Play Therapy in Shrewsbury, MA

Photo of Catie West, Pre-Licensed Professional in Shrewsbury, MA
Catie West
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Catie often utilizes play therapy and art expression in sessions.
Catie obtained her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fitchburg State University. She has experience working with various ages, including children (age 12+), adolescents, adults, and families. Catie has experience working with people who experience anxiety, depression, issues with self-esteem, and family or interpersonal relationship issues, as well as those with a history of trauma.
Catie often utilizes play therapy and art expression in sessions.
Catie obtained her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fitchburg State University. She has experience working with various ages, including children (age 12+), adolescents, adults, and families. Catie has experience working with people who experience anxiety, depression, issues with self-esteem, and family or interpersonal relationship issues, as well as those with a history of trauma.
(978) 999-2165 View (978) 999-2165
Photo of Chrysalis Therapy and Wellness, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shrewsbury, MA
Chrysalis Therapy and Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Like a butterfly emerging into life, a child requires safety, care, and attunement. I believe in supporting child and adolescent emotional growth and developmental processes throughout the life cycle especially when hardships are faced, such as, trauma, bullying, anxiety, and other concerns. My approach is collaborative as I work closely with the parents, schools, and other collaterals involved to enhance over all well-being in every capacity of the child's environment. Always stemming from a strength-based perspective, using Play and Expressive Art Therapies, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies, and Somatic Experiencing.
Like a butterfly emerging into life, a child requires safety, care, and attunement. I believe in supporting child and adolescent emotional growth and developmental processes throughout the life cycle especially when hardships are faced, such as, trauma, bullying, anxiety, and other concerns. My approach is collaborative as I work closely with the parents, schools, and other collaterals involved to enhance over all well-being in every capacity of the child's environment. Always stemming from a strength-based perspective, using Play and Expressive Art Therapies, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies, and Somatic Experiencing.
(508) 659-5057 View (508) 659-5057
Photo of Sarah Wintman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shrewsbury, MA
Sarah Wintman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RPT, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, MA 01546
Waitlist for new clients
“I don’t want to talk about it!” “You wouldn't understand!”...sound familiar? Sometimes your children don’t understand what may be happening either, and communicating that can feel impossible. As a Registered Play Therapist, I help children, teens, and adults ages 3-25 explore, understand, and gain confidence around who they are, how they feel, and what they think. I am a hearing therapist fluent in ASL and also specialize in working with deaf youth using play. Play therapy utilizes a variety of interventions, including playing with toys and miniatures or using more expressive art and movement.
“I don’t want to talk about it!” “You wouldn't understand!”...sound familiar? Sometimes your children don’t understand what may be happening either, and communicating that can feel impossible. As a Registered Play Therapist, I help children, teens, and adults ages 3-25 explore, understand, and gain confidence around who they are, how they feel, and what they think. I am a hearing therapist fluent in ASL and also specialize in working with deaf youth using play. Play therapy utilizes a variety of interventions, including playing with toys and miniatures or using more expressive art and movement.
(508) 374-9035 View (508) 374-9035
Photo of Alison Gilmore, Counselor in Shrewsbury, MA
Alison Gilmore
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Alison Gilmore is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with over 11 years of experience. She has a unique ability to connect with children through a variety of integrative approaches such as art, writing and play. Alison specializes in PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, all types of abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
Alison Gilmore is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with over 11 years of experience. She has a unique ability to connect with children through a variety of integrative approaches such as art, writing and play. Alison specializes in PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, all types of abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
(508) 501-6334 View (508) 501-6334
Photo of Kayla Johnson, Counselor in Shrewsbury, MA
Kayla Johnson
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, MA 01545  (Online Only)
I'm glad you're here! I have openings for Telehealth counseling! We all face challenges and unfortunately, the expectation is - don't talk about it, avoid and distract from the fears and uncomfortable emotions that are triggered. If you're a parent or caregiver, that speaks to another layer of difficulty in coping with your own triggers, as well as what your child or other family member(s) may be struggling with! You are not alone and we are not meant to do life alone. Contact me to receive support to address issues related to ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Parenting challenges, Relationship Issues, Self-Harm & related safety concerns.
I'm glad you're here! I have openings for Telehealth counseling! We all face challenges and unfortunately, the expectation is - don't talk about it, avoid and distract from the fears and uncomfortable emotions that are triggered. If you're a parent or caregiver, that speaks to another layer of difficulty in coping with your own triggers, as well as what your child or other family member(s) may be struggling with! You are not alone and we are not meant to do life alone. Contact me to receive support to address issues related to ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Parenting challenges, Relationship Issues, Self-Harm & related safety concerns.
