Play Therapy in Ann Arbor, MI
See all therapists in Ann Arbor
Samantha Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My primary interventions include CBT, behavioral management and
play therapy
with children.
My background in various human services settings has allowed me space to develop skills and understand people in a different way than most. My goal is to help you attain the skills to be who you want to be and have a place to let your feelings be heard. I love to help people start from where they are now and grow into who they want to be. My passion is working with children and young adults, focusing on becoming more independent through aquiring knowledge and skills for success and to better manage life stressors, anxiety, depression, transition, divorce, family changes, behavioral problems and school related issues.
Lexi Lashbrook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified
Verified
My use of
play therapy
allows a comfortable method of communication for young children and adolescents to express thoughts and feelings they may not know how to articulate verbally.
All humans, regardless of age, experience day-to-day challenges that can sometimes be overwhelming. Children and adolescents are faced with emotional, physical, and mental difficulties, just as adults are, but often lack the tools they need to communicate their feelings clearly and regulate their responses. My role is to support you and your child with communication, understanding behavior, alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, processing trauma, building coping skills, and finding parenting methods that support you and your kiddo.
Alyssa Butler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
Verified
For children, I practice from a
Play Therapy
informed perspective, as I believe that a child can best express themselves and communicate through
play
.
I offer mental health services for children (5+), adolescents, and young adults (18 – 25). My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based.
Miles Cornell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
Verified
I specialize in working with individuals, youth, and families who are experiencing issues relating to trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship dynamics by implementing interventions from Emotionally-Focused, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral, Internal Family Systems,
Play
/Sand Tray, and Sensorimotor Therapies.
Have you ever felt stuck in the same cycle over and over no matter how hard you try to break away? These type of patterns can often make it feel impossible to stay connected, be at peace, and thrive. I want you to know there is hope. Together we can explore how past patterns and trauma affect the present while building on your strengths to manifest a feeling of inner strength and freedom. I value creating an affirming therapeutic space where clients of LGBTQ+ identities, kink/sex-positive practices, and polyamorous relationships are safe and welcomed.
Not accepting new clients
Vanessa Marry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I am also experienced in
play therapy
for working with young children.
*My practice is currently full. Unfortunately, our waitlist has reached capacity at this time.* The cornerstone of any effective therapy experience is a good relationship. The relationship between therapist and client can provide an opportunity for working through difficult emotions and experiences, both past and present. I strive to develop a nonjudgmental partnership with each person I see in therapy, keeping in mind that every person and situation is unique. This allows us, together, to explore and understand the issues that bring you to therapy and how to begin to resolve them.
Waitlist for new clients
Onna Solomon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I use a collaborative and empathetic approach with clients, drawing on internal family systems, cognitive-behavioral,
play therapy
, mindfulness-based, and psychodynamic models.
I am dedicated to helping individuals and families find meaning and joy in relationships. I treat children and adults with a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, major life transitions, and parenting issues. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and belief systems.
Michelle Avery Ferguson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I am accepting new clients for adult psychotherapy via telehealth at this time. I'm committed to helping kids, adults and families experience greater enjoyment in their relationships and increased well-being and resilience at home, school, work and
play
. I provide treatment services to children, adults, and families. With the nervous system in mind, I help clients to increase their ability to cope with stressors. I address concerns about a child's attention, learning, behavior and social and emotional development, and help families who are feeling stuck find new ways of relating.
Chris Sanderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
In working with kids, I become an interpreter of the language kids know best:
play
! With all of my clients, I emphasize a climate of safety and compassionate awareness of underlying emotion.
Are you often not getting what you want out of your relationships? Are you feeling guilt and shame far more than contentment or pride? Are you the parent of a child who is struggling to feel safe and protected in a chaotic world? I collaborate with individuals across the lifespan in addressing the causal factors underlying conditions like anxiety, depression and trauma. I completed an internship and a two year fellowship at University of Michigan Outpatient Psychiatry, where I had the unique opportunity to develop expertise in providing integrative, attachment-oriented psychotherapy for both adults and children.
Not accepting new clients
Katie Czarnik
Masters Social Worker, LLMSW
Verified
Verified
I use
play therapy
, DBT, and ACT to support individuals through a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed lens.
Hello! I'm Katie, I'm so excited you are here, I discovered my passion for working with children, teens, and families at a young age. I always knew I would work with kids. I became extremely interested in the neurodivergent population after learning more about the way my own brain works and finding the importance of this community for myself. I specialize in Autism, ADHD, other neurodivergence, and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I am passionate about helping children and families to develop tools, manage emotions, and identify burnout and coping skills.
Waitlist for new clients
Salma Hassanieh
Counselor, MA, LLC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I utilize multicultural trauma-informed modalities, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),
play therapy
, and psychodynamic theory.
I am passionate about working collaboratively with a diverse population of individuals of any age or presenting concern. I have experience with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, grief, sexual and gender identity, child behavioral issues, social anxiety, and couples issues. Coming from a Middle Eastern background and being bi-lingual (English & Arabic), I understand the impact that culture has on mental health. Using a culturally sensitive approach, I enjoy working with underrepresented minorities, especially those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.
Carla Hines Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW, CTS-C, CIRT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in working with trauma survivors, couples, parenting issues,
play therapy
, adoption related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adjustment, and immigration issues.
My goal is to create an atmosphere where every person that enters my office feels it is a safe place to learn and grow. I honor the unique strengths that each individual already possesses while challenging them to grow and develop in other areas. While I encourage people to stretch beyond their comfort zones, I respect and accept each person where they are at in their growth process. I have 19 years experience as a Psychotherapist. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. When working with children, I feel it is important to become a team with their parents.
