Play Therapy in Gaithersburg, MD
I use the following treatment types: CBT, Family therapy, Couples therapy, Holistic, Cognitive reframing, Play therapy, Mindfulness, Grief processing, and Solution-focused therapy.
Do you ever feel like you're navigating through life's challenges alone, unseen, and unheard in today's fast-paced world? Are you struggling to set and pursue goals, or do you need someone who will listen to your thoughts without judgment? I understand the importance of creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel genuinely heard and understood. I take a holistic and individualistic approach to therapy, tailoring each session to meet clients' unique needs and goals. I value diversity and approach each client and situation with an open mind and heart.
I use the following treatment types: CBT, Family therapy, Couples therapy, Holistic, Cognitive reframing, Play therapy, Mindfulness, Grief processing, and Solution-focused therapy.
Do you ever feel like you're navigating through life's challenges alone, unseen, and unheard in today's fast-paced world? Are you struggling to set and pursue goals, or do you need someone who will listen to your thoughts without judgment? I understand the importance of creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel genuinely heard and understood. I take a holistic and individualistic approach to therapy, tailoring each session to meet clients' unique needs and goals. I value diversity and approach each client and situation with an open mind and heart.
*In Person & Virtual sessions* I know this can be a very challenging time for your or your teen. From the comfort of your own home, we can work through the challenges you're facing together. I have a great deal of experience treating children, adolescents, adults, and couples facing obstacles such as trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, negative self-image, panic attacks, and relationship difficulties.
*In Person & Virtual sessions* I know this can be a very challenging time for your or your teen. From the comfort of your own home, we can work through the challenges you're facing together. I have a great deal of experience treating children, adolescents, adults, and couples facing obstacles such as trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, negative self-image, panic attacks, and relationship difficulties.
Now Accepting New Clients — I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and teens using creative, developmentally appropriate approaches to support healing and emotional growth. I provide a safe, supportive space where children and teens can be themselves while exploring feelings, building resilience, and strengthening coping skills. I have experience supporting ADHD, autism, trauma, grief, divorce, life transitions, and big changes. I work compassionately with both children/teens and families to promote understanding, connection, and growth.
Now Accepting New Clients — I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and teens using creative, developmentally appropriate approaches to support healing and emotional growth. I provide a safe, supportive space where children and teens can be themselves while exploring feelings, building resilience, and strengthening coping skills. I have experience supporting ADHD, autism, trauma, grief, divorce, life transitions, and big changes. I work compassionately with both children/teens and families to promote understanding, connection, and growth.
My ideal client feels overwhelmed but seeks growth and healing. They may struggle with anxiety, ADHD, OCD, depression, or self-esteem issues. Whether a child, teen, young adult, or athlete, they want support to manage emotions, overcome challenges, and build confidence. They need a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and emotions, seeking clarity, inner peace, and resilience. Their goal is to feel empowered and authentic, ready to face life’s challenges. Together, we work to build practical solutions using their strengths, fostering both immediate relief and long-term growth.
My ideal client feels overwhelmed but seeks growth and healing. They may struggle with anxiety, ADHD, OCD, depression, or self-esteem issues. Whether a child, teen, young adult, or athlete, they want support to manage emotions, overcome challenges, and build confidence. They need a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and emotions, seeking clarity, inner peace, and resilience. Their goal is to feel empowered and authentic, ready to face life’s challenges. Together, we work to build practical solutions using their strengths, fostering both immediate relief and long-term growth.
For younger children, I utilize play therapy and creative arts, paired with collaborative parent coaching to support the whole family.
My approach is deeply person-centered and grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also specialize in two powerful frameworks:
Family Connection: I am trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), helping reduce conflict, build secure bonds within families (foster and adoptive families are incredibly welcome).
Self-Worth and Health:
For younger children, I utilize play therapy and creative arts, paired with collaborative parent coaching to support the whole family.
My approach is deeply person-centered and grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also specialize in two powerful frameworks:
Family Connection: I am trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), helping reduce conflict, build secure bonds within families (foster and adoptive families are incredibly welcome).
