Play Therapy in Waco, TX
John (Will) Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waco, TX 76710
Play therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Parenting Support, LGBTQ Folks, Religion and Spirituality and/or Religious Abuse/Trauma.
I have 8 years of experience working with children in schools and clinical settings. I love to offer play-based interventions to children who are struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, trauma, and other issues. I am also a Ph.D. candidate with research focusing on LGBTQ individuals and religious trauma. I love walking alongside LGBTQ folks as they navigate the stressors a heteronormative world places on their lives. I believe the client is in charge of the therapeutic process.
Play therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Parenting Support, LGBTQ Folks, Religion and Spirituality and/or Religious Abuse/Trauma.
I have 8 years of experience working with children in schools and clinical settings. I love to offer play-based interventions to children who are struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, trauma, and other issues. I am also a Ph.D. candidate with research focusing on LGBTQ individuals and religious trauma. I love walking alongside LGBTQ folks as they navigate the stressors a heteronormative world places on their lives. I believe the client is in charge of the therapeutic process.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I offer play therapy with a CBT focus to children ages 3 years and up.
I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adults, and families, specializing in the areas of anxiety, adjustment, depression, trauma, and behavioral challenges. I utilize an eclectic mix of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused therapy from a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. I believe every individual is capable of change and healing, and possesses the personal strengths within themselves to make that happen. I have a heart for empowering, encouraging, and equipping children, adults, and families to move beyond the trauma and challenges of life to achieve maximum potential.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I offer play therapy with a CBT focus to children ages 3 years and up.
I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adults, and families, specializing in the areas of anxiety, adjustment, depression, trauma, and behavioral challenges. I utilize an eclectic mix of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused therapy from a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. I believe every individual is capable of change and healing, and possesses the personal strengths within themselves to make that happen. I have a heart for empowering, encouraging, and equipping children, adults, and families to move beyond the trauma and challenges of life to achieve maximum potential.
I draw upon play therapy techniques, expressive arts, sand tray, CBT, Trauma and Grief Component Therapy and EMDR when collaboratively planning treatment with clients.
At various times in our lives, we need a supportive space to set down the mentally and emotionally heavy things that we carry so we can move toward health and happiness. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is devoted to creating a supportive space for each client in their healing journey with warmth, empathy, and unconditional acceptance. I work with all ages but have increasingly developed a passion for working with young children, teens, and young adults over the past 5 years as a child therapist in various rural, non-profit, and school-based settings.
I draw upon play therapy techniques, expressive arts, sand tray, CBT, Trauma and Grief Component Therapy and EMDR when collaboratively planning treatment with clients.
At various times in our lives, we need a supportive space to set down the mentally and emotionally heavy things that we carry so we can move toward health and happiness. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is devoted to creating a supportive space for each client in their healing journey with warmth, empathy, and unconditional acceptance. I work with all ages but have increasingly developed a passion for working with young children, teens, and young adults over the past 5 years as a child therapist in various rural, non-profit, and school-based settings.
I am trained in CBT, DBT, talk therapy, EMDR, and am working to become a Registered Play Therapist.
My goal is for each client that steps in my door to feel seen and heard. My greatest joy in life is helping my clients work through life's challenges with dignity and hope. My experience with young people includes the areas of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self harm, relational challenges, academic struggles, grief, and family transitions. My work with adults includes trauma, burnout, relationship issues, aging parents, grief, family transitions, self-esteem, stress, and anxiety. My goal is to help you find relief and hope. Together we will set goals and work towards shaping your life into what you desire it to be!
I am trained in CBT, DBT, talk therapy, EMDR, and am working to become a Registered Play Therapist.
My goal is for each client that steps in my door to feel seen and heard. My greatest joy in life is helping my clients work through life's challenges with dignity and hope. My experience with young people includes the areas of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self harm, relational challenges, academic struggles, grief, and family transitions. My work with adults includes trauma, burnout, relationship issues, aging parents, grief, family transitions, self-esteem, stress, and anxiety. My goal is to help you find relief and hope. Together we will set goals and work towards shaping your life into what you desire it to be!
Heather Noel Carey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Waco, TX 76708
I am currently working under the supervision of a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and I utilize play interventions in my sessions.
I believe that our thoughts have so much power over who we are and where we are in life, and changing a person’s thoughts can empower and promote an individual in all aspects of life. Two of my strengths are empathy and being an encourager, which helps me to connect to others. I have training in EMDR and would like to work with those experiencing trauma of all ages. I have a special place in my heart for those suffering from grief, loss, and chronic disease. I was a Medical Assistant who worked with Oncology patients and saw the need for that population and their families to get counseling.
