Play Therapy in Washington, DC
My goal is to help children make sense of big feelings, busy brains, and bumpy moments. Some kids have engines that run fast all day long. Others worry so much their tummies start to hurt. Some feel sad and stuck, while others feel mad and mixed up. Some are figuring out friendships, saying goodbye to someone they love, or trying to adjust to new schools, families, or routines.
For parents, my goal is to help you make sense of what is going on for your child, why, and how to support them through a lens that is informed by child development, neurobiology, and the scientific research literature on child mental health.
My goal is to help children make sense of big feelings, busy brains, and bumpy moments. Some kids have engines that run fast all day long. Others worry so much their tummies start to hurt. Some feel sad and stuck, while others feel mad and mixed up. Some are figuring out friendships, saying goodbye to someone they love, or trying to adjust to new schools, families, or routines.
For parents, my goal is to help you make sense of what is going on for your child, why, and how to support them through a lens that is informed by child development, neurobiology, and the scientific research literature on child mental health.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who believes that everyone possesses the strengths and resources to overcome life’s challenges- even if sometimes we need a little assistance. I view seeking help as a sign of great strength. My role as a therapist is to help you better know and understand yourself. We will use this insight to build upon your innate abilities and strengths to understand obstacles, overcome challenges, and pave a way forward. I work with a Service Dog, Finn, who provides a gentle, loving presence that can be very comforting, anxiety reducing, and uplifting in sessions.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who believes that everyone possesses the strengths and resources to overcome life’s challenges- even if sometimes we need a little assistance. I view seeking help as a sign of great strength. My role as a therapist is to help you better know and understand yourself. We will use this insight to build upon your innate abilities and strengths to understand obstacles, overcome challenges, and pave a way forward. I work with a Service Dog, Finn, who provides a gentle, loving presence that can be very comforting, anxiety reducing, and uplifting in sessions.
Ehrhardt Therapy and Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LPC
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006
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.
My name is Toya R. Fisher, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW, LCSW-C) with over 21 years of experience serving vulnerable populations across Washington, D.C. and Maryland. I hold a Master of Social Work from Catholic University of America and a B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College. I’ve worked extensively with adolescents, adults, families, and older adults—supporting clients facing complex life challenges, including family dynamics, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also bring a strong background in leadership, program development, and crisis response.
My name is Toya R. Fisher, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW, LCSW-C) with over 21 years of experience serving vulnerable populations across Washington, D.C. and Maryland. I hold a Master of Social Work from Catholic University of America and a B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College. I’ve worked extensively with adolescents, adults, families, and older adults—supporting clients facing complex life challenges, including family dynamics, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also bring a strong background in leadership, program development, and crisis response.
I am goal-oriented, non-judgmental, and always use a client-centered, inclusive approach, while also incorporating CBT techniques, expressive arts, sand play, and evidenced-based play therapy.
Hi, I’m Emily! I specialize in treating college students, young adults, and teens/kids who need support in the following areas: life transitions, relationships, depression/anxiety, life challenges/trauma, and behavioral/academic struggles. In my work, I help clients develop specific coping skills and create strategies for navigating life's challenges when they feel stuck.
I am goal-oriented, non-judgmental, and always use a client-centered, inclusive approach, while also incorporating CBT techniques, expressive arts, sand play, and evidenced-based play therapy.
Hi, I’m Emily! I specialize in treating college students, young adults, and teens/kids who need support in the following areas: life transitions, relationships, depression/anxiety, life challenges/trauma, and behavioral/academic struggles. In my work, I help clients develop specific coping skills and create strategies for navigating life's challenges when they feel stuck.
I am a licensed Psychologist in Washington DC and in Maryland. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, specifically child sexual abuse. I have extensive experience in the utilization of evidenced based treatment in the area of trauma with children as young as 3 years old. I also provide psychological and psycho-educational evaluations. I have worked with children impacted by the foster care system, multiple traumas, grief and loss, gay, lesbian, and transgendered youth . I strongly believe in creating a warm and accepting amotsphere and that this is a neccessary condition for successful treatment.
I am a licensed Psychologist in Washington DC and in Maryland. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, specifically child sexual abuse. I have extensive experience in the utilization of evidenced based treatment in the area of trauma with children as young as 3 years old. I also provide psychological and psycho-educational evaluations. I have worked with children impacted by the foster care system, multiple traumas, grief and loss, gay, lesbian, and transgendered youth . I strongly believe in creating a warm and accepting amotsphere and that this is a neccessary condition for successful treatment.
Searching for a therapist can feel overwhelming, however, finding a good fit is imperative in order to get the most out of your time, effort, and finances. You want to find someone that allows you to feel safe, understood, and ultimately maximizes results for you. I take a warm, empathetic and comprehensive approach to help individuals experiencing stressful circumstances live more meaningful and balanced lives. I work with you to figure out what you need and want in life and help identify and make changes in your life to be the best version of yourself. I work with adolescents and adults.
