Play Therapy in Lowndes County, GA
Dr. Sheba M Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, TF-CBT, EMDR-T
Verified Verified
Valdosta, GA 31602
I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trained in EMDR and Play Therapy.
I believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to live the life they desire. I love working with people and seeing them live a life of purpose. My primary goal with every client is to help them get to where they want to be. I have worked in human services for over seventeen years and as a therapist for eight years. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment that encourages growth. Please contact me today to discuss how I can assist you on your journey to healing and liberation.
I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trained in EMDR and Play Therapy.
I believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to live the life they desire. I love working with people and seeing them live a life of purpose. My primary goal with every client is to help them get to where they want to be. I have worked in human services for over seventeen years and as a therapist for eight years. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment that encourages growth. Please contact me today to discuss how I can assist you on your journey to healing and liberation.
Dr. Clarissa 'clare' Alderman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT, ICAADC, NCC, DCC
Verified Verified
Valdosta, GA 31601
Waitlist for new clients
Since licensure, I have completed my national certified counseling credential, telemental health certification as well as became a fully registered play therapist in Georgia.
DClare Alderman has worked as a high school counselor and later assistant principal at Cook High School. Clare began working with families in the community providing in-home-based wrap-around counseling services for both parents and children. Provide individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling for teens as well as therapeutic services for foster families. Worked as a substance abuse counselor providing education as well as treatment for addiction disorders.Provides individual, and family therapy services focused on mental health issues related to depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction, anger,
Since licensure, I have completed my national certified counseling credential, telemental health certification as well as became a fully registered play therapist in Georgia.
DClare Alderman has worked as a high school counselor and later assistant principal at Cook High School. Clare began working with families in the community providing in-home-based wrap-around counseling services for both parents and children. Provide individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling for teens as well as therapeutic services for foster families. Worked as a substance abuse counselor providing education as well as treatment for addiction disorders.Provides individual, and family therapy services focused on mental health issues related to depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction, anger,
Kristi B Godwin
Marriage & Family Therapist, DPA, LMFT, CCTP, EMDR-T
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Valdosta, GA 31602
I am trained in trauma-informed care, play therapy, EMDR, IFS, Solution Focused Therapy, and DBT, and do use these modalities primarily.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, trained in systems theory, and work to incorporate as many aspects of my client's system into therapy as possible.
I am trained in trauma-informed care, play therapy, EMDR, IFS, Solution Focused Therapy, and DBT, and do use these modalities primarily.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, trained in systems theory, and work to incorporate as many aspects of my client's system into therapy as possible.
Charles Parramore
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Valdosta, GA 31601
For younger children, I employ Play Therapy techniques in combination with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to teach positive coping skills.
I have worked in the mental health field over fourteen years in a variety of settings with both children and adults. I currently work in a private practice setting. I would describe my therapy style as Person Centered with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe effective therapy is most often a result of a positive collaboration between the therapist and the client. I have found my approach to be effect in helping clients alleviate depression and anxiety as well as improving self esteem/self image, decreasing impulsivity and anger management.
For younger children, I employ Play Therapy techniques in combination with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to teach positive coping skills.
I have worked in the mental health field over fourteen years in a variety of settings with both children and adults. I currently work in a private practice setting. I would describe my therapy style as Person Centered with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe effective therapy is most often a result of a positive collaboration between the therapist and the client. I have found my approach to be effect in helping clients alleviate depression and anxiety as well as improving self esteem/self image, decreasing impulsivity and anger management.
EnSpire Counseling & Wellness, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, RPT, CFRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Valdosta, GA 31602
In addition, we offer group, play, and family therapy, EMDR/trauma therapy, and medication assessment & management.
EnSpire Counseling & Wellness is a comprehensive Mental Health & Wellness Center comprised of a multidisciplinary team of dedicated healthcare and wellness professionals providing hope, healing, and restoration. Our purpose is to help create a healthy and supportive environment for clients' success through services that address and enhance overall emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. EnSpire’s mission and philosophy is holistic and designed to empower, encourage, and enlighten individuals, families, and couples in our local and surrounding communities.
In addition, we offer group, play, and family therapy, EMDR/trauma therapy, and medication assessment & management.
