Play Therapy in Montgomery Village, MD
I have a lot of experience with both adults and children who have mental health, behavioral problems, and substance abuse issues. I use an ecclectic approach and tailor the therapy style to the individual patient.
I have a lot of experience with both adults and children who have mental health, behavioral problems, and substance abuse issues. I use an ecclectic approach and tailor the therapy style to the individual patient.
At Rooted Therapeutic Center, we are passionate about assisting on your therapeutic journey to change, heal and grow. This journey is unique to you and your various life experiences. Our clinicians provide a comfortable and collaborative environment in which you can take risks and explore different ways of thinking, feeling and being. We have experience working with children, adolescents, teens, adults, and families. We specialize in grief and loss, life transitions, anger management, anxiety, trauma, depression, and parent-child relationships.
At Rooted Therapeutic Center, we are passionate about assisting on your therapeutic journey to change, heal and grow. This journey is unique to you and your various life experiences. Our clinicians provide a comfortable and collaborative environment in which you can take risks and explore different ways of thinking, feeling and being. We have experience working with children, adolescents, teens, adults, and families. We specialize in grief and loss, life transitions, anger management, anxiety, trauma, depression, and parent-child relationships.
My ideal client is someone who longs for change but feels unsure where to begin. They may carry old wounds, feel anxious or stuck, or struggle to care for themselves while caring for others. Deep down, they want to feel whole, confident, and at peace. They come to therapy ready to explore their story, to heal with gentleness, and to find hope again. Together, we create a warm, safe space where they can breathe, grow, and learn to love themselves through every stage of their healing journey.
My ideal client is someone who longs for change but feels unsure where to begin. They may carry old wounds, feel anxious or stuck, or struggle to care for themselves while caring for others. Deep down, they want to feel whole, confident, and at peace. They come to therapy ready to explore their story, to heal with gentleness, and to find hope again. Together, we create a warm, safe space where they can breathe, grow, and learn to love themselves through every stage of their healing journey.
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:
More Therapists Nearby
I have experience working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, relationship issues, psychotic disorders and other issues contributing to unhealthy functioning. I utilize a variety of techniques and theories, including narrative therapy, person-centered therapy, faith-based counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
I have experience working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, relationship issues, psychotic disorders and other issues contributing to unhealthy functioning. I utilize a variety of techniques and theories, including narrative therapy, person-centered therapy, faith-based counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Looking to feel confident in your choices as a person and/or parent and connected to the people in your life? Wishing life came with instruction manuals? Looking to gain more control over your emotional reactions and feelings of worry? I can help. Therapy is a place where you can work to understand yourself, feel seen and be heard. Together, in a safe space we can work on making mindset shifts, building self-acceptance and developing positive coping mechanisms and setting and working towards your goals. I also have extensive experience working with young child and partnering with parents offering guidance and support.
Looking to feel confident in your choices as a person and/or parent and connected to the people in your life? Wishing life came with instruction manuals? Looking to gain more control over your emotional reactions and feelings of worry? I can help. Therapy is a place where you can work to understand yourself, feel seen and be heard. Together, in a safe space we can work on making mindset shifts, building self-acceptance and developing positive coping mechanisms and setting and working towards your goals. I also have extensive experience working with young child and partnering with parents offering guidance and support.
I have also had training in Child-Centered Play Therapy which is especially beneficial for younger children.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor who specializes in working with adolescents and young adults. I facilitate change by providing a safe, non-threatening environment that demonstrates love, compassion, trust, and understanding. This caring environment helps children and adults build the stepping stones needed to live a happier and healthier life through learning self-awareness and the development of effective coping skills. I use a variety of tools in my practice, including EMDR, CBT, and mindfulness techniques, which help reduce anxiety and depression particularly for those individuals who have experienced trauma.
I have also had training in Child-Centered Play Therapy which is especially beneficial for younger children.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor who specializes in working with adolescents and young adults. I facilitate change by providing a safe, non-threatening environment that demonstrates love, compassion, trust, and understanding. This caring environment helps children and adults build the stepping stones needed to live a happier and healthier life through learning self-awareness and the development of effective coping skills. I use a variety of tools in my practice, including EMDR, CBT, and mindfulness techniques, which help reduce anxiety and depression particularly for those individuals who have experienced trauma.
She integrates play therapy, narrative therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to meet each client where they are, helping them better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, and move forward with greater confidence and hope.
Accepting new clients! Whether you're looking for support for yourself or your child, Katarina is committed to creating a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. She works with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, self-esteem, identity development, and relationship challenges. With warmth, compassion, and creativity, she helps clients build confidence, healthy coping skills, emotional resilience, and meaningful, lasting change.
