Play Therapy in Middleville, MI
I utilize aspects from numerous tools and approaches, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy for adults and Play Therapy for children, to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your goals.
Circumstances are building and you fear that its weight will eventually grow to crush and consume you. You have so much to manage and yet you long to just let go of it all. You’re ready for a change, but it is terrifying. To face it may cause you to crumble, nevertheless, you will yourself to get through each day. If this sounds familiar and you wish to do more than get by, it is possible to flourish again. I aim to create a safe and empowering environment built upon a trusting therapeutic relationship so you can successfully heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and work toward thriving in your daily life.
I utilize aspects from numerous tools and approaches, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy for adults and Play Therapy for children, to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your goals.
Circumstances are building and you fear that its weight will eventually grow to crush and consume you. You have so much to manage and yet you long to just let go of it all. You’re ready for a change, but it is terrifying. To face it may cause you to crumble, nevertheless, you will yourself to get through each day. If this sounds familiar and you wish to do more than get by, it is possible to flourish again. I aim to create a safe and empowering environment built upon a trusting therapeutic relationship so you can successfully heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and work toward thriving in your daily life.
You didn’t expect things to turn out this way. You’re 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. You’re 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!
Tara Blury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CAADC, TF-CBT
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
My goal is to work together, finding ways to help you improve your life & relationships, feel less anxious/depressed/provide clarity. Sharing your insecurities, fears, hurts, and struggles can be an intimidating experience. I strive to help each of my clients feel comfortable with the therapy process. I have extensive training to help individuals who have experienced many forms of trauma, abuse, grief and loss. I also have many clients who just feel "lost", "anxious", or "depressed" and they benefit greatly from counseling.I am trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, Sensorimotor Processing, CBT, and other therapeutic interventions.
My goal is to work together, finding ways to help you improve your life & relationships, feel less anxious/depressed/provide clarity. Sharing your insecurities, fears, hurts, and struggles can be an intimidating experience. I strive to help each of my clients feel comfortable with the therapy process. I have extensive training to help individuals who have experienced many forms of trauma, abuse, grief and loss. I also have many clients who just feel "lost", "anxious", or "depressed" and they benefit greatly from counseling.I am trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, Sensorimotor Processing, CBT, and other therapeutic interventions.
More Therapists Nearby
My experience in play therapy has been particularly effective for individuals dealing with Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD.
My primary goal in therapy is to create a nonjudgmental, safe space for expressing feelings and emotions. I am deeply committed to helping children aged 8 and older with issues related to school, peers, anxiety, executive functioning, and self-esteem. Additionally, I enjoy supporting teens and young adults as they navigate life transitions, depression, and anxiety. My approach is warm and compassionate, focusing on engaging children creatively to foster enthusiasm and interest in their therapeutic journey.
My experience in play therapy has been particularly effective for individuals dealing with Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD.
My primary goal in therapy is to create a nonjudgmental, safe space for expressing feelings and emotions. I am deeply committed to helping children aged 8 and older with issues related to school, peers, anxiety, executive functioning, and self-esteem. Additionally, I enjoy supporting teens and young adults as they navigate life transitions, depression, and anxiety. My approach is warm and compassionate, focusing on engaging children creatively to foster enthusiasm and interest in their therapeutic journey.
My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based techniques such as Trauma Informed Practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Play Therapy.
Let’s face it, when life gets tough, it can be helpful to know you have someone to walk alongside you in your journey; to have a place where you can feel heard, valued, and supported. A place where you can express your honest feelings and develop strategies to improve your overall well being. To know that you are not alone. Whether you are looking for counseling for yourself, or your child, I am confident you will find our time together as an invaluable experience, where you have a deep-felt sense of support and understanding, where you feel confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges.
My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based techniques such as Trauma Informed Practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Play Therapy.
Let’s face it, when life gets tough, it can be helpful to know you have someone to walk alongside you in your journey; to have a place where you can feel heard, valued, and supported. A place where you can express your honest feelings and develop strategies to improve your overall well being. To know that you are not alone. Whether you are looking for counseling for yourself, or your child, I am confident you will find our time together as an invaluable experience, where you have a deep-felt sense of support and understanding, where you feel confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges.