(508) 469-4607 View (508) 469-4607
Photo of Christine Campbell, Pre-Licensed Professional in Shrewsbury, MA
Christine Campbell
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, MA 01545  (Online Only)
Welcome! I have openings today for online counseling. I have 11+ years of experience in the mental health field working mostly with children and adolescents who have mental health struggles and severe emotional/behavioral challenges including symptoms related to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, conflict resolution, issues with social media, self-advocacy and social skill deficits.
Welcome! I have openings today for online counseling. I have 11+ years of experience in the mental health field working mostly with children and adolescents who have mental health struggles and severe emotional/behavioral challenges including symptoms related to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, conflict resolution, issues with social media, self-advocacy and social skill deficits.
(508) 286-7871 View (508) 286-7871
Photo of Emily Van Ness-Wells, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shrewsbury, MA
Emily Van Ness-Wells
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
* No current openings at this time* I am a clinical social worker with 14 years of experience in human services. I work with individuals, children, and families and treat a range of issues or concerns. My main focus is to help you reach your own self-directed goals. My style is eclectic, warm, and authentic. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation to successful treatment. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you have access to a clinician that fits your needs. I utilize mindfulness, heart centered dialog, and compassion to aide in your journey.
* No current openings at this time* I am a clinical social worker with 14 years of experience in human services. I work with individuals, children, and families and treat a range of issues or concerns. My main focus is to help you reach your own self-directed goals. My style is eclectic, warm, and authentic. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation to successful treatment. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you have access to a clinician that fits your needs. I utilize mindfulness, heart centered dialog, and compassion to aide in your journey.
(508) 476-6312 View (508) 476-6312
Photo of Edward Beeso, Pre-Licensed Professional in Shrewsbury, MA
Edward Beeso
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Right now, things may feel overwhelming, distressing, and out of sorts with you or your kids. You have probably tried a number of things to get back to normal, but nothing is working out the way you hoped. There may be symptoms like low motivation, difficulty sleeping, lack of socializing, or troubles with work and relationships. Or, perhaps it’s your child you are concerned about because you are seeing a lot of behaviors, such as isolation, withdrawal, moodiness, irritability, difficult peer relationships, or refusing to go to school or participate in the usual routine. If so, I appreciate how challenging it can be to seek support.
Right now, things may feel overwhelming, distressing, and out of sorts with you or your kids. You have probably tried a number of things to get back to normal, but nothing is working out the way you hoped. There may be symptoms like low motivation, difficulty sleeping, lack of socializing, or troubles with work and relationships. Or, perhaps it’s your child you are concerned about because you are seeing a lot of behaviors, such as isolation, withdrawal, moodiness, irritability, difficult peer relationships, or refusing to go to school or participate in the usual routine. If so, I appreciate how challenging it can be to seek support.
(978) 999-2165 View (978) 999-2165
Photo of Victoria Cruz, Counselor in Shrewsbury, MA
Victoria Cruz
Counselor, MA, LMHC, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
When painful things happen in our lives, we do our best to cope with it in the moment. That might mean we get really good at “just dealing with it,” and “toughing it out.” Maybe we get really good at “checking out,” or maybe we become super skilled at coming up with clever ways to altogether avoid triggering situations. At one point in time, these skills served you well. And maybe they don’t any longer. Often, underneath these patterns anxiety and depression flood every day, drowning out our resources and making life difficult to enjoy. But changing these patterns and finding new hope can seem like an impossible feat.
When painful things happen in our lives, we do our best to cope with it in the moment. That might mean we get really good at “just dealing with it,” and “toughing it out.” Maybe we get really good at “checking out,” or maybe we become super skilled at coming up with clever ways to altogether avoid triggering situations. At one point in time, these skills served you well. And maybe they don’t any longer. Often, underneath these patterns anxiety and depression flood every day, drowning out our resources and making life difficult to enjoy. But changing these patterns and finding new hope can seem like an impossible feat.
(508) 691-8076 View (508) 691-8076
Photo of Kevin Scott, Pre-Licensed Professional in Shrewsbury, MA
Kevin Scott
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, MA 01545  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with children, youth, and families. I prioritize rapport building in the therapeutic relationship utilizing a strength-based approach. I also incorporate the solution focused approach, instillation of hope, narrative therapy and other effective evidence -based methods to treat symptoms of depression, trauma, mood disorders, self-esteem, family conflict, relational conflicts and societal barriers.
I enjoy working with children, youth, and families. I prioritize rapport building in the therapeutic relationship utilizing a strength-based approach. I also incorporate the solution focused approach, instillation of hope, narrative therapy and other effective evidence -based methods to treat symptoms of depression, trauma, mood disorders, self-esteem, family conflict, relational conflicts and societal barriers.