I am currently working under the supervision of a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and I utilize play interventions in my sessions.
I believe that our thoughts have so much power over who we are and where we are in life, and changing a person’s thoughts can empower and promote an individual in all aspects of life. Two of my strengths are empathy and being an encourager, which helps me to connect to others. I have training in EMDR and would like to work with those experiencing trauma of all ages. I have a special place in my heart for those suffering from grief, loss, and chronic disease. I was a Medical Assistant who worked with Oncology patients and saw the need for that population and their families to get counseling.
Welcome! I appreciate how taking these first steps to find a therapist for yourself or your child can feel vulnerable, so I applaud your courage. Needing some extra care, connection, perspective, and resources at times in our lives is part of the human condition, and therapy can be one of the best places to find that support. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. I have 18 years experience working as a counselor with various populations. I enjoy working with a wide variety of ages and stages of life. I see children, teens, and adult women, and I love the variety this brings to my days.
Welcome! I appreciate how taking these first steps to find a therapist for yourself or your child can feel vulnerable, so I applaud your courage. Needing some extra care, connection, perspective, and resources at times in our lives is part of the human condition, and therapy can be one of the best places to find that support. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. I have 18 years experience working as a counselor with various populations. I enjoy working with a wide variety of ages and stages of life. I see children, teens, and adult women, and I love the variety this brings to my days.
I am currently working on my Registered Play Therapist certification and love working with kids under ten where I provide child-centered play therapy.
Hi, I am Elizabeth! I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I have experience working with kiddos, teens, families, and adults. I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story and embrace all the ups and downs that come with life. As one of my favorite authors would say, "you do not yield". My passion and commitment as a counselor is to provide a safe and trusting environment where you can be yourself and work through any obstacles from the past or present. We will work together to create individualized treatment plans and goals.
I am currently working on my Registered Play Therapist certification and love working with kids under ten where I provide child-centered play therapy.
Hi, I am Elizabeth! I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I have experience working with kiddos, teens, families, and adults. I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story and embrace all the ups and downs that come with life. As one of my favorite authors would say, "you do not yield". My passion and commitment as a counselor is to provide a safe and trusting environment where you can be yourself and work through any obstacles from the past or present. We will work together to create individualized treatment plans and goals.
Yellow Ribbon Counseling PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFTS, LPCS, RPTS, EMDR AC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waco, TX 76712
Play Therapy is used with children, adolescents and families to address a variety of concerns to include child abuse, sexual abuse, attachment concerns, military related issues, grief and loss, traumatic experiences, anxiety, behavioral issues and ADHD.
Yellow Ribbon Counseling specializes in play therapy, family therapy, and trauma informed therapies (EMDR, TF-CBT and CPT). Our clinical team is made up of Registered Play Therapist, EMDR Certified/trained and Gottman trained clinicians. We provide treatment in a variety of areas to include: attachment ruptures, grief & loss issues, parent-child relationships, child and sexual abuse, blended family issues, domestic violence, military related transitional stress, reintegration, ADHD, PTSD, couples/marital issues, perinatal issues and inter-generational family trauma.
Play Therapy is used with children, adolescents and families to address a variety of concerns to include child abuse, sexual abuse, attachment concerns, military related issues, grief and loss, traumatic experiences, anxiety, behavioral issues and ADHD.
Yellow Ribbon Counseling specializes in play therapy, family therapy, and trauma informed therapies (EMDR, TF-CBT and CPT). Our clinical team is made up of Registered Play Therapist, EMDR Certified/trained and Gottman trained clinicians. We provide treatment in a variety of areas to include: attachment ruptures, grief & loss issues, parent-child relationships, child and sexual abuse, blended family issues, domestic violence, military related transitional stress, reintegration, ADHD, PTSD, couples/marital issues, perinatal issues and inter-generational family trauma.
Erika is trained in EMDR, Adlerian Play Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, sand tray, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Your precious child or teenager is dealing with anxiety, behavior issues, or dealing with trauma, and you want help. You are looking for coping strategies, communication skills, and someone to walk alongside you during this season. Erika brought 17 years of experience in education as a school counselor, behavior specialist, and special education teacher into her career as a professional counselor. Let her help bring stability and calm back into your child's life.
Erika is trained in EMDR, Adlerian Play Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, sand tray, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Your precious child or teenager is dealing with anxiety, behavior issues, or dealing with trauma, and you want help. You are looking for coping strategies, communication skills, and someone to walk alongside you during this season. Erika brought 17 years of experience in education as a school counselor, behavior specialist, and special education teacher into her career as a professional counselor. Let her help bring stability and calm back into your child's life.
