Play Therapy in 20817
Poole Counseling Group LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
We address challenging behaviors in children through PCIT and Filial Play Therapy.
You care deeply for your family, but the ongoing stress, the sleepless nights, and the emotional ups and downs are wearing you thin. It's not just about dealing with tantrums or navigating teen drama; it's the weight of knowing that your well-being directly impacts your family's happiness. You're not just looking for a quick fix; you're looking for a lasting change.You want a harmonious home where everyone feels heard, understood, and supported. Your aim is to foster positive behavior in your children, improve communication within your family, and to develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotional challenges.
We address challenging behaviors in children through PCIT and Filial Play Therapy.
You care deeply for your family, but the ongoing stress, the sleepless nights, and the emotional ups and downs are wearing you thin. It's not just about dealing with tantrums or navigating teen drama; it's the weight of knowing that your well-being directly impacts your family's happiness. You're not just looking for a quick fix; you're looking for a lasting change.You want a harmonious home where everyone feels heard, understood, and supported. Your aim is to foster positive behavior in your children, improve communication within your family, and to develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotional challenges.
Christina Fraser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSWC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
I use a variety of approaches including play therapy, sandtray therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused treatment, and talk therapy.
My name is Christina and I have been in practice for the last 19 years working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked in a variety of settings to include schools, the foster care system, an outpatient clinic, and community agencies. I enjoy working with all ages but have a passion for working with children and adolescents struggling with behavioral and emotional difficulties at home or in school. I also have experience working with parents needing extra parenting support and adults with symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and family conflict.
I use a variety of approaches including play therapy, sandtray therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused treatment, and talk therapy.
My name is Christina and I have been in practice for the last 19 years working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked in a variety of settings to include schools, the foster care system, an outpatient clinic, and community agencies. I enjoy working with all ages but have a passion for working with children and adolescents struggling with behavioral and emotional difficulties at home or in school. I also have experience working with parents needing extra parenting support and adults with symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and family conflict.
Amanda Wiggins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
I use an integrative model with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Experiential Therapy, & Solution-Focused Therapy.
I work with children, teens, and adults facing stressors such as life transitions, anxiety, depression, separation and divorce, blended families, parent child relationships, as well as identity, personal, and relational growth. My training as a MFT has helped me develop a collaborative and systemically informed therapy style. I believe clients are the experts in their own lives, and I can serve as a warm, empathetic and non-judgmental presence to facilitate exploration and self growth.
I use an integrative model with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Experiential Therapy, & Solution-Focused Therapy.
I work with children, teens, and adults facing stressors such as life transitions, anxiety, depression, separation and divorce, blended families, parent child relationships, as well as identity, personal, and relational growth. My training as a MFT has helped me develop a collaborative and systemically informed therapy style. I believe clients are the experts in their own lives, and I can serve as a warm, empathetic and non-judgmental presence to facilitate exploration and self growth.
Rebecca O'Neill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
We'll employ a blend of therapeutic techniques suited to your child's needs and developmental stage, from play therapy that allows for expressive exploration to cognitive-behavioral strategies that teach effective coping skills.
I specialize in supporting children through their struggles with anxiety, depression, and the unique challenges of neurodiversity, while simultaneously providing their parents with the understanding and tools they need to foster a supportive, nurturing environment at home. Watching your child struggle with these challenges can leave you feeling helpless, searching for ways to help them feel safer, understood, and happier in their own skin. I'm here to extend a compassionate hand to your child, helping them navigate their feelings and the world around them with more ease and confidence.
We'll employ a blend of therapeutic techniques suited to your child's needs and developmental stage, from play therapy that allows for expressive exploration to cognitive-behavioral strategies that teach effective coping skills.
I specialize in supporting children through their struggles with anxiety, depression, and the unique challenges of neurodiversity, while simultaneously providing their parents with the understanding and tools they need to foster a supportive, nurturing environment at home. Watching your child struggle with these challenges can leave you feeling helpless, searching for ways to help them feel safer, understood, and happier in their own skin. I'm here to extend a compassionate hand to your child, helping them navigate their feelings and the world around them with more ease and confidence.
Amy Pelletier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
Amy has completed training in expressive and play therapies and in using CBT to treat mood and anxiety disorders.
