Play Therapy in Shelby County, AL
I am currently an LPC, and am working toward my Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
I see clients with needs involving emotional and mental pain that come from a variety of different pathways, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and trauma. I look to provide the client with evidenced based practices and interventions to allow the client, caregiver, and I to collaborate and determine the best pathway to growth. I see clients ranging in ages, from 3 to adulthood, and I work with relational problems, including families, divorce, blending families, and couples. I start with a Client Centered approach and integrate modalities as necessary to best serve my clients.
I am currently an LPC, and am working toward my Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
I see clients with needs involving emotional and mental pain that come from a variety of different pathways, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and trauma. I look to provide the client with evidenced based practices and interventions to allow the client, caregiver, and I to collaborate and determine the best pathway to growth. I see clients ranging in ages, from 3 to adulthood, and I work with relational problems, including families, divorce, blending families, and couples. I start with a Client Centered approach and integrate modalities as necessary to best serve my clients.
Ashley Carden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
I am certified in TraumaPlay, a developmentally sensitive play-based treatment curriculum, and I am trained in utilizing Theraplay Level 1 techniques, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR.
Hi! I'm so glad you are here. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and individuals who have experienced trauma (sexual abuse, physical abuse, maltreatment and neglect), anxiety, stress, trauma-related struggles, and attachment disturbances. Life can be challenging - especially when you feel stuck and joy seems lost. Experiencing challenging life events does not mean settling for unhappy circumstances. Together, we can work on creating positive meaning out of the most painful parts of your story, so that you can continue to move forward in the healing process and get to the place where you want to be.
I am certified in TraumaPlay, a developmentally sensitive play-based treatment curriculum, and I am trained in utilizing Theraplay Level 1 techniques, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR.
Hi! I'm so glad you are here. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and individuals who have experienced trauma (sexual abuse, physical abuse, maltreatment and neglect), anxiety, stress, trauma-related struggles, and attachment disturbances. Life can be challenging - especially when you feel stuck and joy seems lost. Experiencing challenging life events does not mean settling for unhappy circumstances. Together, we can work on creating positive meaning out of the most painful parts of your story, so that you can continue to move forward in the healing process and get to the place where you want to be.
Dr. James L. Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
Jackson is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor.
Dr. Jackson is a National Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Counseling Supervisor, and a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor. He collaborates with clients and caregivers to provide personalized, evidence-based therapies that include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, behavior modification, sand-tray therapy, and play therapy.
Jackson is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor.
Dr. Jackson is a National Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Counseling Supervisor, and a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor. He collaborates with clients and caregivers to provide personalized, evidence-based therapies that include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, behavior modification, sand-tray therapy, and play therapy.
AEB Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35242
I utilize both play therapy and family systems techniques in my practice.
I am accepting new clients and can be a source of support for them in developing and achieving their goals. I work with clients who are experiencing grief, family conflict, excessive worry, perfectionism, and depression. I work extensively with clients who have experienced trauma in their lives in order to help them process this in a healthy way and move forward into a happier future. I am trained in EMDR which is a specialized therapy used to treat trauma-related needs. In my work with children, I help them learn to manage anger, distractions, hyperactivity, feelings resulting from divorce, and school problems.
I utilize both play therapy and family systems techniques in my practice.
I am accepting new clients and can be a source of support for them in developing and achieving their goals. I work with clients who are experiencing grief, family conflict, excessive worry, perfectionism, and depression. I work extensively with clients who have experienced trauma in their lives in order to help them process this in a healthy way and move forward into a happier future. I am trained in EMDR which is a specialized therapy used to treat trauma-related needs. In my work with children, I help them learn to manage anger, distractions, hyperactivity, feelings resulting from divorce, and school problems.
I have extensive training in anxiety-related disorders, attachment-informed couples therapy, play therapy and trauma treatment.
Are you looking for a therapist for yourself or your child who is safe, compassionate, competent, and authentic? My goal is for all my clients to experience the freedom of being themselves in therapy, because I believe that is when real healing happens. My clients' struggles range from relationship issues to anxiety and depression, trauma, family of origin issues, and more.
I have extensive training in anxiety-related disorders, attachment-informed couples therapy, play therapy and trauma treatment.
Are you looking for a therapist for yourself or your child who is safe, compassionate, competent, and authentic? My goal is for all my clients to experience the freedom of being themselves in therapy, because I believe that is when real healing happens. My clients' struggles range from relationship issues to anxiety and depression, trauma, family of origin issues, and more.