15 Second Videos
Susan Barrow
Josie M Kimball
Chandler Sims Chang
Kailah Ayres-Tuttle
Katie M Wyss LMSW-C
Jeri Lea Kroll
Gayle Seely
Kim J Logan-Nowlin
The Wellness Institute of Michigan
Brittany Sanders
Andrea Abadie
Not accepting new clients
Andi Mineard O'Neil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LLC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My approach is eclectic, incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), attachment-focused family therapy, mindfulness and
play therapy
.
Do you struggle with worrying more than you would like? Is your mood lower than you would like it to be? Are you overwhelmed by the challenges of work or school, relationships, and family? Perhaps you are finding parenting more challenging than you had imagined or would like to find someone to talk with your child or adolescent. I have experience with a variety of clinical issues including anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, parenting challenges, trauma, adoption and attachment issues, LGBTQ and women’s issues. Whatever the stresses you are facing, talking through them in a warm, safe environment can make a difference.
Amber Silva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My clients can
play
with fidgets, color/draw, and/or read to best describe how they are feeling and to be able to communicate that.
Amber is passionate about creating a safe and open-minded space for all identities in her therapy. She believes the most important aspect when it comes to therapy is having it be collaborative, compassionate, empathetic, and fun! Amber has experience working with children, youth, and adults who present with anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, lack of motivation, and substance use. She looks at each symptom that the individual presents through a trauma-focused lens. Outside of work, Amber enjoys cuddling her cat, watching crime shows, and playing video games.
Susan Barrow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I use
play
interventions and various art forms extensively in my work.
Relationships are central to my work, whether it be the relationship between a child or adult and myself, or the complex web of relationships within a family. My training and experience in Infant Mental Health--a type of therapy focusing on the attachment relationship between a primary caregiver and and an infant or young child--permeates all aspects of my work. I believe that therapy cannot separate an individual from the context of his or her relationships, past or present. I am creative and flexible in my approach to working with the children, teens, adults and families that I serve.
Jenna Newhouse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
Parents are a child’s best teacher and
play
a vital role in the success of therapy.
I believe that therapy should be driven by the individual. I work to empower individuals to create the change they want to see in their lives, promote healing, and strengthen relationships. I believe the most important indicator of success is a trusting and supportive relationship with the therapist. I know that finding a therapist that meets your needs can be overwhelming. I am happy to provide a free phone consultation for any potential clients to see if we might be a good match. Please email me to inquire more about services or set up a consultation. I am also able to provide clinical supervision to any LLMSW clinicians.
Rachel Kornilakis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LMSW
Verified
Verified
With children and teens, I use music, art, and
play therapy
as part of the therapeutic process.
Unresolved trauma can create invisible emotional wounds. The deep emotional scarring of these wounds can negatively impact both personal and professional lives. Early trauma is often at the root of mental illness, including depression and anxiety. I specialize in trauma focused therapy solutions for adults and children. In my office, you will find a safe space where you can express yourself and move toward your desired goals in a healthy and healing way. Our relationship will be built on the four pillars of healing: trust, safety, support and hope.
Ariella Blackburn
MA, LLPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I incorporate
Play Therapy
, Art Therapy, DBT, ACT, IFS, and EFT to support my clients.
I specialize in a range of emotional and behavioral concerns, including anxiety, anger management, depression, trauma, and OCD. My work covers children, couples, and families who are coping with life stressors— I also have experience and a love for healing work through Group Therapy. I run Middle School and High School DBT Groups across the school year September through June. Throughout summer break, I am running three Art Therapy Camps: June 19th-23rd from 9 am to 11 am for ages 8 - 10, July 24th-28th from 9 am to 11 am for ages 11 to 13, and August 21st-25th from 9 am to 11 am for ages 14 to 18!
Kenisha Parham
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, TLLP
Verified
Verified
I utilize a Person-Centered and Strength-Based approach to meet the unique needs of the families that I work with, which may include the use of
play therapy
techniques, mindfulness, and relationship focused therapy.
Are you currently a new parent or expecting a new baby and experiencing anxiety or depression with this new role transition? I specialize in working with women in the perinatal stages who may be experiencing difficulties adjusting to parenthood, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and trauma. I also have training in supporting parents and children through the early childhood stages who may be experiencing attachment and bonding issues, early childhood trauma, as well as parenting and behavioral problems.
Mala Child & Family Institute
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
We offer
play therapy
to children as young as two, individual and group therapy to teens, family and couples therapy, parent coaching, individual therapy for parents and grandparents, biofeedback training, executive function coaching, yoga, and comprehensive psychological testing.
We are dedicated to supporting children, couples, and families. We are built on the principle that every family, no matter their background or presenting issues, deserves a compassionate, caring, and resourceful village to help them repair, grow, and thrive. We work hard to make sure that families have access to high quality, evidence-based, holistic mental health care. And the best part is that we tailor every service to each client's unique needs so they can experience the best possible. We use a team approach and work closely with parents and extended family, schools, and other medical professionals to provide clients the best ca
Hillary Fitzsimmons
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I provide individual and family therapy,
play therapy
, and parenting support for children with emotional, social, and behavioral challenges.
I am currently accepting new clients! Children and adolescents often develop challenging behaviors as a way of expressing their inner thoughts and feelings that they don't have the words to explain. I help give youth a voice through creating a trusting environment where they feel safe to explore emotions, share thoughts, and develop solutions. I use unique interventions tailored to your child's strengths in order to foster a space where they feel supported and motivated to change.
See more therapy options for
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.