Play Therapy in Ferndale, WA
Aaron Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ferndale, WA 98248
I specialize in working with children and teens ages 2-18 for defiance, trauma, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, child abuse, grief and loss and life adjustments. I provide research based counseling services in a warm and inviting environment. I offer practical strategies and activities to help children, teens and families meet their goals and improve their lives. Modalities I use include Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Triple P Parenting, Play Therapy, and Therapeutic Art Activities.
I specialize in working with children and teens ages 2-18 for defiance, trauma, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, child abuse, grief and loss and life adjustments. I provide research based counseling services in a warm and inviting environment. I offer practical strategies and activities to help children, teens and families meet their goals and improve their lives. Modalities I use include Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Triple P Parenting, Play Therapy, and Therapeutic Art Activities.
Experience working in schools and community programs demonstrated art, play and story-telling to be fundamental modalities founded in evidence based systems that are successful foundations for healing.
Working with children, adolescents and families in a wholistic manner is key in support and therapy. I am passionate about working with children, teens, and families who are navigating a neurotypical world through a neurodivergent lens. Finding support, information, and psychotherapy can be a challenge, but I am dedicated to bringing a client-led approach and a place where clients can feel seen and heard. I have had the pleasure of working with community agencies, courts, schools, wrap around services, and other mental health programs. In the therapy space I value client voice, safety and self advocacy.
Experience working in schools and community programs demonstrated art, play and story-telling to be fundamental modalities founded in evidence based systems that are successful foundations for healing.
Working with children, adolescents and families in a wholistic manner is key in support and therapy. I am passionate about working with children, teens, and families who are navigating a neurotypical world through a neurodivergent lens. Finding support, information, and psychotherapy can be a challenge, but I am dedicated to bringing a client-led approach and a place where clients can feel seen and heard. I have had the pleasure of working with community agencies, courts, schools, wrap around services, and other mental health programs. In the therapy space I value client voice, safety and self advocacy.
GracePoint Counseling
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, CCATP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ferndale, WA 98248 (Online Only)
All too often, people find themselves in the valleys of life with no apparent way out. Life’s issues have created obstacles that block and cover the path. These issues drag you down and disrupt your relationships and quality of life. I believe that the potential and desire to grow lies in each of us, and by identifying and building on your strengths, you will be able to move forward, past your obstacles, and toward your goals. My job is to walk with you and help you find the tools that can clear your path so you can continue your journey as a healthier and more content individual.
All too often, people find themselves in the valleys of life with no apparent way out. Life’s issues have created obstacles that block and cover the path. These issues drag you down and disrupt your relationships and quality of life. I believe that the potential and desire to grow lies in each of us, and by identifying and building on your strengths, you will be able to move forward, past your obstacles, and toward your goals. My job is to walk with you and help you find the tools that can clear your path so you can continue your journey as a healthier and more content individual.
Amanda Shannon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CMHS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ferndale, WA 98248
There is a gap between the way you wish life would be and the reality of life. Anxiety and Depression are just overwhelming and it makes it hard to connect to loved ones, get daily tasks done, and think clearly. You notice yourself feeling so disconnected. And you are finding it hard to have the drive to get things done. Where is the joy in life? You remember enjoying things but now everyday is just gray. You want to be able to feel like the Real You again! Not hidden by anxiety and depression.
There is a gap between the way you wish life would be and the reality of life. Anxiety and Depression are just overwhelming and it makes it hard to connect to loved ones, get daily tasks done, and think clearly. You notice yourself feeling so disconnected. And you are finding it hard to have the drive to get things done. Where is the joy in life? You remember enjoying things but now everyday is just gray. You want to be able to feel like the Real You again! Not hidden by anxiety and depression.
Hello! Welcome to my profile. My name is Nick Mabbutt, I help children, ages (7-18), individuals, and families navigate a wide range of mental health challenges. Is your child exhibiting challenging behaviors? Emotional Struggles? Difficulty getting to grasp with active/new diagnoses? Is your family struggling to connect? Stuck in difficult patterns? Behavior is communication. Through therapy we may begin to work through these challenges and begin the journey of building a more empowered and connected lived experience for you, your child, and your family.
Hello! Welcome to my profile. My name is Nick Mabbutt, I help children, ages (7-18), individuals, and families navigate a wide range of mental health challenges. Is your child exhibiting challenging behaviors? Emotional Struggles? Difficulty getting to grasp with active/new diagnoses? Is your family struggling to connect? Stuck in difficult patterns? Behavior is communication. Through therapy we may begin to work through these challenges and begin the journey of building a more empowered and connected lived experience for you, your child, and your family.