Miranda Marcano
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor currently working towards my registered play therapy credential.
I believe you are the expert on your experience and struggles. As a team, we will cultivate the coping skills you need to thrive.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor currently working towards my registered play therapy credential.
I believe you are the expert on your experience and struggles. As a team, we will cultivate the coping skills you need to thrive.
I work with children, teens, and adults, offering developmentally appropriate support through play therapy, CBT, and person-centered approaches.
Taking the first step toward counseling can feel daunting, especially when life feels chaotic or overwhelming. Whether you’re managing anxiety, navigating life transitions, or supporting a child through tough emotions, counseling can help you find clarity and strength. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and work toward the change you’re seeking. I offer a space where you can feel understood and supported, no matter where you’re starting from.
I work with children, teens, and adults, offering developmentally appropriate support through play therapy, CBT, and person-centered approaches.
Taking the first step toward counseling can feel daunting, especially when life feels chaotic or overwhelming. Whether you’re managing anxiety, navigating life transitions, or supporting a child through tough emotions, counseling can help you find clarity and strength. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and work toward the change you’re seeking. I offer a space where you can feel understood and supported, no matter where you’re starting from.
Celia Carter
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Pelham, AL 35124
Waitlist for new clients
I use a variety of approaches in working with children and teens; however, the following approaches are those that I use most often: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy interventions, and Person Centered practices.
Does your child or teen seem anxious or worried? They may be struggling with perfectionism, with what others think about them, or may be worried about their future. They may be having a hard time sleeping because they just can't seem to turn their brain off at night. Have they lost their spark, seem more moody or irritable, stay in their room too much, and think they can’t do anything right? Your child or teen may be struggling to see the positives in themselves and struggling to manage the emotions that they are feeling. As a parent, you may be at a loss of what to do for your child, having tried everything you can think of.
I use a variety of approaches in working with children and teens; however, the following approaches are those that I use most often: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy interventions, and Person Centered practices.
Does your child or teen seem anxious or worried? They may be struggling with perfectionism, with what others think about them, or may be worried about their future. They may be having a hard time sleeping because they just can't seem to turn their brain off at night. Have they lost their spark, seem more moody or irritable, stay in their room too much, and think they can’t do anything right? Your child or teen may be struggling to see the positives in themselves and struggling to manage the emotions that they are feeling. As a parent, you may be at a loss of what to do for your child, having tried everything you can think of.
Angie Martin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC, RPT
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35242
I am a Registered Play Therapist.
Trauma comes in many ways and brings with it many difficult symptoms. Fear, worry, sadness, and a feeling that you can't cope are just a few. Others don't always understand you or know how to help. This is especially true for parents who want to help their children navigate traumatic experiences but feel helpless to know where to start. There is nothing more frightening than having a child or teen who is struggling with anxiety, depression, and/or suicidal thoughts. Teenagers often feel unheard and parents can feel helpless.
I am a Registered Play Therapist.
Trauma comes in many ways and brings with it many difficult symptoms. Fear, worry, sadness, and a feeling that you can't cope are just a few. Others don't always understand you or know how to help. This is especially true for parents who want to help their children navigate traumatic experiences but feel helpless to know where to start. There is nothing more frightening than having a child or teen who is struggling with anxiety, depression, and/or suicidal thoughts. Teenagers often feel unheard and parents can feel helpless.
Whitney Knox McDaniel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124
As one of four Certified Synergetic Play Therapists in the state of Alabama and an infant and early childhood mental health professional, my focus is helping caregivers and families.
Are you a new parent? Have you recently become the caregiver for a young child, maybe as a result of things beyond your control? Are you the parent or caregiver for a toddler, or a child with a developmental delay or disorder, or a child who has experienced trauma or other disruptive or challenging circumstances? Maybe your family is going through life changes and transitions. Or maybe you are experiencing post partum depression or anxiety (this happens to mothers AND fathers!) Maybe you are a teacher or childcare professional trying to support kids and families. You need support and compassion; a place to be real and just breathe
As one of four Certified Synergetic Play Therapists in the state of Alabama and an infant and early childhood mental health professional, my focus is helping caregivers and families.
