Play Therapy in Anacortes, WA
Walter Vyhmeister
Counselor, MDiv, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Anacortes, WA 98221 (Online Only)
I use a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral, Rational-Emotive, Play Therapy and Client-Centered approaches to treatment.
Serving as a minister and earning a PhD in Counseling Psychology equipped me to care for people in crises. Working with vulnerable children and their families or caregivers, also proved to be a valuable foundation for clinical care. In a medical academic setting, training residents in the use of spirituality and psychology as they cared for their patients, deepened my own understanding of just how complex clinical issues can become. This also increased my understanding of the level of stress healthcare providers and victims themselves experience during illness.
I use a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral, Rational-Emotive, Play Therapy and Client-Centered approaches to treatment.
Serving as a minister and earning a PhD in Counseling Psychology equipped me to care for people in crises. Working with vulnerable children and their families or caregivers, also proved to be a valuable foundation for clinical care. In a medical academic setting, training residents in the use of spirituality and psychology as they cared for their patients, deepened my own understanding of just how complex clinical issues can become. This also increased my understanding of the level of stress healthcare providers and victims themselves experience during illness.
Lena Tello
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Anacortes, WA 98221
I am passionate about meeting clients where they are, no matter what challenges they come in with. The client's needs, goals, and desire for change are created by them in the therapeutic space, and my goal is to encourage, empower, and allow for growth to be possible with endless support. I value helping all individuals, including children, teens, and adults, become their authentic selves in every environment. Much of my practice includes highlighting systemic injustices and working to make minority communities feel more seen, heard, and valued.
I am passionate about meeting clients where they are, no matter what challenges they come in with. The client's needs, goals, and desire for change are created by them in the therapeutic space, and my goal is to encourage, empower, and allow for growth to be possible with endless support. I value helping all individuals, including children, teens, and adults, become their authentic selves in every environment. Much of my practice includes highlighting systemic injustices and working to make minority communities feel more seen, heard, and valued.
I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) that specializes in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Services can take place at our office, in your home, or at your child's school or daycare. I develop an individualized treatment plan for each person I serve in order to help them reach their full potential. Some of the skills ABA is highly effective in teaching include functional communication, strategies to reduce challenging behavior, social skills, activities of daily living, gross and fine motor skills, and cognitive skills/academics.
I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) that specializes in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Services can take place at our office, in your home, or at your child's school or daycare. I develop an individualized treatment plan for each person I serve in order to help them reach their full potential. Some of the skills ABA is highly effective in teaching include functional communication, strategies to reduce challenging behavior, social skills, activities of daily living, gross and fine motor skills, and cognitive skills/academics.
Jonathan Vander Schuur
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Anacortes, WA 98221
I love serving my community in Anacortes and surrounding areas. I have a wide range of expertise. I offer counseling for individuals, couples and minors. I work with all ages, especially children and teens, and take state insurances. I have significant experience working with couples, especially in domestic violence situations and in family reunification. I am also a Guardian Ad Litem for Island county.
I love serving my community in Anacortes and surrounding areas. I have a wide range of expertise. I offer counseling for individuals, couples and minors. I work with all ages, especially children and teens, and take state insurances. I have significant experience working with couples, especially in domestic violence situations and in family reunification. I am also a Guardian Ad Litem for Island county.
Are you alone and feeling no support? Is your teenager struggling to be part of your family? Whether your teen is acting out through high-risk behaviors or isolating through technology, your family is probably feeling the strain. When you aren't sure how to help your teen or what they truly need, it can feel overwhelming and hopeless. I'm here to support you, your teen, and your family so you can move through your challenges together. Individuals seeking help with depressive or anxious feelings can find solutions through me as well.
Are you alone and feeling no support? Is your teenager struggling to be part of your family? Whether your teen is acting out through high-risk behaviors or isolating through technology, your family is probably feeling the strain. When you aren't sure how to help your teen or what they truly need, it can feel overwhelming and hopeless. I'm here to support you, your teen, and your family so you can move through your challenges together. Individuals seeking help with depressive or anxious feelings can find solutions through me as well.