Self-Worth and Health:
I take an integrative, holistic approach to treatment, incorporating therapies such as CBT, play therapy, and mindfulness.
I’m Ericka Jennings, LGPC, NCC, and I bring a unique blend of experience as both an educator and counselor to support individuals in their journey toward healing and growth. My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating complex emotional, academic, or life transition challenges. Whether it's a child struggling with school-related issues like anxiety or a professional feeling stuck in their career path, my clients often seek a space where they can feel heard and understood. Their goals often include overcoming barriers to success, strengthening relationships, and building a deeper sense of self-confidence.
I take an integrative, holistic approach to treatment, incorporating therapies such as CBT, play therapy, and mindfulness.
I’m Ericka Jennings, LGPC, NCC, and I bring a unique blend of experience as both an educator and counselor to support individuals in their journey toward healing and growth. My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating complex emotional, academic, or life transition challenges. Whether it's a child struggling with school-related issues like anxiety or a professional feeling stuck in their career path, my clients often seek a space where they can feel heard and understood. Their goals often include overcoming barriers to success, strengthening relationships, and building a deeper sense of self-confidence.
As a culturally competent therapist, I believe in engaging with the clients in their own positive and or negative cultural experiences. I have been working with children and families for over 20 years. My background includes community based social work/therapist-working with families in crisis, assisting youth at risk, improving self esteem and helping couples with marital problems and assisting elder adults/hospice.
As a culturally competent therapist, I believe in engaging with the clients in their own positive and or negative cultural experiences. I have been working with children and families for over 20 years. My background includes community based social work/therapist-working with families in crisis, assisting youth at risk, improving self esteem and helping couples with marital problems and assisting elder adults/hospice.
How do you pick a therapist based on a photo? I've always thought that was kind of odd, but here we are. Well, since we're here let me introduce myself! My name is Shani (Shay-nee), I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Texas. I am also a dual certified yoga teacher and meditation teacher and am happy to bring in as little or as much of yoga and meditation into therapy as interests you.
How do you pick a therapist based on a photo? I've always thought that was kind of odd, but here we are. Well, since we're here let me introduce myself! My name is Shani (Shay-nee), I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Texas. I am also a dual certified yoga teacher and meditation teacher and am happy to bring in as little or as much of yoga and meditation into therapy as interests you.
My therapeutic approach incorporates a variety of modalities, including CBT, DBT, Narrative, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Informed, Mindfulness-Based, Play, Art, and Mind-Body therapies.
Do you struggle to navigate periods of overwhelming stress that impact your daily life at home, work, or school? Do even the simplest tasks like eating, sleeping, and personal hygiene seem daunting during these times? I understand how overwhelming it can feel when life's challenges seem insurmountable. I specialize in helping young adults, adolescents, children (ages 5+), and families facing a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger, trauma, substance use, and adjustment/life transitions through a holistic, person-centered approach to identify and achieve their goals, regardless of their obstacles.
My therapeutic approach incorporates a variety of modalities, including CBT, DBT, Narrative, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Informed, Mindfulness-Based, Play, Art, and Mind-Body therapies.
Do you struggle to navigate periods of overwhelming stress that impact your daily life at home, work, or school? Do even the simplest tasks like eating, sleeping, and personal hygiene seem daunting during these times? I understand how overwhelming it can feel when life's challenges seem insurmountable. I specialize in helping young adults, adolescents, children (ages 5+), and families facing a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger, trauma, substance use, and adjustment/life transitions through a holistic, person-centered approach to identify and achieve their goals, regardless of their obstacles.
Pierre B Dorival
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MEd, LCPC, NCC
2 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Do you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, seeking a compassionate guide to help you navigate through them? I'm Pierre, and I'm here to support you on your journey to healing and growth. I believe in the power of person-centered therapy, which recognizes that you are the expert in your life. Through this approach, we'll work together to uncover your strengths and empower you to make meaningful changes. I also integrate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational-emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) techniques to provide practical tools for managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Do you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, seeking a compassionate guide to help you navigate through them? I'm Pierre, and I'm here to support you on your journey to healing and growth. I believe in the power of person-centered therapy, which recognizes that you are the expert in your life. Through this approach, we'll work together to uncover your strengths and empower you to make meaningful changes. I also integrate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational-emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) techniques to provide practical tools for managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Micah Brady
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CTC, CCATP, CATP
2 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
I have post-graduate certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Treatment, Play Therapy, Anxiety, DBT, and am a Gottman Institute for Relationships Presenter.