Amy has over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings, including outpatient mental health, school-based, and private practice. She is dedicated to helping children and families navigate life’s challenges. Amy’s approach to therapy involves creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients where she uses cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy techniques to help clients experiencing a range difficulties, including anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and behavior issues.
Amy has completed training in expressive and play therapies and in using CBT to treat mood and anxiety disorders.
Amy has over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings, including outpatient mental health, school-based, and private practice. She is dedicated to helping children and families navigate life’s challenges. Amy’s approach to therapy involves creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients where she uses cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy techniques to help clients experiencing a range difficulties, including anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and behavior issues.
Jocelyn Mayer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
My therapy style is integrative, drawing from a range of evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems theory.
I approach therapy with empathy, warmth, and non-judgment, creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I view therapy as a collaborative journey, working alongside clients to identify patterns, develop insight, and cultivate skills for growth and resilience. I believe in tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, ensuring a personalized and holistic approach to healing.
My therapy style is integrative, drawing from a range of evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems theory.
I approach therapy with empathy, warmth, and non-judgment, creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I view therapy as a collaborative journey, working alongside clients to identify patterns, develop insight, and cultivate skills for growth and resilience. I believe in tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, ensuring a personalized and holistic approach to healing.
Allison Brown
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC, RPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
I am a registered play therapist and work with children who have trouble managing their emotions, whether that is through outward expressions of temper tantrums all the way to inward expressions of withdrawing from others.
We currently have 2 new child therapists that have after school availability. Is it difficult to communicate with your child? Does your child have moments when their emotions take over and have a meltdown? Is your child withdrawn and have difficulty interacting with other children? Does your child have unpredictable reactions to simple requests or situations? Would you like to be able to comfort your child when they appear upset?
I am a registered play therapist and work with children who have trouble managing their emotions, whether that is through outward expressions of temper tantrums all the way to inward expressions of withdrawing from others.
We currently have 2 new child therapists that have after school availability. Is it difficult to communicate with your child? Does your child have moments when their emotions take over and have a meltdown? Is your child withdrawn and have difficulty interacting with other children? Does your child have unpredictable reactions to simple requests or situations? Would you like to be able to comfort your child when they appear upset?
Jonathan Rhoads
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
I have extensive experience using CBT, play therapy, and other approaches including sand tray, to create a safe, nurturing environment in which to heal and grow.
If you are looking for a supportive and approachable therapist to help you, your child, or your adolescent build effective coping strategies and create goal oriented solutions to help you improve your quality of life, I can help. My passion is adolescents and children. Some of the issues I focus on include anxiety, depression, adjustment problems, and social skills enhancement in young people. I have extensive experience in helping children, adolescents, adults, and families with complex underlying medical and/or developmental diagnoses deal with the impact these conditions have on their behavior, emotional happiness, and interactions with others.
I have extensive experience using CBT, play therapy, and other approaches including sand tray, to create a safe, nurturing environment in which to heal and grow.
If you are looking for a supportive and approachable therapist to help you, your child, or your adolescent build effective coping strategies and create goal oriented solutions to help you improve your quality of life, I can help. My passion is adolescents and children. Some of the issues I focus on include anxiety, depression, adjustment problems, and social skills enhancement in young people. I have extensive experience in helping children, adolescents, adults, and families with complex underlying medical and/or developmental diagnoses deal with the impact these conditions have on their behavior, emotional happiness, and interactions with others.
Jacob Kahn
Counselor, MA, LGPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
Primary focuses of my treatment include: Child and Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and more insight-based and relational therapy such as through an Intersubjective approach.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. IN-PERSON AVAILABLE. Just as each individual is unique, I see treatment as unique as well, meaning no single therapy approach can claim to be the solution to every individual that walks through my door. For as unique as you are, together we can make sense of your concerns, work towards your goals, and the quality of life you want and deserve.
Primary focuses of my treatment include: Child and Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and more insight-based and relational therapy such as through an Intersubjective approach.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. IN-PERSON AVAILABLE. Just as each individual is unique, I see treatment as unique as well, meaning no single therapy approach can claim to be the solution to every individual that walks through my door. For as unique as you are, together we can make sense of your concerns, work towards your goals, and the quality of life you want and deserve.