It is my privilege and joy to work with clients to achieve growth, healing, and change in their lives. We begin by building trust, exploring together, developing new insights, taking meaningful action, then sustaining new ways of being. I use mindfulness and nature to help clients, which can be done indoors or out. Similarly, looking at clients' internal parts, relational dynamics, and cognitions can help with transition, trauma, stagnation, depression, and more. I work to restore clients' sense of harmonious connection. I work with ages 13 and up.
It is my privilege and joy to work with clients to achieve growth, healing, and change in their lives. We begin by building trust, exploring together, developing new insights, taking meaningful action, then sustaining new ways of being. I use mindfulness and nature to help clients, which can be done indoors or out. Similarly, looking at clients' internal parts, relational dynamics, and cognitions can help with transition, trauma, stagnation, depression, and more. I work to restore clients' sense of harmonious connection. I work with ages 13 and up.
Gino Wolfe—Anxiety•depression•grief—Kids Adults
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA, SUDP, MHP, CMHS
Verified Verified
Anacortes, WA 98221
Do you ever feel like you’re alone in life as if the world is resting on your shoulders? Do you feel the burden of caring for loved ones while feeling like no one is there to take care of you? Do you feel disconnected from relationships in your life? Are you in the military and struggling with feelings of anxiety or stress about your deployment? Are you having trouble leaving your experiences from the military behind or experiencing PTSD? Is grief from losing a loved one impacting your relationships and your ability to manage the day-to-day? Through expert therapy, you can learn to move beyond your pain and be happier. Reach out now
Do you ever feel like you’re alone in life as if the world is resting on your shoulders? Do you feel the burden of caring for loved ones while feeling like no one is there to take care of you? Do you feel disconnected from relationships in your life? Are you in the military and struggling with feelings of anxiety or stress about your deployment? Are you having trouble leaving your experiences from the military behind or experiencing PTSD? Is grief from losing a loved one impacting your relationships and your ability to manage the day-to-day? Through expert therapy, you can learn to move beyond your pain and be happier. Reach out now
My name is Dana (She/Her). My path to becoming a counselor has been shaped by my own experiences and a genuine desire to help others navigate their personal challenges with empathy and understanding. I strive to provide a safe therapeutic environment where you feel accepted, respected, supported, and appreciated for who you truly are. I believe that everyone is unique, and I honor you as the expert on yourself. I will hear your story and help you move in a meaningful direction at a pace you are comfortable with. I’m here to support you on your mental health journey, whatever it may be.
My name is Dana (She/Her). My path to becoming a counselor has been shaped by my own experiences and a genuine desire to help others navigate their personal challenges with empathy and understanding. I strive to provide a safe therapeutic environment where you feel accepted, respected, supported, and appreciated for who you truly are. I believe that everyone is unique, and I honor you as the expert on yourself. I will hear your story and help you move in a meaningful direction at a pace you are comfortable with. I’m here to support you on your mental health journey, whatever it may be.
Spectrums of Humanity
Counselor, LMHC, DCR, CCIS-II
Verified Verified
Anacortes, WA 98221 (Online Only)
I practice as a loving, nonjudgmental witness to individuals and families, giving space for the larger collective systems and the energies surrounding them. Clients contact me with a range of life struggles including: depression, anxiety, bipolar, loss or death of a loved one, divorce, domestic violence, addiction, food, control, sexuality, trauma & PTSD, suicide ideation, destructive behaviors, and more.
I practice as a loving, nonjudgmental witness to individuals and families, giving space for the larger collective systems and the energies surrounding them. Clients contact me with a range of life struggles including: depression, anxiety, bipolar, loss or death of a loved one, divorce, domestic violence, addiction, food, control, sexuality, trauma & PTSD, suicide ideation, destructive behaviors, and more.
I take a holistic approach to counseling, with an emphasis on mind, body and spirit in relationship to self and others. I specialize in trauma informed practices utilizing modalities such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and family systems therapy.I am a Children's Mental Health Therapist and a Minority Mental Health Therapist with experience working with Native American, Hispanic and African American and LGBTQ populations.