(508) 590-9759 View (508) 590-9759
Photo of Ted Dobbert, Counselor in Shrewsbury, MA
Ted Dobbert
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
You might be feeling down on yourself right now or frustrated with your current situation. It might be a struggle to make it through the day at school or work, interact with family and friends, or manage daily activities. Are you upset and irritable because you can’t seem to cope like you did before? Have things been feeling pretty bad for a while, despite everything you’ve tried? Reaching out for support and an objective perspective is a smart and brave move when things are not going well. I’d love to discuss how we can work together on coping skills, finding solutions, and fostering lasting changes in your life and relationships.
You might be feeling down on yourself right now or frustrated with your current situation. It might be a struggle to make it through the day at school or work, interact with family and friends, or manage daily activities. Are you upset and irritable because you can’t seem to cope like you did before? Have things been feeling pretty bad for a while, despite everything you’ve tried? Reaching out for support and an objective perspective is a smart and brave move when things are not going well. I’d love to discuss how we can work together on coping skills, finding solutions, and fostering lasting changes in your life and relationships.
(978) 999-2165 View (978) 999-2165
Photo of Will Davidson, Counselor in Shrewsbury, MA
Will Davidson
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Shrewsbury, MA 01545  (Online Only)
I offer evidence-based, client centered, treatments delivered with compassion, humor and intelligence. My job satisfaction comes from seeing large changes in my clients over a short period of time. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and include elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Art Therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychosocial intervention that is the most widely used evidence-based practice for improving mental health. Guided by empirical research, CBT focuses on the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems and changing unhelpful patterns in cognitions (e.g. thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes), behaviors, and emotional regulation.
I offer evidence-based, client centered, treatments delivered with compassion, humor and intelligence. My job satisfaction comes from seeing large changes in my clients over a short period of time. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and include elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Art Therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychosocial intervention that is the most widely used evidence-based practice for improving mental health. Guided by empirical research, CBT focuses on the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems and changing unhelpful patterns in cognitions (e.g. thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes), behaviors, and emotional regulation.
(508) 603-0139 View (508) 603-0139
Photo of Pathways To Wellness Associates, LLC, Counselor in Shrewsbury, MA
Pathways To Wellness Associates, LLC
Counselor, LICSW, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Pathways To Wellness Associates, LLC assists high functioning individuals and families to recognize and achieve their full potential in a safe and supportive atmosphere. We provide the highest quality counseling services founded in theory and evidence based practices. Our licensed therapists specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Framework and Child and Family Therapy.
Pathways To Wellness Associates, LLC assists high functioning individuals and families to recognize and achieve their full potential in a safe and supportive atmosphere. We provide the highest quality counseling services founded in theory and evidence based practices. Our licensed therapists specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Framework and Child and Family Therapy.
(508) 928-3787 View (508) 928-3787
Photo of Sarah Chelio, Counselor in Shrewsbury, MA
Sarah Chelio
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
As a therapist my goal is to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental space for clients to share thoughts and feelings openly. I work with individuals to navigate a wide variety of treatment issues, including anxiety, stress, depression, anger, grief, and difficult life transitions.
As a therapist my goal is to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental space for clients to share thoughts and feelings openly. I work with individuals to navigate a wide variety of treatment issues, including anxiety, stress, depression, anger, grief, and difficult life transitions.
(508) 455-4335 View (508) 455-4335
Photo of Caitlin Straubel, Counselor in Shrewsbury, MA
Caitlin Straubel
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
I am a licensed therapist with twelve years of clinical experience. I enjoy helping people become their authentic selves through the creation of a strong therapeutic alliance in which people feel comfortable addressing negative thoughts and processing life experiences. I support individuals working to overcome life's challenges related to anxiety, relationship stress, and parenting difficulties. I specialize in working with transgender and gender exploring individuals.
I am a licensed therapist with twelve years of clinical experience. I enjoy helping people become their authentic selves through the creation of a strong therapeutic alliance in which people feel comfortable addressing negative thoughts and processing life experiences. I support individuals working to overcome life's challenges related to anxiety, relationship stress, and parenting difficulties. I specialize in working with transgender and gender exploring individuals.
(774) 450-6061 View (774) 450-6061
Photo of Kasey Pendexter, Marriage & Family Therapist in Shrewsbury, MA
Kasey Pendexter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LMHC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Not accepting new clients
With an extensive history of working with trauma-impacted youth and adults, I look to bring peace and healing using a multi-faceted approach. Most of us go through life with our bodies and minds disengaged from one another; I believe we must bridge that gap in order to build & protect our internal peace. As an RPCV in West Africa to working with Deaf youth, I have been humbled to to align and ally myself with beautiful populations and cultures and believe that therapeutic rapport is the key to working towards goals set by my clients.