EnSpire Counseling & Wellness is a comprehensive Mental Health & Wellness Center comprised of a multidisciplinary team of dedicated healthcare and wellness professionals providing hope, healing, and restoration. Our purpose is to help create a healthy and supportive environment for clients' success through services that address and enhance overall emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. EnSpire’s mission and philosophy is holistic and designed to empower, encourage, and enlighten individuals, families, and couples in our local and surrounding communities.
My Tousha West, I am a licensed Social Worker in Maine, Georgia and West Virginia. My clients ages range from 18 to 80. I specialized in life transitions, stress, work/life balance, bereavement, situational depression and anxiety and relationship conflicts.
My Tousha West, I am a licensed Social Worker in Maine, Georgia and West Virginia. My clients ages range from 18 to 80. I specialized in life transitions, stress, work/life balance, bereavement, situational depression and anxiety and relationship conflicts.
Cassie Avellaneda is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC. Cassie’s professional career began in the public education system. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Warner University. She taught in the public-school system for several years. Cassie then received her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Webster University. Cassie has been a fully licensed clinician for almost 10 years in the state of Florida. In relocating to Georgia, she is now dually licensed in both Florida and Georgia.
Cassie Avellaneda is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC. Cassie’s professional career began in the public education system. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Warner University. She taught in the public-school system for several years. Cassie then received her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Webster University. Cassie has been a fully licensed clinician for almost 10 years in the state of Florida. In relocating to Georgia, she is now dually licensed in both Florida and Georgia.
Leah C. McMillan
Marriage & Family Therapist, DPA, LMFT, CFRC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Valdosta, GA 31602
I have extensive clinical experience, 20 years+, working in the trauma-related, mental health, and counseling fields. I have been clinically licensed as a LMFT since 2006 and am an active member (clinical fellow) of AAMFT/GAMFT. My clinical path has allowed me to gain significant knowledge and experience in the field of mental health & counseling, clinical consultation, and speaking. I provide ongoing counseling in the areas of individual (children, adolescents, and adults), family, marital/couple/pre-marital, and group therapy. In addition, I am EMDR Trained and obtained my certification as a Certified First Responder Counselor.
I have extensive clinical experience, 20 years+, working in the trauma-related, mental health, and counseling fields. I have been clinically licensed as a LMFT since 2006 and am an active member (clinical fellow) of AAMFT/GAMFT. My clinical path has allowed me to gain significant knowledge and experience in the field of mental health & counseling, clinical consultation, and speaking. I provide ongoing counseling in the areas of individual (children, adolescents, and adults), family, marital/couple/pre-marital, and group therapy. In addition, I am EMDR Trained and obtained my certification as a Certified First Responder Counselor.
Bethany Ellen Dollar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
With over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds navigate life’s challenges and achieve emotional well-being. My passion lies in providing compassionate, evidence-based support to those struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, and other mental health concerns. Through a person-centered approach, I work to empower individuals, helping them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and foster personal growth.
With over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds navigate life’s challenges and achieve emotional well-being. My passion lies in providing compassionate, evidence-based support to those struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, and other mental health concerns. Through a person-centered approach, I work to empower individuals, helping them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and foster personal growth.
Currently Accepting New Clients. In Georgia we are accepting Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Cigna and Optum (Oxford, Oscar and United) via Headway. We provide telemedicine services and in the Valdosta GA area homebased services and some crisis/intensive services as well. With 30 years experience I provide services in specialized areas ranging from trauma, narcissistic abuse, juvenile sexual offender treatment to other complicated areas of recovery such as loss of custody, grief, adjustment to refugee process, persecution recovery and identity concerns. In our Birmingham office outpatient contact is monthly to bimonthly as available.
Currently Accepting New Clients. In Georgia we are accepting Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Cigna and Optum (Oxford, Oscar and United) via Headway. We provide telemedicine services and in the Valdosta GA area homebased services and some crisis/intensive services as well. With 30 years experience I provide services in specialized areas ranging from trauma, narcissistic abuse, juvenile sexual offender treatment to other complicated areas of recovery such as loss of custody, grief, adjustment to refugee process, persecution recovery and identity concerns. In our Birmingham office outpatient contact is monthly to bimonthly as available.
