a creative, non-judgmental space between equals. Here, you can be yourself and learn to manage the thoughts and emotions getting in your way. I like to incorporate a combination of techniques from Person-Centered, Adlerian, Solution-Focused, Strengths-Based, and Trauma-Focused counseling approaches to fully comprehend your unique experience and how best to help you.
Katelyn Tilstra
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-MH, RPT™, NCC, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
I am dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and their families navigate life's challenges. As a registered play therapist, I enjoy utilizing the power of play in order to best meet the needs of a child. In addition to play therapy, I take a client centered approach to collaboratively explore methods which fit each individual's journey and abilities. I help children, adolescents, and their families discover strengths, build meaningful connections, and find success.
I am dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and their families navigate life's challenges. As a registered play therapist, I enjoy utilizing the power of play in order to best meet the needs of a child. In addition to play therapy, I take a client centered approach to collaboratively explore methods which fit each individual's journey and abilities. I help children, adolescents, and their families discover strengths, build meaningful connections, and find success.
I'm a certified Aut Play Therapy provider and am completing requirements to become a Registered Play Therapist.
I am passionate and committed to serving children ages 4-12 experiencing a variety of mental health needs. My goal is to help children and their parents make connections between difficult behaviors and their underlying causes, and help them implement interventions that fit and work well for the family. I work from a person centered approach, providing strength-based care to help children and families address challenges in a way that meets each person’s unique needs. I also believe that play is the language of children, and use both directive and non-directive play therapy techniques to address struggles and difficult topics.
I'm a certified Aut Play Therapy provider and am completing requirements to become a Registered Play Therapist.
I am passionate and committed to serving children ages 4-12 experiencing a variety of mental health needs. My goal is to help children and their parents make connections between difficult behaviors and their underlying causes, and help them implement interventions that fit and work well for the family. I work from a person centered approach, providing strength-based care to help children and families address challenges in a way that meets each person’s unique needs. I also believe that play is the language of children, and use both directive and non-directive play therapy techniques to address struggles and difficult topics.
Emily A Learing
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
I am passionate about helping women and children to experience a better life! In my practice, I focus on providing play therapy to children up to age 10, with a special emphasis on the early childhood population. I also provide mental health treatment to parents and other caregivers who are having difficulties in these caregiving roles. I provide counseling for women who are struggling with relationships, stress and other life difficulties who are looking to find more balance in life.
I am passionate about helping women and children to experience a better life! In my practice, I focus on providing play therapy to children up to age 10, with a special emphasis on the early childhood population. I also provide mental health treatment to parents and other caregivers who are having difficulties in these caregiving roles. I provide counseling for women who are struggling with relationships, stress and other life difficulties who are looking to find more balance in life.
My training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Play Therapy.
My therapeutic approach views each person as an individual with unique strengths and challenges, and emphasizes the value of building a therapeutic relationship with the individual. When working with a child, I also want to build a relationship with the caregiver. Developing the client and family's strengths will be the foundation to support the change. I believe that the greatest results are achieved using evidence based treatment modalities; these approaches focus on assisting the individual to change negative thoughts & behaviors & focus more on their internal strengths & resourcefulness.
My training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Play Therapy.
My therapeutic approach views each person as an individual with unique strengths and challenges, and emphasizes the value of building a therapeutic relationship with the individual. When working with a child, I also want to build a relationship with the caregiver. Developing the client and family's strengths will be the foundation to support the change. I believe that the greatest results are achieved using evidence based treatment modalities; these approaches focus on assisting the individual to change negative thoughts & behaviors & focus more on their internal strengths & resourcefulness.
Mission: Specializing in ASD and Neurodiversity, I assist and guide to relieve mental discomfort & improve well-being. I provide support in a safe environment for individuals to gain the skills that allow them to interact in the world surrounding them. I specialize in autism, trauma, sexual behaviors, anxiety, adoption and families affected by these. I want you to succeed. My experience is professional and personal. I understand how frustrating and difficult life gets. I mostly work with adults, assisting them in navigating the daily life. I've helped adults work through anxiety, depression, & trauma.
Mission: Specializing in ASD and Neurodiversity, I assist and guide to relieve mental discomfort & improve well-being. I provide support in a safe environment for individuals to gain the skills that allow them to interact in the world surrounding them. I specialize in autism, trauma, sexual behaviors, anxiety, adoption and families affected by these. I want you to succeed. My experience is professional and personal. I understand how frustrating and difficult life gets. I mostly work with adults, assisting them in navigating the daily life. I've helped adults work through anxiety, depression, & trauma.
15 Second Videos
Emily A Learing
Tina M Gunn
Michelle Anne Pliska
The Support Circle
Clint Sperle
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-MH, QMHP
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
I received my degree in Counseling and Psychology in Education and am a Licensed Professional Counselor-MH. I have worked with children and adolescents in individual, group and family settings for the past 24+ years. Special areas of interest include working with children and adolescents in areas related to: abuse issues, trauma, evaluations and therapy for children with sexualized behaviors, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, divorce issues, behavioral issues and adjustment issues. I also work with children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities.
I received my degree in Counseling and Psychology in Education and am a Licensed Professional Counselor-MH. I have worked with children and adolescents in individual, group and family settings for the past 24+ years. Special areas of interest include working with children and adolescents in areas related to: abuse issues, trauma, evaluations and therapy for children with sexualized behaviors, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, divorce issues, behavioral issues and adjustment issues. I also work with children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities.
