Play Therapy in 80222
Harvest Therapeutic Services
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
In order to help you on your individual journey, I have expanded my clinical expertise including EMDR Certified therapist, trained in Internal Family Systems, IFIO, and certified systemic Sandtray and/or Play Therapist.
Are today’s stressful social relational pressures causing you undue stress? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to communicate with your partner, your child or friends? Are you needing to find a safe supportive environment to work through your emotions? As a Doctor and current Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as Licensed Addiction Counselor, I work with couples, groups or individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, substance abuse, or parenting issues.
In order to help you on your individual journey, I have expanded my clinical expertise including EMDR Certified therapist, trained in Internal Family Systems, IFIO, and certified systemic Sandtray and/or Play Therapist.
Are today’s stressful social relational pressures causing you undue stress? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to communicate with your partner, your child or friends? Are you needing to find a safe supportive environment to work through your emotions? As a Doctor and current Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as Licensed Addiction Counselor, I work with couples, groups or individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, substance abuse, or parenting issues.
Maxwell Murray
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
Play, existential, interpersonal therapy - all grounded in a trauma-informed approach - can help to address painful interpersonal cycles and the impacts of traumatic experiences at their root.
Whether you find yourself in life transition, impacted by personal or communal violence or other traumatic events, or otherwise feel frozen or stuck, therapy may support you in building awareness and skills to move through what you're facing. You may experience doubt in aspects of yourself you're unfamiliar with, fear of known or unknown stress-inducing circumstances, or the physical and emotional impacts of violence or pain you've seen or experienced. In each case, finding space where you can name what is painful to name is often the first step in that movement through it.
Play, existential, interpersonal therapy - all grounded in a trauma-informed approach - can help to address painful interpersonal cycles and the impacts of traumatic experiences at their root.
Whether you find yourself in life transition, impacted by personal or communal violence or other traumatic events, or otherwise feel frozen or stuck, therapy may support you in building awareness and skills to move through what you're facing. You may experience doubt in aspects of yourself you're unfamiliar with, fear of known or unknown stress-inducing circumstances, or the physical and emotional impacts of violence or pain you've seen or experienced. In each case, finding space where you can name what is painful to name is often the first step in that movement through it.
Sarah Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT™
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
With children, I utilize Play Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and EMDR (for trauma), all with the focus of increasing emotional regulation to promote well-being and healthy coping skills.
Life's journey can be a winding road, filled with twists and turns that sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I offer compassionate support for children and adults dealing with various issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship/family difficulties. My goal is to create a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their emotions and begin healing.
With children, I utilize Play Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and EMDR (for trauma), all with the focus of increasing emotional regulation to promote well-being and healthy coping skills.
Life's journey can be a winding road, filled with twists and turns that sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I offer compassionate support for children and adults dealing with various issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship/family difficulties. My goal is to create a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their emotions and begin healing.
Realistic Serenity Behavioral Health
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
There are currently 4 mental health professionals within our practice, providing Individual, Family or Couples Counseling, Play Therapy, LGBTQ+ support and EMDR, as well as Clinical Supervision for professionals.
For too long, mental well-being has been something that people were supposed to figure out for themselves. We're here to tell you that it really isn't necessary to go it alone. Our private practice is located near I-25 and Colorado Blvd. We utilize Play Therapy with children and teens in addition to working with adult individuals and families to create the empowerment to make choices that better fit the reality you envision for yourself.
There are currently 4 mental health professionals within our practice, providing Individual, Family or Couples Counseling, Play Therapy, LGBTQ+ support and EMDR, as well as Clinical Supervision for professionals.
For too long, mental well-being has been something that people were supposed to figure out for themselves. We're here to tell you that it really isn't necessary to go it alone. Our private practice is located near I-25 and Colorado Blvd. We utilize Play Therapy with children and teens in addition to working with adult individuals and families to create the empowerment to make choices that better fit the reality you envision for yourself.
True Colors Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
When working with children and families I rely more on Individual Play Therapy and Filial Play Therapy as a means of helping children and adolescents to explore their experiences while strengthening family bonds.
I am a graduate of the Regis University Master's in Counseling program and hold a post-graduate certificate in child and adolescent counseling. Before my Master's degree, I completed my Baccalaureate degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver. Throughout my career I have worked for both Mental Health Center of Denver (in adult services) as well as The Third Way Center (a residential program for at risk youth). I believe a positive client-therapist relationship is essential for growth and healing and am passionate about supporting clients in developing awareness, knowledge and skills necessary to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
When working with children and families I rely more on Individual Play Therapy and Filial Play Therapy as a means of helping children and adolescents to explore their experiences while strengthening family bonds.
