Play Therapy in Sykesville, MD

Photo of Brenda Lee von Rautenkranz, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
Brenda Lee von Rautenkranz
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Sykesville, MD 21784
Thank you for visiting my profile. I am passionate about helping children and adults find and maintain balance in their lives. I use a whole body system approach that incorporates nutrition, vitamins and exercise, the mind, and spirit. . As a psychotherapist and with my background as a fitness trainer, I have found the importance of a healthy body gives a healthy mind. My practice is about enabling individuals to recognize and address the obstacles that are keeping them from finding that balance. I work with children (3-12), adolescents and adults. But wait there is more....
Thank you for visiting my profile. I am passionate about helping children and adults find and maintain balance in their lives. I use a whole body system approach that incorporates nutrition, vitamins and exercise, the mind, and spirit. . As a psychotherapist and with my background as a fitness trainer, I have found the importance of a healthy body gives a healthy mind. My practice is about enabling individuals to recognize and address the obstacles that are keeping them from finding that balance. I work with children (3-12), adolescents and adults. But wait there is more....
(301) 679-7225 View (301) 679-7225
Photo of Rachel Cochran, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Rachel Cochran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
1 Endorsed
Sykesville, MD 21784
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I work with individuals, couples and families in multiple areas including trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship/family conflict, self-esteem issues, grief, eating disorder and food addiction, learning disorders, anger management, self-harm, LGBT issues, reaction to divorce, mediation, and forensic evaluation. I am more than happy to consult with you to see if we are a good fit to work together!
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I work with individuals, couples and families in multiple areas including trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship/family conflict, self-esteem issues, grief, eating disorder and food addiction, learning disorders, anger management, self-harm, LGBT issues, reaction to divorce, mediation, and forensic evaluation. I am more than happy to consult with you to see if we are a good fit to work together!
(410) 457-3281 View (410) 457-3281
Photo of Gina M Rassa - The Counseling Renaissance, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
The Counseling Renaissance
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
1 Endorsed
Sykesville, MD 21784
Immediate Openings with all therapists! We are available to work with adults and couples struggling with mood, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, and more, both in-person and virtually. We offer a safe space to discover, explore, and process.
Immediate Openings with all therapists! We are available to work with adults and couples struggling with mood, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, and more, both in-person and virtually. We offer a safe space to discover, explore, and process.
(410) 970-6964 View (410) 970-6964
Photo of Nathan Heydari, Counselor, MA
Nathan Heydari
Counselor, MA
4 Endorsed
Sykesville, MD 21784
Are you yearning for a moment of peace (and the ability to allow yourself to be present there)? Maybe you have spent a lot of time meeting the needs of others, and haven't really figured out who you are. I can help you gain perspective and to learn how to trust yourself more. I believe you hold the answers within you, and together, we will hold a safe space for you to discover them. My work focuses on humanistic person-centered therapy, Expressive Arts and Sandtray Therapy. I have over 16 years of experience in Community Mental Health. Working from a trauma-informed lens, we will move at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you.
Are you yearning for a moment of peace (and the ability to allow yourself to be present there)? Maybe you have spent a lot of time meeting the needs of others, and haven't really figured out who you are. I can help you gain perspective and to learn how to trust yourself more. I believe you hold the answers within you, and together, we will hold a safe space for you to discover them. My work focuses on humanistic person-centered therapy, Expressive Arts and Sandtray Therapy. I have over 16 years of experience in Community Mental Health. Working from a trauma-informed lens, we will move at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you.
(240) 255-2907 View (240) 255-2907
Photo of Madeliene Moses, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Madeliene Moses
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
1 Endorsed
Sykesville, MD 21784
Welcome! I am accepting new clients! I have experience working with individuals with Anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders, interpersonal relationship issues, and everyday stressors. I work with individuals 10 years and older. My clinical modalities include strength-based, person-centered, expressive arts, play therapy, CBT, and DBT. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for therapy and intervention for each client.
Welcome! I am accepting new clients! I have experience working with individuals with Anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders, interpersonal relationship issues, and everyday stressors. I work with individuals 10 years and older. My clinical modalities include strength-based, person-centered, expressive arts, play therapy, CBT, and DBT. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for therapy and intervention for each client.
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Photo of Jodie Foster, Counselor, LCPC
Jodie Foster
Counselor, LCPC
Serves Area
I utilize a variety of techniques and strategies, and my primary forms of treatment are cognitive-behavioral therapy and play therapy for children.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor, and I have been providing individual and family therapy services to children, teenagers, adults, and families for over 20 years. I began my current practice in order to provide a more private and comfortable place for my clients and to be able to more fully meet their needs. My goal is to provide a welcoming, compassionate, comfortable and safe place for individuals and families to receive help. Every family and every individual is unique, and I enjoy tailoring my treatment methods to the specific needs of each client and/or family.