I offer traditional talk therapy, Play Therapy, and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential form of therapy, where the client can learn by putting their thoughts and feelings into action. Horses are sensitive prey animals, and very perceptive. They can give us feedback about ourselves, as well as teach us about trust, connection, emotion regulation, social skills, and more!
I offer traditional talk therapy, Play Therapy, and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential form of therapy, where the client can learn by putting their thoughts and feelings into action. Horses are sensitive prey animals, and very perceptive. They can give us feedback about ourselves, as well as teach us about trust, connection, emotion regulation, social skills, and more!
Dr. Merrill E Graham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Waitlist for new clients
As a Registered Play Therapist, I use child-centered play therapy and CBT.
I am an experienced Psychotherapist with over 25 years experience working with children, teens, adults, and families in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, divorce, and other life changes. I offer Polyvagal-informed, attachment-focused therapy with the focus of eliminating the symptoms that have impaired healthy functioning. Finally, I have years of professional (post-doc) research and training in the area of complex trauma-related disorders.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I use child-centered play therapy and CBT.
I am an experienced Psychotherapist with over 25 years experience working with children, teens, adults, and families in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, divorce, and other life changes. I offer Polyvagal-informed, attachment-focused therapy with the focus of eliminating the symptoms that have impaired healthy functioning. Finally, I have years of professional (post-doc) research and training in the area of complex trauma-related disorders.
Alejandra Vences-Jurado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
I enjoy integrating play, movement and creativity to help children achieve their goals while having fun.
I believe that every child deserves a safe space to process and understand their emotions. Change is an unavoidable constant in our lives that may lead to feelings that are often difficult to manage and understand. Whether it is starting kindergarten, experiencing family changes, medication adjustment, life transitions, or experiencing other mental health challenges, my goal is to provide a compassionate and empowering environment to all my clients.
I enjoy integrating play, movement and creativity to help children achieve their goals while having fun.
I believe that every child deserves a safe space to process and understand their emotions. Change is an unavoidable constant in our lives that may lead to feelings that are often difficult to manage and understand. Whether it is starting kindergarten, experiencing family changes, medication adjustment, life transitions, or experiencing other mental health challenges, my goal is to provide a compassionate and empowering environment to all my clients.
I use a variety of methods to help children and their family, predominantly though I use play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-focused when needed).
Parents have an amazing ability to be healers in their children's lives. I also work with parents both one-on-one and live coaching sessions in parent-child interaction therapy, an evidenced based treatment for children two to seven years old. I help parents and children to improve their relationships / attachment with one another.
I use a variety of methods to help children and their family, predominantly though I use play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-focused when needed).
Parents have an amazing ability to be healers in their children's lives. I also work with parents both one-on-one and live coaching sessions in parent-child interaction therapy, an evidenced based treatment for children two to seven years old. I help parents and children to improve their relationships / attachment with one another.
My therapeutic toolkit includes cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, acceptance and commitment (ACT), attachment-based, feminist, humanistic and play therapy, ensuring we explore the methods that best align with your goals.
There are countless ways to build an effective counseling relationship, and my mission is to find the approach that resonates with you. As a person-centered clinician, I view therapy as a collaborative journey where we work together to address your unique needs. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where we can navigate challenges side by side.
My therapeutic toolkit includes cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, acceptance and commitment (ACT), attachment-based, feminist, humanistic and play therapy, ensuring we explore the methods that best align with your goals.
There are countless ways to build an effective counseling relationship, and my mission is to find the approach that resonates with you. As a person-centered clinician, I view therapy as a collaborative journey where we work together to address your unique needs. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where we can navigate challenges side by side.
Natalie McDonald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LLMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
I also enjoy using play therapy with children and have experience doing so within the school system.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. It is a joy to work alongside people to help them discover new skills, strengths, and realizations. I have specific experience working with both children and adults. I enjoy working with children/teens to build self-esteem, address school related issues, and coping with divorced parents. I also have experience treating co-occurring disorders through inpatient and outpatient settings. I am effective in treating substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, stress, and women’s issues. I am trained in Brainspotting for trauma, processing, and the release of difficult emotions.
