Play Therapy in Saint Charles, IL
Lisa Collins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I utilize concepts and interventions from several therapies including family systems, existential, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, attachment theories and play therapy to provide the best treatment for you.
I feel that therapy is a process that people enter when they are searching for growth, change or acceptance. I can assist you with learning new skills or help you discover those skills that you didn't realize you posessed. I emphasize the process of change in the context of a life span development and treat children (5+), adolescents, adults and families.
I utilize concepts and interventions from several therapies including family systems, existential, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, attachment theories and play therapy to provide the best treatment for you.
I feel that therapy is a process that people enter when they are searching for growth, change or acceptance. I can assist you with learning new skills or help you discover those skills that you didn't realize you posessed. I emphasize the process of change in the context of a life span development and treat children (5+), adolescents, adults and families.
Agnieszka (Aga) Dabrowska
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I specialize in children's natural language of healing-PLAY! Theraplay & SandTrayTherapy will allow your child to regulate the nervous system, balance emotions & let go of painful past experiences.
Are you a parent of a youth who struggles with behavioral difficulties, anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem or concentration? I am here to support you and guide your family from frustration and power struggles to emotionally balanced, calm & well connected family who laughs together. I believe that the healing process starts by building and restoring healthy connections, boundaries, trust and playfulness. Keeping these four elements in mind, my clinical focus is on guiding children and their parents, who have experienced balance disturbing events in life (trauma, grief, divorce, stress, change of schools), into well being again.
I specialize in children's natural language of healing-PLAY! Theraplay & SandTrayTherapy will allow your child to regulate the nervous system, balance emotions & let go of painful past experiences.
Are you a parent of a youth who struggles with behavioral difficulties, anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem or concentration? I am here to support you and guide your family from frustration and power struggles to emotionally balanced, calm & well connected family who laughs together. I believe that the healing process starts by building and restoring healthy connections, boundaries, trust and playfulness. Keeping these four elements in mind, my clinical focus is on guiding children and their parents, who have experienced balance disturbing events in life (trauma, grief, divorce, stress, change of schools), into well being again.
Kaitlyn Ayala
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA/SSP, PEL, LPC, NCSP
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
My psychotherapeutic approach often incorporates elements of play-based, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered therapies.
I am a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified school psychologist, and licensed professional educator. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Linguistics, with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies, from Northwestern University. I subsequently attended Northern Illinois University, where I earned my Master of Arts in Psychology and Specialist in School Psychology degrees. I currently work full-time as an Early Childhood School Psychologist and have considerable experience conducting psychological assessments for individuals ages 2-22 in educational and clinical settings.
My psychotherapeutic approach often incorporates elements of play-based, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered therapies.
I am a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified school psychologist, and licensed professional educator. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Linguistics, with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies, from Northwestern University. I subsequently attended Northern Illinois University, where I earned my Master of Arts in Psychology and Specialist in School Psychology degrees. I currently work full-time as an Early Childhood School Psychologist and have considerable experience conducting psychological assessments for individuals ages 2-22 in educational and clinical settings.
Dawn G Zappitelli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
Charles offers a warm, safe environment where play is encouraged, and art is created.
Successful counseling occurs when you find a therapist you can connect with, who makes you feel heard and values your thoughts and goals for the future. A positive therapist who enjoys learning who you are, and building on your strengths. If you allow me to walk with you in your struggles and victories, I will give you fair and honest feedback, and will challenge you to attain your goals. My Masters Degree from Aurora University, my rich work experience, as well as my own life journey give me valuable insights and wisdom that help me relate to my clients.
Charles offers a warm, safe environment where play is encouraged, and art is created.
Successful counseling occurs when you find a therapist you can connect with, who makes you feel heard and values your thoughts and goals for the future. A positive therapist who enjoys learning who you are, and building on your strengths. If you allow me to walk with you in your struggles and victories, I will give you fair and honest feedback, and will challenge you to attain your goals. My Masters Degree from Aurora University, my rich work experience, as well as my own life journey give me valuable insights and wisdom that help me relate to my clients.
Kathy Jack
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
My specialties include individual therapy with adults using the IFS model, CBT, ACT, child centered play therapy, and trauma informed therapy.