She integrates play therapy, narrative therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to meet each client where they are, helping them better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, and move forward with greater confidence and hope.
Accepting new clients! Whether you're looking for support for yourself or your child, Katarina is committed to creating a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. She works with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, self-esteem, identity development, and relationship challenges. With warmth, compassion, and creativity, she helps clients build confidence, healthy coping skills, emotional resilience, and meaningful, lasting change.
I work with adults and adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, gender and sexuality, neurodivergence, disability, relationship issues, physical illness, creative blocks, and work-related burn-out.
I bring openness, curiosity, and humility to my work as a therapist. I believe therapy can be both healing and generative, as a place to work through what hurts, and to discover what's possible.
I work with adults and adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, gender and sexuality, neurodivergence, disability, relationship issues, physical illness, creative blocks, and work-related burn-out.
I bring openness, curiosity, and humility to my work as a therapist. I believe therapy can be both healing and generative, as a place to work through what hurts, and to discover what's possible.
Deitra Chisley-Fant
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC-S, LPC-AS
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
My ideal client is someone who feels weighed down by life—whether it’s stress, anxiety, grief, toxic relationships, or big life changes. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or tired of carrying it all alone, but deep down they’re ready for something better. They want a safe, supportive space to feel heard and understood, along with real tools to help them cope and grow. Their goals are to find peace, balance, and confidence while building resilience for the future. Most of all, they want to feel lighter, more hopeful, and empowered to create the life they deserve.
My ideal client is someone who feels weighed down by life—whether it’s stress, anxiety, grief, toxic relationships, or big life changes. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or tired of carrying it all alone, but deep down they’re ready for something better. They want a safe, supportive space to feel heard and understood, along with real tools to help them cope and grow. Their goals are to find peace, balance, and confidence while building resilience for the future. Most of all, they want to feel lighter, more hopeful, and empowered to create the life they deserve.
Have you noticed that your child is struggling with their anxiety, or is just not acting like themselves? Maybe you have tried everything, and yet their anxiety or behavior just seem to be getting worse...
As a therapist and professional school counselor, I know that every parent wants their child to feel loved, understood, and supported. And with over a decade of experience working in public education, I understand how valuable it is to view each child through the lens of their strengths. My goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where your child can get help, through my direct and genuine approach to counseling.
Have you noticed that your child is struggling with their anxiety, or is just not acting like themselves? Maybe you have tried everything, and yet their anxiety or behavior just seem to be getting worse...
As a therapist and professional school counselor, I know that every parent wants their child to feel loved, understood, and supported. And with over a decade of experience working in public education, I understand how valuable it is to view each child through the lens of their strengths. My goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where your child can get help, through my direct and genuine approach to counseling.
These include traditional dynamic talk therapy, as well as play therapy, expressive arts work, and other practical applications of cognitive and emotion-focused therapies.
I work with individuals, children and families dealing with emotional pain, school or work related problems, developmental challenges, relationship issues, traumatic experiences, grief and loss. In my work I strive to create a safe, understanding, and non-judging space to help people faced with difficult life challenges empower themselves.
These include traditional dynamic talk therapy, as well as play therapy, expressive arts work, and other practical applications of cognitive and emotion-focused therapies.
I work with individuals, children and families dealing with emotional pain, school or work related problems, developmental challenges, relationship issues, traumatic experiences, grief and loss. In my work I strive to create a safe, understanding, and non-judging space to help people faced with difficult life challenges empower themselves.
ITGW works with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages and stages in the lifespan. We believe that people can learn from what their bodies (and not just their thoughts) might be trying to communicate in order to be their best selves. We see our clients in individual therapy, couples counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. Additionally, we offer psychoeducational, neuropsychological and psychological assessments as well as CogMed.
ITGW works with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages and stages in the lifespan. We believe that people can learn from what their bodies (and not just their thoughts) might be trying to communicate in order to be their best selves. We see our clients in individual therapy, couples counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. Additionally, we offer psychoeducational, neuropsychological and psychological assessments as well as CogMed.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MD, VA, & DC) specializing in children, adolescents, and families. I have a passion for helping others reach their highest self and offer a safe, comfortable, and culturally competent atmosphere. I have experience working with individuals who struggle with trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, mood, psychosis, adjustment, and personality disorders. I also have worked with individuals impacted by co-occurring conditions. I also have extensive knowledge of MD Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and The Joint Commission.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MD, VA, & DC) specializing in children, adolescents, and families. I have a passion for helping others reach their highest self and offer a safe, comfortable, and culturally competent atmosphere. I have experience working with individuals who struggle with trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, mood, psychosis, adjustment, and personality disorders. I also have worked with individuals impacted by co-occurring conditions. I also have extensive knowledge of MD Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and The Joint Commission.