Searching for a therapist can feel overwhelming, however, finding a good fit is imperative in order to get the most out of your time, effort, and finances. You want to find someone that allows you to feel safe, understood, and ultimately maximizes results for you. I take a warm, empathetic and comprehensive approach to help individuals experiencing stressful circumstances live more meaningful and balanced lives. I work with you to figure out what you need and want in life and help identify and make changes in your life to be the best version of yourself. I work with adolescents and adults.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you feeling stuck and can't seem to find your way out? Let me guess, you've tried therapy before and it just wasn't the right fit. Well, you have come to the right place. Transpire Wellness is here to help.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you feeling stuck and can't seem to find your way out? Let me guess, you've tried therapy before and it just wasn't the right fit. Well, you have come to the right place. Transpire Wellness is here to help.
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.
Licensed in both CA and DC, I believe therapy is a wonderful avenue for individuals to discover more about themselves and their self-worth. It is about growing, protecting boundaries, and healing through discovering and repairing past and present wounds.
I specialize in adolescents, teens, and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, complex trauma, and difficulty with life transitions (moving, parenthood, marriage, etc). I am EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained to help individuals process and move past their traumatic experiences, allowing them to heal and find peace.
Licensed in both CA and DC, I believe therapy is a wonderful avenue for individuals to discover more about themselves and their self-worth. It is about growing, protecting boundaries, and healing through discovering and repairing past and present wounds.
I specialize in adolescents, teens, and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, complex trauma, and difficulty with life transitions (moving, parenthood, marriage, etc). I am EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained to help individuals process and move past their traumatic experiences, allowing them to heal and find peace.
The treatment modalities I commonly work from include: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Strengths Based Approach, Play Based Therapy, Art Based Therapy and Mindfulness.
I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in the District of Columbia. I have extensive experience working with children and teenagers ages 5-18, as well as adults. I have worked with individuals who experience ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, anger outbursts, and stage of life transitions. I also have experience working with families who are experiencing anxiety, depression, ineffective communication styles and trauma.
The treatment modalities I commonly work from include: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Strengths Based Approach, Play Based Therapy, Art Based Therapy and Mindfulness.
I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in the District of Columbia. I have extensive experience working with children and teenagers ages 5-18, as well as adults. I have worked with individuals who experience ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, anger outbursts, and stage of life transitions. I also have experience working with families who are experiencing anxiety, depression, ineffective communication styles and trauma.
There are many paths to become aligned with your desired outcomes. I meet you where you are and provide opportunities to increase awareness, growth, healing and success. Our work is grounded in developing a relationship with your authentic experience and understanding what allows you to embrace your truth and how to shift your experience. Exploring beliefs, patterns, unresolved issues, and uncomfortable sensations with curiosity and compassion opens the door to change and healing. I support you in this process with empathy, compassion, and a myriad of tools and strategies to awaken you to the possibilities you imagine.
There are many paths to become aligned with your desired outcomes. I meet you where you are and provide opportunities to increase awareness, growth, healing and success. Our work is grounded in developing a relationship with your authentic experience and understanding what allows you to embrace your truth and how to shift your experience. Exploring beliefs, patterns, unresolved issues, and uncomfortable sensations with curiosity and compassion opens the door to change and healing. I support you in this process with empathy, compassion, and a myriad of tools and strategies to awaken you to the possibilities you imagine.
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.
In our work together, I prioritize a warm, non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to explore the deeper parts of your story. I don't believe in 'one-size-fits-all' therapy; instead, I integrate CBT and Mindfulness to tailor our sessions to your unique needs and goals.
In our work together, I prioritize a warm, non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to explore the deeper parts of your story. I don't believe in 'one-size-fits-all' therapy; instead, I integrate CBT and Mindfulness to tailor our sessions to your unique needs and goals.
I’m trained in multiple approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindful awareness, and body-based therapies; play, art, and sand therapy; and brain-based therapies, including Brainspotting.
I’m the founder and director of The Center for Family Well-Being, where we aim -- through our groups, individual therapy, and classes -- to help kids, teens, adults, couples, and families fully realize their potential with confidence, understanding, and an open heart. We're a group of highly-trained holistic therapists who integrate Western psychotherapy with the wisdom of Eastern mindful awareness practice, as well as other mind-body healing methods, for greater awareness, connection, and well-being for our clients -- within themselves and with others in their lives.
I’m trained in multiple approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindful awareness, and body-based therapies; play, art, and sand therapy; and brain-based therapies, including Brainspotting.
I’m the founder and director of The Center for Family Well-Being, where we aim -- through our groups, individual therapy, and classes -- to help kids, teens, adults, couples, and families fully realize their potential with confidence, understanding, and an open heart. We're a group of highly-trained holistic therapists who integrate Western psychotherapy with the wisdom of Eastern mindful awareness practice, as well as other mind-body healing methods, for greater awareness, connection, and well-being for our clients -- within themselves and with others in their lives.
