Play Therapy in Lake Villa, IL
Erin Paul
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Villa, IL 60046 (Online Only)
I specialize in teen issues, play therapy & treating anxiety/depression.
Choosing to pursue counseling is a brave and oftentimes nerve wracking experience. I make it my goal to put my clients at ease and work with them to create a comfortable and safe place where they can feel free to be their most authentic selves. I take the time to really get to know each individual and together we formulate a plan to uniquely address their therapeutic needs. The beauty of therapy is that it can be what you need it to be. The experience is unique to each individual. My therapeutic style relies of empathy and compassion paired with solid evidence based clinical skills to help my clients achieve lasting change.
I specialize in teen issues, play therapy & treating anxiety/depression.
Choosing to pursue counseling is a brave and oftentimes nerve wracking experience. I make it my goal to put my clients at ease and work with them to create a comfortable and safe place where they can feel free to be their most authentic selves. I take the time to really get to know each individual and together we formulate a plan to uniquely address their therapeutic needs. The beauty of therapy is that it can be what you need it to be. The experience is unique to each individual. My therapeutic style relies of empathy and compassion paired with solid evidence based clinical skills to help my clients achieve lasting change.
Katie Schlichting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Villa, IL 60046
Developing a supportive, understanding, and enriching relationship with those I've worked with over the past 13 years has given me the privilege and ability to help clients reach their goals for therapy. I work to nurture, assist, and motivate people to be their happiest selves. The adults, teens, children and families I see are facing a variety of challenges related to anxiety, depression, difficulties at school or work, divorce, grief and loss, family stress, and other life events.
Developing a supportive, understanding, and enriching relationship with those I've worked with over the past 13 years has given me the privilege and ability to help clients reach their goals for therapy. I work to nurture, assist, and motivate people to be their happiest selves. The adults, teens, children and families I see are facing a variety of challenges related to anxiety, depression, difficulties at school or work, divorce, grief and loss, family stress, and other life events.
Carol Paxton Cox
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lake Villa, IL 60046 (Online Only)
My primary goal is to help clients find the hope and courage to change and heal. I believe that all life circumstances, relationships, and experiences can lead to change and greater self-acceptance. Ultimately therapy helps clients cope with loss and use difficult life transitions to promote growth. In working with individuals, couples, families, and children, I have helped them cultivate resources and develop strengths from very challenging diagnoses and life circumstances. I have helped clients suffering from relationship conflicts, health crises, depression, trauma and loss issues, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety disorders.
My primary goal is to help clients find the hope and courage to change and heal. I believe that all life circumstances, relationships, and experiences can lead to change and greater self-acceptance. Ultimately therapy helps clients cope with loss and use difficult life transitions to promote growth. In working with individuals, couples, families, and children, I have helped them cultivate resources and develop strengths from very challenging diagnoses and life circumstances. I have helped clients suffering from relationship conflicts, health crises, depression, trauma and loss issues, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety disorders.
Erilda Borici
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lake Villa, IL 60046 (Online Only)
For the past 12 years, I have had the honor of meeting with clients of all ages and am amazed by human resilience. Often, emotions can be complex to navigate and difficult to manage alone. My goal is to support you through difficult moments, help you build awareness and understanding for your behaviors and feelings, gain clarity in confusing times, better understand your relationships, and ultimately help you see life in clearer terms.
For the past 12 years, I have had the honor of meeting with clients of all ages and am amazed by human resilience. Often, emotions can be complex to navigate and difficult to manage alone. My goal is to support you through difficult moments, help you build awareness and understanding for your behaviors and feelings, gain clarity in confusing times, better understand your relationships, and ultimately help you see life in clearer terms.
More Therapists Nearby
Jen Underwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030
I originally trained as a play therapist with a focus on family dynamics and trauma treatment.