I am a graduate of the Regis University Master's in Counseling program and hold a post-graduate certificate in child and adolescent counseling. Before my Master's degree, I completed my Baccalaureate degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver. Throughout my career I have worked for both Mental Health Center of Denver (in adult services) as well as The Third Way Center (a residential program for at risk youth). I believe a positive client-therapist relationship is essential for growth and healing and am passionate about supporting clients in developing awareness, knowledge and skills necessary to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Summer Flos (Accepting New Clients)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
I have worked closely with individuals, couples and families experiencing depression, anxiety, self-harming thoughts, traumas, intensive child behaviors/emotions, life transitions, domestic abuse and much more by using techniques from EMDR, play therapy, art, DBT, CBT, client centered counseling.
Accepting new clients for morning and early afternoon appointment times. I look at everyone's individual healing journey through a collaborative lens focusing on mind & body. Our minds & bodies hold on to traumas, depression, anxiety, etc & store it. I will help you assess the true roots to your issues & walk the path of growth together. I do not believe in “cookie cutter” therapy methods, which is giving every client the same skills and treatment. Instead we get to know the client & personalize their treatment to fit their needs, wants, beliefs & life experiences.
I have worked closely with individuals, couples and families experiencing depression, anxiety, self-harming thoughts, traumas, intensive child behaviors/emotions, life transitions, domestic abuse and much more by using techniques from EMDR, play therapy, art, DBT, CBT, client centered counseling.
Accepting new clients for morning and early afternoon appointment times. I look at everyone's individual healing journey through a collaborative lens focusing on mind & body. Our minds & bodies hold on to traumas, depression, anxiety, etc & store it. I will help you assess the true roots to your issues & walk the path of growth together. I do not believe in “cookie cutter” therapy methods, which is giving every client the same skills and treatment. Instead we get to know the client & personalize their treatment to fit their needs, wants, beliefs & life experiences.
Counseling Colorado, PLLC
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC, NCC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
Trained play therapist for younger children.
Are you living the life you want? Recovery is a choice and I am here to help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness; it is the empowerment of one's internal strength. I have a passion for creating a therapeutic alliance with clients to help them achieve their goals and to become their best self. Utilizing evidence based therapies, I am able to peel back the layers and get to the heart of one's core issues, resulting in healing. Choosing to seek professional help is a big decision and choosing the right counselor is essential to achieving success."
Trained play therapist for younger children.
Are you living the life you want? Recovery is a choice and I am here to help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness; it is the empowerment of one's internal strength. I have a passion for creating a therapeutic alliance with clients to help them achieve their goals and to become their best self. Utilizing evidence based therapies, I am able to peel back the layers and get to the heart of one's core issues, resulting in healing. Choosing to seek professional help is a big decision and choosing the right counselor is essential to achieving success."
Andrea Forlina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S, EPTS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
However, registered play therapists, like myself, understand how to make play a healing, therapeutic experience.
Your child isn't talking to you like they used to. They're crying or shouting more. Maybe they're struggling with being mean to or withdrawing from family and friends. Has your child experienced a life disturbing event that seems to have made things more difficult for them? Is what's going on for your child confusing or even scaring you? Certainly it's painful for both you and your child. You're wondering if your child needs therapy, but you don't know if they'll talk to a therapist. You've heard of play therapy and wonder if it works.
However, registered play therapists, like myself, understand how to make play a healing, therapeutic experience.
Your child isn't talking to you like they used to. They're crying or shouting more. Maybe they're struggling with being mean to or withdrawing from family and friends. Has your child experienced a life disturbing event that seems to have made things more difficult for them? Is what's going on for your child confusing or even scaring you? Certainly it's painful for both you and your child. You're wondering if your child needs therapy, but you don't know if they'll talk to a therapist. You've heard of play therapy and wonder if it works.
Liz Cason
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
If you or your child/teen struggles with challenges related to Autism, ADHD, or intellectual or learning disabilities I would love to support you. Neurodiverse children often have challenges with socialization, communication, and specific interests. Through child-led play and cognitive behavioral support I work with children to strengthen skills and regulate emotions. If your child is older or in adolescence there may be additional challenges with Neurodiversity such as anxiety or depression. I utilize CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and mindfulness based therapy to support clients and help them reach their goals.
If you or your child/teen struggles with challenges related to Autism, ADHD, or intellectual or learning disabilities I would love to support you. Neurodiverse children often have challenges with socialization, communication, and specific interests. Through child-led play and cognitive behavioral support I work with children to strengthen skills and regulate emotions. If your child is older or in adolescence there may be additional challenges with Neurodiversity such as anxiety or depression. I utilize CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and mindfulness based therapy to support clients and help them reach their goals.
Michelle Mawhiney
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
Under the umbrella of Attachment Theory and Family Systems Theory, modalities used in treatment may include play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and trauma informed therapy.