Are you a new parent? Have you recently become the caregiver for a young child, maybe as a result of things beyond your control? Are you the parent or caregiver for a toddler, or a child with a developmental delay or disorder, or a child who has experienced trauma or other disruptive or challenging circumstances? Maybe your family is going through life changes and transitions. Or maybe you are experiencing post partum depression or anxiety (this happens to mothers AND fathers!) Maybe you are a teacher or childcare professional trying to support kids and families. You need support and compassion; a place to be real and just breathe
My child and teen clients enjoy play therapy techniques, resilience training, and growing in distress tolerance which often leads to better coping ability at school and home.
I specialize in Anxiety Disorders, Specific Phobias, OCD, parenting issues, teen/parent communication, & couples communication. Healthy childhoods & families are my passion! I employ Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy where a positive therapist/client relationship serves as the foundation.
My child and teen clients enjoy play therapy techniques, resilience training, and growing in distress tolerance which often leads to better coping ability at school and home.
I specialize in Anxiety Disorders, Specific Phobias, OCD, parenting issues, teen/parent communication, & couples communication. Healthy childhoods & families are my passion! I employ Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy where a positive therapist/client relationship serves as the foundation.
Meet Our Play Therapy
My training in attachment, infant and early childhood mental health, as well as play therapy, have not only served me well in my work with young children but also with clients of all ages since I tend to view current challenges through a developmental lens.
I prefer to match my clinical interventions to the strengths and needs of my clients, so I take an integrative approach. For most of my professional experience, I've worked with families raising young children at a community mental health center.
My training in attachment, infant and early childhood mental health, as well as play therapy, have not only served me well in my work with young children but also with clients of all ages since I tend to view current challenges through a developmental lens.
I prefer to match my clinical interventions to the strengths and needs of my clients, so I take an integrative approach. For most of my professional experience, I've worked with families raising young children at a community mental health center.
I use a mix of TF-CBT, play therapy, integrated therapies, and somatic work.
Going through challenges? Been through tough life events in the past that hold you back from the thriving life you want? Or do you simply want to grow and learn to be the best version of you? Thrive Therapeutic Services is here to help. I provide in-person therapy in my space in Clanton or Pelham and online therapy for folks who live around Alabama.
I use a mix of TF-CBT, play therapy, integrated therapies, and somatic work.
Going through challenges? Been through tough life events in the past that hold you back from the thriving life you want? Or do you simply want to grow and learn to be the best version of you? Thrive Therapeutic Services is here to help. I provide in-person therapy in my space in Clanton or Pelham and online therapy for folks who live around Alabama.
Elizabeth Tapley - The Collective Therapy Center
Counselor, EdS , LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
We employ the transformative power of art, play, and language to articulate emotions and facilitate healing.
We are dedicated to providing a professional and supportive atmosphere where individuals can embark on their therapeutic journey feeling confident and empowered. Elizabeth addresses issues related to abuse & neglect, depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma-related struggles, divorce, and attachment disturbances.
We employ the transformative power of art, play, and language to articulate emotions and facilitate healing.
We are dedicated to providing a professional and supportive atmosphere where individuals can embark on their therapeutic journey feeling confident and empowered. Elizabeth addresses issues related to abuse & neglect, depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma-related struggles, divorce, and attachment disturbances.
I've received training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and play therapy.
Does daily life sometimes feel like a struggle? It may be difficult to get out of your home and step into the world some days. It is okay to not be okay. You have all the tools within yourself to take positive steps. As your counselor, I hope to help you navigate your world and provide empathic insight and interventions to assist you for your goals in life. I value your diversity, uniqueness, beliefs, and worldview; it is my priority to provide a nonjudgmental and emotionally safe space for you. I'm honored to be considered to help you in this season of your life.
I've received training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and play therapy.
Does daily life sometimes feel like a struggle? It may be difficult to get out of your home and step into the world some days. It is okay to not be okay. You have all the tools within yourself to take positive steps. As your counselor, I hope to help you navigate your world and provide empathic insight and interventions to assist you for your goals in life. I value your diversity, uniqueness, beliefs, and worldview; it is my priority to provide a nonjudgmental and emotionally safe space for you. I'm honored to be considered to help you in this season of your life.
Brittany Hadley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC, ECMH-E®
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am under the supervision of Shannon Herron, LCSW, RPT-S as I work towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist.
