Play Therapy in Hamilton, MI
If you're someone others rely on a high-achieving professional, a caregiver, or both you may find yourself quietly running on empty. Words like overwhelmed, over functioning, and at capacity may feel all too familiar. I offer a safe, supportive space to breathe, reflect, and begin healing.
If you're someone others rely on a high-achieving professional, a caregiver, or both you may find yourself quietly running on empty. Words like overwhelmed, over functioning, and at capacity may feel all too familiar. I offer a safe, supportive space to breathe, reflect, and begin healing.
I have also found play therapy to be very effective in helping children to become more comfortable to talk as they are doing things that bring them joy.
Have you ever wished for a way to feel better and learn to manage your emotions or a way to a better future? I work with children and adolescents, and those who care for them. I have experience in the areas of stress reduction/coping, post-partum depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. With children, I treat trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, grief, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I have also worked with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) with children who have autism and are nonverbal.
I have also found play therapy to be very effective in helping children to become more comfortable to talk as they are doing things that bring them joy.
Have you ever wished for a way to feel better and learn to manage your emotions or a way to a better future? I work with children and adolescents, and those who care for them. I have experience in the areas of stress reduction/coping, post-partum depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. With children, I treat trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, grief, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I have also worked with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) with children who have autism and are nonverbal.
More Therapists Nearby
I utilize approaches including play, sandtray, art, and self-compassion.
I have worked with children and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, domestic violence, behavioral concerns, ADHD, infant and early childhood mental health, and school issues. I also provide parent-child relationship support and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.
I utilize approaches including play, sandtray, art, and self-compassion.
I have worked with children and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, domestic violence, behavioral concerns, ADHD, infant and early childhood mental health, and school issues. I also provide parent-child relationship support and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.
Hello! I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults, and elders who are navigating trauma, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I have experience supporting individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and those impacted by cultural factors. I am also trauma-informed weight lifting certified (TIWL). My therapeutic approach is client focused and is grounded in compassion and authenticity, creating a space where clients feel understood and supported. Together, we’ll explore and address unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, making therapy feel like a collaborative, natural conversation rather than a clinical process.
Hello! I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults, and elders who are navigating trauma, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I have experience supporting individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and those impacted by cultural factors. I am also trauma-informed weight lifting certified (TIWL). My therapeutic approach is client focused and is grounded in compassion and authenticity, creating a space where clients feel understood and supported. Together, we’ll explore and address unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, making therapy feel like a collaborative, natural conversation rather than a clinical process.
Tracy A Zavala
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
When my clients show an interest or need, I use play and art in therapy also.
We all have times when we need help with getting through the challenges of life. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, other mental health concerns; or perhaps parenting a child with emotional and behavioral concerns, I am glad to help. I have twenty plus years of experience working with individuals and families in settings including: partial hospitalization, preschool, juvenile court, adolescent residential treatment, nonprofit organizations and community mental health. Contact me to discuss your needs and how I may best assist you, or your child/family.
When my clients show an interest or need, I use play and art in therapy also.
We all have times when we need help with getting through the challenges of life. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, other mental health concerns; or perhaps parenting a child with emotional and behavioral concerns, I am glad to help. I have twenty plus years of experience working with individuals and families in settings including: partial hospitalization, preschool, juvenile court, adolescent residential treatment, nonprofit organizations and community mental health. Contact me to discuss your needs and how I may best assist you, or your child/family.
Kris is trained in play therapy, Theraplay (Level One )
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT),
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and the Safe and Sound
Protocol (SSP).
Kris holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University,
obtained in 2015. She is licensed to practice clinical social work in
Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Kris specializes in providing treatment
to adults, adolescents, and children.
Kris is trained in play therapy, Theraplay (Level One )
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT),
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and the Safe and Sound
Protocol (SSP).
Kris holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University,
obtained in 2015. She is licensed to practice clinical social work in
Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Kris specializes in providing treatment
to adults, adolescents, and children.
