Play Therapy in Spencer, IA
As a therapist, I’m authentic, compassionate, and a little quirky. I believe therapy should feel real, not rehearsed. I create a space where clients can show up fully as themselves, without judgment or pretense. Based in Spencer, Iowa, I work with neurodivergent individuals, couples, families, and children both in-person and online across Iowa, supporting emotional regulation, communication, and sensory needs through creative and playful approaches. My style blends warmth, humor, and practical tools to help clients manage anxiety, strengthen relationships, and build confidence while fostering genuine growth and lasting change.
As a therapist, I’m authentic, compassionate, and a little quirky. I believe therapy should feel real, not rehearsed. I create a space where clients can show up fully as themselves, without judgment or pretense. Based in Spencer, Iowa, I work with neurodivergent individuals, couples, families, and children both in-person and online across Iowa, supporting emotional regulation, communication, and sensory needs through creative and playful approaches. My style blends warmth, humor, and practical tools to help clients manage anxiety, strengthen relationships, and build confidence while fostering genuine growth and lasting change.
Childhood is filled with fun and challenge. I have been helping kids and their families find happier, more functional lives for many years. Treatment at Child Glow Therapy is person centered, trauma informed as well as gently and effectively experienced.
Childhood is filled with fun and challenge. I have been helping kids and their families find happier, more functional lives for many years. Treatment at Child Glow Therapy is person centered, trauma informed as well as gently and effectively experienced.
I specialize in play-based therapies with kids, and there is nothing I love more than working with children.
If you’ve ever thought about starting therapy, now is a great time and I am ready to work with you wherever you are on your journey. My therapy sessions are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, where you will be accepted no matter what. I serve clients of all ages and I am able to meet you in person or through virtual therapy.
I specialize in play-based therapies with kids, and there is nothing I love more than working with children.
If you’ve ever thought about starting therapy, now is a great time and I am ready to work with you wherever you are on your journey. My therapy sessions are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, where you will be accepted no matter what. I serve clients of all ages and I am able to meet you in person or through virtual therapy.
My social work philosophy takes on a client-centered holistic approach to psychotherapy. I am dedicated to working with individuals, children, couples, and families to achieve the mental health and relationships they desire.
My social work philosophy takes on a client-centered holistic approach to psychotherapy. I am dedicated to working with individuals, children, couples, and families to achieve the mental health and relationships they desire.
Online Therapists
Turner Therapy and Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, LMHC, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Sioux City, IA 51104
"There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds" Laurell K. Hamilton. I believe that everyone has within themselves the ability to heal. I find it a privilege to walk with individual's on their personal journey to healing and living a full life. I have seen the therapeutic process open doors for individual healing. Being a part of the healing processes is a privilege where the opportunity for individuals to let go a little at a time presents, opening the door to hope and wholeness.
"There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds" Laurell K. Hamilton. I believe that everyone has within themselves the ability to heal. I find it a privilege to walk with individual's on their personal journey to healing and living a full life. I have seen the therapeutic process open doors for individual healing. Being a part of the healing processes is a privilege where the opportunity for individuals to let go a little at a time presents, opening the door to hope and wholeness.
I am a compassionate and dedicated mental health therapist committed to helping individuals, children, adolescents, and families navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences while developing practical tools for healing and personal growth.
With experience working with children, teens, and adults, I specialize in supporting clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, behavioral difficulties, and emotional regulation issues.
I am a compassionate and dedicated mental health therapist committed to helping individuals, children, adolescents, and families navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences while developing practical tools for healing and personal growth.
With experience working with children, teens, and adults, I specialize in supporting clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, behavioral difficulties, and emotional regulation issues.
Grady Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMHC, LMFT, LISW
1 Endorsed
Mason City, IA 50401
Grady Counseling Services offers trauma informed therapy. We use a wide variety of techniques including EMDR, IFS techniques, breath work, mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, CBT therapy, as well as a variety of other modalities to treat your trauma related mental illnesses.
Grady Counseling Services offers trauma informed therapy. We use a wide variety of techniques including EMDR, IFS techniques, breath work, mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, CBT therapy, as well as a variety of other modalities to treat your trauma related mental illnesses.
I received both Bachelor's degrees in Child Development and Family Relations, and a Masters Degree in Social Work and worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor for 3 years in Iowa, with both adults and adolescents. Prior to this, I worked with all age groups, treating a wide range of mental health issues, not limit to but including, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, attachment, and family matters with couples. I have a passion for providing families and individuals the help needed to find balance, and grow in their knowledge of health and peaceful living.
I received both Bachelor's degrees in Child Development and Family Relations, and a Masters Degree in Social Work and worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor for 3 years in Iowa, with both adults and adolescents. Prior to this, I worked with all age groups, treating a wide range of mental health issues, not limit to but including, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, attachment, and family matters with couples. I have a passion for providing families and individuals the help needed to find balance, and grow in their knowledge of health and peaceful living.