Victor Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LPC-, Assoc
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waco, TX 76708
Clinical Focus: All ages who are experiencing post traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity, parenting, marital/couples/family counseling, stress, and mood and personality disorders.
Clinical Focus: All ages who are experiencing post traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity, parenting, marital/couples/family counseling, stress, and mood and personality disorders.
Navigating life can be challenging. That is where I step in. I will work with you and/or your loved ones to reduce conflict and increase positive communication and behavior. I offer DBT in group settings and a combination of DBT and CBT in individual settings. Come to a space where people learn how to regulate emotions, improve mindfulness, increase interpersonal communication, and manage crisis.
Navigating life can be challenging. That is where I step in. I will work with you and/or your loved ones to reduce conflict and increase positive communication and behavior. I offer DBT in group settings and a combination of DBT and CBT in individual settings. Come to a space where people learn how to regulate emotions, improve mindfulness, increase interpersonal communication, and manage crisis.
Premier Neurofeedback And Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waco, TX 76708
I admire the courage it takes to be vulnerable and reach out for help. I believe it is a sign of bravery to seek counseling and make real steps towards change and growth. I strive to help my clients move through their pain and challenges with newfound confidence and hope. I most frequently find myself helping clients dealing with life transitions, trauma recovery, grief, and anxiety issues. I've worked in a variety of mental health settings since 2016 including residential treatment, community clinics, college counseling centers, and currently love working on the team at Premier Neurofeedback & Counseling services since 2021.
I admire the courage it takes to be vulnerable and reach out for help. I believe it is a sign of bravery to seek counseling and make real steps towards change and growth. I strive to help my clients move through their pain and challenges with newfound confidence and hope. I most frequently find myself helping clients dealing with life transitions, trauma recovery, grief, and anxiety issues. I've worked in a variety of mental health settings since 2016 including residential treatment, community clinics, college counseling centers, and currently love working on the team at Premier Neurofeedback & Counseling services since 2021.
Kelly V. Tatsch is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked with a wide range of individuals, including parents, children, families, individuals, military, civilian, and seniors. She has 10 years of experience in the mental health field. For Kelly, each client begins as an unknown individual that she will work with to develop a trusting, caring relationship, which is necessary for the client to relate their needs and goals. Many individuals begin the first session with a sense of concern that they do not know what to expect. Kelly’s best tool for therapy is her ability to listen without judgment.
Kelly V. Tatsch is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked with a wide range of individuals, including parents, children, families, individuals, military, civilian, and seniors. She has 10 years of experience in the mental health field. For Kelly, each client begins as an unknown individual that she will work with to develop a trusting, caring relationship, which is necessary for the client to relate their needs and goals. Many individuals begin the first session with a sense of concern that they do not know what to expect. Kelly’s best tool for therapy is her ability to listen without judgment.
Rise Counseling and Coaching LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waco, TX 76710 (Online Only)
I'm passionate about making the therapeutic experience inclusive, collaborative, & hope-filled for all. You may have experienced a traumatic event or traumatic relationship, either recently or in the past, and are wondering when you are ever going to feel like yourself again. You may even be experiencing anxiety, grief, depression or trouble sleeping on a daily basis. Or maybe you aren't here for yourself. Perhaps you are looking to find help for your child who is struggling with self-esteem, dealing with a trauma themselves, or living with a disability. Whatever the issue concerning you today, I commend you for being here!
I'm passionate about making the therapeutic experience inclusive, collaborative, & hope-filled for all. You may have experienced a traumatic event or traumatic relationship, either recently or in the past, and are wondering when you are ever going to feel like yourself again. You may even be experiencing anxiety, grief, depression or trouble sleeping on a daily basis. Or maybe you aren't here for yourself. Perhaps you are looking to find help for your child who is struggling with self-esteem, dealing with a trauma themselves, or living with a disability. Whatever the issue concerning you today, I commend you for being here!
Leslie Elizabeth Hunt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waco, TX 76710
I am extremely passionate about guiding people to a better understanding of themselves and "why we do the things that we do". Our perspective dictates our emotional reactions to situations and therefore it affects our behavior; let me help you gain control of your reactions and change your thoughts! I am especially skilled with Depression/Anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse/addiction, sports psychology, relationships/communication, childhood issues, improving self-esteem, grief/loss, identity development and issues related to the child-to-adult transition. Please see my website and blog for more information.
I am extremely passionate about guiding people to a better understanding of themselves and "why we do the things that we do". Our perspective dictates our emotional reactions to situations and therefore it affects our behavior; let me help you gain control of your reactions and change your thoughts! I am especially skilled with Depression/Anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse/addiction, sports psychology, relationships/communication, childhood issues, improving self-esteem, grief/loss, identity development and issues related to the child-to-adult transition. Please see my website and blog for more information.