I specialize in nurturing growth and fostering meaningful connections from the tender age of toddlerhood to the threshold of early adulthood, extending up to age 45. With a compassionate approach, I partner with individuals and their families to navigate personal aspirations, social dynamics, and developmental landmarks, My mission is to equip families with tools and structure necessary to amplify desired outcomes and promote harmony within the family unit. I empower individuals by imparting essential emotion regulation techniques, facilitating a pathway toward serenity and resilience in their daily lives.
I specialize in nurturing growth and fostering meaningful connections from the tender age of toddlerhood to the threshold of early adulthood, extending up to age 45. With a compassionate approach, I partner with individuals and their families to navigate personal aspirations, social dynamics, and developmental landmarks, My mission is to equip families with tools and structure necessary to amplify desired outcomes and promote harmony within the family unit. I empower individuals by imparting essential emotion regulation techniques, facilitating a pathway toward serenity and resilience in their daily lives.
Megan Stonelake
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, RPT™
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ferndale, WA 98248
Not accepting new clients
I use a combination of play therapy, expressive arts, and somatic interventions to deepen children’s awareness and help them gain new tools.
Hi there! I’m Megan, a fellow parent who knows how hard it can be. I’m also deeply committed to understanding what underlies the behavior in our children that hinders their growth into the resilient, confident, and kind adults they have the potential to be. I have 15 years of experience working with children and families in all sorts of capacities and settings. I know all too well how kids with challenging behaviors or high anxiety can slip through the cracks, get labeled “defiant,” or just start to internalize the belief that they’re a bad kid. The truth is there’s no such thing. Kids do well when they can – and so do parents!
I use a combination of play therapy, expressive arts, and somatic interventions to deepen children’s awareness and help them gain new tools.
Hi there! I’m Megan, a fellow parent who knows how hard it can be. I’m also deeply committed to understanding what underlies the behavior in our children that hinders their growth into the resilient, confident, and kind adults they have the potential to be. I have 15 years of experience working with children and families in all sorts of capacities and settings. I know all too well how kids with challenging behaviors or high anxiety can slip through the cracks, get labeled “defiant,” or just start to internalize the belief that they’re a bad kid. The truth is there’s no such thing. Kids do well when they can – and so do parents!
At this time, I primarily offer in-person sessions, with masks optional, per CDC guidance. With over 30 years of clinical experience, my approach is tailored uniquely to each person's strengths and challenges, drawing from many effective tools to support body, heart and spirit. In addition to cognitve-behavioral approaches, I may include relaxation, active imagination, art and journaling, and other tools to calm the nervous system. I am a Certified practitioner of Lifespan Integration (lifespanintegration.com), a very effective, neuro-science based approach to trauma treatment. Please see my website for more info: emilyfarrell.org
At this time, I primarily offer in-person sessions, with masks optional, per CDC guidance. With over 30 years of clinical experience, my approach is tailored uniquely to each person's strengths and challenges, drawing from many effective tools to support body, heart and spirit. In addition to cognitve-behavioral approaches, I may include relaxation, active imagination, art and journaling, and other tools to calm the nervous system. I am a Certified practitioner of Lifespan Integration (lifespanintegration.com), a very effective, neuro-science based approach to trauma treatment. Please see my website for more info: emilyfarrell.org
Lindsay N. Anderson
Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Ferndale, WA 98248
Not accepting new clients
I am a school-based mental health therapist, who loves working with youth and families as they navigate all the bumps and joys of childhood and adolescence. I am trained and experienced in advocating for youth in school settings and also within the foster care system. My heart is to help young people, whatever their circumstances may be, to flourish while empowering the adults in their life to help them get there.
I am a school-based mental health therapist, who loves working with youth and families as they navigate all the bumps and joys of childhood and adolescence. I am trained and experienced in advocating for youth in school settings and also within the foster care system. My heart is to help young people, whatever their circumstances may be, to flourish while empowering the adults in their life to help them get there.
Erin Leedom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Ferndale, WA 98248
Not accepting new clients
My belief is that each person is uniquely capable of transforming their lives with the right kind of support. The way that we handle life stressors, how we view our past and how we enact change are always evolving. I’m here to partner with you through that process using a strengths based, mindful approach that examines what’s working for you and what needs adjusting. If you are experiencing grief, my goal is to help you and/or your child integrate the reality of your loss into your daily lives in a healthy, meaningful way.