I also enjoy using play therapy with children and have experience doing so within the school system.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. It is a joy to work alongside people to help them discover new skills, strengths, and realizations. I have specific experience working with both children and adults. I enjoy working with children/teens to build self-esteem, address school related issues, and coping with divorced parents. I also have experience treating co-occurring disorders through inpatient and outpatient settings. I am effective in treating substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, stress, and women’s issues. I am trained in Brainspotting for trauma, processing, and the release of difficult emotions.
I also draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, positive psychology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and play therapy.
My number one priority as a therapist is to create a space for you to feel safe and understood while we embark on the journey towards change and healing together. I strive to offer real connection and a listening ear, as well as tools and skills to help clients reach their goals. I have experience helping youth and adults with many different concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, self-esteem, stress, spirituality, parenting, and adjusting to difficult life circumstances.
I also draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, positive psychology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and play therapy.
My number one priority as a therapist is to create a space for you to feel safe and understood while we embark on the journey towards change and healing together. I strive to offer real connection and a listening ear, as well as tools and skills to help clients reach their goals. I have experience helping youth and adults with many different concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, self-esteem, stress, spirituality, parenting, and adjusting to difficult life circumstances.
I am working toward my registered play therapy (RPT) credential.
Children, teens, and young adults I have worked with have experienced issues with managing emotions, have OCD, have struggled after traumatic events, have dealt with family or peer conflict, are struggling in school, have experienced domestic violence and more. I partner with schools to address school-related concerns and am experienced working with ADHD.
I am working toward my registered play therapy (RPT) credential.
Children, teens, and young adults I have worked with have experienced issues with managing emotions, have OCD, have struggled after traumatic events, have dealt with family or peer conflict, are struggling in school, have experienced domestic violence and more. I partner with schools to address school-related concerns and am experienced working with ADHD.
Sophia Leimgruber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hudsonville, MI 49426
I specialize in play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, and psychotherapy, using creative methods to help clients express themselves and explore emotions.
My ideal clients are children, teens, and young adults who are facing challenges like trauma, self-esteem struggles, anxiety, and behavioral concerns. They may feel overwhelmed by life’s transitions or disconnected from themselves and others. They seek support in building coping strategies, understanding their emotions, and developing resilience. Together, we will work to navigate these challenges, build self-awareness, and empower them to make lasting, positive changes in their lives.
I specialize in play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, and psychotherapy, using creative methods to help clients express themselves and explore emotions.
My ideal clients are children, teens, and young adults who are facing challenges like trauma, self-esteem struggles, anxiety, and behavioral concerns. They may feel overwhelmed by life’s transitions or disconnected from themselves and others. They seek support in building coping strategies, understanding their emotions, and developing resilience. Together, we will work to navigate these challenges, build self-awareness, and empower them to make lasting, positive changes in their lives.
Nichole Chaput
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Specializing in therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing– and currently working toward expertise in Play Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)–I strive to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for clients.
I became a therapist out of a deep passion for helping others. In my role, I support individuals and families facing a variety of challenges, acting as a vital resource to connect them with the tools and services they need to navigate and overcome obstacles. I strive to instill hope and empower those I work with, helping them see a path forward and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
Specializing in therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing– and currently working toward expertise in Play Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)–I strive to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for clients.
I became a therapist out of a deep passion for helping others. In my role, I support individuals and families facing a variety of challenges, acting as a vital resource to connect them with the tools and services they need to navigate and overcome obstacles. I strive to instill hope and empower those I work with, helping them see a path forward and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
I utilize aspects of play therapy, as well as creative and active interventions, and believe that a trusting relationship between the client and therapist is at the center of effective therapy.
In addition to my counseling experience, I have worked in the field of education in a variety of different roles, including behavior intervention, teaching, and school counseling. I have worked with young people aged 3-18 and am well versed in child development, psychoeducation, and career and post-secondary counseling.
I utilize aspects of play therapy, as well as creative and active interventions, and believe that a trusting relationship between the client and therapist is at the center of effective therapy.