I am able to offer a variety of counseling modalities such as Individual therapy, group consultation, play therapy, sports and performance counseling, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Andrea Vignovich (she/her) and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). An important part of my therapeutic role is to meet you where you are on your journey toward emotional wellness and stability. I believe empathy, empowerment, and connection can help lead you toward your personal goals. In counseling, it is pivotal to create a safe and open space for you to foster growth and learning in yourself and your goals. Seeking counseling can be scary and challenging, however, it can also be rewarding and its effects are long-lasting. I hope to join you on your journey of growth and emotional wellbeing.
I am able to offer a variety of counseling modalities such as Individual therapy, group consultation, play therapy, sports and performance counseling, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Andrea Vignovich (she/her) and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). An important part of my therapeutic role is to meet you where you are on your journey toward emotional wellness and stability. I believe empathy, empowerment, and connection can help lead you toward your personal goals. In counseling, it is pivotal to create a safe and open space for you to foster growth and learning in yourself and your goals. Seeking counseling can be scary and challenging, however, it can also be rewarding and its effects are long-lasting. I hope to join you on your journey of growth and emotional wellbeing.
Amanda Baker-Vande Brake
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PhDc, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Sioux Center, IA 51250
Working from an integrative depth psychological perspective, Amanda helps couples and individual adults deepen and navigate their everyday lives in a conscious relationship with their inner selves and their inner callings. Her patients often begin therapy with issues related to depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties and unintentionally making choices that keep them stuck. They desire more clarity about the cause of their persistent mental, physical and emotional symptoms in order to experience more freedom in their daily lives. Ultimately, her patients seek more meaning in their lives and are willing to take steps toward it.
Working from an integrative depth psychological perspective, Amanda helps couples and individual adults deepen and navigate their everyday lives in a conscious relationship with their inner selves and their inner callings. Her patients often begin therapy with issues related to depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties and unintentionally making choices that keep them stuck. They desire more clarity about the cause of their persistent mental, physical and emotional symptoms in order to experience more freedom in their daily lives. Ultimately, her patients seek more meaning in their lives and are willing to take steps toward it.
To help caregivers struggling to balance between nurturing and limit setting, we'll find effective strategies to improve communication and trust between you and your child with Iowa PCIT and/or Play Therapy Techniques.
Happy to offer online therapy and remote EMDR. My work is evidence-based, unique, and creative. It is grounded in behavioral change, mindfulness, and traditional talk therapy, which has been shown to effectively reduce trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, childhood behavioral disorders, and grief. Through the therapy process adults, families, and children can find a safe place to develop the skills they need to heal, to grow, and to thrive. My goal is to make each session unique to the needs of each person so they can build upon what already makes them happy.
To help caregivers struggling to balance between nurturing and limit setting, we'll find effective strategies to improve communication and trust between you and your child with Iowa PCIT and/or Play Therapy Techniques.
Happy to offer online therapy and remote EMDR. My work is evidence-based, unique, and creative. It is grounded in behavioral change, mindfulness, and traditional talk therapy, which has been shown to effectively reduce trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, childhood behavioral disorders, and grief. Through the therapy process adults, families, and children can find a safe place to develop the skills they need to heal, to grow, and to thrive. My goal is to make each session unique to the needs of each person so they can build upon what already makes them happy.
Family Services provides mental health services to individuals and families. At the heart of the organization is a team of highly experienced, licensed therapists and a psychiatrist who are equipped to provide tools necessary to navigate life.
Our services are dedicated to ensuring that we help individuals of all ages and backgrounds overcome problems interfering with daily life.
Assistance is provided in a variety of settings including individual, group, couple and family counseling.
Family Services provides mental health services to individuals and families. At the heart of the organization is a team of highly experienced, licensed therapists and a psychiatrist who are equipped to provide tools necessary to navigate life.
Our services are dedicated to ensuring that we help individuals of all ages and backgrounds overcome problems interfering with daily life.
Assistance is provided in a variety of settings including individual, group, couple and family counseling.
In today's world, we are busy, stressed, overwhelmed... I am experienced with helping people through life's challenges. I have been a therapist (clinician) since 2002. I am a licensed independent social worker. I earned a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa and a Doctorate in Social Work from Capella University. I believe the greatest gift you can give the world is a healthy you.
In today's world, we are busy, stressed, overwhelmed... I am experienced with helping people through life's challenges. I have been a therapist (clinician) since 2002. I am a licensed independent social worker. I earned a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa and a Doctorate in Social Work from Capella University. I believe the greatest gift you can give the world is a healthy you.
I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant as well as a Certified Trauma Professional, & use a variety of integrative therapeutic techniques such as : EMDR, ego state, play and sand tray therapies, PCIT, CBT and DBT.
I strive to help others heal and become empowered while rediscovering their true sense of self and reconnect with their life purpose. Relationship is the foundation to healing and I use a client centered and attuned approach while integrating an individualized treatment plan to meet your goals. My goal is to meet you or your child where they are and be your guide to healing. I have over 30 years of experience working in the field of mental illness and developmental disorders.