Are you or your child struggling with feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Do you have bad days that just don't seem to go away? Maybe you feel like nobody is listening? Is your child experiencing challenges at home or school? Are you starting college and working on learning who you are as a person? Whatever you may be experiencing in life, you are not alone! Reaching out for help can be scary - I know. It is so important to me that my clients & their families feel valued, seen, & heard. I strive to create a safe & healing environment to allow my clients the ability to express themselves. I have worked with clients from age three and up.
I am under the supervision of Shannon Herron, LCSW, RPT-S as I work towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist.
Are you or your child struggling with feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Do you have bad days that just don't seem to go away? Maybe you feel like nobody is listening? Is your child experiencing challenges at home or school? Are you starting college and working on learning who you are as a person? Whatever you may be experiencing in life, you are not alone! Reaching out for help can be scary - I know. It is so important to me that my clients & their families feel valued, seen, & heard. I strive to create a safe & healing environment to allow my clients the ability to express themselves. I have worked with clients from age three and up.
I have experience in using play therapy techniques and working with families to navigate the challenges they are faced with in life.
Are you having a tough time navigating life changes or finding a way to your ideal wellness? As a certified health and wellness coach and counselor I am here to support and provide you with the necessary tools to reach your wellness goals and to help you build the confidence in your strengths. The approach I take to counseling is to meet people where they are in their journey to then walk with them down the path of achieving their goals.
I have experience in using play therapy techniques and working with families to navigate the challenges they are faced with in life.
Are you having a tough time navigating life changes or finding a way to your ideal wellness? As a certified health and wellness coach and counselor I am here to support and provide you with the necessary tools to reach your wellness goals and to help you build the confidence in your strengths. The approach I take to counseling is to meet people where they are in their journey to then walk with them down the path of achieving their goals.
When applicable, I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness practice.
There is no better time than the present to make changes. Are you tired of not making the most of your life? Is parenting, life changes, stress, or negativity making life harder? I sincerely believe that people want to make positive changes in their lives but oftentimes do not know where to start or know what else to do because they have tried so many diff about beginning counseling for yourself, your child, or family, I always provide an atmosphere that is non-judgmental, emotionally safe. In addition, I strive to build a partnership with the client by understanding what they want to work on and how we can tackle that together.
When applicable, I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness practice.
There is no better time than the present to make changes. Are you tired of not making the most of your life? Is parenting, life changes, stress, or negativity making life harder? I sincerely believe that people want to make positive changes in their lives but oftentimes do not know where to start or know what else to do because they have tried so many diff about beginning counseling for yourself, your child, or family, I always provide an atmosphere that is non-judgmental, emotionally safe. In addition, I strive to build a partnership with the client by understanding what they want to work on and how we can tackle that together.
I am a Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor.
Hi, you are so brave to take the first step in the counseling journey. This world can be unkind, confusing, and overwhelming and there are times when we all need someone to help us navigate it. For almost 20 years I have been helping individuals and families find healing on their journey. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, grief or trauma, your story is welcome.
I am a Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor.
Hi, you are so brave to take the first step in the counseling journey. This world can be unkind, confusing, and overwhelming and there are times when we all need someone to help us navigate it. For almost 20 years I have been helping individuals and families find healing on their journey. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, grief or trauma, your story is welcome.
I specialize in Play Therapy for children ages three to twelve years old.
You weren’t meant to go through life feeling hopeless, alone, or lacking purpose. If you are wondering how to move forward with your life– now is the time for us to connect. I offer an authentic, interactive experience with you in the driver’s seat. Through my work as your counselor, I want to join you and your family in navigating your situation. I know this process can be intimidating. My commitment to you is to create a safe, welcoming environment that honors the brave choice you made to explore counseling. Let’s come together and learn how to develop healthy coping skills, heal relationships, and find direction!
I specialize in Play Therapy for children ages three to twelve years old.
You weren’t meant to go through life feeling hopeless, alone, or lacking purpose. If you are wondering how to move forward with your life– now is the time for us to connect. I offer an authentic, interactive experience with you in the driver’s seat. Through my work as your counselor, I want to join you and your family in navigating your situation. I know this process can be intimidating. My commitment to you is to create a safe, welcoming environment that honors the brave choice you made to explore counseling. Let’s come together and learn how to develop healthy coping skills, heal relationships, and find direction!
See more therapy options for Shelby County
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.