I find it helpful to incorporate expressive arts (i.e. clay, drawing, painting, journaling), mindfulness, play and sand tray therapies.
Whether you are feeling disconnected, hoping to break unhealthy patterns, or are looking to recover from a traumatic experience, we can work together to build on your strengths. I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment, which helps clients to feel relaxed and at ease. My style is sincere, open and warm, and I encourage self-care and self-acceptance throughout the therapeutic process. Through non-critical communication using honesty and humor, I enjoy collaborating with clients to develop insight and clarity. My ideal client is ready to make the time to reflect and to take the steps toward positive change.
I find it helpful to incorporate expressive arts (i.e. clay, drawing, painting, journaling), mindfulness, play and sand tray therapies.
Whether you are feeling disconnected, hoping to break unhealthy patterns, or are looking to recover from a traumatic experience, we can work together to build on your strengths. I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment, which helps clients to feel relaxed and at ease. My style is sincere, open and warm, and I encourage self-care and self-acceptance throughout the therapeutic process. Through non-critical communication using honesty and humor, I enjoy collaborating with clients to develop insight and clarity. My ideal client is ready to make the time to reflect and to take the steps toward positive change.
Many families come to therapy feeling like they have tried everything and are lost as to helping their child manage their emotions and behaviors. This is especially true for caregivers of children who have been adopted or in the child welfare system. I work with caregivers to understand their children's behaviors through a developmentally appropriate framework and discuss tangible ways to create positive change in family dynamics. Together, I work with children and caregivers to increase secure attachment, bonding, and mutual enjoyment.
Many families come to therapy feeling like they have tried everything and are lost as to helping their child manage their emotions and behaviors. This is especially true for caregivers of children who have been adopted or in the child welfare system. I work with caregivers to understand their children's behaviors through a developmentally appropriate framework and discuss tangible ways to create positive change in family dynamics. Together, I work with children and caregivers to increase secure attachment, bonding, and mutual enjoyment.
Kristen Barry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LISW-S
Byron Center, MI 49315
Waitlist for new clients
My therapeutic approach has a foundation in building a healthy relationship that is grounded in the values of safety and respect while mindfully applying principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Trauma-informed care, and using play in order to promote positive, empowering change.
I work with youth (from birth to 18) and their families through the challenges of infancy, early childhood, childhood, adolescence, and the transition to adulthood. Goals for our time together are often around managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, and/or trauma. I help youth cope with social challenges or changing family dynamics. We work to identify healthy and safe ways for the youth to express themselves and their feelings. We identify the ways that they are successfully doing so in some aspects of their lives in order to expand those already existing skills to help them be more successful in all environments.
My therapeutic approach has a foundation in building a healthy relationship that is grounded in the values of safety and respect while mindfully applying principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Trauma-informed care, and using play in order to promote positive, empowering change.
I work with youth (from birth to 18) and their families through the challenges of infancy, early childhood, childhood, adolescence, and the transition to adulthood. Goals for our time together are often around managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, and/or trauma. I help youth cope with social challenges or changing family dynamics. We work to identify healthy and safe ways for the youth to express themselves and their feelings. We identify the ways that they are successfully doing so in some aspects of their lives in order to expand those already existing skills to help them be more successful in all environments.
Sometimes life can present us with difficulties, as well as opportunities, that we don't expect or aren't sure how to handle. Many people find ways of healing, growing, and even striving through the counseling process. Once you've decided to seek out psychotherapy, finding the therapist who is the right fit for you can feel overwhelming. The psychologists, professional counselors and social workers at River City Psychological Services (RCPS) strive to create a safe environment where people can grow and heal.
Sometimes life can present us with difficulties, as well as opportunities, that we don't expect or aren't sure how to handle. Many people find ways of healing, growing, and even striving through the counseling process. Once you've decided to seek out psychotherapy, finding the therapist who is the right fit for you can feel overwhelming. The psychologists, professional counselors and social workers at River City Psychological Services (RCPS) strive to create a safe environment where people can grow and heal.