Dr. Hannah Sugarman is a licensed psychology associate in Washington, DC. Dr. Sugarman specializes in providing engaging, empathetic, evidence-based treatment and psychoeducational evaluations that address a child’s needs at home and at school. She specializes in treating children and adolescents with emotional disorders and behavioral disorders, as well as youth who have experienced trauma. In addition to her work with Maven Psychology Group, Dr. Sugarman is a practicing school psychologist and has extensive experience understanding how a child’s traumatic experiences may impact their ability to thrive in the school setting.
Dr. Hannah Sugarman is a licensed psychology associate in Washington, DC. Dr. Sugarman specializes in providing engaging, empathetic, evidence-based treatment and psychoeducational evaluations that address a child’s needs at home and at school. She specializes in treating children and adolescents with emotional disorders and behavioral disorders, as well as youth who have experienced trauma. In addition to her work with Maven Psychology Group, Dr. Sugarman is a practicing school psychologist and has extensive experience understanding how a child’s traumatic experiences may impact their ability to thrive in the school setting.
I have advanced training in play therapy and parent-child therapy for caregivers and their infants or young children, as well as in psychoanalytic psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children.
The key to successful therapy is a relationship with a caring, nonjudgmental therapist there to respond sensitively and patiently to whatever comes up. In my work, I offer that to my clients, as we collaborate in developing an understanding of your emotional states and how they drive your thoughts and actions. We’ll learn together what you need to strengthen and grow. My work with children and adolescents informs my understanding of development over the life span, and how those relationships and experiences that shape us are alive in the present moment.
I have advanced training in play therapy and parent-child therapy for caregivers and their infants or young children, as well as in psychoanalytic psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children.
The key to successful therapy is a relationship with a caring, nonjudgmental therapist there to respond sensitively and patiently to whatever comes up. In my work, I offer that to my clients, as we collaborate in developing an understanding of your emotional states and how they drive your thoughts and actions. We’ll learn together what you need to strengthen and grow. My work with children and adolescents informs my understanding of development over the life span, and how those relationships and experiences that shape us are alive in the present moment.
I team with adults, children, and parents to create solutions and awaken aspects of themselves they would like to grow. We work together to heal past pain, strengthen, and to build a fresh start. Our sessions will allow you to take time for yourself to step away from the expectations and pressures of the outside world so that you can feel, see, and build a stronger self. Taking a break from work, school, and life for one or two sessions a week allows for clarity of mind, strengthening of self, and a generation of a new mindset. I will work as your guide in providing you the tools you need to live your life more fully.
I team with adults, children, and parents to create solutions and awaken aspects of themselves they would like to grow. We work together to heal past pain, strengthen, and to build a fresh start. Our sessions will allow you to take time for yourself to step away from the expectations and pressures of the outside world so that you can feel, see, and build a stronger self. Taking a break from work, school, and life for one or two sessions a week allows for clarity of mind, strengthening of self, and a generation of a new mindset. I will work as your guide in providing you the tools you need to live your life more fully.
I employ various therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Trauma Informed Care Certified (TIC) and Play Therapy (PT).
You may appear high-functioning on the outside, but inside you feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck. You might be navigating a life transition, struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or carrying past trauma. Many of my clients feel torn between who they are and who they’re expected to be by family, culture, relationships, or internal pressures. I work with thoughtful, self-aware adults who want more than just symptom relief. Many come from Latinx, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ communities and carry the emotional weight of bicultural identity, generational patterns, and unspoken expectations to “be strong”.
I employ various therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Trauma Informed Care Certified (TIC) and Play Therapy (PT).
You may appear high-functioning on the outside, but inside you feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck. You might be navigating a life transition, struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or carrying past trauma. Many of my clients feel torn between who they are and who they’re expected to be by family, culture, relationships, or internal pressures. I work with thoughtful, self-aware adults who want more than just symptom relief. Many come from Latinx, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ communities and carry the emotional weight of bicultural identity, generational patterns, and unspoken expectations to “be strong”.
I received a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Iona College in New York and a Master’s of Social Work from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. During my studies, I focused on community mental health and crisis management in youth and young adults. My passion has always been to de-stigmatize mental health in the BIPOC communities, while discovering and providing creative expressive ways that resonate with our population more culturally.
I have worked with clients ranging from ages 2-24 that have experienced depression, trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and simply just regular life stressors and transitions.
I received a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Iona College in New York and a Master’s of Social Work from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. During my studies, I focused on community mental health and crisis management in youth and young adults. My passion has always been to de-stigmatize mental health in the BIPOC communities, while discovering and providing creative expressive ways that resonate with our population more culturally.
I have worked with clients ranging from ages 2-24 that have experienced depression, trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and simply just regular life stressors and transitions.
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Play Therapy Therapists
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.