I enjoy helping people to feel more control over their lives. I am very curious about people’s stories. How can we edit our thoughts to feel better? Is there a different way to think about this problem? Sometimes I use humor to lighten the mood, but I will always uphold professional boundaries. In fact, I love to teach ways to set clear boundaries in our families and our workplaces. I have worked with many trauma survivors, and they describe feeling less trapped in shame spirals, with more confidence and fewer flashbacks.
I originally trained as a play therapist with a focus on family dynamics and trauma treatment.
I enjoy helping people to feel more control over their lives. I am very curious about people’s stories. How can we edit our thoughts to feel better? Is there a different way to think about this problem? Sometimes I use humor to lighten the mood, but I will always uphold professional boundaries. In fact, I love to teach ways to set clear boundaries in our families and our workplaces. I have worked with many trauma survivors, and they describe feeling less trapped in shame spirals, with more confidence and fewer flashbacks.
Jamie Impastato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Antioch, IL 60002
I specialize in working with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Gender Affirming Care, LGBTQ+ issues, Life Transitions, Parenting Support, School IEP/504s, Women's Counseling and Play Therapy, I have 20 years experience supporting the social and emotional needs of children and teens.
When we are in the eye of the storm; it's difficult to sort through what is happening around us, and how it affects us on the inside. Simply starting therapy is often the hardest part. What if the therapist isn't a good fit? Am I ready to open up? Does getting help mean I am weak? But-what if it all worked out? We provide warm, engaging counseling for kids, teens and adults. We do laughter, we do healing.
I specialize in working with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Gender Affirming Care, LGBTQ+ issues, Life Transitions, Parenting Support, School IEP/504s, Women's Counseling and Play Therapy, I have 20 years experience supporting the social and emotional needs of children and teens.
When we are in the eye of the storm; it's difficult to sort through what is happening around us, and how it affects us on the inside. Simply starting therapy is often the hardest part. What if the therapist isn't a good fit? Am I ready to open up? Does getting help mean I am weak? But-what if it all worked out? We provide warm, engaging counseling for kids, teens and adults. We do laughter, we do healing.
Grace Varghese
Counselor, MS, LCPC, RPT, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
Waitlist for new clients
Grace has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Theraplay, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Grace is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She works with individuals and families to establish hope, promote emotional healing, and facilitate personal growth. Grace offers warmth, compassion and great insight in her work. Her gentle therapeutic approach is an asset to her work and enables her to compassionately address the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and adults so that they are empowered to lead a purpose driven life.
Grace has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Theraplay, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Grace is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She works with individuals and families to establish hope, promote emotional healing, and facilitate personal growth. Grace offers warmth, compassion and great insight in her work. Her gentle therapeutic approach is an asset to her work and enables her to compassionately address the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and adults so that they are empowered to lead a purpose driven life.
Devon M Block
Counselor, NCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030
Our office offers private therapy rooms, a quiet waiting room, and children's play area.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I believe each individual deserves a safe place to process life transitions, frustrations, worries, fears, or sadness. As an empathetic and nonjudgmental clinician I know it can be challenging or frightening to enter into counseling and open up. I place emphasis on creating a safe place where children, adolescents, adults, and families can comfortably explore the nature of their issues.
Our office offers private therapy rooms, a quiet waiting room, and children's play area.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I believe each individual deserves a safe place to process life transitions, frustrations, worries, fears, or sadness. As an empathetic and nonjudgmental clinician I know it can be challenging or frightening to enter into counseling and open up. I place emphasis on creating a safe place where children, adolescents, adults, and families can comfortably explore the nature of their issues.
HOPE Child and Family Counseling/Teen & Adult Tx
Counselor, MA, LCPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
The counselors at HOPE - Child and Family Counseling/Adolescent and Adult Therapy specialize in therapy to promote emotional healing across the lifespan. We provide an atmosphere of acceptance and hope. Our skills are grounded in interpersonal connections and current interventions in neurobiology, attachment, cognitive-behavioral, trauma, family systems, child/play therapy, drug and alcohol treatment, and more. We apply principles that treat the whole person while knowing that the body, mind, and social world can interplay with how we feel, think, and navigate through life. Locations: Roscoe, IL, Gurnee, IL, and Janesville, WI.
