Play Therapy in Phoenix, AZ
ESA and Lyra provider! You may be here because your child is having a hard time focusing, or because they are anxious and easily upset. Sometimes your young child has an outburst, and you find it hard to manage. Or, maybe you find it difficult for your child to follow directions or get along with others. Perhaps your child has been through something traumatic and stressful, and you’re not sure how to help them along their healing process. They could be a child who doesn’t know what to do with their big feelings and need a little extra help coping. I am here to help you find peace and balance.
ESA and Lyra provider! You may be here because your child is having a hard time focusing, or because they are anxious and easily upset. Sometimes your young child has an outburst, and you find it hard to manage. Or, maybe you find it difficult for your child to follow directions or get along with others. Perhaps your child has been through something traumatic and stressful, and you’re not sure how to help them along their healing process. They could be a child who doesn’t know what to do with their big feelings and need a little extra help coping. I am here to help you find peace and balance.
I’m trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and integrate evidence-based therapies like EMDR, Play Therapy, DBT, and ACT, to help clients heal, grow, and thrive.
Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes you just need a safe place to land. My clients are navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, parenting struggles, challenges at school, or the unique stress that comes with caring for others, whether that’s in healthcare, animal welfare, or within their own families. They want to feel more grounded, confident, and hopeful, and they’re looking for support that helps them move toward their goals while feeling truly understood.
I’m trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and integrate evidence-based therapies like EMDR, Play Therapy, DBT, and ACT, to help clients heal, grow, and thrive.
Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes you just need a safe place to land. My clients are navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, parenting struggles, challenges at school, or the unique stress that comes with caring for others, whether that’s in healthcare, animal welfare, or within their own families. They want to feel more grounded, confident, and hopeful, and they’re looking for support that helps them move toward their goals while feeling truly understood.
I have been working as a counselor for over a decade. During this time, I have worked as a therapist, a youth counselor, a family court specialist, and a victim advocate with the police. These experiences have truly informed who I am as a therapist and helped me understand my clients. I use a solution-focused and cognitive behavioral approach in therapy and am an EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist. I look forward to our therapy work together.
I have been working as a counselor for over a decade. During this time, I have worked as a therapist, a youth counselor, a family court specialist, and a victim advocate with the police. These experiences have truly informed who I am as a therapist and helped me understand my clients. I use a solution-focused and cognitive behavioral approach in therapy and am an EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist. I look forward to our therapy work together.
I’m also trained in Internal Family systems model, Theraplay, sand tray play therapy, and Brainspotting among others.
It is a privilege and an honor for me to be able to be part of your healing process and growth. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Doctor of Behavioral Health working with children, families, and adults. I'm an attachment and trauma-based counselor and bilingual in English and Spanish. My focus is to work with patients and identify and alleviate root causes associated with social, emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges in various stages of development. I utilize a solution focused, strength-based approach to make progress towards the goals that we create together.
I’m also trained in Internal Family systems model, Theraplay, sand tray play therapy, and Brainspotting among others.
It is a privilege and an honor for me to be able to be part of your healing process and growth. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Doctor of Behavioral Health working with children, families, and adults. I'm an attachment and trauma-based counselor and bilingual in English and Spanish. My focus is to work with patients and identify and alleviate root causes associated with social, emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges in various stages of development. I utilize a solution focused, strength-based approach to make progress towards the goals that we create together.
I hold a master's degree in Human and Family Dynamics, and I am completing my doctoral degree at Northern Arizona University - North Valley Campus for my PsyD in clinical psychology. I have experience with PTSD, complex PTSD, trauma-related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, eating disorders, addiction, relationship challenges, and various life experiences. I believe that each person has their own story that shapes their current experiences. I combine compassion with evidence-based therapy techniques to foster human resilience and help clients move forward from past trauma.
I hold a master's degree in Human and Family Dynamics, and I am completing my doctoral degree at Northern Arizona University - North Valley Campus for my PsyD in clinical psychology. I have experience with PTSD, complex PTSD, trauma-related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, eating disorders, addiction, relationship challenges, and various life experiences. I believe that each person has their own story that shapes their current experiences. I combine compassion with evidence-based therapy techniques to foster human resilience and help clients move forward from past trauma.
I specialize in working with teens 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, and DBT. 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!
I specialize in working with teens 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, and DBT. 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!
“Hope is a muscle- exercise it daily”
Therapy is an opportunity to exercise our muscles. That muscle may be hope, or something else. It is my goal to offer a curious, non judgmental space as we explore and collaborate in ways to address your life experience. I work with individuals, couples and families as a support while navigating your phases of depression, grief, life transitions and other stressors.
“Hope is a muscle- exercise it daily”
Therapy is an opportunity to exercise our muscles. That muscle may be hope, or something else. It is my goal to offer a curious, non judgmental space as we explore and collaborate in ways to address your life experience. I work with individuals, couples and families as a support while navigating your phases of depression, grief, life transitions and other stressors.
