Play Therapy in Phoenix, AZ
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Cynthia Berry
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My expertise entails working with children and their families, utilizing
play therapy
, sand trays, and attachment-based family therapy.
Now Accepting New Clients! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona and am receiving additional training in Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) to further enhance the therapeutic process. I am also pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Innovation from Arizona State University to assist clients working in the healthcare field as well as clients experiencing health related issues. I provide a hybrid model of services, which include in office and telehealth.

David Blackstone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
While the "mode of interaction" with adults is talk, my favored approach with young children is
play therapy
with parent guidance.
My approach to doing psychotherapy is a contemporary psychoanalytic approach. This approach is a form of psychotherapy which helps patients heal through the safe, mutual exploration of previous life experiences and current life circumstances. More importantly, transformation in psychoanalytic therapy occurs through the participation by the patient in a relationship with the therapist in which the two partners, through their mutual exploration of life history, relationships, and the here-and-now experience of relating in therapy, come to help patients heal wounds, know themselves better, and lead healthier and more satisfying lives.

Heather Sestili
Counselor, MSCP, LPC, RPT-S, IMH, ASDCP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I'm a child development specialist with extensive training in
play therapy
.
There is a special place in my heart for a traumatized child. Traumatic events in childhood have a devastating impact on the child and family. Children need empathic, understanding, knowledgeable adults to come along side to guide and comfort the child through the journey of recovery. I provide caregivers education to support the child while providing practical techniques rewarding for both child and family. I provide
play therapy
, sand tray, Theraplay (R), and PCIT. I use these with EMDR and CBT to help children process their loss, trauma, reduce behaviors and impulsivity, enhance attachment, build communication and self esteem.

Victoria Delgadillo
Counselor, MC, LAC, NCC
Verified
Verified
Our daily lives can make us feel overwhelmed, stressed, frustrated, or that we are simply ‘going through the motions’. Life can be messy and sometimes we need a little extra support to keep going. I try to offer a space through counseling that is warm, comforting, safe, collaborative, and free of judgement. In person or online, together, we can work through goals, feelings, and struggles. I primarily work with children and teens ages 3 and up — as well as adults. I specialize in providing therapy through
play
, art, and viewing the world through your perspective.
Abigail Atkins
Psychologist, EdD, MDiv
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have a designated
play
room which includes sand tray as well as many games.
I work with individuals who are struggling to cope with life stressors of all types including children, family and work concerns. As a chaplain I also work with grief.

Lauren Shavers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am well versed in Marriage and Family Therapy Systems interventions, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused CBT,
Play Therapy
, Story
Play
, and Theraplay.
Hi, I'm Lauren Shavers, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I provide a caring and safe environment for children, teens, adults and families who may be experiencing difficulties such as life transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional/behavioral dysregulation, and relational issues.

Sherri Sierens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have training in various models: Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level I, Gottman Method, EMDR, EFT, Sand Tray,
Play therapy
, DBT &CBT.
Immediate openings in Phoenix & Tucson. Accept BCBS, United, Optum, & Sliding Scale. We are met with many unique challenges which may cause stress, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, or issues with communication. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have experience working with couples, individual adults, parenting/family, relationship strains, depression, anxiety, grief, along with other issues. I am able to provide a warm, compassionate and supportive environment to safely explore your needs for positive change.

Courtney L. Mony
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I specialize in working with youth and adults who experience symptoms of PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, low self-esteem, behavioral issues, and relationship issues while utilizing modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT, DBT, Animal Assisted Therapy,
Play Therapy
, and Sand Tray Therapy. It’s my top priority to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to process any thoughts and feelings and experiences, as well as I strive to be empathetic and genuine when working with my clients!

The Empowerment Group,LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, RN, BSN
Verified
10 Endorsed
Verified
10 Endorsed
I specialize in EMDR,
play therapy
, grief and loss, and sandtray.
STARTING NEW GROUP ON SHAME RESILIENCY CALL 602-525-5783 TO JOIN. What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? Let's get started! I work with individuals and families from birth to 100+! I have literally worked with families from birth to the end of life, focusing on working through those matters or events in life that hold each of us back from our full potential. Isn't it time for your optimal life? Life can be heavy and I will work with you and your family or friends to help you locate and access your inner strength to guide your life's journey.

Kyle Giblin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Our experience is backed with specialized treatment modalities including: Sand Tray,
Play therapy
, art interventions, DBT, EMDR, CBT, SE, and IFS.
If you experienced something traumatic; I am proof that you can heal! If you have struggled with addiction; I can relate. If you’re finding your way through a complex relationship; I got your back! Trauma, addiction, and complex relationships all impact us similarly. As the owner of small group practice 'Noble Path Counseling & Consulting', I ensure that my team of professionals can relate to your situation and also provide you with highly specialized skills tailored to your needs. Let us help you overcome whatever obstacles you face so that you can start living your best life ASAP!