I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant as well as a Certified Trauma Professional, & use a variety of integrative therapeutic techniques such as : EMDR, ego state, play and sand tray therapies, PCIT, CBT and DBT.
I strive to help others heal and become empowered while rediscovering their true sense of self and reconnect with their life purpose. Relationship is the foundation to healing and I use a client centered and attuned approach while integrating an individualized treatment plan to meet your goals. My goal is to meet you or your child where they are and be your guide to healing. I have over 30 years of experience working in the field of mental illness and developmental disorders.
Jennifer's training in Synergetic Play Therapy is beneficial for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD in youth.
The primary mission of Elevate is to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to our clients. Our settings are designed to ensure a welcoming atmosphere that is professional and confidential. The clinicians at Elevate bring many years of combined expertise in their respective fields and have been trained in an array of evidence- based modalities. We are committed to implementing interventions with fidelity and ease.
Jennifer's training in Synergetic Play Therapy is beneficial for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD in youth.
The primary mission of Elevate is to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to our clients. Our settings are designed to ensure a welcoming atmosphere that is professional and confidential. The clinicians at Elevate bring many years of combined expertise in their respective fields and have been trained in an array of evidence- based modalities. We are committed to implementing interventions with fidelity and ease.
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches to best support each client's unique needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Person-Centered, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Trauma-Focused care.
I work best with clients who are ready for change and committed to doing the work therapy requires. My ideal client is curious about their thought patterns, motivated to break unhelpful cycles, and attends sessions consistently. Together, we’ll explore the beliefs and habits that keep you stuck and develop practical tools to create lasting change. If you're ready to show up for yourself, challenge old narratives, and build a healthier mindset, I’m here to support your growth every step of the way.
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches to best support each client's unique needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Person-Centered, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Trauma-Focused care.
I work best with clients who are ready for change and committed to doing the work therapy requires. My ideal client is curious about their thought patterns, motivated to break unhelpful cycles, and attends sessions consistently. Together, we’ll explore the beliefs and habits that keep you stuck and develop practical tools to create lasting change. If you're ready to show up for yourself, challenge old narratives, and build a healthier mindset, I’m here to support your growth every step of the way.
You are more than a number at The Heart of Play.
It is imperative that all of who you are is integrated into the therapeutic process. At The Heart of Play, we will work to create a treatment plan which reflects your values and respects your unique identity and sense of self. Together, your treatment will help to integrate the parts of yourself and the environment you feel and have felt disconnected from.
You are more than a number at The Heart of Play.
It is imperative that all of who you are is integrated into the therapeutic process. At The Heart of Play, we will work to create a treatment plan which reflects your values and respects your unique identity and sense of self. Together, your treatment will help to integrate the parts of yourself and the environment you feel and have felt disconnected from.
With children, I integrate play therapy, sand tray, and creative approaches so they can express what they don’t yet have words for.
Life can feel overwhelming—for you or your child—and it’s not always clear where to start. Maybe your child is struggling with anxiety, big emotions, or behavior that doesn’t make sense. Maybe you feel stuck or exhausted, carrying experiences that still feel heavy. You don’t have to do this alone. I offer a calm, supportive space where we gently understand what’s underneath and work toward lasting change. Together, we look at both what’s happening now and the deeper “why,” so healing feels meaningful, not temporary.
With children, I integrate play therapy, sand tray, and creative approaches so they can express what they don’t yet have words for.
Life can feel overwhelming—for you or your child—and it’s not always clear where to start. Maybe your child is struggling with anxiety, big emotions, or behavior that doesn’t make sense. Maybe you feel stuck or exhausted, carrying experiences that still feel heavy. You don’t have to do this alone. I offer a calm, supportive space where we gently understand what’s underneath and work toward lasting change. Together, we look at both what’s happening now and the deeper “why,” so healing feels meaningful, not temporary.
Nolan Marie Vitzthum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW, ACSW, RPT-S, EMDR
Humboldt, IA 50548
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor and Certified EMDR Therapist.
My primary specialties include children, families, attachment, and trauma. I have formal training in EMDR Therapy, Theraplay Level One and Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), Suicide/Crisis Intervention, Dissociation, Play Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), Gestalt Play Therapy, and Sand Tray.
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor and Certified EMDR Therapist.
My primary specialties include children, families, attachment, and trauma. I have formal training in EMDR Therapy, Theraplay Level One and Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), Suicide/Crisis Intervention, Dissociation, Play Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), Gestalt Play Therapy, and Sand Tray.
My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Adlerian-based Play Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) concepts.
What makes my practice unique is my integration of creative art techniques into the therapeutic process. I often incorporate drawing, painting, collage, and other expressive modalities to help clients explore emotions, process experiences, and access insights that may not surface through traditional talk therapy alone.
My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Adlerian-based Play Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) concepts.
What makes my practice unique is my integration of creative art techniques into the therapeutic process. I often incorporate drawing, painting, collage, and other expressive modalities to help clients explore emotions, process experiences, and access insights that may not surface through traditional talk therapy alone.
See more therapy options for Spencer
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.