Play Therapy in Old Orchard Beach, ME
Counseling and Trauma Therapy Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
Please Note: Due to extended wait times, we have unfortunately had to close our waitlist for children under 15, couples and family counseling at this time. We are a mental health agency proudly serving MaineCare clients. Our therapists help individuals and families to lead lives they feel good about. Couples, families, adults, and children have all benefited from the work we do. We look forward to working with all MaineCare clients. We have offices in Portland and Biddeford (catt-associates.com/locations) to serve the local community, and offer Telehealth sessions as well.
Please Note: Due to extended wait times, we have unfortunately had to close our waitlist for children under 15, couples and family counseling at this time. We are a mental health agency proudly serving MaineCare clients. Our therapists help individuals and families to lead lives they feel good about. Couples, families, adults, and children have all benefited from the work we do. We look forward to working with all MaineCare clients. We have offices in Portland and Biddeford (catt-associates.com/locations) to serve the local community, and offer Telehealth sessions as well.
I approach trauma work using an embodied approach with somatic (body) awareness, EMDR, trauma reprocessing/unburdening, and play therapy.
I welcome parents, adults, and children ages 3-11 that have experienced trauma. Areas of practice include: foster care and adoption; childhood, attachment, generational, and complex trauma and PTSD; ADHD and executive functioning, traumatic brain injury, sensory processing disorders, and applied behavioral interventions.
I approach trauma work using an embodied approach with somatic (body) awareness, EMDR, trauma reprocessing/unburdening, and play therapy.
I welcome parents, adults, and children ages 3-11 that have experienced trauma. Areas of practice include: foster care and adoption; childhood, attachment, generational, and complex trauma and PTSD; ADHD and executive functioning, traumatic brain injury, sensory processing disorders, and applied behavioral interventions.
More Therapists Nearby
As a Board Certified Music Therapist with training in Play Therapy and Art Therapy I use many therapeutic techniques to ensure that my clients receive the best possible outcomes.
Dually trained in traditional therapeutic techniques as well as music and other expressive arts therapies, I am a multi-modal practitioner and draw from various theoretical orientations and a variety of modalities to tailor my work with each client.
As a Board Certified Music Therapist with training in Play Therapy and Art Therapy I use many therapeutic techniques to ensure that my clients receive the best possible outcomes.
Dually trained in traditional therapeutic techniques as well as music and other expressive arts therapies, I am a multi-modal practitioner and draw from various theoretical orientations and a variety of modalities to tailor my work with each client.
The Family Center of Maine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCPC, LMFT
South Portland, ME 04106
Our specialized play therapy helps young children express themselves and work through challenges.
We are a collaborative of providers with experience in providing counseling services to children, families, individuals, and couples. The mission of The Family Center of Maine is to encourage each individual in all areas of development and stages of life. We are committed to the wellness of individuals, children, families and our community through prevention, intervention, treatment and education.
Our specialized play therapy helps young children express themselves and work through challenges.
We are a collaborative of providers with experience in providing counseling services to children, families, individuals, and couples. The mission of The Family Center of Maine is to encourage each individual in all areas of development and stages of life. We are committed to the wellness of individuals, children, families and our community through prevention, intervention, treatment and education.
I am a play therapist who works with children ages 4 - 14 and their parents to help with issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, attachment, and more.
I use play therapy, sand tray, art, and other forms of therapy to help children process their feelings and events in their lives, and build inner resources to thrive in their day to day lives.
I am a play therapist who works with children ages 4 - 14 and their parents to help with issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, attachment, and more.
I use play therapy, sand tray, art, and other forms of therapy to help children process their feelings and events in their lives, and build inner resources to thrive in their day to day lives.
I am a licensed Family Therapist with extensive clinical experience evaluating and treating children and families. My practice focuses on child therapy, family relationships, parenting issues and provides a safe space for inquiry.
I am a licensed Family Therapist with extensive clinical experience evaluating and treating children and families. My practice focuses on child therapy, family relationships, parenting issues and provides a safe space for inquiry.
With over twenty-five years of experience, and a strong academic background, I am able to provide treatment to individuals, couples, and families.
I am dedicated to fostering growth and adaptive development in children, adolescents, and adults in a friendly, private, and confidential atmosphere.
With over twenty-five years of experience, and a strong academic background, I am able to provide treatment to individuals, couples, and families.
I am dedicated to fostering growth and adaptive development in children, adolescents, and adults in a friendly, private, and confidential atmosphere.
Therapy Redefined, By Shelly Flachs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LISW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My ideal client has a desire to address longstanding issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. They crave understanding, validation, and practical strategies to navigate their challenges. Their goal is holistic wellness—mental, emotional, and physical. They yearn for inner peace, healthier relationships, and a sense of purpose. Ultimately, they want to break free from their struggles, live authentically, and experience joy and fulfillment in life.
My ideal client has a desire to address longstanding issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. They crave understanding, validation, and practical strategies to navigate their challenges. Their goal is holistic wellness—mental, emotional, and physical. They yearn for inner peace, healthier relationships, and a sense of purpose. Ultimately, they want to break free from their struggles, live authentically, and experience joy and fulfillment in life.