My belief is that each person is uniquely capable of transforming their lives with the right kind of support. The way that we handle life stressors, how we view our past and how we enact change are always evolving. I’m here to partner with you through that process using a strengths based, mindful approach that examines what’s working for you and what needs adjusting. If you are experiencing grief, my goal is to help you and/or your child integrate the reality of your loss into your daily lives in a healthy, meaningful way.
Ariel Villaseñor
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ferndale, WA 98248
Not accepting new clients
Hi, I’m Ariel! As a therapist, I consider it a joy and a privilege to partner with kids (11+), teens, and adults in working through the inevitable challenges of life. I believe that each person has the capacity to change and to heal no matter the hand they have been dealt or what they have experienced. With this perspective, I aim to collaboratively work with each person in gaining insight into their own strengths, as well as perspective on their pain, within the context of a safe relationship.
Hi, I’m Ariel! As a therapist, I consider it a joy and a privilege to partner with kids (11+), teens, and adults in working through the inevitable challenges of life. I believe that each person has the capacity to change and to heal no matter the hand they have been dealt or what they have experienced. With this perspective, I aim to collaboratively work with each person in gaining insight into their own strengths, as well as perspective on their pain, within the context of a safe relationship.
More Therapists Nearby
You don't have to trust everybody, but you can trust somebody. At Barzey Consulting and Counseling, you will have a safe and peaceful space, and a person you can trust to speak your truth and tell your story. I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques such as CBT, DBT and play therapy, and will adjust my approach based on the needs and goals of each client. I have experience working with victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. I also have experience working with people dealing with immigration issues and difficulties adjusting. I offer immigration psychological evaluations for VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa, and more.
You don't have to trust everybody, but you can trust somebody. At Barzey Consulting and Counseling, you will have a safe and peaceful space, and a person you can trust to speak your truth and tell your story. I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques such as CBT, DBT and play therapy, and will adjust my approach based on the needs and goals of each client. I have experience working with victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. I also have experience working with people dealing with immigration issues and difficulties adjusting. I offer immigration psychological evaluations for VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa, and more.
These include person centered therapy, DBT, CBT, ACT, expressive arts, therapeutic play, and parent skills training.
It takes courage to ask for support. Coming this far is a victory in and of itself. You’re in touch with yourself enough to know that you need something to change, although you may not be certain yet of what that change should look like. Perhaps you need a shift in perspective during a difficult time. Maybe you need to learn to cope with challenging emotions. Perhaps it is your child who needs help and you need help learning how to help them. Whatever your need, you deserve an empathetic and dedicated guide to join you on your journey. You don't have to do this alone. Currently taking clients intermittently.
These include person centered therapy, DBT, CBT, ACT, expressive arts, therapeutic play, and parent skills training.
It takes courage to ask for support. Coming this far is a victory in and of itself. You’re in touch with yourself enough to know that you need something to change, although you may not be certain yet of what that change should look like. Perhaps you need a shift in perspective during a difficult time. Maybe you need to learn to cope with challenging emotions. Perhaps it is your child who needs help and you need help learning how to help them. Whatever your need, you deserve an empathetic and dedicated guide to join you on your journey. You don't have to do this alone. Currently taking clients intermittently.
Dvorah Carrasco, MA, LMHC
Counselor, MA, LMHC, EMMHS, CEAP, CMHS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98227
My approach is to take each individual and personalize treatment to meet those particular needs. I meet clients where they are and gently challenge them so they can realize their unlocked potential for healing. I strongly encourage self -actualization and finding the joy and meaning in life. I work with clients with depression, anxiety, trauma and post traumatic stress syndrome. I help them communicate through, Play Therapy, Talk Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapies such as painting, journaling, movement etc..
My approach is to take each individual and personalize treatment to meet those particular needs. I meet clients where they are and gently challenge them so they can realize their unlocked potential for healing. I strongly encourage self -actualization and finding the joy and meaning in life. I work with clients with depression, anxiety, trauma and post traumatic stress syndrome. I help them communicate through, Play Therapy, Talk Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapies such as painting, journaling, movement etc..
I believe that play and joy are profoundly healing. Perhaps you’ve already tried talk therapy, and are hungering for something more. I combine talk therapy with exercises that spark movement, play, and creativity. Whether you’re facing upheavals in personal or professional life or emotions that seem overwhelming, I’m confident that together we can create a space big enough to welcome in those feelings and experiences. By working with me, you will fine-tune your awareness, and develop skillful (and playful!) uses of your attention that nourishes yourself and those around you.