I utilize a variety of techniques and strategies, and my primary forms of treatment are cognitive-behavioral therapy and play therapy for children.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor, and I have been providing individual and family therapy services to children, teenagers, adults, and families for over 20 years. I began my current practice in order to provide a more private and comfortable place for my clients and to be able to more fully meet their needs. My goal is to provide a welcoming, compassionate, comfortable and safe place for individuals and families to receive help. Every family and every individual is unique, and I enjoy tailoring my treatment methods to the specific needs of each client and/or family.
(443) 986-9489 View (443) 986-9489
Photo of Amy Heikkinen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Amy Heikkinen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Serves Area
Offering play therapy, art therapy, and traditional talk therapy for clients of all ages, in-person at our office in Westminster or via telehealth.
We draw from a wide variety of approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, attachment-focused, creative arts, a broad spectrum of play therapy models, and more. Voted runner-up for Carroll's Best 2024, we are committed to serving our community and providing a safe, confidential space for folks from all walks of life.
Offering play therapy, art therapy, and traditional talk therapy for clients of all ages, in-person at our office in Westminster or via telehealth.
We draw from a wide variety of approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, attachment-focused, creative arts, a broad spectrum of play therapy models, and more. Voted runner-up for Carroll's Best 2024, we are committed to serving our community and providing a safe, confidential space for folks from all walks of life.
(443) 201-7850 View (443) 201-7850
Photo of Madeline Krieger, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Madeline Krieger
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Online Only
Hi there, I'm Madeline! As well as being an LCPC, I am also an RN. That combination has been an asset for me. I’m pretty eclectic and also use CBT, depending on a client’s needs. I provide a judgment-free space for clients to express whatever is on their minds. My most common approach is CBT. I will work with a client to see in what areas they feel stuck and try to resolve those issues.
Hi there, I'm Madeline! As well as being an LCPC, I am also an RN. That combination has been an asset for me. I’m pretty eclectic and also use CBT, depending on a client’s needs. I provide a judgment-free space for clients to express whatever is on their minds. My most common approach is CBT. I will work with a client to see in what areas they feel stuck and try to resolve those issues.
(410) 883-5448 View (410) 883-5448
Photo of Judith Viers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Judith Viers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you feel isolated, not understood, overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, depression, loss, self-esteem, life changes, strained relationships and want to be understood and have a trained expert who cares there to help create more insights and be with you. I would be honored to join you on your healing journey and help the best I can! Life is hard and support can help! Proud of you for looking for guidance! I enjoy helping many clients throughout the life span.
If you feel isolated, not understood, overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, depression, loss, self-esteem, life changes, strained relationships and want to be understood and have a trained expert who cares there to help create more insights and be with you. I would be honored to join you on your healing journey and help the best I can! Life is hard and support can help! Proud of you for looking for guidance! I enjoy helping many clients throughout the life span.
(410) 559-9414 View (410) 559-9414
Photo of Laura S. Lane - Laura Lane Therapy, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Laura Lane Therapy
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Childhood trauma, or other emotional battles I would love the opportunity to work with you to help you heal. I work with children age 6 and up, teens, individuals, families, and couples, Often our negative feelings leave us feeling stuck or paralyzed. Facing the emotional pain, talking about feelings that were never spoken is an important part of therapy-whether that's trauma, grief, depression or anxiety . I help you talk about the feelings & walk beside you through the journey of recovery.
If you are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Childhood trauma, or other emotional battles I would love the opportunity to work with you to help you heal. I work with children age 6 and up, teens, individuals, families, and couples, Often our negative feelings leave us feeling stuck or paralyzed. Facing the emotional pain, talking about feelings that were never spoken is an important part of therapy-whether that's trauma, grief, depression or anxiety . I help you talk about the feelings & walk beside you through the journey of recovery.
(443) 251-3930 View (443) 251-3930
Photo of Lauren Powers, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, RPT-S
Lauren Powers
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, RPT-S
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to supporting adults, I am also a Registered Play Therapist and have specialized training in understanding the unique needs of kids.