I enjoy helping those on a journey toward better self-awareness around their emotional life, satisfaction in relationships, and getting through what seems stuck. Counseling is a place to feel safe to explore difficult relationships or past or current trauma. I want my clients to feel advocated for, and to find a deeper understanding of self and gain insight into how our past affects present relationships and struggles. Finding your true-self is so important. Skill building and assertiveness training are also a part of the therapy I do. My experience for the last 22 years has been in individual therapy with kids, teens, and adults.
My specialties include individual therapy with adults using the IFS model, CBT, ACT, child centered play therapy, and trauma informed therapy.
I enjoy helping those on a journey toward better self-awareness around their emotional life, satisfaction in relationships, and getting through what seems stuck. Counseling is a place to feel safe to explore difficult relationships or past or current trauma. I want my clients to feel advocated for, and to find a deeper understanding of self and gain insight into how our past affects present relationships and struggles. Finding your true-self is so important. Skill building and assertiveness training are also a part of the therapy I do. My experience for the last 22 years has been in individual therapy with kids, teens, and adults.
Bridgette Maurino @ Calming Corner Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I utilize aspects of art therapy along with play therapy.
Is your child, teen, and/or young adult struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, adhd, school stress, self-harm, etc. Has your child been admitted into an inpatient psychiatric unit or attend an intensive outpatient program (IOP)? Are you stressed from the struggles your child, teen, or young adult is going through?? CCT creates a safe, comfortable space for you, we provide support and feedback in a caring environment. It is my goal to help you learn skills and tools to better manage your or child's symptoms.
I utilize aspects of art therapy along with play therapy.
Is your child, teen, and/or young adult struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, adhd, school stress, self-harm, etc. Has your child been admitted into an inpatient psychiatric unit or attend an intensive outpatient program (IOP)? Are you stressed from the struggles your child, teen, or young adult is going through?? CCT creates a safe, comfortable space for you, we provide support and feedback in a caring environment. It is my goal to help you learn skills and tools to better manage your or child's symptoms.
Stacey Matson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
I really enjoy working with all clients. I specialize in working with couples and children, adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. I like combining wellness and mental health. I will incorporate mind and body techniques in my sessions when I feel they would be beneficial. I help couples work on any relationship issues. I help couples effectively communicate with each other. I incorporate art therapy and play therapy when working with kids if needed. Counseling is my passion. I really enjoy helping clients through their struggles.of life. I believe everyone can benefit from counseling.
I really enjoy working with all clients. I specialize in working with couples and children, adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. I like combining wellness and mental health. I will incorporate mind and body techniques in my sessions when I feel they would be beneficial. I help couples work on any relationship issues. I help couples effectively communicate with each other. I incorporate art therapy and play therapy when working with kids if needed. Counseling is my passion. I really enjoy helping clients through their struggles.of life. I believe everyone can benefit from counseling.
Christine Creighton
Art Therapist, LCPC, ATR-BC, ADHD-, CCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60175
I utilize a multi-sensory approach including art making, expressive play, movement, behavioral techniques, and developing coping strategies to help build communication skills and reduce problematic behaviors.
The focus of my art therapy practice is to help clients navigate life's challenges through self expression, processing emotions, increasing coping strategies, and fostering creative problem solving. I specialize in working with children and adolescents facing emotional or behavioral challenges including: school issues, mood disorders, grief/loss, trauma, low self esteem, communication issues, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disabilities. I am also an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
I utilize a multi-sensory approach including art making, expressive play, movement, behavioral techniques, and developing coping strategies to help build communication skills and reduce problematic behaviors.
The focus of my art therapy practice is to help clients navigate life's challenges through self expression, processing emotions, increasing coping strategies, and fostering creative problem solving. I specialize in working with children and adolescents facing emotional or behavioral challenges including: school issues, mood disorders, grief/loss, trauma, low self esteem, communication issues, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disabilities. I am also an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
Meghan Dean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I utilize multiple different approaches to best help and address the presenting problem, including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I believe therapy is a process that helps you gain awareness of your strengths, behavior patterns, and thinking in order to provide the opportunity to make significant and meaningful changes in your life. I am dedicated to everyone I work with and committed to finding the best strategy to help you find peace and fulfillment. I am focused on helping you learn the skills to ultimately help yourself. After 20+ years of experience in the field, I have gained expertise with anxiety, emotional and behavioral challenges, parenting, mood disorders, self-esteem, ADHD, stress management, and family of origin issues.