January Bryer Roberts
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
I will meet you where you are in life, and will use adventure, play, experiential, mindfulness, and expressive art activities to help you get where you want to be.
You see your child struggle and you don't know how to help. You hoped that this was just a phase that they would grow out of but you can't ignore the "red flags" you continue to see. You desperately want to fix things for them, but what you have tried isn't working. You're starting to realize that figuring it out on your own isn't the solution. You want help, but you're worried about judgment and labels.
I will meet you where you are in life, and will use adventure, play, experiential, mindfulness, and expressive art activities to help you get where you want to be.
You see your child struggle and you don't know how to help. You hoped that this was just a phase that they would grow out of but you can't ignore the "red flags" you continue to see. You desperately want to fix things for them, but what you have tried isn't working. You're starting to realize that figuring it out on your own isn't the solution. You want help, but you're worried about judgment and labels.
Erin Austin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
I have over 17 years of experience providing counseling, group work and case management services to children, adults, and families in a variety of community settings. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, 2009) and a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor (RPT-S, 2019). I have extensive training in the topics of infant and maternal mental health. I am licensed in the following states: Colorado, District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Please visit my website for more information: brighter-perspective.com
I have over 17 years of experience providing counseling, group work and case management services to children, adults, and families in a variety of community settings. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, 2009) and a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor (RPT-S, 2019). I have extensive training in the topics of infant and maternal mental health. I am licensed in the following states: Colorado, District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Please visit my website for more information: brighter-perspective.com
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Brittany LaFleur
Masha Kartashev
Ryan Shea
Stephanie Natter
Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC, CGP, LCPAT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
Our therapists come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing their own distinctive experiences, strengths and specialties and utilizing a range of therapies, including art, play, movement and traditional talk therapy.
I understand that there are many things in life that influence us and take a toll on our emotional well-being. I believe that with effective support, guidance and understanding, you have the ability to not only find the answers to your problems, but the strength to make positive changes in your life. Expressive Therapy Center offers a family-focused and individualized approach that is unique to each client and his or her family's needs.
Our therapists come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing their own distinctive experiences, strengths and specialties and utilizing a range of therapies, including art, play, movement and traditional talk therapy.
I understand that there are many things in life that influence us and take a toll on our emotional well-being. I believe that with effective support, guidance and understanding, you have the ability to not only find the answers to your problems, but the strength to make positive changes in your life. Expressive Therapy Center offers a family-focused and individualized approach that is unique to each client and his or her family's needs.
Brittany LaFleur
Counselor, MS, LCPC-S, RPT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
Brittany is a certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Therapist, Registered Play Therapist & Supervisor.
Brittany LaFleur is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Supervisor (LCPC-S) with a deep passion for aiding individuals in their journey towards becoming their best selves, hence why she started Your Best Self therapeutic services in 2018. Brittany creates a safe & confidential space to guide clients’ exploration of their inner worlds. She has a dynamic, compassionate & direct style of connecting with clients and leads a team of several other talented therapists.
Brittany is a certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Therapist, Registered Play Therapist & Supervisor.
Brittany LaFleur is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Supervisor (LCPC-S) with a deep passion for aiding individuals in their journey towards becoming their best selves, hence why she started Your Best Self therapeutic services in 2018. Brittany creates a safe & confidential space to guide clients’ exploration of their inner worlds. She has a dynamic, compassionate & direct style of connecting with clients and leads a team of several other talented therapists.
Zoe Nasios
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
I believe that it is essential for clients to find the right fit for their therapist. I want the client to know that my office is a safe space and I will do everything I can to help them navigate through the tough times in their life. Coming from a Greek background influences my desire to maintain cultural competence and tailor therapy to best support one’s beliefs and values. I will work as my client's advocate, ensuring that they feel valued and heard. I strive to create a relationship built on trust, communication, growth, and respect.
I believe that it is essential for clients to find the right fit for their therapist. I want the client to know that my office is a safe space and I will do everything I can to help them navigate through the tough times in their life. Coming from a Greek background influences my desire to maintain cultural competence and tailor therapy to best support one’s beliefs and values. I will work as my client's advocate, ensuring that they feel valued and heard. I strive to create a relationship built on trust, communication, growth, and respect.