Stephany A. Norris
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CPCS, EMDR-T
Verified Verified
Valdosta, GA 31602
Waitlist for new clients
I strive to create an empathic, comfortable, and professional environment for my clients. I work with all types of individuals who struggle with many areas of difficulty. Any problem is not too big or too small; whether you are attempting to overcome a long term mental health issue, or are having difficulty adjusting to a life change. I love my work and I enjoy helping others work through life's many challenges. I care about taking a non-judgmental approach in evaluating and treating my clients, and I focus on pulling out personal strengths so that you are better prepared and enabled to find solutions.
I strive to create an empathic, comfortable, and professional environment for my clients. I work with all types of individuals who struggle with many areas of difficulty. Any problem is not too big or too small; whether you are attempting to overcome a long term mental health issue, or are having difficulty adjusting to a life change. I love my work and I enjoy helping others work through life's many challenges. I care about taking a non-judgmental approach in evaluating and treating my clients, and I focus on pulling out personal strengths so that you are better prepared and enabled to find solutions.
I seek to establish a mutual understanding of the issue through metaphor and collaboration with my clients. Providing an unbiased view of the problem formation and explore its solution via the client’s own understanding. I wish to establish a warm and caring relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths and better cooperate with you towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.
I seek to establish a mutual understanding of the issue through metaphor and collaboration with my clients. Providing an unbiased view of the problem formation and explore its solution via the client’s own understanding. I wish to establish a warm and caring relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths and better cooperate with you towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.
Are you carrying the weight of grief, depression, or trauma? Do you feel as if you have to put on a mask just to get through the day? You continue to juggle the roles of being a parent, spouse, employee, and everything in between; which leaves you feeling stretched thin and emotionally drained. You often feel as if you need a release or a lifeline to maintain a peace of mind. If any of this applies to you, “guess what,” it’s okay to not be okay.
Are you carrying the weight of grief, depression, or trauma? Do you feel as if you have to put on a mask just to get through the day? You continue to juggle the roles of being a parent, spouse, employee, and everything in between; which leaves you feeling stretched thin and emotionally drained. You often feel as if you need a release or a lifeline to maintain a peace of mind. If any of this applies to you, “guess what,” it’s okay to not be okay.
Jennifer Elaine Washington
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS Ed, CGS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Valdosta, GA 31602
Guess what? If you’re reading this, you are taking the first steps to advocate for yourself and mental well-being. Congratulations! Keep reading…you’re doing good so far. Putting our thoughts and feelings into words isn’t always easy to do. Are you the person who responds with, “I’m okay” or “I’m good” when deep down you’re thinking, “I’m not okay” or “I just want to feel better about things?”
Guess what? If you’re reading this, you are taking the first steps to advocate for yourself and mental well-being. Congratulations! Keep reading…you’re doing good so far. Putting our thoughts and feelings into words isn’t always easy to do. Are you the person who responds with, “I’m okay” or “I’m good” when deep down you’re thinking, “I’m not okay” or “I just want to feel better about things?”
I have been in practice for a number of years, so my experiences are varied. I work with everyone.....children, adolescents and adults. I am knowlegeable and skillful in the treatment of emotional, behavioral and substance abuse issues. I am fortunate to have practiced with extremely knowledgeable and skillful clinicians as my mentors so my skills go beyond the textbooks. I treat my clients with courtesy and respect; as I expect my friends and family to be treated should they ever need professional assistance. I give 100% in assisting them in resolving their issues. If I can't help them, I'll help them find someone who can.
I have been in practice for a number of years, so my experiences are varied. I work with everyone.....children, adolescents and adults. I am knowlegeable and skillful in the treatment of emotional, behavioral and substance abuse issues. I am fortunate to have practiced with extremely knowledgeable and skillful clinicians as my mentors so my skills go beyond the textbooks. I treat my clients with courtesy and respect; as I expect my friends and family to be treated should they ever need professional assistance. I give 100% in assisting them in resolving their issues. If I can't help them, I'll help them find someone who can.