I love helping people who feel stuck. Stuck with spiraling anxiety. Stuck with memories of a distressing and/or painful life experience that happened a long time ago, but feels like it was just yesterday. Stuck with intrusive thoughts and feelings. Therapy can help you get unstuck! I specialize in anxiety and trauma counseling for individuals of all ages. I understand the vulnerability + courage it takes to start the journey towards healing and growth and I know that it is through genuine connection and the safety of being able to show up and have all parts of you welcomed, heard, and cared for that change and healing can happen.
In addition to supporting adults, I am also a Registered Play Therapist and have specialized training in understanding the unique needs of kids.
I love helping people who feel stuck. Stuck with spiraling anxiety. Stuck with memories of a distressing and/or painful life experience that happened a long time ago, but feels like it was just yesterday. Stuck with intrusive thoughts and feelings. Therapy can help you get unstuck! I specialize in anxiety and trauma counseling for individuals of all ages. I understand the vulnerability + courage it takes to start the journey towards healing and growth and I know that it is through genuine connection and the safety of being able to show up and have all parts of you welcomed, heard, and cared for that change and healing can happen.
(410) 755-5274 View (410) 755-5274
Photo of Martha Smith, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Martha Smith
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Serves Area
I have advanced training in play therapy, ABA therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and trauma.
I have extensive experience working with Autism and providing ABA treatment. I work well with children, teens and adults of all ages. I also specialize in treating trauma.
I have advanced training in play therapy, ABA therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and trauma.
I have extensive experience working with Autism and providing ABA treatment. I work well with children, teens and adults of all ages. I also specialize in treating trauma.
(410) 324-6312 View (410) 324-6312
Photo of Renee Perez, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPC
Renee Perez
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPC
Online Only
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy during sessions.
HI! I help anxious and neurodivergent children, teens, and their parents build confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience through life's transitions. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, specific fears, ADHD, Autism, school stress, or a major life transition, therapy can provide a safe place to build confidence and emotional resilience. I am currently seeing clients in both Maryland and South Carolina.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy during sessions.
HI! I help anxious and neurodivergent children, teens, and their parents build confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience through life's transitions. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, specific fears, ADHD, Autism, school stress, or a major life transition, therapy can provide a safe place to build confidence and emotional resilience. I am currently seeing clients in both Maryland and South Carolina.
(443) 785-2951 View (443) 785-2951

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Abena Adoko Sando, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Abena Adoko Sando
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Baltimore, MD 21229
I have been providing mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health needs for over 12 years. I foster an environment that is sensitive to clients'/parents' needs. Clients are encouraged to openly express thoughts/feelings so that we can focus on setting goals, identifying feelings and patterns, developing healthy/positive attitudes and behaviors, and problem solving. I would be honored to work with you/your child/family to move away from distress and towards wellness and increased satisfaction and happiness!
I have been providing mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health needs for over 12 years. I foster an environment that is sensitive to clients'/parents' needs. Clients are encouraged to openly express thoughts/feelings so that we can focus on setting goals, identifying feelings and patterns, developing healthy/positive attitudes and behaviors, and problem solving. I would be honored to work with you/your child/family to move away from distress and towards wellness and increased satisfaction and happiness!
(443) 233-0628 View (443) 233-0628
Photo of Santokh Singh, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Santokh Singh
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Columbia, MD 21045
Accepting NEW clients. Are you struggling? Do you need support? I’ll work to meet you where you are, no matter what you’re experiencing. I have experience working with adults experiencing trauma and a variety of other mental health challenges such as relationship problems, anxiety, and depression. Whatever challenge you’re troubled with, I will work with you by creating a Safe Space. I collaborate with you, assisting you towards your goals. My approach is to listen and understand, and I will work to support you unconditionally, without judgement, and with empathy.
Accepting NEW clients. Are you struggling? Do you need support? I’ll work to meet you where you are, no matter what you’re experiencing. I have experience working with adults experiencing trauma and a variety of other mental health challenges such as relationship problems, anxiety, and depression. Whatever challenge you’re troubled with, I will work with you by creating a Safe Space. I collaborate with you, assisting you towards your goals. My approach is to listen and understand, and I will work to support you unconditionally, without judgement, and with empathy.
(443) 596-6342 View (443) 596-6342
Photo of Jennifer Hilton, Counselor, LCPC, PMH-C, NCC, MS
Jennifer Hilton
Counselor, LCPC, PMH-C, NCC, MS
2 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
I provide a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for individuals to do difficult therapeutic work. Through my experience as a clinical therapist and professional school counselor, my clients have benefited from my individualized and integrated treatment approaches. I have been successful in utilizing a combination of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), strengths-based therapy, brief solution-focused therapy and other mindfulness-based approaches to address difficult issues. I believe in developing a strong therapeutic relationship and working with clients to meet their desired goals.