I utilize multiple different approaches to best help and address the presenting problem, including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I believe therapy is a process that helps you gain awareness of your strengths, behavior patterns, and thinking in order to provide the opportunity to make significant and meaningful changes in your life. I am dedicated to everyone I work with and committed to finding the best strategy to help you find peace and fulfillment. I am focused on helping you learn the skills to ultimately help yourself. After 20+ years of experience in the field, I have gained expertise with anxiety, emotional and behavioral challenges, parenting, mood disorders, self-esteem, ADHD, stress management, and family of origin issues.
Jordan Prebys
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, RPT-S, RSP
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
I am an alternative therapist who believes talk therapy alone is simply not enough. This is why I have gone to great lengths over my 20 years of experience to develop and grow as a therapist to learn more, do more, and provide more, to both my adult and child clients. In addition to talk therapy I also integrate the mind, body, and spirit into treatment through the use of sandplay therapy (for adults and children), play therapy, dream work, art, and hypnotherapy. These approaches bring the whole brain into treatment. Simply put, no one wants to simply exist, we are meant to thrive. Let's move beyond coping.
I am an alternative therapist who believes talk therapy alone is simply not enough. This is why I have gone to great lengths over my 20 years of experience to develop and grow as a therapist to learn more, do more, and provide more, to both my adult and child clients. In addition to talk therapy I also integrate the mind, body, and spirit into treatment through the use of sandplay therapy (for adults and children), play therapy, dream work, art, and hypnotherapy. These approaches bring the whole brain into treatment. Simply put, no one wants to simply exist, we are meant to thrive. Let's move beyond coping.
Carol Elendt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
Waitlist for new clients
It takes courage to begin therapy, and I would be honored to step into this process with you. My desire is to provide empathic therapy for adults, adolescents, and children who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, or relationship issues. For people experiencing loss, you will find a safe space to grieve. I enjoy working with clients who have diverse beliefs and also offer a Christian perspective for those seeking a faith-focused therapist.
It takes courage to begin therapy, and I would be honored to step into this process with you. My desire is to provide empathic therapy for adults, adolescents, and children who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, or relationship issues. For people experiencing loss, you will find a safe space to grieve. I enjoy working with clients who have diverse beliefs and also offer a Christian perspective for those seeking a faith-focused therapist.
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Silvia Gomez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Life throws all of us (as humans), many difficult situations that at times are hard to navigate without extra support. I empower individuals and families to create healthier coping skills. These skills help create a happier sense of self in individuals, and the positive impact extends to their homes. It also helps create a better society. My approach encompasses a variety of clinical interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, solution-focused therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to name a few. I consider myself an Integrative and Holistic therapist.
Life throws all of us (as humans), many difficult situations that at times are hard to navigate without extra support. I empower individuals and families to create healthier coping skills. These skills help create a happier sense of self in individuals, and the positive impact extends to their homes. It also helps create a better society. My approach encompasses a variety of clinical interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, solution-focused therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to name a few. I consider myself an Integrative and Holistic therapist.
Sarah Anne Creasor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Taking the first step takes a lot of courage. Wherever you are on your journey to a more authentic, healthy you, I can help. My warm, caring approach combines compassion, trust, and strength-based practices to provide a safe, judgment-free environment for individuals and families to learn and grow. Together, we can set short/long term goals, identify negative thought and behavior patterns, develop a variety of coping skills, and gain new insight with each session. I provide services to children, adolescents, and adults. I also offer group sessions. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, mood disorders etc.
Taking the first step takes a lot of courage. Wherever you are on your journey to a more authentic, healthy you, I can help. My warm, caring approach combines compassion, trust, and strength-based practices to provide a safe, judgment-free environment for individuals and families to learn and grow. Together, we can set short/long term goals, identify negative thought and behavior patterns, develop a variety of coping skills, and gain new insight with each session. I provide services to children, adolescents, and adults. I also offer group sessions. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, mood disorders etc.
Elizabeth Bremner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC , Type 73
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor committed to treating adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. I have experience in various settings within the community and in schools. My clinical interests include working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, autoimmune diseases, trauma, family issues, grief, and adjustment/life changes. I truly enjoy helping others while using strength-based approaches and integrating various treatment therapies to best meet the needs and goals of my Clients.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor committed to treating adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. I have experience in various settings within the community and in schools. My clinical interests include working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, autoimmune diseases, trauma, family issues, grief, and adjustment/life changes. I truly enjoy helping others while using strength-based approaches and integrating various treatment therapies to best meet the needs and goals of my Clients.