Soulful Expressive Arts Therapy & Consultation Services, LLC serves a wide range of clientele from individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations. I believe your unique lived experience is the key to helping you understand where you have been and where you want to go. Clients who are open to trusting the process and creative exploration are my ideal client, while attuning to the client to meet them where they are.
Soulful Expressive Arts Therapy & Consultation Services, LLC serves a wide range of clientele from individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations. I believe your unique lived experience is the key to helping you understand where you have been and where you want to go. Clients who are open to trusting the process and creative exploration are my ideal client, while attuning to the client to meet them where they are.
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.
We use play, creativity, movement, art & conversation to engage kids while providing parent coaching sessions to provide relief at home.
Are you the parent of a child, tween or teen with big feelings? Maybe worries peak at bedtime, meltdowns hit after school or frustration quickly spirals out of control?Perhaps your child is adjusting to middle school friendships or the challenges of a new team, changes in the family or just needs a little extra support right now. At The Bari Group, we specialize in helping kids, teens and families find calm in the middle of big feelings, while building the tools and confidence to move forward without shame or blame.
We use play, creativity, movement, art & conversation to engage kids while providing parent coaching sessions to provide relief at home.
Are you the parent of a child, tween or teen with big feelings? Maybe worries peak at bedtime, meltdowns hit after school or frustration quickly spirals out of control?Perhaps your child is adjusting to middle school friendships or the challenges of a new team, changes in the family or just needs a little extra support right now. At The Bari Group, we specialize in helping kids, teens and families find calm in the middle of big feelings, while building the tools and confidence to move forward without shame or blame.
When we work together we'll collaborate to help you process, organize, and mobilize your life. My degrees include a MEd in Counseling and a PhD in Dance and my life revolves around connection: connections between us and within us. We will, in turn, explore the anxieties surrounding you right now and the conceptual and physical resources you can activate to manage and move through anxiety. I help people feel better by finding physical and mental balance and balancing is constant movement. My practice is supervised by Ronnie Biemans, LCPC.
When we work together we'll collaborate to help you process, organize, and mobilize your life. My degrees include a MEd in Counseling and a PhD in Dance and my life revolves around connection: connections between us and within us. We will, in turn, explore the anxieties surrounding you right now and the conceptual and physical resources you can activate to manage and move through anxiety. I help people feel better by finding physical and mental balance and balancing is constant movement. My practice is supervised by Ronnie Biemans, LCPC.
I am trained and experienced in providing psychotherapy in multiple modalities such as play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Refresh Wellness and Behavioral Health is an outpatient, private counseling practice offering comprehensive services to meet the needs of those seeking a holistic approach to mental health care. We provide therapeutic services to individuals, families, adolescents, and couples with compassion and respect for unique situations. There is no need to continue suffering in silence! Help is available! Refresh Wellness may be your answer to relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and other disorders. No matter what the problem is, I look forward to working with you.
I am trained and experienced in providing psychotherapy in multiple modalities such as play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Refresh Wellness and Behavioral Health is an outpatient, private counseling practice offering comprehensive services to meet the needs of those seeking a holistic approach to mental health care. We provide therapeutic services to individuals, families, adolescents, and couples with compassion and respect for unique situations. There is no need to continue suffering in silence! Help is available! Refresh Wellness may be your answer to relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and other disorders. No matter what the problem is, I look forward to working with you.
Welcome! As a clinician who understands that your journey is unique and it’s often not easy to take the first step, my goal is to get to know you, your individual strengths, needs, and the unique experiences that shape you. Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, matters of identity, or patterns that no longer serve you, my approach is strengths-based and collaborative with the intention of creating meaningful and lasting change. You deserve a safe and supportive space to explore your experience with honesty and self-compassion, while growing toward greater clarity, connection, and emotional well-being.
Welcome! As a clinician who understands that your journey is unique and it’s often not easy to take the first step, my goal is to get to know you, your individual strengths, needs, and the unique experiences that shape you. Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, matters of identity, or patterns that no longer serve you, my approach is strengths-based and collaborative with the intention of creating meaningful and lasting change. You deserve a safe and supportive space to explore your experience with honesty and self-compassion, while growing toward greater clarity, connection, and emotional well-being.
See more therapy options for Montgomery Village
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Montgomery Village
- Clarksburg
- Darnestown
- Gaithersburg
- Germantown
- Ijamsville
- Kensington
- 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.