I am a limited license psychologist In Grand Rapids Michigan. I have my own practice where I specialize in working with adults and children. I have a CBT focused, Mindfulness approach to helping people with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Relationship issues, Boundaries, and Communication. As well as other cognitive challenges and personality disorders.
I am a limited license psychologist In Grand Rapids Michigan. I have my own practice where I specialize in working with adults and children. I have a CBT focused, Mindfulness approach to helping people with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Relationship issues, Boundaries, and Communication. As well as other cognitive challenges and personality disorders.
At Common Ground Counseling and Wellness, we are devoted to creating a safe and supportive space for adults, couples, families, and children ages five and up. We work with clients who want clarity, peace, and practical tools to manage emotions more effectively. They seek stronger relationships, healthier boundaries, and a deeper understanding of themselves. Most of all, they want a safe, supportive space where they can feel heard and begin building a more balanced and meaningful life.
At Common Ground Counseling and Wellness, we are devoted to creating a safe and supportive space for adults, couples, families, and children ages five and up. We work with clients who want clarity, peace, and practical tools to manage emotions more effectively. They seek stronger relationships, healthier boundaries, and a deeper understanding of themselves. Most of all, they want a safe, supportive space where they can feel heard and begin building a more balanced and meaningful life.
Trauma Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMSW, LMFT, LLP
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Our therapists are skilled in working with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. No matter what you’re facing, we are here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth. We offer a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. Our goal is to help you develop the skills and insights needed to navigate life’s challenges and find greater happiness and fulfillment.
Our therapists are skilled in working with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. No matter what you’re facing, we are here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth. We offer a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. Our goal is to help you develop the skills and insights needed to navigate life’s challenges and find greater happiness and fulfillment.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-C) with years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults reach their full potential by addressing their unique struggles. I seek to improve individual self-confidence and decision-making by equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate life's stressors. I specialize in treating anxiety, sexual abuse, trauma, and PTSD.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-C) with years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults reach their full potential by addressing their unique struggles. I seek to improve individual self-confidence and decision-making by equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate life's stressors. I specialize in treating anxiety, sexual abuse, trauma, and PTSD.
You didn’t expect things to turn out this way. Your heart pounds, and your head gets fuzzy. Things are SO challenging lately. You’re feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated, but.. I mean, everyone’s overwhelmed or feeling self-doubt and pressure... right? Doesn’t everyone feel like they don’t fit in or awkward?
You’re really good at putting on that happy face for your friends & family, but inside you feel like nothing ever goes as planned, you’re stressed, unsatisfied and overwhelmed. Going to School or work causes anxiety, staying home causes anxiety and life is just plain Hard!
You didn’t expect things to turn out this way. Your heart pounds, and your head gets fuzzy. Things are SO challenging lately. You’re feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated, but.. I mean, everyone’s overwhelmed or feeling self-doubt and pressure... right? Doesn’t everyone feel like they don’t fit in or awkward?
You’re really good at putting on that happy face for your friends & family, but inside you feel like nothing ever goes as planned, you’re stressed, unsatisfied and overwhelmed. Going to School or work causes anxiety, staying home causes anxiety and life is just plain Hard!
I utilize a variety of evidence based practices and treatment such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy and Play Therapy for children.
Hey there! I'm Erin Eising. I am a Licensed Masters Social Worker. I'm glad you are checking out my profile. Do you want something different? Maybe you're feeling stuck and sick of trying things that don't work. Are you feeling a little bit hopeless? Just keep reading. Things can be different. I'm all about helping people of all ages live their best, most joy filled lives. I truly think everyone deserves a life with meaning and purpose. I've been working in social work for over 15 years now and I've had the pleasure of supporting all kinds of people—adults, kids, teens, and families to heal from trauma and experience joy again.