I provide a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for individuals to do difficult therapeutic work. Through my experience as a clinical therapist and professional school counselor, my clients have benefited from my individualized and integrated treatment approaches. I have been successful in utilizing a combination of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), strengths-based therapy, brief solution-focused therapy and other mindfulness-based approaches to address difficult issues. I believe in developing a strong therapeutic relationship and working with clients to meet their desired goals.
(443) 583-3432 View (443) 583-3432
Photo of Donald Rinker, Counselor, LGPC
Donald Rinker
Counselor, LGPC
1 Endorsed
Catonsville, MD 21228
I am excited to provide talk and play therapy to individuals of all ages!
I incorporate a multicultural lens into my practice, as each person is an expert on their way of being. I value collaboration with my clients, and hope to work with my clients to help them navigate their lives; I am also passionate about the therapeutic benefits of gaming, technology, and storytelling, and incorporate these into my work where appropriate.
I am excited to provide talk and play therapy to individuals of all ages!
I incorporate a multicultural lens into my practice, as each person is an expert on their way of being. I value collaboration with my clients, and hope to work with my clients to help them navigate their lives; I am also passionate about the therapeutic benefits of gaming, technology, and storytelling, and incorporate these into my work where appropriate.
(410) 584-3921 View (410) 584-3921
Photo of Benjamin Lang, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Benjamin Lang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Baltimore, MD 21202
I specialize in psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children and adolescents, including early years (pre-K), gifted students, people with autism, and disabilities. Child psychotherapy is a process that begins with establishing safety and trust in a new relationship. Meaning and patterns emerge over time and are understood within the relationship, through drawing, talking, and playing. Understanding leads to a decrease in “the behaviors”, as it gives meaning to the feelings and thoughts underlying the behaviors. This leads to improvements in relationships and an increase in the capacity to reflect and to think on one’s own.
I specialize in psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children and adolescents, including early years (pre-K), gifted students, people with autism, and disabilities. Child psychotherapy is a process that begins with establishing safety and trust in a new relationship. Meaning and patterns emerge over time and are understood within the relationship, through drawing, talking, and playing. Understanding leads to a decrease in “the behaviors”, as it gives meaning to the feelings and thoughts underlying the behaviors. This leads to improvements in relationships and an increase in the capacity to reflect and to think on one’s own.
(410) 849-6415 View (410) 849-6415
Photo of Penny Zimmerman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Penny Zimmerman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I enjoy using Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness, CBT, Play, Sand Tray, and Art Therapies; Theraplay, TF-CBT, and Attachment-Based Parenting in my work.
Effective 6/14/26 - I have immediate openings and I am in-network with several insurance companies - My clients are smart, successful people who want to create change in their lives. Does your life look good on paper, but you don't feel happy or fulfilled? Experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression? Maybe, like many, you suffered trauma, now interfering with your quality of life. You want insight and action, process and results, to feel and perform better. Maybe you are the concerned parent of a child, seeking help for emotional or behavior problems.
I enjoy using Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness, CBT, Play, Sand Tray, and Art Therapies; Theraplay, TF-CBT, and Attachment-Based Parenting in my work.
Effective 6/14/26 - I have immediate openings and I am in-network with several insurance companies - My clients are smart, successful people who want to create change in their lives. Does your life look good on paper, but you don't feel happy or fulfilled? Experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression? Maybe, like many, you suffered trauma, now interfering with your quality of life. You want insight and action, process and results, to feel and perform better. Maybe you are the concerned parent of a child, seeking help for emotional or behavior problems.
(301) 888-5343 View (301) 888-5343
Photo of David Tong, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, EMBA, LCPC, NCC
David Tong
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, EMBA, LCPC, NCC
4 Endorsed
Online Only
My approach to counseling is to be fully present, attune, and resonate with my clients by co-regulating their nervous systems in a therapeutic setting. I am trained to identify and treat the root causes of emotional triggers and associated thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. I believe mental wellness is characterized by calmness, clarity, curiosity, creativity, confidence, courage, compassion, and connectedness.
My approach to counseling is to be fully present, attune, and resonate with my clients by co-regulating their nervous systems in a therapeutic setting. I am trained to identify and treat the root causes of emotional triggers and associated thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. I believe mental wellness is characterized by calmness, clarity, curiosity, creativity, confidence, courage, compassion, and connectedness.
(301) 381-4835 View (301) 381-4835

See more therapy options for Sykesville

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.