I take a holistic approach to counseling, with an emphasis on mind, body and spirit in relationship to self and others. I specialize in trauma informed practices utilizing modalities such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and family systems therapy.I am a Children's Mental Health Therapist and a Minority Mental Health Therapist with experience working with Native American, Hispanic and African American and LGBTQ populations.
Hi all, I'm accepting new clients. I believe everyone has a voice that matters, and I want to hear your story. Therapy can be challenging and enjoyable however the process unfolds, I will be there for the journey. I’m here to help guide you on what you think is important and provide useful tools along the way. Specializing in adolescents, adult counseling, and couples counseling through telehealth, other counseling specializations are available as well. Also, I'm currently facilitating an ongoing open Women's Support Group via telehealth.
Hi all, I'm accepting new clients. I believe everyone has a voice that matters, and I want to hear your story. Therapy can be challenging and enjoyable however the process unfolds, I will be there for the journey. I’m here to help guide you on what you think is important and provide useful tools along the way. Specializing in adolescents, adult counseling, and couples counseling through telehealth, other counseling specializations are available as well. Also, I'm currently facilitating an ongoing open Women's Support Group via telehealth.
15 Second Videos
Evan Holmstrom
Gino Wolfe—Anxiety•depression•grief—Kids Adults
Spectrums of Humanity
John Rickenbacher
Hello there! I have been working with children, adolescents, young adults transitioning into adulthood and families since March of 2019, and I have experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, as well as parenting. Being a nerd at heart, I enjoy connecting with clients over video games and movies with therapeutic approach to help meet their goals in a way that impacts them through their interests.
Hello there! I have been working with children, adolescents, young adults transitioning into adulthood and families since March of 2019, and I have experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, as well as parenting. Being a nerd at heart, I enjoy connecting with clients over video games and movies with therapeutic approach to help meet their goals in a way that impacts them through their interests.
You deserve to have peace, confidence, and a sense of clarity. Through art, various body skills, EMDR, and Neurofeedback I can help you in ways that standard talk therapy is unable. Your desires, your needs, and your goals are all within reach. Reaching out for help is what you can do now and I invite you to contact me by phone, text , or email. I'll get right back to you. This initial consultation is free.
You deserve to have peace, confidence, and a sense of clarity. Through art, various body skills, EMDR, and Neurofeedback I can help you in ways that standard talk therapy is unable. Your desires, your needs, and your goals are all within reach. Reaching out for help is what you can do now and I invite you to contact me by phone, text , or email. I'll get right back to you. This initial consultation is free.
More Therapists Nearby
Clarity Counseling-Joan Forest LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, L, I, C, S, W
Verified Verified
La Conner, WA 98257
Not accepting new clients
Each client has unique circumstances, challenges and goals, and I adapt my treatment to best fit the particular needs of the individual, couple or family. I am experienced in helping clients with difficult life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and marital problems. I am currently seeing children age five and up, teens and adults. My office is located in Greenbank, WA, and I provide telehealth as well as in person therapy.
Each client has unique circumstances, challenges and goals, and I adapt my treatment to best fit the particular needs of the individual, couple or family. I am experienced in helping clients with difficult life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and marital problems. I am currently seeing children age five and up, teens and adults. My office is located in Greenbank, WA, and I provide telehealth as well as in person therapy.
Online Therapists
J'briel Porter
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104
I have training in play therapy and working toward certification as a play therapist.
Hi! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Texas and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington state. I received my Masters from Walden University and have been practicing for three years. I am currently in a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program at Walden University. I assist individuals, couples, and families identify and overcome challenges that life may bring them. I have experience working with individuals who experience anxiety and depression and its becoming a struggle for them to maintain functioning.
I have training in play therapy and working toward certification as a play therapist.