Do you find it difficult to form meaningful connections or trust others? Or perhaps have fear of disappointing others for living the life you desire? “You’ve mastered survival mode. Now it’s time to live.” -Unknown- Imagine waking up to a life you designed. Putting yourself first takes an incredible amount of courage. You deserve the life you’ve longed for. My specialties encompass matters related to complex trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship issues. I also offer support to individuals who may be navigating relationships characterized by narcissistic behaviors.
Do you find it difficult to form meaningful connections or trust others? Or perhaps have fear of disappointing others for living the life you desire? “You’ve mastered survival mode. Now it’s time to live.” -Unknown- Imagine waking up to a life you designed. Putting yourself first takes an incredible amount of courage. You deserve the life you’ve longed for. My specialties encompass matters related to complex trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship issues. I also offer support to individuals who may be navigating relationships characterized by narcissistic behaviors.
" I see it as a privilege to walk beside my clients in their journeys. My clients inspire me through their dedication and drive to be the best version of themselves ." ~ Jessie VanDeVelde Moreno, LMFT
" I see it as a privilege to walk beside my clients in their journeys. My clients inspire me through their dedication and drive to be the best version of themselves ." ~ Jessie VanDeVelde Moreno, LMFT
Online Therapists
I am nationally certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and trained in Trauma Play and in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
When life challenges us, we can all benefit from working it through with someone who cares. If you or your child have experienced a traumatic or scary event, had recent changes in your life, or are struggling with big feelings and behaviors, the next steps can be overwhelming. I empower you to heal through learning and collaboration; processing those events and feelings that once felt too big.
I am nationally certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and trained in Trauma Play and in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
When life challenges us, we can all benefit from working it through with someone who cares. If you or your child have experienced a traumatic or scary event, had recent changes in your life, or are struggling with big feelings and behaviors, the next steps can be overwhelming. I empower you to heal through learning and collaboration; processing those events and feelings that once felt too big.
Lindsay Bottoms
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingsland, GA 31548
This includes evidenced based practices in child, adolescent and adult psychotherapy including play therapy, art and sand tray therapy, expressive arts therapy, attachment and family therapy, interpersonal neurobiology and Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Whether you are considering therapy for yourself, your child or family taking that first step can be one of the most challenging decisions! I will work collaboratively with you to ensure your therapy goals aligns with the changes you wish to make. Once you begin counseling, we will work together at a comfortable pace to complete these goals. Focusing on individual strengths, building resiliency and coping to master and achieve the challenges you or your family sought to overcome. In the end, you will have worked hard to achieve a happier and healthier new you!
This includes evidenced based practices in child, adolescent and adult psychotherapy including play therapy, art and sand tray therapy, expressive arts therapy, attachment and family therapy, interpersonal neurobiology and Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Whether you are considering therapy for yourself, your child or family taking that first step can be one of the most challenging decisions! I will work collaboratively with you to ensure your therapy goals aligns with the changes you wish to make. Once you begin counseling, we will work together at a comfortable pace to complete these goals. Focusing on individual strengths, building resiliency and coping to master and achieve the challenges you or your family sought to overcome. In the end, you will have worked hard to achieve a happier and healthier new you!
ATK Marriage & Family Coaching, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Albany, GA 31701
We use play therapy for children, individual/group therapy for teens and adults.
We specialize in marriage counseling to help couples improve communication, intimacy, family issues, and how they relate to each other. Couples often get caught up in destructive cycles that create great frustration for them. They find themselves unable to talk, be intimate and relate to each other as desired. This can have severe implications not only for the couple, but the whole family. Let us help you STOP the madness! Our work is the perfect integration of education, years of marriage, parenting, years of teaching special education experience, and a lifetime of experience!
We use play therapy for children, individual/group therapy for teens and adults.
We specialize in marriage counseling to help couples improve communication, intimacy, family issues, and how they relate to each other. Couples often get caught up in destructive cycles that create great frustration for them. They find themselves unable to talk, be intimate and relate to each other as desired. This can have severe implications not only for the couple, but the whole family. Let us help you STOP the madness! Our work is the perfect integration of education, years of marriage, parenting, years of teaching special education experience, and a lifetime of experience!
See more therapy options for Lowndes County
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.