As a therapist, I provide counseling to individuals who feel like they can no longer hold the weight of the world alone - those who ask ‘who am I, and who do I want to become?’, those who carry grief quietly until it can’t stay silent any longer, and those who are living with chronic illness who need a soft place to land. I offer a grounded space in which you are able to show up exactly as you are, with room for your complexities, and with respect for your lived experience. I believe that both humor and heartache can empower transformation, and that community and artistic expression can heal even the deepest of wounds.
As a therapist, I provide counseling to individuals who feel like they can no longer hold the weight of the world alone - those who ask ‘who am I, and who do I want to become?’, those who carry grief quietly until it can’t stay silent any longer, and those who are living with chronic illness who need a soft place to land. I offer a grounded space in which you are able to show up exactly as you are, with room for your complexities, and with respect for your lived experience. I believe that both humor and heartache can empower transformation, and that community and artistic expression can heal even the deepest of wounds.
Kim sees therapy as a place to build self-awareness and understanding, and to change how we relate to life’s challenges—even when we can’t change the circumstances themselves. By working together and reflecting, she helps clients reconnect with their inner strengths and sense of control over their choices. Kim believes that recognizing your ability to grow and heal can turn painful experiences into opportunities for self-discovery, resilience, and lasting change. Her approach supports emotional balance, self-compassion, and a more empowered path forward.
Kim sees therapy as a place to build self-awareness and understanding, and to change how we relate to life’s challenges—even when we can’t change the circumstances themselves. By working together and reflecting, she helps clients reconnect with their inner strengths and sense of control over their choices. Kim believes that recognizing your ability to grow and heal can turn painful experiences into opportunities for self-discovery, resilience, and lasting change. Her approach supports emotional balance, self-compassion, and a more empowered path forward.
I also offer play therapy, parent guidance sessions, and school consultation.
Note: Current Waitlist. I am a child psychologist and deeply respect parents who seek support for themselves and their children. My therapeutic approach is nonjudgmental, creative, and respectful of each individual's unique experience. I invest significant time and energy in establishing a strong partnership with your child and help him/her develop a personal investment in therapy. By prioritizing these two important elements, I have helped many children who have not benefited from therapy in the past. I also provide a therapeutic experience that is comfortable for children who are initially opposed to or skeptical of therapy.
I also offer play therapy, parent guidance sessions, and school consultation.
Note: Current Waitlist. I am a child psychologist and deeply respect parents who seek support for themselves and their children. My therapeutic approach is nonjudgmental, creative, and respectful of each individual's unique experience. I invest significant time and energy in establishing a strong partnership with your child and help him/her develop a personal investment in therapy. By prioritizing these two important elements, I have helped many children who have not benefited from therapy in the past. I also provide a therapeutic experience that is comfortable for children who are initially opposed to or skeptical of therapy.
The patterns you live with may have worked for you—the deep analysis, the striving, the over-responsibility, and the anxious mind that catches every misstep. These are ways you may have learned to navigate a world that can feel unpredictable and unreasonable, but underneath is something simpler: the desire to be felt and seen. In this space together, something new can emerge—the possibility of being more authentically yourself.
The patterns you live with may have worked for you—the deep analysis, the striving, the over-responsibility, and the anxious mind that catches every misstep. These are ways you may have learned to navigate a world that can feel unpredictable and unreasonable, but underneath is something simpler: the desire to be felt and seen. In this space together, something new can emerge—the possibility of being more authentically yourself.
I believe that the most important indicator of success in therapy is ensuring that clients feel heard, respected, and that they have the space to discuss whatever they wish. I work to build a foundation of trust and believe that a collaborative approach in therapy is key. My approach is collaborative, providing guidance and gentle challenges to the client when therapeutically necessary. I am comfortable using a variety of treatment modalities (CBT, DBT, etc.) as well as mediums (talk therapy, art therapy, movement therapy, pet therapy, etc.) that best suit each client.
I believe that the most important indicator of success in therapy is ensuring that clients feel heard, respected, and that they have the space to discuss whatever they wish. I work to build a foundation of trust and believe that a collaborative approach in therapy is key. My approach is collaborative, providing guidance and gentle challenges to the client when therapeutically necessary. I am comfortable using a variety of treatment modalities (CBT, DBT, etc.) as well as mediums (talk therapy, art therapy, movement therapy, pet therapy, etc.) that best suit each client.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stressed? Disconnected? Frustrated? Lost? Alone? I'd like to help you feel alive & centered, connected, grounded - inspired. You deserve to thrive.
With support, you can liberate yourself from past pain. You can explore patterns with self-compassion, discover new tools and insights, reclaim. You can tap into your powerful life-force and flourish. When you reconnect with yourself, you connect more deeply with people you love, with your passion & purpose. Same goes for kids navigating feelings they can't seem to express. This can result in shutdown or outbursts that are challenging for them and for you.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stressed? Disconnected? Frustrated? Lost? Alone? I'd like to help you feel alive & centered, connected, grounded - inspired. You deserve to thrive.