Karen Hammond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60175
Are you living with Post Traumatic Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Or, some other mental health issue? Welcome! I have a passion for bringing healing and improving individual's ability to fully embrace life. My goal is to meet each client where they currently are on their journey, with no judgement, using customized treatment while providing guidance to help clients find relief from the challenges they are experiencing. I look forward to working alongside of you as your enhance your quality of life.
Are you living with Post Traumatic Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Or, some other mental health issue? Welcome! I have a passion for bringing healing and improving individual's ability to fully embrace life. My goal is to meet each client where they currently are on their journey, with no judgement, using customized treatment while providing guidance to help clients find relief from the challenges they are experiencing. I look forward to working alongside of you as your enhance your quality of life.
Brittany Snow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Dr. Snow specializes in administering psychological and neuropsychological testing with children, adolescents, and adults. She frequently assesses learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, mood disorders, defiance, and conducts pre-surgical evaluations. She is trained in the ADOS-2, a measure that is considered the “gold standard” assessment for diagnosing autism. Her psychological reports include easy to read language and unique recommendations tailored to each client.
Dr. Snow specializes in administering psychological and neuropsychological testing with children, adolescents, and adults. She frequently assesses learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, mood disorders, defiance, and conducts pre-surgical evaluations. She is trained in the ADOS-2, a measure that is considered the “gold standard” assessment for diagnosing autism. Her psychological reports include easy to read language and unique recommendations tailored to each client.
Sara Kaeding
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to create a plan for sustainable growth and change. I operate from a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed lens to support you in creating goals that align with your own vision for growth and healing. I understand how much effort it takes to create space in your life for therapy. I promise to honor that effort by providing a safe, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, supported, and encouraged.
I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to create a plan for sustainable growth and change. I operate from a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed lens to support you in creating goals that align with your own vision for growth and healing. I understand how much effort it takes to create space in your life for therapy. I promise to honor that effort by providing a safe, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, supported, and encouraged.
Prem Nikoniuk
Counselor, LCPC, LPC, NCC, NCMHC, MA
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175 (Online Only)
What's on your mind? Are you experiencing relationship problems, family troubles, money issues, health concerns? Do you feel anxious, scared, sad or stressed? Whatever it may be - it is, likely, consuming you; you are feeling out of touch, lost; as if your entire world is spinning out of control! What if you were to, for a moment, forget the destination you believe your life is headed and instead, focus on your journey? For only in the process of living your life completely and meaningfully, will you come to find its true purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
What's on your mind? Are you experiencing relationship problems, family troubles, money issues, health concerns? Do you feel anxious, scared, sad or stressed? Whatever it may be - it is, likely, consuming you; you are feeling out of touch, lost; as if your entire world is spinning out of control! What if you were to, for a moment, forget the destination you believe your life is headed and instead, focus on your journey? For only in the process of living your life completely and meaningfully, will you come to find its true purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
Dr. Corie McNally
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60174
I have obtained my PsyD from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, an APA accredited program. I am currently working towards licensure. In my clinical work I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families alike. I am currently most interested in the treatment of disorders and issues related to identity, attachment, relational problems, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief and loss, behavioral problems, parenting issues, and adoption.
I have obtained my PsyD from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, an APA accredited program. I am currently working towards licensure. In my clinical work I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families alike. I am currently most interested in the treatment of disorders and issues related to identity, attachment, relational problems, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief and loss, behavioral problems, parenting issues, and adoption.
Morgan Pappas
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
I completed my doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Schaumburg. I am passionate about women's issues and I developed a therapy program for reducing postpartum depression while increasing the mother-infant bond for my clinical research project. I obtained an emphasis in Health Psychology that included training in hypnosis, relaxation techniques, pain management, and stress reduction. Additionally, I have an extensive background in domestic violence ad sexual assault. My therapeutic approach is eclectic utilizing interpersonal psychotherapy, CBT, feminist theory, solutions focused therapy, and client centered therapy.
I completed my doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Schaumburg. I am passionate about women's issues and I developed a therapy program for reducing postpartum depression while increasing the mother-infant bond for my clinical research project. I obtained an emphasis in Health Psychology that included training in hypnosis, relaxation techniques, pain management, and stress reduction. Additionally, I have an extensive background in domestic violence ad sexual assault. My therapeutic approach is eclectic utilizing interpersonal psychotherapy, CBT, feminist theory, solutions focused therapy, and client centered therapy.
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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.