Hi! My goal is to assist children in reaching their highest potential and collaborating with families to create a more harmonious and happy life together. Through humor, and sometimes silliness, I build authentic and genuine relationships with children and their families. My therapeutic approach is centered on the specific needs of each child. Experience includes serving as an elementary school counselor in a magnet school for the gifted: supporting general, special, and gifted education students and their families, as well as experience as a grief counselor, working with palliative care and hospice care patients and their families.
Under the umbrella of Attachment Theory and Family Systems Theory, modalities used in treatment may include play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and trauma informed therapy.
Hi! My goal is to assist children in reaching their highest potential and collaborating with families to create a more harmonious and happy life together. Through humor, and sometimes silliness, I build authentic and genuine relationships with children and their families. My therapeutic approach is centered on the specific needs of each child. Experience includes serving as an elementary school counselor in a magnet school for the gifted: supporting general, special, and gifted education students and their families, as well as experience as a grief counselor, working with palliative care and hospice care patients and their families.
Dr. Faye Kouimelis
Psychologist, PsyD, OTR/L
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
I practice psychodynamic therapy, play therapy and deep psychological work.
I specialize in treating children ages 2 years and up with PTSD/complex trauma, behavioral concerns and developmental disabilities. I also specialize in working with first respond and combat veterans. When working with children, I use client-centered play therapy as this allows the child to communicate through play. For my adult clients who want to heal from trauma, I provide a space to unload the trauma because trauma is a heavy burden. Together we unravel the trauma and work through it to come out the other side to achieve a healthy present and future.
I practice psychodynamic therapy, play therapy and deep psychological work.
I specialize in treating children ages 2 years and up with PTSD/complex trauma, behavioral concerns and developmental disabilities. I also specialize in working with first respond and combat veterans. When working with children, I use client-centered play therapy as this allows the child to communicate through play. For my adult clients who want to heal from trauma, I provide a space to unload the trauma because trauma is a heavy burden. Together we unravel the trauma and work through it to come out the other side to achieve a healthy present and future.
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Melissa A Autry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, R-DMT
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
I specialize in the combined use of creative, somatic and cognitive modalities, using movement, art, play, mindfulness, and other experiential therapeutic interventions to address clinical and social concerns.
Are you, your child or teen, overwhelmed with the stresses of your world? Experiencing emotional and behavioral outbursts in response to this stress? Feeling drained and defeated? Together we can explore and process big emotions by focusing first on regulating our nervous systems and developing healthy relational experiences. With your openness and curiosity, we will embark on a journey of discovery, reflection and empowerment. You will dive into past experiences that live within the body as well as explore the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a safe and secure environment.
I specialize in the combined use of creative, somatic and cognitive modalities, using movement, art, play, mindfulness, and other experiential therapeutic interventions to address clinical and social concerns.
Are you, your child or teen, overwhelmed with the stresses of your world? Experiencing emotional and behavioral outbursts in response to this stress? Feeling drained and defeated? Together we can explore and process big emotions by focusing first on regulating our nervous systems and developing healthy relational experiences. With your openness and curiosity, we will embark on a journey of discovery, reflection and empowerment. You will dive into past experiences that live within the body as well as explore the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a safe and secure environment.
Daniel Garcia
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
Growing up isn't easy, and neither is parenting! My goal is to be a resource for you and your child as you navigate the challenges of life together. Through the use of Play Therapy, I strive to provide a place where your child can feel safe to communicate and process their emotions, fears, and experiences in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.
Growing up isn't easy, and neither is parenting! My goal is to be a resource for you and your child as you navigate the challenges of life together. Through the use of Play Therapy, I strive to provide a place where your child can feel safe to communicate and process their emotions, fears, and experiences in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.
Nicole Bradley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
Hi, I'm Nicole, a licensed professional counselor and neurotherapist serving CO in-person and online! I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who need support coping with life's plentiful and ongoing challenges. I guide individuals towards resilience and confidence through the use of colorful interventions & therapeutic techniques that are adapted to your lifestyle, needs, personality, and interests. Therapy encourages deep personal growth and helps you to find the pieces within yourself that enable healing and change. Consider me along for the ride, your personal ally, and a professional witness to your life.
Hi, I'm Nicole, a licensed professional counselor and neurotherapist serving CO in-person and online! I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who need support coping with life's plentiful and ongoing challenges. I guide individuals towards resilience and confidence through the use of colorful interventions & therapeutic techniques that are adapted to your lifestyle, needs, personality, and interests. Therapy encourages deep personal growth and helps you to find the pieces within yourself that enable healing and change. Consider me along for the ride, your personal ally, and a professional witness to your life.
All Minds Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
We are a group practice providing individual, family, and couples therapy to neurodiverse families. Our passion is providing mental health services to children and adults with neuodiversity to help them find a true authentic self while balancing stressors of every day life. It can be difficult to find the care you need to address the complexities of co-occuring diagnosis’, which can make finding the right provider feel overwhelming. Finding a therapist who understands how your brain works differently is beneficial to create the change you want in your life. We are a trauma informed and neurodiverse affirming therapeutic practice.