In addition to my counseling experience, I have worked in the field of education in a variety of different roles, including behavior intervention, teaching, and school counseling. I have worked with young people aged 3-18 and am well versed in child development, psychoeducation, and career and post-secondary counseling.
This may involve utilizing the healing power of exercise, art, or play; it may also involve processing your thoughts on a deeper level verbally or through writing.
My specialty areas include trauma and PTSD, women’s issues including perinatal counseling, chronic pain/adapting to physical health issues, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship concerns, ADHD, existential concerns, and identity.
This may involve utilizing the healing power of exercise, art, or play; it may also involve processing your thoughts on a deeper level verbally or through writing.
My specialty areas include trauma and PTSD, women’s issues including perinatal counseling, chronic pain/adapting to physical health issues, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship concerns, ADHD, existential concerns, and identity.
Clare Walton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Hello! I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Clare and I’ve been working with children in multiple settings including schools to help young minds thrive. I have a Bachelor’s and Master's degree from Michigan State University for social work. Through methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy I allow children to communicate their feelings and experiences in a way that feels natural and comfortable for them. I understand that every child is unique and I work on tailoring my approach to reach the goal of each child building resilience, improving emotional regulation and enhancing their overall well-being in a safe space.
Hello! I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Clare and I’ve been working with children in multiple settings including schools to help young minds thrive. I have a Bachelor’s and Master's degree from Michigan State University for social work. Through methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy I allow children to communicate their feelings and experiences in a way that feels natural and comfortable for them. I understand that every child is unique and I work on tailoring my approach to reach the goal of each child building resilience, improving emotional regulation and enhancing their overall well-being in a safe space.
With child and adolescent clients, I will often use games, expressive arts, play therapy, mindfulness interventions, psychoeducation, or bibliotherapy to connect, discover, and communicate in session.
Is your young child or teen struggling? Does your family need a little extra support in this season? ¿Habla español? I enjoy working with clients of all ages, but I have a particular passion for working with children ages 4 to 15 and their caregivers. I have experience working with children with a variety of issues including, but not limited to trauma, anxiety, school issues, attachment issues, ADHD, and behavioral and emotional issues. I also have a special love for working with teens with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and those struggling with self harm or other depressive symptoms.
With child and adolescent clients, I will often use games, expressive arts, play therapy, mindfulness interventions, psychoeducation, or bibliotherapy to connect, discover, and communicate in session.
Is your young child or teen struggling? Does your family need a little extra support in this season? ¿Habla español? I enjoy working with clients of all ages, but I have a particular passion for working with children ages 4 to 15 and their caregivers. I have experience working with children with a variety of issues including, but not limited to trauma, anxiety, school issues, attachment issues, ADHD, and behavioral and emotional issues. I also have a special love for working with teens with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and those struggling with self harm or other depressive symptoms.
Christina G Collins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
I take an eclectic approach and integrate movement, art, play, and music into the counseling session to help all children communicate and be successful in their own way.
My ideal client is one that is struggling but wants to improve. Neurodevelopmental disorders are my JAM! ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders is where I direct much of my clinical experience. It's important to me that my clients (and their parents/families/teachers) understand the uniqueness of their disorder and how to turn a perceived deficit into a SUPERPOWER. All children are wonderful gifts, and I love helping children discover and embrace their best selves. A diagnosis does not define you, your child, or your family.
I take an eclectic approach and integrate movement, art, play, and music into the counseling session to help all children communicate and be successful in their own way.
My ideal client is one that is struggling but wants to improve. Neurodevelopmental disorders are my JAM! ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders is where I direct much of my clinical experience. It's important to me that my clients (and their parents/families/teachers) understand the uniqueness of their disorder and how to turn a perceived deficit into a SUPERPOWER. All children are wonderful gifts, and I love helping children discover and embrace their best selves. A diagnosis does not define you, your child, or your family.
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Middleville
- Ada
- Byron Center
- Caledonia
- Cascade
- East Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Hastings
- Kentwood
- Lowell
- Plainwell
- Wayland
- Wyoming
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.