Play Therapy in Shaw, Washington, DC
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, but it’s often the first toward meaningful insight and lasting personal growth. We understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Our approach is tailored to you—whether you’re working through past experiences, navigating present challenges, or seeking greater balance in your life. You don’t have to do it alone.
Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment where you feel comfortable sharing openly and working toward change.
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, but it’s often the first toward meaningful insight and lasting personal growth. We understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Our approach is tailored to you—whether you’re working through past experiences, navigating present challenges, or seeking greater balance in your life. You don’t have to do it alone.
Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment where you feel comfortable sharing openly and working toward change.
Each clinician provides an integrative approach along with treatment types such Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma Informed Therapy!
Ellie Georgetown isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs.
We provide support for a wide range of mental disorders and common mental health issues at our Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Washington, D.C. - Georgetown. No matter your concerns, your compassionate Ellie therapist will provide you with the non-judgmental care you deserve.
Each clinician provides an integrative approach along with treatment types such Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma Informed Therapy!
Ellie Georgetown isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs.
We provide support for a wide range of mental disorders and common mental health issues at our Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Washington, D.C. - Georgetown. No matter your concerns, your compassionate Ellie therapist will provide you with the non-judgmental care you deserve.
You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally shut down, or stuck in patterns that keep repeating in your relationships or daily life. Perhaps you’re navigating trauma, a difficult life transition, or carrying the impact of early experiences that continue to shape how you feel, cope, and connect with others. Often, these patterns are survival responses that developed in earlier environments where you had to adapt to cope. Therapy offers a space to understand these responses with compassion, make sense of where they come from, and begin creating more intentional ways of relating to yourself and others.
You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally shut down, or stuck in patterns that keep repeating in your relationships or daily life. Perhaps you’re navigating trauma, a difficult life transition, or carrying the impact of early experiences that continue to shape how you feel, cope, and connect with others. Often, these patterns are survival responses that developed in earlier environments where you had to adapt to cope. Therapy offers a space to understand these responses with compassion, make sense of where they come from, and begin creating more intentional ways of relating to yourself and others.
Drawing on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, Strengths-Based practice, and Play Therapy, I work with you to identify what is already working, shift the patterns that are not, and build the resilience.
Life is hard — and most of us keep waiting for it to get easier on its own. But real, lasting change only happens when we build the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual skills to meet life differently. Therapy is where that transformation begins. It is where you learn, practice, and grow, with someone in your corner who truly sees you, honors your story, and refuses to ask you to leave any part of yourself at the door. I am Dr. LaNail R. Plummer — licensed therapist, founder and CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, author, and someone who has spent over 20 years creating space for people the mental health world has too often overlooked.
Drawing on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, Strengths-Based practice, and Play Therapy, I work with you to identify what is already working, shift the patterns that are not, and build the resilience.
Life is hard — and most of us keep waiting for it to get easier on its own. But real, lasting change only happens when we build the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual skills to meet life differently. Therapy is where that transformation begins. It is where you learn, practice, and grow, with someone in your corner who truly sees you, honors your story, and refuses to ask you to leave any part of yourself at the door. I am Dr. LaNail R. Plummer — licensed therapist, founder and CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, author, and someone who has spent over 20 years creating space for people the mental health world has too often overlooked.
I'm dedicated to helping clients unlock their full potential in a world where play is not just for fun but an essential component of well-being and relational health.
My ideal client is seeking more than traditional therapy. They want creative, playful ways to reconnect with joy and their authentic self. They may be navigating complex identities and need a supportive space to explore these. Often, they feel stuck or disconnected due to trauma, societal/familial expectations, or a desire for deeper self-awareness. Their goals may be about rediscovering their creativity, unlocking/understanding parts of their identity, and building deeper, more authentic connections in their relationships. They come to me ready for a dynamic, interactive approach that fosters growth and healing.
I'm dedicated to helping clients unlock their full potential in a world where play is not just for fun but an essential component of well-being and relational health.
My ideal client is seeking more than traditional therapy. They want creative, playful ways to reconnect with joy and their authentic self. They may be navigating complex identities and need a supportive space to explore these. Often, they feel stuck or disconnected due to trauma, societal/familial expectations, or a desire for deeper self-awareness. Their goals may be about rediscovering their creativity, unlocking/understanding parts of their identity, and building deeper, more authentic connections in their relationships. They come to me ready for a dynamic, interactive approach that fosters growth and healing.
You’ve been carrying a lot. Maybe you’re anxious, low, or stuck in habits that help you get through the day but leave you feeling even farther from yourself. Maybe you’ve lost your spark, or feel a quiet kind of sadness that’s hard to explain. You might not know what you need yet, only that something has to shift. This is a soft place to land, no judgment, no pressure, just real conversation and room to breathe. I’ll listen closely to what feels unfinished or strained, and help you find your way back to something steadier, more meaningful, and genuinely yours. I work with individuals, couples, and groups.