Life can be disrupted by anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, OCD, and trouble sleeping. Clients need new skills to deal with these issues and feel better about themselves and their ability to handle life. Their goals would be to deal with past traumas, learn coping skills to deal with anxiety and depression,learn skills to interact more effectively with others as well as getting better sleep.
Life can be disrupted by anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, OCD, and trouble sleeping. Clients need new skills to deal with these issues and feel better about themselves and their ability to handle life. Their goals would be to deal with past traumas, learn coping skills to deal with anxiety and depression,learn skills to interact more effectively with others as well as getting better sleep.
When you can't look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark. - Alice in Wonderland My goal is to assist individuals on their healing journey, while unlocking any superpowers they may have. By creating a warm, safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment, I invite you to create your own healing journey and begin anew! The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. -Lao Tzu
When you can't look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark. - Alice in Wonderland My goal is to assist individuals on their healing journey, while unlocking any superpowers they may have. By creating a warm, safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment, I invite you to create your own healing journey and begin anew! The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. -Lao Tzu
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Supervisor, and Registered Play Therapist, experienced in working with individuals, couples, and children.
I work from an integrated, existential lens, and believe that with the right support people can make meaningful changes in their lives. I believe the power to change stems from the meaning we derive from our struggles and experiences, and the healthy interaction between mind and body.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Supervisor, and Registered Play Therapist, experienced in working with individuals, couples, and children.
I work from an integrated, existential lens, and believe that with the right support people can make meaningful changes in their lives. I believe the power to change stems from the meaning we derive from our struggles and experiences, and the healthy interaction between mind and body.
YOU deserve the best! Couple crisis (infidelity, intimacy, sexual, traditional, non-traditional, LS, conflict, communication, trust, deciding-stay or go, parenting, infertility)? As an expert in relational health, I offer a safe space providing you the solution-focused help you deserve. Marriage saving? Dating? Divorced? Be your best self? Men's or Women's issues? Young adult? Stress related body ailments? Anxiety? Trauma? Grief/Loss? Medical? Stuck? Hi, I'm Dr. Karen & I truly get it! I'm a nationally renowned leader in mental & relational wellness providing individual, couple & family counseling for ANY challenge & TV contributor.
YOU deserve the best! Couple crisis (infidelity, intimacy, sexual, traditional, non-traditional, LS, conflict, communication, trust, deciding-stay or go, parenting, infertility)? As an expert in relational health, I offer a safe space providing you the solution-focused help you deserve. Marriage saving? Dating? Divorced? Be your best self? Men's or Women's issues? Young adult? Stress related body ailments? Anxiety? Trauma? Grief/Loss? Medical? Stuck? Hi, I'm Dr. Karen & I truly get it! I'm a nationally renowned leader in mental & relational wellness providing individual, couple & family counseling for ANY challenge & TV contributor.
Lillian (Lil) Espinoza is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for healing. Specializing in therapy for women and children who have experienced sexual abuse, Lil also served as a behavior therapist for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patients in long-term care. With a remarkable 14-year background in Correctional Health Care, Lil made significant positive contributions to the lives of incarcerated individuals struggling with substance use disorders, untreated trauma, and other debilitating issues. Lil created a nationally recognized, intensive, whole-person substance abuse program for individuals in jail.
Lillian (Lil) Espinoza is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for healing. Specializing in therapy for women and children who have experienced sexual abuse, Lil also served as a behavior therapist for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patients in long-term care. With a remarkable 14-year background in Correctional Health Care, Lil made significant positive contributions to the lives of incarcerated individuals struggling with substance use disorders, untreated trauma, and other debilitating issues. Lil created a nationally recognized, intensive, whole-person substance abuse program for individuals in jail.
You’re child will find that in therapy with me, they are allowed to be themselves, all feelings are welcome, and they will be given space to express themselves through play, creativity and fun.
Maybe you're feeling less than confident in knowing how to best support your child with anxiety, OCD, school issues, 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.
You’re child will find that in therapy with me, they are allowed to be themselves, all feelings are welcome, and they will be given space to express themselves through play, creativity and fun.
Maybe you're feeling less than confident in knowing how to best support your child with anxiety, OCD, school issues, 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.
My approach in therapy is to respect each individual as a whole person. I believe each person knows himself or herself best. Rather than just treating the symptom(s), I attempt to get to know the person well enough to guide them into insights of the CAUSES of their problems. My ultimate goal is to help each individual achieve the healthiest level of well-being and highest developmental level of functioning. Whenever appropriate, I work with multiple members of the same family in order to strengthen the family and/or marriage.
My approach in therapy is to respect each individual as a whole person. I believe each person knows himself or herself best. Rather than just treating the symptom(s), I attempt to get to know the person well enough to guide them into insights of the CAUSES of their problems. My ultimate goal is to help each individual achieve the healthiest level of well-being and highest developmental level of functioning. Whenever appropriate, I work with multiple members of the same family in order to strengthen the family and/or marriage.
Stephanie Becker- Healing Moments PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Waitlist for new clients
I see how EMDR therapy paired with play and art interventions can support healing.