I believe that play and joy are profoundly healing. Perhaps you’ve already tried talk therapy, and are hungering for something more. I combine talk therapy with exercises that spark movement, play, and creativity. Whether you’re facing upheavals in personal or professional life or emotions that seem overwhelming, I’m confident that together we can create a space big enough to welcome in those feelings and experiences. By working with me, you will fine-tune your awareness, and develop skillful (and playful!) uses of your attention that nourishes yourself and those around you.
Children often relax through play.
I am passionate about helping people make sense of their lives in complicated times. I am an actively involved psychotherapist. I believe in developing a strongly collaborative relationship. With mutual curiosity, we can explore meaningful ways to find relief and make lasting, positive changes. I do psychotherapy with children, teens, families, and adults in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and in Japanese. I also do psychological evaluations for Attention Deficit Disorder.
Children often relax through play.
I am passionate about helping people make sense of their lives in complicated times. I am an actively involved psychotherapist. I believe in developing a strongly collaborative relationship. With mutual curiosity, we can explore meaningful ways to find relief and make lasting, positive changes. I do psychotherapy with children, teens, families, and adults in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and in Japanese. I also do psychological evaluations for Attention Deficit Disorder.
I believe in the innate power each of us possesses to heal. Beginning with a gentle exploration of your story, your sense awareness and your feeling world, I seek to find a mutually agreed upon place to begin deeper work together. I hold close to embodiment (breath/gesture/sensation); creativity (playfulness/curiosity/possibility); and compassion (non-judgment/empathy/connection): all these are pathways to ground and support your healing process. I have found that depth of relationship itself is a healer, so I strive for a REAL, courageous relationship with my clients- capable of sustaining vulnerability, fierceness and deep transformations.
I believe in the innate power each of us possesses to heal. Beginning with a gentle exploration of your story, your sense awareness and your feeling world, I seek to find a mutually agreed upon place to begin deeper work together. I hold close to embodiment (breath/gesture/sensation); creativity (playfulness/curiosity/possibility); and compassion (non-judgment/empathy/connection): all these are pathways to ground and support your healing process. I have found that depth of relationship itself is a healer, so I strive for a REAL, courageous relationship with my clients- capable of sustaining vulnerability, fierceness and deep transformations.
Hi, my name is Elli and I am here to help you on your counseling journey. Sometimes our brains can feel overcrowded by thoughts and emotions and we need an outside eye to help in making sense of the chaos. Everyone deserves a space where they can be wholly themselves and process life's stressors, this is the space I strive to provide within session. I have a passion for working with both teens and adults in navigating life's transitions and anxieties.
Hi, my name is Elli and I am here to help you on your counseling journey. Sometimes our brains can feel overcrowded by thoughts and emotions and we need an outside eye to help in making sense of the chaos. Everyone deserves a space where they can be wholly themselves and process life's stressors, this is the space I strive to provide within session. I have a passion for working with both teens and adults in navigating life's transitions and anxieties.
My goal is to teach clients how to become their own counselor because no one knows you better than yourself. Whether you're struggling with coming out, navigating relationships, or reconciling your identity with societal expectations, I am here to offer guidance and support. I specialize in helping clients work through shame, anxiety, depression, identity issues, and family conflict. My aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings and experiences without fear of judgment.
My goal is to teach clients how to become their own counselor because no one knows you better than yourself. Whether you're struggling with coming out, navigating relationships, or reconciling your identity with societal expectations, I am here to offer guidance and support. I specialize in helping clients work through shame, anxiety, depression, identity issues, and family conflict. My aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings and experiences without fear of judgment.
Accepting New Patients, same week availability................................... Maribel Aheran Ed.D, LMHC-QS, NCC, MCAP is a bilingual (English & Spanish) licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 12 years of experience treating children, adolescents, college students, and adults. She completed a bachelor's degree in education from Caribbean University, a master's degree in English for speakers of other languages from Turabo University, a master's degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, and a doctorate degree in education from Edgewood College.
Accepting New Patients, same week availability................................... Maribel Aheran Ed.D, LMHC-QS, NCC, MCAP is a bilingual (English & Spanish) licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 12 years of experience treating children, adolescents, college students, and adults. She completed a bachelor's degree in education from Caribbean University, a master's degree in English for speakers of other languages from Turabo University, a master's degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, and a doctorate degree in education from Edgewood College.
See more therapy options for Ferndale
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Ferndale
See More Play TherapyNearby Searches for Ferndale
See More TherapistsPlay 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.