You’ve been carrying a lot. Maybe you’re anxious, low, or stuck in habits that help you get through the day but leave you feeling even farther from yourself. Maybe you’ve lost your spark, or feel a quiet kind of sadness that’s hard to explain. You might not know what you need yet, only that something has to shift. This is a soft place to land, no judgment, no pressure, just real conversation and room to breathe. I’ll listen closely to what feels unfinished or strained, and help you find your way back to something steadier, more meaningful, and genuinely yours. I work with individuals, couples, and groups.
I am a research-informed, PhD-level mental health clinician who utilizes evidence-based practices along with person centered approaches to support positive and sustained life progress with individuals I work with.
value the opportunity to work one-one-one to see a person's life transformed for their current and future self.
I am a research-informed, PhD-level mental health clinician who utilizes evidence-based practices along with person centered approaches to support positive and sustained life progress with individuals I work with.
value the opportunity to work one-one-one to see a person's life transformed for their current and future self.
The philosopher Socrates once said that "the unexamined life is not worth living." As a therapist, I am committed to helping my clients examine their lives to find meaning, happiness, and strength. I work with individuals, couples, and families, striving to build skills to resolve conflicts, increase confidence, and move beyond past hurt and trauma. My clients often say that they appreciate my warmth, empathy, and combination of optimism and realism.
The philosopher Socrates once said that "the unexamined life is not worth living." As a therapist, I am committed to helping my clients examine their lives to find meaning, happiness, and strength. I work with individuals, couples, and families, striving to build skills to resolve conflicts, increase confidence, and move beyond past hurt and trauma. My clients often say that they appreciate my warmth, empathy, and combination of optimism and realism.
I work with children, teens, and adults especially those from multicultural or immigrant backgrounds who feel overwhelmed balancing emotions, family expectations, and life transitions. Many of my clients are navigating identity, cultural pressure, or major changes and feel stuck, anxious, or unsure of how to move forward. They want to feel more confident, understood, and at peace within themselves while honoring both their personal needs and cultural values.
I work with children, teens, and adults especially those from multicultural or immigrant backgrounds who feel overwhelmed balancing emotions, family expectations, and life transitions. Many of my clients are navigating identity, cultural pressure, or major changes and feel stuck, anxious, or unsure of how to move forward. They want to feel more confident, understood, and at peace within themselves while honoring both their personal needs and cultural values.
We use play, creativity, movement, art & conversation to engage kids while providing parent coaching sessions to provide relief at home.
Are you the parent of a child, tween or teen with big feelings? Maybe worries peak at bedtime, meltdowns hit after school or frustration quickly spirals out of control?Perhaps your child is adjusting to middle school friendships or the challenges of a new team, changes in the family or just needs a little extra support right now. At The Bari Group, we specialize in helping kids, teens and families find calm in the middle of big feelings, while building the tools and confidence to move forward without shame or blame.
We use play, creativity, movement, art & conversation to engage kids while providing parent coaching sessions to provide relief at home.
Are you the parent of a child, tween or teen with big feelings? Maybe worries peak at bedtime, meltdowns hit after school or frustration quickly spirals out of control?Perhaps your child is adjusting to middle school friendships or the challenges of a new team, changes in the family or just needs a little extra support right now. At The Bari Group, we specialize in helping kids, teens and families find calm in the middle of big feelings, while building the tools and confidence to move forward without shame or blame.
I am a therapist with experience working with diverse populations. I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the most critical aspects of helping others with their healing process. I take a nonjudgmental approach and ensure your voice is honored, affirmed, and valued.
I am a therapist with experience working with diverse populations. I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the most critical aspects of helping others with their healing process. I take a nonjudgmental approach and ensure your voice is honored, affirmed, and valued.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 22 years of experience in both the mental health and substance abuse fields. I am passionate about helping youth, adults, couples, and families address their presenting issues. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, phobias, OCD, and other life challenges. My approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, rational emotive therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, positive psychology, and reality and grounding techniques.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 22 years of experience in both the mental health and substance abuse fields. I am passionate about helping youth, adults, couples, and families address their presenting issues. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, phobias, OCD, and other life challenges. My approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, rational emotive therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, positive psychology, and reality and grounding techniques.
Trauma-informed holistic therapist who believes that true healing happens when we honor the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and our connection to the natural world. My approach integrates traditional psychological insights with Reiki, somatic experiencing, brainspotting and eco therapy, as well as creative therapy offering a compassionate, grounded space for transformation. Whether you're moving through anxiety, trauma, burnout, or a sense of disconnection from your authentic self, I work collaboratively with you to uncover your innate resilience and reconnect you with your highest good.
Trauma-informed holistic therapist who believes that true healing happens when we honor the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and our connection to the natural world. My approach integrates traditional psychological insights with Reiki, somatic experiencing, brainspotting and eco therapy, as well as creative therapy offering a compassionate, grounded space for transformation. Whether you're moving through anxiety, trauma, burnout, or a sense of disconnection from your authentic self, I work collaboratively with you to uncover your innate resilience and reconnect you with your highest good.
I draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, IFS (parts work), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and play therapy, including therapeutic TTRPG (D&D therapy).
