Play Therapy in Fort Lauderdale, FL
See all therapists in Fort Lauderdale
Daniela Castiblanco - Christ Centered Counseling
Counselor, EdD, LMHC, LPC
Verified
Verified
We are a whole world. Therapy is about mapping out, traveling to, and learning from all of the places we have inside of us. We can choose the places we call home, the places we visit sometimes, and the places we bring closure to as time goes on. My job as a therapist is to help you explore how your life experiences, influential relationships, and core beliefs continue to
play
a part in your everyday life. I’ve found that if we can work together to visit uncomfortable places long enough to find calm and to start to look around, we’ll see that every life event has important insight to keep present as we live out new experiences.

Robyn Cassel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
My goal is to listen to each client, hear the person's wants and needs, and support growth towards an increased state of self-awareness, life satisfaction, and relationship fulfillment. Despite the serious nature of issues discussed, my clients and I often find ourselves laughing together. I specialize in treatment/ assessment of psychological disorders in preschool/ school-aged children, adolescents, and adults. My focus on children helps me understand psychological underpinnings in adults I treat. I provide
play therapy
with children/families; group/individual psychotherapy with adolescents and adults; and I work extensively with individuals and couples presenting with a range of relationship/ sexual issues.

Kids Connection of Ft. Lauderdale
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MHC, LPC
Verified
Verified
As a Registered
Play
Therapist I have the training to apply the therapeutic power of
play
to communicate with and treat individuals of all ages and their families.
Families can sometimes get stuck in destructive behavior patterns that affect all the members in different ways. When challenges arise either individually or as a whole, everyone is impacted and shares in the struggle. I embrace the power of the family unit. Throughout the therapeutic process, various forms of experiential and cognitive therapy will be woven into family sessions. Allowing the family to talk more freely and use creative forms of expression with one another can deepen the family's experience of each other and their own selves; thereby increasing understanding, enhancing communication pathways, and improving the overall relationship.

Richard Taborga
Counselor, PsyD, LMHC, NCC
Verified
Verified
During individual sessions with children, I strive to create a nurturing environment for children to develop the skills to manage distressful emotions and self-control through
play
, art, stories and each child's unique individual strengths.
I am an experienced doctor of psychology and licensed psychotherapist, who specializes in treating individuals across the life span, couples, and families experiencing a wide-range of difficulties. My passionate, friendly and patient approach is aimed at developing a therapeutic relationship with my clients that will inspire hope, help them recognize their strengths and develop the insight and skills to navigate life's challenges. With an understanding and appreciation for the uniqueness of each individual, I recognize that no single approach is right for everyone and strive to integrate various therapeutic orientations and interventions in understanding and helping clients.

Nicole Ceusters
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified
Verified
I am a mental health therapist licensed in Florida with over 10 years of experience working in social services, either in vocational rehab, case management or mental health therapy. I have worked with a variety of Clients reporting different concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood instability, parenting difficulties, but specializing in ADHD, autism and trauma. I hold a Masters in Counseling with Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as a Master's certificate in
Play Therapy
. I am currently working on a PhD in Developmental Psychology.

Stephanie Byer
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified
Verified
My prior experiences include working with teenagers and adults at the residential and outpatient levels of care and utilizing
play therapy
with children in an elementary school.
Sometimes life becomes so overwhelming and we do not know where to turn. Through the counseling relationship, you and I can work towards helping you grow in the direction you want through a positive, safe environment where you feel able to express yourself. I strive to empower all my clients to be self-compassionate, confident, and have the courage to endure vulnerability and discomfort in order to lead a more connected, meaningful life.

Gennifer Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am trained in a variety of treatment modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
Play Therapy
, and Art Therapy.
When life feels overwhelming, our minds can convince us that we are alone in our daily challenges and during our most difficult times. We get used to handling it on our own. I believe there is a better way. Working with a psychotherapist who can deeply connect with where you are on your healing journey can be transformative. Transformation might look like addressing symptoms, resolving a problem, or seeking something more. By guiding you to deeper insights and clearer understandings, together, we are better able to confront the barriers that may be holding you back from the life you want to live.
Not accepting new clients

Kelly Garsik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I offer traditional talk therapy, EMDR, direct neurofeedback, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) somatic work, relaxation, mindfulness,
play
, and expressive therapies.
I am a believer that compassion is a necessary ingredient for growth. I believe in utilizing the Mind-Body connection to help my clients grow and heal. I believe in thinking outside of the box. I will tailor my approach to fit your needs. I enjoy finding new, innovative ways to help people in my work. I work with adults and adolescents. I offer traditional talk therapy, EMDR, Direct Neurofeedback, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Mindfulness-based therapies.

Ashley M Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified
Verified
I am an LCSW in Florida specializing in trauma-informed care and
play therapy
modalities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. As a parent to a young child, I am familiar with some of the struggles that come with navigating a family and maintaining a good sense of well-being. I am also an accredited Triple P (positive parenting program) provider so I can assist many parents (new or veterans) with challenges they may be having in the home as well.