*Currently have limited in person and virtual openings* I am easy to talk to and believe in collaborative and evidence-based treatment.
I have post-graduate certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Treatment, Play Therapy, Anxiety, DBT, and am a Gottman Institute for Relationships Presenter.
*Currently have limited in person and virtual openings* I am easy to talk to and believe in collaborative and evidence-based treatment.
I love working with children, teens and caregivers to improve the quality of life for all members of the family system. As part of my client centered approach, I do ask that clients and caregivers are active participants in the therapeutic process. As an active participant, you and your child will be able to try various methods to improve and develop the life that you wish to have. I value a holistic approach to therapy which includes examination of the person and how they respond to their behaviors, beliefs, and the community around them by incorporating talk therapy and some expressive therapeutic techniques.
I love working with children, teens and caregivers to improve the quality of life for all members of the family system. As part of my client centered approach, I do ask that clients and caregivers are active participants in the therapeutic process. As an active participant, you and your child will be able to try various methods to improve and develop the life that you wish to have. I value a holistic approach to therapy which includes examination of the person and how they respond to their behaviors, beliefs, and the community around them by incorporating talk therapy and some expressive therapeutic techniques.
I also work with anxiety, depression, and life stressors, drawing from approaches like CBT, play therapy, and trauma-informed care.
I am here to support you if you carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, depression, or life stressors who is ready for support in healing and growth. If you feel overwhelmed or disconnected but want relief from symptoms, stronger coping skills, and healthier relationships. My goal is for you to feel seen, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change and rediscover joy and purpose in their life. As a first-generation college graduate and professional, I understand the unique pressures of navigating multiple roles and expectations, and I bring that perspective into therapy to better support clients facing similar challenges.
I also work with anxiety, depression, and life stressors, drawing from approaches like CBT, play therapy, and trauma-informed care.
I am here to support you if you carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, depression, or life stressors who is ready for support in healing and growth. If you feel overwhelmed or disconnected but want relief from symptoms, stronger coping skills, and healthier relationships. My goal is for you to feel seen, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change and rediscover joy and purpose in their life. As a first-generation college graduate and professional, I understand the unique pressures of navigating multiple roles and expectations, and I bring that perspective into therapy to better support clients facing similar challenges.
Are you struggling to find the right therapist who truly sees and hears you and can guide you through life's challenges? At Alta, we understand how daunting it can be to seek support, which is why we're dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive space where you can find the help you need. Our diverse team of clinicians, with unique backgrounds and experiences, are united in their commitment to helping you achieve your goals. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, or chronic mental illness, we can offer you a helping hand on your journey to gradual symptom improvement, getting your life back
Are you struggling to find the right therapist who truly sees and hears you and can guide you through life's challenges? At Alta, we understand how daunting it can be to seek support, which is why we're dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive space where you can find the help you need. Our diverse team of clinicians, with unique backgrounds and experiences, are united in their commitment to helping you achieve your goals. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, or chronic mental illness, we can offer you a helping hand on your journey to gradual symptom improvement, getting your life back
Hi, I am Elena, a bilingual child and adult psychotherapist licensed in Maryland and Virginia. Are you a parent or caregiver concerned about your child's anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or feelings of being overwhelmed? Or are you an adult navigating life transitions or the impact of traumatic experiences? I provide a warm, supportive space to help you or your child build confidence, strengthen coping, and restore a sense of well-being, and balance.
Hi, I am Elena, a bilingual child and adult psychotherapist licensed in Maryland and Virginia. Are you a parent or caregiver concerned about your child's anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or feelings of being overwhelmed? Or are you an adult navigating life transitions or the impact of traumatic experiences? I provide a warm, supportive space to help you or your child build confidence, strengthen coping, and restore a sense of well-being, and balance.