Hi, I’m Reina Ronquillo (she/her)! I’m a warm, compassionate, humor-forward therapist with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care. My therapy approach is eclectic and holistic, looking at all of your parts: the parts you're proud of, the parts that need nurturing, along with the parts you'd rather hide from the world or get rid of.
I draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, IFS (parts work), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and play therapy, including therapeutic TTRPG (D&D therapy).
Hi, I’m Reina Ronquillo (she/her)! I’m a warm, compassionate, humor-forward therapist with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care. My therapy approach is eclectic and holistic, looking at all of your parts: the parts you're proud of, the parts that need nurturing, along with the parts you'd rather hide from the world or get rid of.
Iraina 'liz' Briganty-Vidal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, RPT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a Registered Play Therapist and EMDR-trained.
As a bilingual therapist and founder of Healing Corazon Therapy and Consulting, I am dedicated to creating a safe space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I hold a Master’s in Social Work and bring over a decade of experience working with clients particularly those navigating the impact of trauma. I offer services in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility and cultural attunement. In addition to my clinical work, I provide trainings of various topics and clinical supervision. I am both approved by the Maryland Social Work and Professional Counseling Board.
I am a Registered Play Therapist and EMDR-trained.
As a bilingual therapist and founder of Healing Corazon Therapy and Consulting, I am dedicated to creating a safe space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I hold a Master’s in Social Work and bring over a decade of experience working with clients particularly those navigating the impact of trauma. I offer services in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility and cultural attunement. In addition to my clinical work, I provide trainings of various topics and clinical supervision. I am both approved by the Maryland Social Work and Professional Counseling Board.
Hunter Ethan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, CASAC-M, I-EMDR, CCTP-II
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My ideal client recognizes that past experiences—whether rooted in family dynamics, trauma, or major life transitions—still shape how they move through the world. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, but are brave enough to begin healing. Their goals include deeper self-understanding, better emotional regulation, and a more complete presence in life and relationships. They want to feel safe in their own skin, reclaim lost parts of themselves, and live with purpose. I walk beside them with compassion and tools that honor their story and create space for real transformation.
My ideal client recognizes that past experiences—whether rooted in family dynamics, trauma, or major life transitions—still shape how they move through the world. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, but are brave enough to begin healing. Their goals include deeper self-understanding, better emotional regulation, and a more complete presence in life and relationships. They want to feel safe in their own skin, reclaim lost parts of themselves, and live with purpose. I walk beside them with compassion and tools that honor their story and create space for real transformation.
Welcome! Congratulations on taking the first step to seeking help. Let the journey begin. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, authenticity, and compassion. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life's challenges.
Welcome! Congratulations on taking the first step to seeking help. Let the journey begin. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, authenticity, and compassion. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life's challenges.
Hello, and welcome. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Board-Certified Supervisor, I bring over a decade of diverse clinical experience to my practice. I am a bilingual clinician (English/Spanish), committed to creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your challenges and build a path toward healing and growth. My extensive background includes working with individuals, children, and families in a variety of settings, from private practice to emergency management and crisis response.
Hello, and welcome. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Board-Certified Supervisor, I bring over a decade of diverse clinical experience to my practice. I am a bilingual clinician (English/Spanish), committed to creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your challenges and build a path toward healing and growth. My extensive background includes working with individuals, children, and families in a variety of settings, from private practice to emergency management and crisis response.
My clients come to therapy with a desire to better understand themselves, their patterns, and the implicit beliefs they hold about themselves and the world. They are deep thinkers and feelers with a great appreciation for humor as part of the therapeutic process. They are often striving to become (and befriend) the best version of themselves. Together, we balance insights and perspectives with tools that guide transformation and growth.
My clients come to therapy with a desire to better understand themselves, their patterns, and the implicit beliefs they hold about themselves and the world. They are deep thinkers and feelers with a great appreciation for humor as part of the therapeutic process. They are often striving to become (and befriend) the best version of themselves. Together, we balance insights and perspectives with tools that guide transformation and growth.
The journey toward healing begins with a safe space to be truly heard. I provide compassionate, individualized therapy for children, adolescents, and families navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Many clients face life transitions such as relocation, adoption, identity exploration, body image concerns, or loss, which can contribute to anxiety or depression. Using a trauma-informed, solution-focused approach, I help clients build coping skills, resilience, and insight. My goal is to create a nurturing, collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to grow and create meaningful change.
The journey toward healing begins with a safe space to be truly heard. I provide compassionate, individualized therapy for children, adolescents, and families navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Many clients face life transitions such as relocation, adoption, identity exploration, body image concerns, or loss, which can contribute to anxiety or depression. Using a trauma-informed, solution-focused approach, I help clients build coping skills, resilience, and insight. My goal is to create a nurturing, collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to grow and create meaningful change.
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Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Shaw, Washington
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- Downtown
- Dupont Circle
- Eckington
- Ledroit Park
- Logan Circle
- Mount Vernon Square
- NoMa
- Penn Quarter
- Pleasant Plains
- U Street Corridor
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.