With support, you can liberate yourself from past pain. You can explore patterns with self-compassion, discover new tools and insights, reclaim. You can tap into your powerful life-force and flourish. When you reconnect with yourself, you connect more deeply with people you love, with your passion & purpose. Same goes for kids navigating feelings they can't seem to express. This can result in shutdown or outbursts that are challenging for them and for you.
Are you having difficulty managing things? Do you ever become overwhelmed by anxiety? I have twenty years of experience helping people feel happier, less anxious, and more fulfilled. If you are seeking help for your child, I also conduct parental assistance/ behavioral strategy sessions to help facilitate the best possible outcomes of treatment. I work well with children, college students, and parents. Consultations with schools are also available.
Are you having difficulty managing things? Do you ever become overwhelmed by anxiety? I have twenty years of experience helping people feel happier, less anxious, and more fulfilled. If you are seeking help for your child, I also conduct parental assistance/ behavioral strategy sessions to help facilitate the best possible outcomes of treatment. I work well with children, college students, and parents. Consultations with schools are also available.
With children, I use play and other creative methods to help them express emotions and navigate challenges in a way that feels natural to them.
Hi there, I'm Chris and thank you for visiting my profile! I provide therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, offering a laid-back yet deeply caring approach to therapy. I believe that building a trusting relationship is the cornerstone of successful therapy, and I strive to create a non-judgmental, client-centered space where creativity and thoughtful care are at the heart of addressing your concerns.
With children, I use play and other creative methods to help them express emotions and navigate challenges in a way that feels natural to them.
Hi there, I'm Chris and thank you for visiting my profile! I provide therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, offering a laid-back yet deeply caring approach to therapy. I believe that building a trusting relationship is the cornerstone of successful therapy, and I strive to create a non-judgmental, client-centered space where creativity and thoughtful care are at the heart of addressing your concerns.
At the heart of Debra's practice is the belief that every person is unique and deserving of respect and empathy. The person-centered approach emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental space to freely explore your thoughts and feelings. By prioritizing your experiences and perspectives, we work collaboratively to uncover insights and develop strategies that resonate with your values and goals.
At the heart of Debra's practice is the belief that every person is unique and deserving of respect and empathy. The person-centered approach emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental space to freely explore your thoughts and feelings. By prioritizing your experiences and perspectives, we work collaboratively to uncover insights and develop strategies that resonate with your values and goals.
At the Partnership for Trauma Recovery we believe that true healing happens when we find the courage to look at the root of the long standing patterns and difficulties we have. While learning to cope with the daily burdens of these patterns is an important skill, our philosophy is that simply learning to manage only places a bandage on the problem. In order to truly heal we have to look deeper into ourselves and try to determine where these patterns developed.
At the Partnership for Trauma Recovery we believe that true healing happens when we find the courage to look at the root of the long standing patterns and difficulties we have. While learning to cope with the daily burdens of these patterns is an important skill, our philosophy is that simply learning to manage only places a bandage on the problem. In order to truly heal we have to look deeper into ourselves and try to determine where these patterns developed.
My life experiences both professionally and personally have shown me how prevalent trauma is in our world today. While we are navigating different or in some cases very similar storms, I believe that each of us travel in our own boat. Some of us are traveling in Yachts with more amenities than we can even imagine, while others are negotiating the turbulence of the seas, in what feels like a life raft. The continuum of vessels is vast and I consider it my job to help you upgrade yours by accessing/implementing positive coping strategies, facilitating insight, collaboratively setting goals, and creating more meaningful relationships.
My life experiences both professionally and personally have shown me how prevalent trauma is in our world today. While we are navigating different or in some cases very similar storms, I believe that each of us travel in our own boat. Some of us are traveling in Yachts with more amenities than we can even imagine, while others are negotiating the turbulence of the seas, in what feels like a life raft. The continuum of vessels is vast and I consider it my job to help you upgrade yours by accessing/implementing positive coping strategies, facilitating insight, collaboratively setting goals, and creating more meaningful relationships.
We do this through imaginative play, physical movement, and connection with nature.
Watching your child struggle can feel like watching your heart break outside of your body. Often, you see their strengths and spirit get covered by behaviors so that people can’t see the beautiful person they really are. In my practice, I want to get to know the heart of your child and bring it back to the surface. If you have a child age 4-10 who has autism, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, or depression; they may respond well to my treatment.
We do this through imaginative play, physical movement, and connection with nature.
Watching your child struggle can feel like watching your heart break outside of your body. Often, you see their strengths and spirit get covered by behaviors so that people can’t see the beautiful person they really are. In my practice, I want to get to know the heart of your child and bring it back to the surface. If you have a child age 4-10 who has autism, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, or depression; they may respond well to my treatment.
See more therapy options for Old Orchard Beach
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Old Orchard Beach
- Biddeford
- Cape Elizabeth
- Falmouth
- Gorham
- Kennebunk
- Portland
- Saco
- Scarborough
- South Portland
- Standish
- Wells
- Westbrook
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.