Currently Accepting New Clients (In-Person & Telehealth!)! Becca Anderson, LGPC, is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor at Washington Psychological Wellness who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Becca received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Hood College and her Master’s from Liberty University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is passionate about working with clients of all ages and strives to be a warm, welcoming, supportive listening ear. Becca works with a variety of issues, such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, OCD, eating disorders, and much more.
Currently Accepting New Clients (In-Person & Telehealth!)! Becca Anderson, LGPC, is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor at Washington Psychological Wellness who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Becca received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Hood College and her Master’s from Liberty University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is passionate about working with clients of all ages and strives to be a warm, welcoming, supportive listening ear. Becca works with a variety of issues, such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, OCD, eating disorders, and much more.
Do you critique yourself, replay conversations over and over, or think of all the "what ifs"? Do you have difficulty saying "no" to things, or have a hard time being yourself around others? I work with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress that is difficult to manage. We will work on coping skills, assertiveness, decision making, increasing self-worth, and setting boundaries with yourself and others. We will identify negative self-talk patterns and learn to reframe how you talk to yourself to increase self-compassion. Our work can also help foster more genuine connections with others.
Do you critique yourself, replay conversations over and over, or think of all the "what ifs"? Do you have difficulty saying "no" to things, or have a hard time being yourself around others? I work with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress that is difficult to manage. We will work on coping skills, assertiveness, decision making, increasing self-worth, and setting boundaries with yourself and others. We will identify negative self-talk patterns and learn to reframe how you talk to yourself to increase self-compassion. Our work can also help foster more genuine connections with others.
Iraida Virginia Rivera
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, RPT , CCTP
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
I'm a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with over 26 years of treating children, teens, adults and families in private and public settings.
I'm trained in evidence based practices: Theraplay, TF-CBT(Trauma Informed-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Clinical Sandtray; Neuroscience/Mindfulness, Core Competences, Play based-CBT and Yoga/Meditation.
I'm a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with over 26 years of treating children, teens, adults and families in private and public settings.
I'm trained in evidence based practices: Theraplay, TF-CBT(Trauma Informed-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Clinical Sandtray; Neuroscience/Mindfulness, Core Competences, Play based-CBT and Yoga/Meditation.
You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up the next day. We all experience various challenges throughout life and may find ourselves having difficulty managing them. I believe in providing a safe, trusting environment where people can explore and express their emotions and behaviors. Everybody needs somebody to talk to and through the therapeutic relationship, I strive to help people navigate life in a healthy way. I work with people of all ages and backgrounds through psychotherapy and psychological assessment. The tools you learn through these services can assist you with living your best life.
You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up the next day. We all experience various challenges throughout life and may find ourselves having difficulty managing them. I believe in providing a safe, trusting environment where people can explore and express their emotions and behaviors. Everybody needs somebody to talk to and through the therapeutic relationship, I strive to help people navigate life in a healthy way. I work with people of all ages and backgrounds through psychotherapy and psychological assessment. The tools you learn through these services can assist you with living your best life.
With younger clients, I incorporate play-based techniques to support growth.
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the situation—it’s feeling alone in it. If you’re feeling anxious, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, I offer a space to slow down and sort through it. I provide therapy to children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, school concerns, and life stressors. I also support neurodivergent clients who are learning how to navigate the world in a way that feels more authentic and sustainable.
With younger clients, I incorporate play-based techniques to support growth.
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the situation—it’s feeling alone in it. If you’re feeling anxious, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, I offer a space to slow down and sort through it. I provide therapy to children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, school concerns, and life stressors. I also support neurodivergent clients who are learning how to navigate the world in a way that feels more authentic and sustainable.
See more therapy options for Gaithersburg
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Gaithersburg
- Clarksburg
- Darnestown
- Germantown
- Ijamsville
- Kensington
- Montgomery Village
- North Bethesda
- North Potomac
- Olney
- Potomac
- Rockville
- Silver Spring
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.