Transitions can be difficult. The decision to change is both challenging and rewarding. I provide an atmosphere of confidentiality, warmth and respect where you can ask questions and explore solutions. I will listen and provide tools to help you. We can address difficulties in your work, home and social settings. Therapy offers you a supportive place where you can process your experiences, gain perspective and make decisions that help you move forward.
Transitions can be difficult. The decision to change is both challenging and rewarding. I provide an atmosphere of confidentiality, warmth and respect where you can ask questions and explore solutions. I will listen and provide tools to help you. We can address difficulties in your work, home and social settings. Therapy offers you a supportive place where you can process your experiences, gain perspective and make decisions that help you move forward.
Erin Ratchford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Many of my clients have been told they are “too much” and struggle with exhaustion as they attempt to meet the expectations of those around them while minimizing their own needs. I walk alongside individuals who are looking to tame feelings of anxiety or depression. Sometimes this work includes discussing difficulties with focus or staying grounded in relationships. It may center around parenting responsibilities or relating to career/academic goals. I help clients identify their strengths, their values, and their needs, so they can build a life filled with peace and fulfillment that is uniquely their own.
Many of my clients have been told they are “too much” and struggle with exhaustion as they attempt to meet the expectations of those around them while minimizing their own needs. I walk alongside individuals who are looking to tame feelings of anxiety or depression. Sometimes this work includes discussing difficulties with focus or staying grounded in relationships. It may center around parenting responsibilities or relating to career/academic goals. I help clients identify their strengths, their values, and their needs, so they can build a life filled with peace and fulfillment that is uniquely their own.
Jessica L. Olson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, QMHP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Waitlist for new clients
Did you know 1 in 5-7 birthing persons experience perinatal depression? Or that pregnancy and infant loss affects 1 in 4 birthing persons? We are not alone. With specialized training, I aim to help women and birthing persons feel safe, heard, and hold space while we work together to build a better life.
Did you know 1 in 5-7 birthing persons experience perinatal depression? Or that pregnancy and infant loss affects 1 in 4 birthing persons? We are not alone. With specialized training, I aim to help women and birthing persons feel safe, heard, and hold space while we work together to build a better life.
Michelle Anne Pliska
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-MH, QMHP, RPT, NCSC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
It takes courage and strength to ask for help. I am honored to be trusted with your story. I believe healing and inspiration can come from a variety of sources: including creative outlets like music and art, the outdoors, spirituality and our relationships. I will honor our relationship with unconditional positive regard, safety, and confidentiality. I am excited to learn more about you and what you believe it is important for a person to be. I believe we will do good and meaningful work together.
It takes courage and strength to ask for help. I am honored to be trusted with your story. I believe healing and inspiration can come from a variety of sources: including creative outlets like music and art, the outdoors, spirituality and our relationships. I will honor our relationship with unconditional positive regard, safety, and confidentiality. I am excited to learn more about you and what you believe it is important for a person to be. I believe we will do good and meaningful work together.
Kristine Ann Weires
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PIP
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
There are times in our lives when we need help. Life experiences require us to make the decision to seek guidance from outside our immediate family and friends. Counseling can provide much needed support and intervention in times of crises or with chronic issues that last a lifetime. Don't consider it a weakness but a strength to take that step to be the best possible individual or family you can be.
There are times in our lives when we need help. Life experiences require us to make the decision to seek guidance from outside our immediate family and friends. Counseling can provide much needed support and intervention in times of crises or with chronic issues that last a lifetime. Don't consider it a weakness but a strength to take that step to be the best possible individual or family you can be.
Tyson Wiggers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW, QMHP, MDiv
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
It is a gift to listen and lean in to each of my client’s unique stories as we navigate the difficulties and joys of life. Working with individuals, couples, and families, I seek to offer an accepting, warm, and encouraging space where people learn about, and understand themselves, in light of the world around them. Though I primarily work with teens and families, I do enjoy working with adults and couples as well. I especially enjoy counseling those who have difficulties with depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, Christian/spiritual difficulties, and behavioral issues.
It is a gift to listen and lean in to each of my client’s unique stories as we navigate the difficulties and joys of life. Working with individuals, couples, and families, I seek to offer an accepting, warm, and encouraging space where people learn about, and understand themselves, in light of the world around them. Though I primarily work with teens and families, I do enjoy working with adults and couples as well. I especially enjoy counseling those who have difficulties with depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, Christian/spiritual difficulties, and behavioral issues.
Paige Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW-PIP, LICSW, QMHP
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Waitlist for new clients
I care deeply about supporting people through grief/loss, life transitions, mental health challenges, and family conflict. I have had the unique privilege of supporting many individuals in some of their most challenging days. What I've observed in these situations, is the immeasurable benefit of a having a genuine person to lean on.
I care deeply about supporting people through grief/loss, life transitions, mental health challenges, and family conflict. I have had the unique privilege of supporting many individuals in some of their most challenging days. What I've observed in these situations, is the immeasurable benefit of a having a genuine person to lean on.
Ondrea Patzlaff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW-PIP, QMHP
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Everyone is deserving of health and happiness, sometimes we need support along the way. I believe all people have value and purpose. I have 16+ years of experience working with a comprehensive set of tools and interventions to help move toward healing.
Everyone is deserving of health and happiness, sometimes we need support along the way. I believe all people have value and purpose. I have 16+ years of experience working with a comprehensive set of tools and interventions to help move toward healing.
See more therapy options for Sioux Falls
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.