Micaela Miller
Counselor, MS, LAC
Verified
Verified
Play therapy
can be provided to children as young as 2 to facilitate a secure base and support for families.
Whether the needs are behavioral, relationship based, or trauma related her mission is to provide a safe environment and support mental health wellness. Micaela will discuss your unique needs and goals to develop a smart, supportive plan towards success. Every client wants to be heard and meet achievements. Micaela's desire for therapeutic partnership paired with experience can provide the balance needed to facilitate growth and meeting desired goals.
Waitlist for new clients

Erica Simmons
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I specialize in working with clients of all ages and their families who experience symptoms of trauma/PTSD/CPTSD, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, behavioral issues and relationship issues while using modalities such as
Play Therapy
and Sand Tray. I have 10 years of experience working with children and families to heal trauma. I provide individual and family therapy in person and telehealth. I am trained in and use an integrative approach of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Sand Tray, Theraplay, TraumaPlay, and other expressive/somatic approaches. I do not accept insurance.

Linda Wiskerchen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified
Verified
My name is Linda Wiskerchen. I am a licensed clinical social worker and registered
play
therapist supervisor with 20+ years experience and passion working in the mental health field. I specialize in the treatment of families and young children who are struggling at home, in school, and in the community, with individual and family counseling.

Bloom Counseling + Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am trained in CBT,
Play Therapy
, Non Medication Approaches to ADHD and Grief Counseling.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 13 years experience in the counseling field. I hold my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona and my Masters degree in Counseling from Northern Arizona University. My experience has been with families and children as well as adults struggling with substance use disorders. My passions include helping families to achieve better communication skills in order to live their fullest lives.

Sarah Zillweger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, CA/LPCC, AZ/LAC
Verified
Verified
Navigating life, stress, and building meaningful connections can be hard. As a clinician with a unique therapeutic skill set, I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all who enter. The hardest step can be getting here, and you did it, you are here. With a passionate background and experience working with children, teens, their parents, and adults, I offer a variety of neurodiverse neurobiology attachment,
play therapy
, client centered, and other evidenced based techniques, to support and strengthen an individuals self-confidence and connection with others.

Julie Skakoon, Kind Minds Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC
Verified
Verified
Julie's professional affiliations include the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), the
Play Therapy
Association at the national and state level, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and has served on the board of directors for AzAFCC.
****NOW TAKING NEW CLIENTS**** Julie Skakoon is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. Julie provides forensically informed treatment of childhood trauma and child maltreatment. Her specialties include
play therapy
, divorce / co-parent counseling, child forensic interviews, interventions for divorcing families (court-ordered and private),
play therapy
and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

Dawn Marie Byrd
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
These include psychoeducational assessments, neurodevelopment assessments, CBT, EMDR,
Play Therapy
, ACT, Brainspotting, empirical interventions, cognitive restructuring.
My ideal client could be in need of any one of a broad array of professional services encompassing areas of therapy and testing. Clients range from individuals to entire families. I serve a diverse clientele ranging from emotional or behavioral distress, adjustment or trauma distress to identity issues. Whether it is treatment of behavioral/emotional or developmental disabilities, trauma therapy, treatment of mental disorders or psycho-educational assessments, I have programs and techniques such as EMDR or Brainspotting that can help you and your loved ones address life challenges. Call or email me immediately to start your program!
Waitlist for new clients

Amanda Walker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I specialize in working with children, ages 3-12 (and also have experience with teens) using Synergetic
Play Therapy
, EMDR, art based activities, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and more.
Maybe you're feeling less than confident in knowing how to best support your child with school issues, anxiety, anger issues, adoption, family conflict, working through trauma or other concerns. Lets work together! As a therapist, I value providing a non-judgmental, empathetic and collaborative relationship with my clients, as well as supporting you as the parent in finding your own strength and confidence in your parenting. You don’t have to go it alone! My goal is to help you see that you already have the tools needed to help create calm, peace and happiness for yourself and your family.

Jessica Savino
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I implement a variety of evidence-based approaches to meet the individualized needs of my clients, including EMDR, CBT, trauma-focused CBT, Theraplay, sand tray, and other
play
and expressive therapy techniques.
Are you seeking a safe space where you can be heard: good, bad, and everything in between? Have you or your child experienced trauma and you’re hoping to find healing? Are you currently pregnant or a parent to a newborn trying to navigate the many emotions and challenges that arise? I’m passionate about helping and empowering adult and child survivors of trauma to elicit healing and break generational trauma patterns. I’ve also been witness to the impact trauma can have on pregnancy and postpartum for the individual and the family unit. This has influenced the support I provide during the perinatal period.

Morgan Winder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
My therapeutic approach and training is in Eye Movement Desensitization and reprocessing(EMDR),CBT, DBT, Parent-Child Relationship Therapy, and
Play
-Based Therapy.
My approach and space is a judgement free zone to assist with you healing and feeling your best self. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with a concentration of direct practice with children, youth and families. I also have obtained a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I work with children (3+), teens and families. I specialize in family counseling and parent-child relationship therapy to assist parents with learning how to strengthen the parent-child relationship, as well as provide developmental guidance in order to assist parents in best supporting the emotional needs of their child/teen.
See more therapy options for
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.