Cathryn Paton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Waco, TX 76701 (Online Only)
I'm a relational therapist specializing in treating grief & loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, & parent-child relationships with adolescents & adults. Feeling stuck in a particular area of life such as your relationships, school/work, identity, or emotions? Sometimes we find ourselves repeating old habits that no longer serve us. I often work with individuals experiencing issues around shame and self-worth, who view themselves much harsher than the rest of the world. I offer room to explore these patterns with compassionate curiosity and supportive guidance for you to start trying something different – space for a new narrative.
I'm a relational therapist specializing in treating grief & loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, & parent-child relationships with adolescents & adults. Feeling stuck in a particular area of life such as your relationships, school/work, identity, or emotions? Sometimes we find ourselves repeating old habits that no longer serve us. I often work with individuals experiencing issues around shame and self-worth, who view themselves much harsher than the rest of the world. I offer room to explore these patterns with compassionate curiosity and supportive guidance for you to start trying something different – space for a new narrative.
Catherine (Cat) Tillinghast
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waco, TX 76701 (Online Only)
Currently accepting new online clients only. Hello! You can call me Cat. I work with ages 10+ and specialize in bipolar disorder, major depression, and addiction. I am a compassionate and fun-loving therapist who welcomes everyone regardless of gender, race, identity, beliefs, or sexual orientation. This journey is about YOU and that is who I am here for. My passion lies in building meaningful and lasting therapeutic relationships with my clients. I take a humanistic and person-centered approach to treatment, focusing on you, your journey, your goals, and how to get there. (Don’t worry – we will figure that out together!)
Currently accepting new online clients only. Hello! You can call me Cat. I work with ages 10+ and specialize in bipolar disorder, major depression, and addiction. I am a compassionate and fun-loving therapist who welcomes everyone regardless of gender, race, identity, beliefs, or sexual orientation. This journey is about YOU and that is who I am here for. My passion lies in building meaningful and lasting therapeutic relationships with my clients. I take a humanistic and person-centered approach to treatment, focusing on you, your journey, your goals, and how to get there. (Don’t worry – we will figure that out together!)
I aim to assist clients in improving symptoms related to anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideations, grief, family and relationship issues, personality disorders, career concerns, school concerns, fear of death and dying in elderly clients, stress management relating to school, trauma history, domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex education. My goal is to develop a treatment plan for the client to reach their goals to improve their interpersonal relationships, self-love, emotional language, communication skills, and more.
I aim to assist clients in improving symptoms related to anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideations, grief, family and relationship issues, personality disorders, career concerns, school concerns, fear of death and dying in elderly clients, stress management relating to school, trauma history, domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex education. My goal is to develop a treatment plan for the client to reach their goals to improve their interpersonal relationships, self-love, emotional language, communication skills, and more.
Lacy (pronouns: she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience in the outpatient setting. Lacy has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families to address a variety of challenges. She seeks to treat each client from a holistic perspective that considers biological, psychological and social/environmental factors that influence well-being. Lacy believes that connection, compassion, empathy, and respect within a safe and welcoming environment are vital to the therapeutic process. She is passionate about helping her clients move towards empowerment and positive change.
Lacy (pronouns: she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience in the outpatient setting. Lacy has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families to address a variety of challenges. She seeks to treat each client from a holistic perspective that considers biological, psychological and social/environmental factors that influence well-being. Lacy believes that connection, compassion, empathy, and respect within a safe and welcoming environment are vital to the therapeutic process. She is passionate about helping her clients move towards empowerment and positive change.
Melissa Ann Canet
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waco, TX 76705 (Online Only)
Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone who will listen. I am a good listener. I can often point out inconsistencies in your words and your actions. We can find coping skills that work. We can strategize change. I can help families seek educational evaluations that lead to their children with uncontrollable behaviors qualify for Special Education Services. I can help youth with ADHD find strategies to help them remain on task & reduce disruptive behaviors. I can help teens learn social skills & anxiety coping skills while reducing/eliminating self-harm. I can help adults work through anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone who will listen. I am a good listener. I can often point out inconsistencies in your words and your actions. We can find coping skills that work. We can strategize change. I can help families seek educational evaluations that lead to their children with uncontrollable behaviors qualify for Special Education Services. I can help youth with ADHD find strategies to help them remain on task & reduce disruptive behaviors. I can help teens learn social skills & anxiety coping skills while reducing/eliminating self-harm. I can help adults work through anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
See more therapy options for Waco
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.