Hi! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Texas and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington state. I received my Masters from Walden University and have been practicing for three years. I am currently in a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program at Walden University. I assist individuals, couples, and families identify and overcome challenges that life may bring them. I have experience working with individuals who experience anxiety and depression and its becoming a struggle for them to maintain functioning.
Teasya Counseling: EMDR, EFT, PCIT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Issaquah, WA 98027 (Online Only)
In my work with children and family, I utilize play therapy from Parent Child Interaction Therapy and Incredible Years.
Our background shape our life decisions and we develop coping skills to get us through tough times. Therapy will help individuals work through their life challenges, improve their relationship, and have a self-fulfilling life. I have been working with children, youth, adults, parents/caregivers, and families since 2013. Together, we will explore the challenges that you are facing and working collaboratively to find hope, healing, and solution in the process.
In my work with children and family, I utilize play therapy from Parent Child Interaction Therapy and Incredible Years.
Our background shape our life decisions and we develop coping skills to get us through tough times. Therapy will help individuals work through their life challenges, improve their relationship, and have a self-fulfilling life. I have been working with children, youth, adults, parents/caregivers, and families since 2013. Together, we will explore the challenges that you are facing and working collaboratively to find hope, healing, and solution in the process.
I utilize play and expressive art therapy approaches which meet a child where they are at in their stage of growth and healing.
I enjoy helping children learn to self regulate and express their feelings and experiences through play and the therapeutic relationship. Children in my office will be given a safe space to be themselves and express all the parts of themselves that they bring in the room. I will work with parents on linking goals with growth and attunement for their child. Together we will collaborate on the best way to help your child heal in the areas that they are struggling to process and understand better.
I utilize play and expressive art therapy approaches which meet a child where they are at in their stage of growth and healing.
I enjoy helping children learn to self regulate and express their feelings and experiences through play and the therapeutic relationship. Children in my office will be given a safe space to be themselves and express all the parts of themselves that they bring in the room. I will work with parents on linking goals with growth and attunement for their child. Together we will collaborate on the best way to help your child heal in the areas that they are struggling to process and understand better.
I am currently Telehealth only. I use a a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, Play Therapy and EMDR to help rewire the nervous system so that it can experience states of calmness and heartfelt connection with self and others. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, specifically those struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, worry, grief, & loss. I also specialize in helping kids learn emotional regulation, increase frustration tolerance, overcome behavior problems, & develop secure attachment.
I am currently Telehealth only. I use a a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, Play Therapy and EMDR to help rewire the nervous system so that it can experience states of calmness and heartfelt connection with self and others. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, specifically those struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, worry, grief, & loss. I also specialize in helping kids learn emotional regulation, increase frustration tolerance, overcome behavior problems, & develop secure attachment.
Specializing in healing through creative outlets, Danielle often utilizes a play or art therapy approach in working with clients.
Danielle's vision is an active collaboration between therapist and client, dedicated to the pursuit of increasing access to hope and healing to people everywhere- because everyone deserves to live their best life.
Specializing in healing through creative outlets, Danielle often utilizes a play or art therapy approach in working with clients.
Danielle's vision is an active collaboration between therapist and client, dedicated to the pursuit of increasing access to hope and healing to people everywhere- because everyone deserves to live their best life.
Michelle Schneider
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CMHS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107
Welcome. As a family therapist, I am passionate about coming alongside families to support them through the the more difficult moments of life. I work with children of all ages and their families to improve issues of anxiety, depression, family conflict, trauma, attachment, tantrums and more. I also work with parents to help support finding their confidence in parenting and self, as often parenting can feel like your entire identity, we work to find balance to give space to all the pieces of you. I help create change through play, art, conversation, and connection with caregivers.
Welcome. As a family therapist, I am passionate about coming alongside families to support them through the the more difficult moments of life. I work with children of all ages and their families to improve issues of anxiety, depression, family conflict, trauma, attachment, tantrums and more. I also work with parents to help support finding their confidence in parenting and self, as often parenting can feel like your entire identity, we work to find balance to give space to all the pieces of you. I help create change through play, art, conversation, and connection with caregivers.
See more therapy options for Anacortes
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Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.