We are a group practice providing individual, family, and couples therapy to neurodiverse families. Our passion is providing mental health services to children and adults with neuodiversity to help them find a true authentic self while balancing stressors of every day life. It can be difficult to find the care you need to address the complexities of co-occuring diagnosis’, which can make finding the right provider feel overwhelming. Finding a therapist who understands how your brain works differently is beneficial to create the change you want in your life. We are a trauma informed and neurodiverse affirming therapeutic practice.
Chelsey Brown
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
Hi there, I highly value meeting clients where they’re at. I aim to provide a warm, relational, and trauma informed space that focuses on empowerment, safety, and collaboration with my clients. I believe that therapy is a space where clients’ voices and stories should be heard and validated. I believe that when clients are met with empathy and validation, they can begin to do that for themselves and others. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Colorado and work with young children, teens, and adults affected by trauma and who have difficulties with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and suicidality.
Hi there, I highly value meeting clients where they’re at. I aim to provide a warm, relational, and trauma informed space that focuses on empowerment, safety, and collaboration with my clients. I believe that therapy is a space where clients’ voices and stories should be heard and validated. I believe that when clients are met with empathy and validation, they can begin to do that for themselves and others. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Colorado and work with young children, teens, and adults affected by trauma and who have difficulties with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and suicidality.
Deborah Kay Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, CAC, III
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
The issues which I enjoy working with the most are those related to relationships and family dynamics. One of the areas of most interest to me is working with individuals who are coming out of a relationship with a partner who had narcissistic personality traits. I became licensed as a marriage and family therapist in 1998 and have worked as a family therapist in substance abuse treatment programs, residential treatment programs for children and adolescents, and residential treatment programs for women. I also work with many individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma.
The issues which I enjoy working with the most are those related to relationships and family dynamics. One of the areas of most interest to me is working with individuals who are coming out of a relationship with a partner who had narcissistic personality traits. I became licensed as a marriage and family therapist in 1998 and have worked as a family therapist in substance abuse treatment programs, residential treatment programs for children and adolescents, and residential treatment programs for women. I also work with many individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma.
Ana Paula Castro-Papa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Ana Paula and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) which focuses on individual issues and behaviors as they come up in family and relationships. I focus on systemic relationships in order to understand how nonfunctional behaviors start and how to replace these with healthy relationships. I focus on individual therapy, while also seeing how these fit into families and relationships. My therapy focuses on managing some more intense issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, attachment issues and how they keep coming up in your daily life, and substance abuse issues.
Hello, my name is Ana Paula and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) which focuses on individual issues and behaviors as they come up in family and relationships. I focus on systemic relationships in order to understand how nonfunctional behaviors start and how to replace these with healthy relationships. I focus on individual therapy, while also seeing how these fit into families and relationships. My therapy focuses on managing some more intense issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, attachment issues and how they keep coming up in your daily life, and substance abuse issues.
Renee Shannon Hickey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
Renee Shannon, MA, LPC, specializes in life transitions, anxiety, grief and trauma. Renee has been in private practice as a life coach and meditation/mindfulness teacher for over 20 years. Renee incorporates a holistic approach to her treatment of her clients. She takes her extensive background in self-development, her corporate training as an executive in the IT field, and her training as a life-coach and teacher into her assessments and treatments of her clients. She is comfortable working with individuals from all stages of life, also including children, families and couples.
Renee Shannon, MA, LPC, specializes in life transitions, anxiety, grief and trauma. Renee has been in private practice as a life coach and meditation/mindfulness teacher for over 20 years. Renee incorporates a holistic approach to her treatment of her clients. She takes her extensive background in self-development, her corporate training as an executive in the IT field, and her training as a life-coach and teacher into her assessments and treatments of her clients. She is comfortable working with individuals from all stages of life, also including children, families and couples.
Natalie Walders Abramson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
My goal as a clinical psychologist is to help children, teens, adults and families develop solutions to their problems so that their lives run more smoothly with less stress. I have worked at Children's Hospital Colorado and National Jewish Health for 15 years, and launched my private practice to add a community based focus. I provide clients with state-of-the-art, empirically-supported behavioral health interventions shown to result in fast and sustainable relief from depression, anxiety and conflict.
My goal as a clinical psychologist is to help children, teens, adults and families develop solutions to their problems so that their lives run more smoothly with less stress. I have worked at Children's Hospital Colorado and National Jewish Health for 15 years, and launched my private practice to add a community based focus. I provide clients with state-of-the-art, empirically-supported behavioral health interventions shown to result in fast and sustainable relief from depression, anxiety and conflict.
See more therapy options for 80222
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.