The counselors at HOPE - Child and Family Counseling/Adolescent and Adult Therapy specialize in therapy to promote emotional healing across the lifespan. We provide an atmosphere of acceptance and hope. Our skills are grounded in interpersonal connections and current interventions in neurobiology, attachment, cognitive-behavioral, trauma, family systems, child/play therapy, drug and alcohol treatment, and more. We apply principles that treat the whole person while knowing that the body, mind, and social world can interplay with how we feel, think, and navigate through life. Locations: Roscoe, IL, Gurnee, IL, and Janesville, WI.
Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC
Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
Jane Ballis
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
I have used art to help people express themselves and or play for younger people to explore their thoughts and feelings.
I treat children, adolescents, couples and family in a variety of therapeutic means. I have used cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, EMDR, behavioral, and eclectic therapies in addition to others. I also have experience working with behavioral, mood, anxiety, conduct and other specialties. I appreciate diversity and love working with others of various cultures, abilities and races.
I have used art to help people express themselves and or play for younger people to explore their thoughts and feelings.
I treat children, adolescents, couples and family in a variety of therapeutic means. I have used cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, EMDR, behavioral, and eclectic therapies in addition to others. I also have experience working with behavioral, mood, anxiety, conduct and other specialties. I appreciate diversity and love working with others of various cultures, abilities and races.
Thea Rossmiller
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
I offer a variety of services including inclusive couples or family therapy, play therapy, mindfulness therapy, art therapy, and more.
I am a passionate individual with a calming presence. I have experience working with children as young as five all the way through to adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disturbances, self-esteem, ADHD, autism and more. Through therapeutic intervention and hands-on learning, I aim to create a transformative environment for my clients. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I also aim to create a safe space for individuals to explore their gender or sexuality. No member of our community should feel isolated or alone, and I am here to be the support you need.
I offer a variety of services including inclusive couples or family therapy, play therapy, mindfulness therapy, art therapy, and more.
I am a passionate individual with a calming presence. I have experience working with children as young as five all the way through to adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disturbances, self-esteem, ADHD, autism and more. Through therapeutic intervention and hands-on learning, I aim to create a transformative environment for my clients. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I also aim to create a safe space for individuals to explore their gender or sexuality. No member of our community should feel isolated or alone, and I am here to be the support you need.
Jennifer Goss
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CCTP, CGP, CFRC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030 (Online Only)
I use Assertiveness Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Play Therapy (for the youngins), Gottman's Relationship Therapy for couples among many other techniques.
I'm here for you in a crisis or a tough life transition. Is your child or adolescent struggling at home, with friends or at school? Is your child held back by anxiety, phobias, ADHD, impulse control, bullying, friendship issues, divorce, suicidal thoughts, a traumatic event or memories, PTSD, or challenges with their relationships at home? Are you struggling with adjusting to college life? Or do you find you and your partner are in need of support? If so, I can help!
I use Assertiveness Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Play Therapy (for the youngins), Gottman's Relationship Therapy for couples among many other techniques.
I'm here for you in a crisis or a tough life transition. Is your child or adolescent struggling at home, with friends or at school? Is your child held back by anxiety, phobias, ADHD, impulse control, bullying, friendship issues, divorce, suicidal thoughts, a traumatic event or memories, PTSD, or challenges with their relationships at home? Are you struggling with adjusting to college life? Or do you find you and your partner are in need of support? If so, I can help!
Kimberly Atterberry Meyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Antioch, IL 60002
I utilize strategies grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused therapy, dialectal behavioral therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, and more.
If you are a parent struggling with an emotional or behavioral concern with your child/adolescent or an adult who has experienced trauma, depression or anxiety I would love to work with you to find your own strengths and move past this difficult time to a place where you can experience happiness and fulfillment.
I utilize strategies grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused therapy, dialectal behavioral therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, and more.