I utilize a variety of evidence based practices and treatment such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy and Play Therapy for children.
Hey there! I'm Erin Eising. I am a Licensed Masters Social Worker. I'm glad you are checking out my profile. Do you want something different? Maybe you're feeling stuck and sick of trying things that don't work. Are you feeling a little bit hopeless? Just keep reading. Things can be different. I'm all about helping people of all ages live their best, most joy filled lives. I truly think everyone deserves a life with meaning and purpose. I've been working in social work for over 15 years now and I've had the pleasure of supporting all kinds of people—adults, kids, teens, and families to heal from trauma and experience joy again.
Searching for answers? Feeling lost or confused? I provide a welcoming space that allows you to work with a licensed therapist as you find direction & security in your life. If you are struggling with past trauma, anxiety, depression, grief or other overwhelming event(s) in your life, I would like to help you. Despite the temptation to believe otherwise, there IS hope & healing for you. Often, it feels as if the pressures & fears in life are unending, and you are all alone. I believe otherwise. You can succeed! I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to find wholeness, happiness, & peace.
Searching for answers? Feeling lost or confused? I provide a welcoming space that allows you to work with a licensed therapist as you find direction & security in your life. If you are struggling with past trauma, anxiety, depression, grief or other overwhelming event(s) in your life, I would like to help you. Despite the temptation to believe otherwise, there IS hope & healing for you. Often, it feels as if the pressures & fears in life are unending, and you are all alone. I believe otherwise. You can succeed! I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to find wholeness, happiness, & peace.
With younger clients and caregivers, I often utilize Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy.
Hello! My name is Megan, and I am a therapist specializing in working with children and individuals from ages 4 to adults. I believe that providing compassionate mental health services can be restorative and transformative for not only the client, but their whole family system. I have experience working with folks with a variety of issues including, but not limited to: trauma, anxiety, depression, attachment issues, and behavioral and emotional issues. I have a particular passion for working with individuals in the queer community.
With younger clients and caregivers, I often utilize Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy.
Hello! My name is Megan, and I am a therapist specializing in working with children and individuals from ages 4 to adults. I believe that providing compassionate mental health services can be restorative and transformative for not only the client, but their whole family system. I have experience working with folks with a variety of issues including, but not limited to: trauma, anxiety, depression, attachment issues, and behavioral and emotional issues. I have a particular passion for working with individuals in the queer community.
Most of my clinical experience has been with children, using play therapy to help them better manage and express their emotions.
I offer a comfortable, convenient setting where both adults and children can express themselves verbally or through play. I offer services that help to identify and treat the symptoms that impair healthy functioning. One of those services being Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is considered the "gold standard" for trauma treatment.
Most of my clinical experience has been with children, using play therapy to help them better manage and express their emotions.
I offer a comfortable, convenient setting where both adults and children can express themselves verbally or through play. I offer services that help to identify and treat the symptoms that impair healthy functioning. One of those services being Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is considered the "gold standard" for trauma treatment.
To ask for help is to be vulnerable, and that's not easy! It's okay to not be okay! I enjoy working closely with individuals to help with learning, developing, and implementing techniques to overcome life’s struggles. I provide counseling services to all ages, kids to adults. I have worked with individuals with Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Severe Mental Illnesses, Anxiety, Depression and Trauma. My passion is working with individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, and lack self-confidence. As a therapist, I strive to work with everyone, accept everyone, and meet everyone where they are at with treatment.
To ask for help is to be vulnerable, and that's not easy! It's okay to not be okay! I enjoy working closely with individuals to help with learning, developing, and implementing techniques to overcome life’s struggles. I provide counseling services to all ages, kids to adults. I have worked with individuals with Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Severe Mental Illnesses, Anxiety, Depression and Trauma. My passion is working with individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, and lack self-confidence. As a therapist, I strive to work with everyone, accept everyone, and meet everyone where they are at with treatment.
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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.