With an extensive history of working with trauma-impacted youth and adults, I look to bring peace and healing using a multi-faceted approach. Most of us go through life with our bodies and minds disengaged from one another; I believe we must bridge that gap in order to build & protect our internal peace. As an RPCV in West Africa to working with Deaf youth, I have been humbled to to align and ally myself with beautiful populations and cultures and believe that therapeutic rapport is the key to working towards goals set by my clients.
(774) 425-7451 View (774) 425-7451

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mitchell D Gurk, PhD, Psychologist in Shrewsbury, MA
Mitchell D Gurk, PhD
Psychologist, PhD, MFT, BCPC, Diploma
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, MA 01501
Play space, art therapy and parent observation available.
Treatment is results oriented, which means we work together at the beginning to define the changes that are meaningful to you. In a basic sense, psychotherapy is for thinking about feelings. We are all part of systems, be they family, work or society. The outcome is more freedom to be yourself. All inquiries referrals scheduling by phone: please call 508.885.3861. Repeat your calls (on the hour) to reach me quickest in person. No written messages! No computer inquiries!
Play space, art therapy and parent observation available.
Treatment is results oriented, which means we work together at the beginning to define the changes that are meaningful to you. In a basic sense, psychotherapy is for thinking about feelings. We are all part of systems, be they family, work or society. The outcome is more freedom to be yourself. All inquiries referrals scheduling by phone: please call 508.885.3861. Repeat your calls (on the hour) to reach me quickest in person. No written messages! No computer inquiries!
(508) 928-5056 View (508) 928-5056
Photo of Next Steps Therapies, Occupational Therapist in Shrewsbury, MA
Next Steps Therapies
Occupational Therapist, MOT, OTR/L
Verified Verified
Northborough, MA 01532
When working directly with children I am play based and child centered.
I value seeing the child as part of the whole family system and want to be able to support the child and family the natural environment to increase carryover and build faster success. This is why I offer home based pediatric occupational therapy or utilize a parent coaching method. I love working with parents to support their child and make everyone’s everyday life easier. My background is in ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities and building successful daily routines, including mealtimes, dressing, bath time, etc. while also incorporating executive functioning skills and/or sensory and self regulation using an interoception method.
When working directly with children I am play based and child centered.
I value seeing the child as part of the whole family system and want to be able to support the child and family the natural environment to increase carryover and build faster success. This is why I offer home based pediatric occupational therapy or utilize a parent coaching method. I love working with parents to support their child and make everyone’s everyday life easier. My background is in ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities and building successful daily routines, including mealtimes, dressing, bath time, etc. while also incorporating executive functioning skills and/or sensory and self regulation using an interoception method.
(508) 715-6704 View (508) 715-6704
Photo of Stephanie Wuebbens, Psychologist in Shrewsbury, MA
Stephanie Wuebbens
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Westborough, MA 01581
Stephanie specializes in a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and play therapy.
Stephanie Wuebbens is a Licensed Psychologist (LP) with over 20 years of experience assisting children, teens, and adults with chronic stress, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, poor coping skills, divorce, family conflict, grief, difficult life transitions, and more.
Stephanie specializes in a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and play therapy.
Stephanie Wuebbens is a Licensed Psychologist (LP) with over 20 years of experience assisting children, teens, and adults with chronic stress, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, poor coping skills, divorce, family conflict, grief, difficult life transitions, and more.
(508) 501-6515 View (508) 501-6515
Photo of Phoebe Hannon, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shrewsbury, MA
Phoebe Hannon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01601  (Online Only)
Phoebe loves using creative expression (drawing, writing, poetry, music, play, movement, and more) in therapy as a way to express feelings and stories that words alone can’t always reach.
Phoebe offers a warm and authentic space to connect, understanding “problems” in the context of societal oppression rather than as individual failures or pathologies. They offer a space where grief, anger and all parts of self are welcome, where you can rewrite old stories that no longer serve you, and envision/create a new future for yourself.
Phoebe loves using creative expression (drawing, writing, poetry, music, play, movement, and more) in therapy as a way to express feelings and stories that words alone can’t always reach.
Phoebe offers a warm and authentic space to connect, understanding “problems” in the context of societal oppression rather than as individual failures or pathologies. They offer a space where grief, anger and all parts of self are welcome, where you can rewrite old stories that no longer serve you, and envision/create a new future for yourself.
(508) 571-6853 View (508) 571-6853
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.