New clients for myself are currently on a wait-list and therapist, Shelby Steele, is accepting new clients for private pay. See our website for more details.
One of our passions and biggest joys at Healing Moments is supporting others and witnessing individuals heal and grow. I believe in the "magic" of therapy and feel honored to be apart of others' healing journey. I see how the mind and body have a relationship with one another and often need time and support to be in alignment. I am intentional on providing a space for each person to find and become their authentic selves.
I see how EMDR therapy paired with play and art interventions can support healing.
New clients for myself are currently on a wait-list and therapist, Shelby Steele, is accepting new clients for private pay. See our website for more details.
One of our passions and biggest joys at Healing Moments is supporting others and witnessing individuals heal and grow. I believe in the "magic" of therapy and feel honored to be apart of others' healing journey. I see how the mind and body have a relationship with one another and often need time and support to be in alignment. I am intentional on providing a space for each person to find and become their authentic selves.
I draw from person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy.
I am Michelle MacIlvaine, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience in mental health. I work with diverse populations who face a range of concerns, including anxiety, adjustment to life’s issues, grief, trauma, parenting, and family issues. I have experience working with individuals of all ages, from children to adults to seniors.
I draw from person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy.
I am Michelle MacIlvaine, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience in mental health. I work with diverse populations who face a range of concerns, including anxiety, adjustment to life’s issues, grief, trauma, parenting, and family issues. I have experience working with individuals of all ages, from children to adults to seniors.
Arizona Family Counseling is committed to providing high-quality counseling and parent coaching services to strengthen individuals, couples, and families. We believe that your past and present experiences and support system greatly help or hinder your well-being and relationships. Our compassionate team is trained and experienced in understanding family systems, trauma, and attachment. We expertly utilize this understanding to help you work through anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, parenting needs, and behavioral difficulties.
Arizona Family Counseling is committed to providing high-quality counseling and parent coaching services to strengthen individuals, couples, and families. We believe that your past and present experiences and support system greatly help or hinder your well-being and relationships. Our compassionate team is trained and experienced in understanding family systems, trauma, and attachment. We expertly utilize this understanding to help you work through anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, parenting needs, and behavioral difficulties.
My name is Lupe and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I was born and raised in the small, beautiful South American country of Ecuador, and immigrated to the United States when I was 17 years old. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor and completed my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix. I currently provide therapy for children (ages 6+), adolescents, adults, couples, families, and individuals from different populations. I am also a bi-lingual therapist fluent in Spanish and English.
My name is Lupe and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I was born and raised in the small, beautiful South American country of Ecuador, and immigrated to the United States when I was 17 years old. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor and completed my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix. I currently provide therapy for children (ages 6+), adolescents, adults, couples, families, and individuals from different populations. I am also a bi-lingual therapist fluent in Spanish and English.
I work with survivors of sex trafficking, domestic violence, other lived traumatic experiences, addiction, severe mental illness & other diagnoses through trauma-informed integration of treatments including EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, expressive art therapy, play therapy, among other therapeutic modalities.
As founder and CEO, I am the visionary behind the one-of-a-kind Concierge Therapy model. This specialized level of care is not offered by other therapists making Twelve:2 Wellness Collective's services the trusted resource for clients navigating personal and professional demands requiring the highest level of privacy & accessibility.
I work with survivors of sex trafficking, domestic violence, other lived traumatic experiences, addiction, severe mental illness & other diagnoses through trauma-informed integration of treatments including EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, expressive art therapy, play therapy, among other therapeutic modalities.
As founder and CEO, I am the visionary behind the one-of-a-kind Concierge Therapy model. This specialized level of care is not offered by other therapists making Twelve:2 Wellness Collective's services the trusted resource for clients navigating personal and professional demands requiring the highest level of privacy & accessibility.
I provide child, adolescent, and adult therapies and incorporate modalities including person centered, play therapy, sand tray, EMDR, somatic practices, mindfulness, expressive arts.
Is your child struggling with behavior or their social emotional health? Are you feeling off balance or facing transitions in life or parenting? These experiences may range from early life adversity impacting daily functioning to present day life transitions and stressors. Let's work together to discover the resilience you or your child possess and build new pathways to thriving. Everyone has their own path to healing and I adapt my approach to meet the needs of the individual.
I provide child, adolescent, and adult therapies and incorporate modalities including person centered, play therapy, sand tray, EMDR, somatic practices, mindfulness, expressive arts.
Is your child struggling with behavior or their social emotional health? Are you feeling off balance or facing transitions in life or parenting? These experiences may range from early life adversity impacting daily functioning to present day life transitions and stressors. Let's work together to discover the resilience you or your child possess and build new pathways to thriving. Everyone has their own path to healing and I adapt my approach to meet the needs of the individual.
See more therapy options for Phoenix
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Phoenix
- Avondale
- Chandler
- Fountain Hills
- Glendale
- Goodyear
- Litchfield Park
- Mesa
- Paradise Valley
- Peoria
- Scottsdale
- Sun City West
- Tempe
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.