Monocacy Therapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
Verified
I strive to help people manage distressing emotions so that they can live a fuller life. I am committed to providing quality mental health care in individual, family, and group settings. As a PhD-level anthropologist, I strive to learn as much as I can about your culture and worldview in order to tailor my therapeutic approach to your values, needs, and goals. I have effectively utilized cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic,
play
- and art-based, and trauma-informed approaches to support individuals living with a variety of conditions and problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Andrea S Corn
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
With children, I use
play therapy
as the way to enable youngsters to reveal problematic thoughts and feelings and then help them explore ways to express themselves more appropriately.
If you are seeking to understand yourself and why you are experiencing short or long-term emotional, mental, interpersonal distress (i.e., family, relationships, work), my goal is to help you. Today more than, all ages need help in coping as the world has changed, disrupting our daily lives, and requiring new strategies and skills to handle all the external and internal stressors. Gaining greater acceptance and self-control over unwanted thoughts, feelings, or behaviors can improve your outlook as you gain new insights, opportunities, experiences, and even choices for experiencing the life you want to live.

Marie Therese Rogers
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Dr. Rogers' training includes evaluating and treating a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges affecting adults (anxiety, depression, relationship and career concerns) and children (ages 3 and up). Treatment modalities include interpersonal and cognitive-behavioral therapy (for teens and adults) and
play
-therapy (for younger children); with an emphasis on executive functioning. Having completed her doctoral training at Miami Children's Hospital-Department of Psychiatry (currently Nicklaus Children's Hospital), Dr. Rogers is skilled at conducting comprehensive psychological and psycho-educational evaluations.

Haley Ferguson
Pre-Licensed Professional, RMHCI
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
She uses evidenced-based modalities including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Multicultural Counseling,
Play Therapy
, and Art Therapy.
Hello and welcome! As a therapist, Haley specializes in working with those who are navigating emotional distress, life transitions, cultural related challenges including harm and oppression, LGBTQ+ related issues, and family/relationship concerns. Her approach is compassionate, intersectional, empowerment-based, and rooted in self-determination. She's worked with children (9+), teens, and adults on developing tools to help them navigate life's challenges.

Dr. LeAnn DeHoff
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, RPT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
LeAnn DeHoff, PhD is a licensed therapist in the state of Florida, a Registered
Play
Therapist, and I have a PhD in international psychology (i.
LeAnn DeHoff, PhD, LMHC, Inc. is now doing business as The Lux Center of Counseling and Education. Our mission is to honor each person's inner-experience and support healing through counseling. We work with children, couples, and families, using client-centered and evidenced-based methods to help identify and regulate emotions, change behavioral & emotional patterns, and learn new ways of working with others. We believe in empowering people at all ages to tap into their authentic self so they can find motivation, relief, and work towards ongoing self-care.
Not accepting new clients

Imani Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, QS
Verified
Verified
Do you feel like you are being held back because of a depressed mood, anxious feelings, or past trauma? Are you uncomfortable trusting others? Imagine having meaningful relationships, feeling confident, and having control over your life. I enjoy helping my clients solve their problems. I am certified in Trauma Focussed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is typically used with persons with a trauma history, PTSD, or depression. I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy which has great efficacy with personality disorders. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/Tapping) are also used for anxiety, phobias, addiction, and trauma.

Julia Debs
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Hi, I’m Julia! I graduated with my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals, couples, families and groups. I also have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and adults. My goal is to provide comfort and ease while taking your first steps to mental wellness.

Julissa Navichoque
Counselor, RMHCI, CCTP, EMDR II
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a mental health counselor therapist, I’ve worked with many individuals, families, and couples struggling with domestic violence, mood disorders, high levels of conflict, and grief. I have also worked helping women struggling with eating disorders and PTSD, using an approach that addresses the mind, body, and soul connection.

David F Walters
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, MSW
Verified
Verified
As human beings we all face various challenges in life. Sometimes we feel stuck, unmotivated, or maybe anxious in various situations. Not knowing how to navigate trials and tribulations in different chapters of our life can be daunting. That’s where I come in. My approach with the individuals I see is to create a non-judgmental, therapeutic environment where each person feels appreciated and understood. Vulnerability at its core can be intimidating for some, which is why I value creating a safe space to share your thoughts, allowing me to develop a deeper understanding of who you are.

Seasons Psychotherapy Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
Verified
Seasons Psychotherapy Assoc is a unique community of 21 heart-centered mental health professionals with a common goal of helping you transform your life. We work with people from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of emotional or mental health struggles. Life is challenging, and each and every one of us struggle in some way at some point. We cannot heal and improve that which we ignore. Getting help and support is a strength. Some of our particular areas of expertise include grief & loss, anxiety, LGBTQ+, first responder issues, mental health and addiction, trauma, relationship counseling, parenting struggles, and teen issues.

Margie Mader
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CHT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
It's so hard to be you isn't it? Being in a relationship and not feeling heard. Your needs not getting met. You're questioning if you should stay or leave. You've tried communicating in every way you can think of or not communicating and letting things "slide", but nothing changes. The frustration and resentment just builds. Before you make the decision to leave or decide to just sweep it under the rug and continue to be in pain, let me work with both of you.
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.