Serenity Psychological Services, LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
Our mission at Serenity Psychological Services is to provide superior quality care through warm and compassionate experiences. Seeking help can be difficult and overwhelming. Our goal is to help you feel safe and understood while on your journey to finding peace and resolution. You will feel supported and connected while working with our highly trained and empathetic therapists. The relationship between you and your therapist is unique and essential to experiencing benefit from the treatment process. Working together through a strong alliance allows for greater insight, understanding, and ultimately improved overall well-being.
Our mission at Serenity Psychological Services is to provide superior quality care through warm and compassionate experiences. Seeking help can be difficult and overwhelming. Our goal is to help you feel safe and understood while on your journey to finding peace and resolution. You will feel supported and connected while working with our highly trained and empathetic therapists. The relationship between you and your therapist is unique and essential to experiencing benefit from the treatment process. Working together through a strong alliance allows for greater insight, understanding, and ultimately improved overall well-being.
Katelyn Alcamo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
Are you worried that your child is anxious, depressed or having difficulty navigating peer relationships? Are you struggling with parenting a teenager? Do you feel disconnected from your partner and find yourself wondering where the passion went? Relationships can be both the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of our lives. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am specially trained to work with children, couples, and families. I provide a safe and supportive place where you are empowered to reach your personal and relationship goals. Together we can help you find balance, enrichment, and happiness in your life.
Are you worried that your child is anxious, depressed or having difficulty navigating peer relationships? Are you struggling with parenting a teenager? Do you feel disconnected from your partner and find yourself wondering where the passion went? Relationships can be both the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of our lives. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am specially trained to work with children, couples, and families. I provide a safe and supportive place where you are empowered to reach your personal and relationship goals. Together we can help you find balance, enrichment, and happiness in your life.
Leah E. Chiaverini
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
I work with clients of all ages and issues/needs. I have a particular interest in those who are grieving, an experience that is difficult for anyone, particularly a young person who is just beginning to grasp language and how language relates to feelings. I am also well accommodated to help clients manage and process trauma/traumatic experiences with knowledge and guidance regarding the sympathetic nervous system/mind and body connectivity.
I work with clients of all ages and issues/needs. I have a particular interest in those who are grieving, an experience that is difficult for anyone, particularly a young person who is just beginning to grasp language and how language relates to feelings. I am also well accommodated to help clients manage and process trauma/traumatic experiences with knowledge and guidance regarding the sympathetic nervous system/mind and body connectivity.
Behrens and Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
My practice serves a wide range of patients. We are suited to help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, behavioral issues,
My practice serves a wide range of patients. We are suited to help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, behavioral issues,
Bethesda Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
Are you having difficulty connecting with your loved one? Are you experiencing a recent major life change? Are you having trouble sleeping or concentrating because of an unresolved family conflict or other stressor? Do you feel like there's no room in your schedule to relax because you are always taking care of others or working on a never-ending "to-do list"? Whether you have experienced a sudden unexpected event or you are going through a new change in your life, we can help! We specialize in working with individuals, couples and families who are going through a challenging time in their life or are trying to make sense of neg
Are you having difficulty connecting with your loved one? Are you experiencing a recent major life change? Are you having trouble sleeping or concentrating because of an unresolved family conflict or other stressor? Do you feel like there's no room in your schedule to relax because you are always taking care of others or working on a never-ending "to-do list"? Whether you have experienced a sudden unexpected event or you are going through a new change in your life, we can help! We specialize in working with individuals, couples and families who are going through a challenging time in their life or are trying to make sense of neg
Kelcei Kelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
I offer a non-judgmental space with cultural, religious, and ethnic humility. I am open-minded, honest, and empathetic with my individuals and families, challenging them to meet their potential. I believe in using evidence-based research and strength-based methodologies to address needs. Together we can work to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. I believe that a trusting therapeutic partnership is the foundation to meeting your treatment goals!
I offer a non-judgmental space with cultural, religious, and ethnic humility. I am open-minded, honest, and empathetic with my individuals and families, challenging them to meet their potential. I believe in using evidence-based research and strength-based methodologies to address needs. Together we can work to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. I believe that a trusting therapeutic partnership is the foundation to meeting your treatment goals!
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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.