If you are a parent struggling with an emotional or behavioral concern with your child/adolescent or an adult who has experienced trauma, depression or anxiety I would love to work with you to find your own strengths and move past this difficult time to a place where you can experience happiness and fulfillment.
Jessie Knoble
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
To my core, I believe each individual deserves to be heard, respected, and validated, regardless of their history. We each have the capability for and are deserving of peace and healing despite where we are at on our individual journeys. There will be times when we might feel unstoppable and other times when life will be most humbling. We cannot change where we came from. Each person’s story is uniquely personal, painful, and beautiful. But there is strength in picking up our metaphorical pens and learning to rewrite our stories.
To my core, I believe each individual deserves to be heard, respected, and validated, regardless of their history. We each have the capability for and are deserving of peace and healing despite where we are at on our individual journeys. There will be times when we might feel unstoppable and other times when life will be most humbling. We cannot change where we came from. Each person’s story is uniquely personal, painful, and beautiful. But there is strength in picking up our metaphorical pens and learning to rewrite our stories.
Jennifer Rochon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
Antioch, IL 60002 (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed, burdened, and stressed out? You are not alone. Each of us experiences problems in our lives that we cannot seem to resolve alone.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, burdened, and stressed out? You are not alone. Each of us experiences problems in our lives that we cannot seem to resolve alone.
Ianka Pena Geraldino
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, ALMFT
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
I am bilingual and happy to offer sessions in English or Spanish. I would be honored to hear your story and help you navigate through the challenges that are affecting you. I take care to build a safe and welcoming environment that can facilitate change in your life. I am committed to providing empathy and genuine positive regard for you and working collaboratively toward goals to help you thrive. I work to meet you where you are and tailor interventions to meet your needs and preferences. I offer individual, family, and couples counseling.
I am bilingual and happy to offer sessions in English or Spanish. I would be honored to hear your story and help you navigate through the challenges that are affecting you. I take care to build a safe and welcoming environment that can facilitate change in your life. I am committed to providing empathy and genuine positive regard for you and working collaboratively toward goals to help you thrive. I work to meet you where you are and tailor interventions to meet your needs and preferences. I offer individual, family, and couples counseling.
Byron A. Melgar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Round Lake, IL 60073
I have 28 years of experience in the behavioral health field working with children, teens, adults, and couples. In my practice, I like to create a comfortable environment supporting relief and healing of stressful life circumstances. Tengo 28 años de experiencia en el campo de la salud del comportamiento trabajando con niños, adolescentes, adultos y parejas. En mi práctica, me gusta crear un ambiente cómodo que apoye el alivio y la curación de las circunstancias estresantes de la vida.
I have 28 years of experience in the behavioral health field working with children, teens, adults, and couples. In my practice, I like to create a comfortable environment supporting relief and healing of stressful life circumstances. Tengo 28 años de experiencia en el campo de la salud del comportamiento trabajando con niños, adolescentes, adultos y parejas. En mi práctica, me gusta crear un ambiente cómodo que apoye el alivio y la curación de las circunstancias estresantes de la vida.
Detrall Dearbone
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC, LSOTP, CADC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Gurnee, IL 60031
My experience and educational background are directly related and have provided me with a well-rounded background in Therapy. I am a Military veteran with 30 plus years of experience working with patients in psychiatric hospitals, state mental health facilities, Illinois Department of Corrections, and in private practice. I am currently licensed to practice in Illinois, Kansas and Georgia. I also provide Tele-health service to Military members overseas (OCONUS).
My experience and educational background are directly related and have provided me with a well-rounded background in Therapy. I am a Military veteran with 30 plus years of experience working with patients in psychiatric hospitals, state mental health facilities, Illinois Department of Corrections, and in private practice. I am currently licensed to practice in Illinois, Kansas and Georgia. I also provide Tele-health service to Military members overseas (OCONUS).
See more therapy options for Lake Villa
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Lake Villa
- Antioch
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- Gurnee
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- McHenry
- Mundelein
- North Chicago
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- Waukegan
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.