Play Therapy in Apex, NC
I provide Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
I believe therapy is about helping people realize the greatest amount of happiness in their lives. This may be learning how to manage one's depression and anxiety, a child or adolescent managing their opposition and defiance, or even some skills to make a speech or fall asleep. I also feel therapy is key in processing daily conflicts that affect our thoughts and feelings, but also learning how to make the best decisions that we value.
I provide Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
I believe therapy is about helping people realize the greatest amount of happiness in their lives. This may be learning how to manage one's depression and anxiety, a child or adolescent managing their opposition and defiance, or even some skills to make a speech or fall asleep. I also feel therapy is key in processing daily conflicts that affect our thoughts and feelings, but also learning how to make the best decisions that we value.
Telehealth appointments available this week! As we head into the holiday season and gear up for 2024 you might be looking for a little extra support. I am currently accepting a few more new patients and appreciate you pausing to read more about me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychotherapist with experience in treating children, adolescents, & adults with relationship issues, substance abuse, trauma, personality disorders, anxiety & depression.
Telehealth appointments available this week! As we head into the holiday season and gear up for 2024 you might be looking for a little extra support. I am currently accepting a few more new patients and appreciate you pausing to read more about me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychotherapist with experience in treating children, adolescents, & adults with relationship issues, substance abuse, trauma, personality disorders, anxiety & depression.
I do not believe there is a "typical" client as everyone's situation is unique. I do my best to tailor our sessions to what I believe may help that client the most. Counseling is not a one size fits all or even one size fits most; it is a tailor-fit every time. If you are looking to make a change or take back your life then I would love the opportunity to help make your goals a reality!
I do not believe there is a "typical" client as everyone's situation is unique. I do my best to tailor our sessions to what I believe may help that client the most. Counseling is not a one size fits all or even one size fits most; it is a tailor-fit every time. If you are looking to make a change or take back your life then I would love the opportunity to help make your goals a reality!
I also work with children ages 4 & up, utilizing Play therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Are you feeling like your life needs a change but you are not sure where to start? It seems, as life becomes more complex, more and more people are suffering from the devastating effects of stress, depression and anxiety and can benefit from the support and insight that therapy provides. I am a NC Licensed Psychologist working clinically with a wide range of ages and issues. I've worked in the field for 20 years, in schools, day treatment, and the private practice setting with adults, families, couples and children; focusing on adjustment difficulties, relationship problems, childhood abuse and maladaptive coping.
I also work with children ages 4 & up, utilizing Play therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Are you feeling like your life needs a change but you are not sure where to start? It seems, as life becomes more complex, more and more people are suffering from the devastating effects of stress, depression and anxiety and can benefit from the support and insight that therapy provides. I am a NC Licensed Psychologist working clinically with a wide range of ages and issues. I've worked in the field for 20 years, in schools, day treatment, and the private practice setting with adults, families, couples and children; focusing on adjustment difficulties, relationship problems, childhood abuse and maladaptive coping.
Asking for help is the first step towards feeling better and leading a happier, healthier life. Mental health is an important part of overall well-being. Most of us, at one time or another, are impacted by mental health concerns. We have therapists that treat adults, children, and teens. If you don't even know where to start call or e-mail the office and we will help guide you in choosing the right therapist and check your insurance benefits. To learn more about each of our therapists and their individual specialties, please visit our website
Asking for help is the first step towards feeling better and leading a happier, healthier life. Mental health is an important part of overall well-being. Most of us, at one time or another, are impacted by mental health concerns. We have therapists that treat adults, children, and teens. If you don't even know where to start call or e-mail the office and we will help guide you in choosing the right therapist and check your insurance benefits. To learn more about each of our therapists and their individual specialties, please visit our website
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of who they are in the midst of life’s challenges. They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, or identity struggles and are searching for relief, connection, and understanding. They want to feel grounded, seen, and empowered to make lasting change. Together, we explore patterns, build coping skills, and reconnect them with their strengths. They’re ready for growth—even if unsure where to start—and I’m here to walk beside them. Using neurodivergent for autistic, ADHD, or otherwise wired differently—and often feels misunderstood, overwhelmed, or out of place.
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of who they are in the midst of life’s challenges. They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, or identity struggles and are searching for relief, connection, and understanding. They want to feel grounded, seen, and empowered to make lasting change. Together, we explore patterns, build coping skills, and reconnect them with their strengths. They’re ready for growth—even if unsure where to start—and I’m here to walk beside them. Using neurodivergent for autistic, ADHD, or otherwise wired differently—and often feels misunderstood, overwhelmed, or out of place.
Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness Now Accepting New Clients! You know what it feels like to sit at your kitchen table or on your front or back porch with a close friend or family member & talk the hours away? Some conversations bring laughter. Some bring tears. Some bring clarity. Therapy can take those conversations to the next level. You can expect therapy with me to be very relaxed. Put your feet up! Bring in your lunch! Check your phone! Tell me about your dog! Show me pictures! You tell me what is working and not working for you in therapy & I'll adjust. We'll move at your pace towards goals you set.
Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness Now Accepting New Clients! You know what it feels like to sit at your kitchen table or on your front or back porch with a close friend or family member & talk the hours away? Some conversations bring laughter. Some bring tears. Some bring clarity. Therapy can take those conversations to the next level. You can expect therapy with me to be very relaxed. Put your feet up! Bring in your lunch! Check your phone! Tell me about your dog! Show me pictures! You tell me what is working and not working for you in therapy & I'll adjust. We'll move at your pace towards goals you set.
Are you feeling overwhelmed in how to manage your emotions or perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationships (marital, parent-child, parent-teenager, family, or friends)? Do you find yourself becoming irritable at small things or simply being someone you do not want to be anymore? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I am glad you have found my page. We all have difficult times throughout our life and it is okay to need and ask for help. Difficult times or difficult symptoms vary from person to person. I am here to help guide you and find ways to alleviate your concerns.
Are you feeling overwhelmed in how to manage your emotions or perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationships (marital, parent-child, parent-teenager, family, or friends)? Do you find yourself becoming irritable at small things or simply being someone you do not want to be anymore? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I am glad you have found my page. We all have difficult times throughout our life and it is okay to need and ask for help. Difficult times or difficult symptoms vary from person to person. I am here to help guide you and find ways to alleviate your concerns.
Specific techniques that I utilize in my practice include: specialized training in Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and EMDR Therapy.
I provide a holistic, integrative approach to therapy, supporting children, adolescents, and adults in navigating life’s challenges and healing from trauma. With specialized training in EMDR, I help clients understand patterns that impact their lives and create new opportunities for growth. I often integrate creative techniques—like art and music—to engage the brain, reprocess difficult experiences, and build resilience. Creativity is not only a powerful tool for children and teens but also an essential part of the healing process for anyone looking to build resilience, reduce anxiety, and find new pathways forward.
Specific techniques that I utilize in my practice include: specialized training in Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and EMDR Therapy.
I provide a holistic, integrative approach to therapy, supporting children, adolescents, and adults in navigating life’s challenges and healing from trauma. With specialized training in EMDR, I help clients understand patterns that impact their lives and create new opportunities for growth. I often integrate creative techniques—like art and music—to engage the brain, reprocess difficult experiences, and build resilience. Creativity is not only a powerful tool for children and teens but also an essential part of the healing process for anyone looking to build resilience, reduce anxiety, and find new pathways forward.
Simron Richard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27502
Waitlist for new clients
Whether through interactive play, expressive art, or heartfelt conversation over a cup of tea, Simron meets clients where they are—helping them feel safe, seen, and supported.
She supports youth and young adults as they navigate the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, relationships, and identity development. She integrates evidence-based therapies with a culturally responsive, individualized approach— tailoring each session to the unique needs and strengths of every person.
Whether through interactive play, expressive art, or heartfelt conversation over a cup of tea, Simron meets clients where they are—helping them feel safe, seen, and supported.
She supports youth and young adults as they navigate the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, relationships, and identity development. She integrates evidence-based therapies with a culturally responsive, individualized approach— tailoring each session to the unique needs and strengths of every person.
My work is grounded in evidence-based practices like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Play Therapy, and LGBTQ-Affirmative CBT, all focused on empowering you with real, usable tools.
Hi! I'm so glad you're here. Whether you're a parent navigating your child’s emotional ups and downs, a teen overwhelmed by anxiety or school pressures, or an adult feeling stuck or burned out—you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself.
My work is grounded in evidence-based practices like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Play Therapy, and LGBTQ-Affirmative CBT, all focused on empowering you with real, usable tools.
Hi! I'm so glad you're here. Whether you're a parent navigating your child’s emotional ups and downs, a teen overwhelmed by anxiety or school pressures, or an adult feeling stuck or burned out—you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself.
Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and understood. We all have the capacity for change, growth, healing, and evolution. I specialize in couples therapy and have over 20 years of experience working with demographics such as special needs individuals and military families, helping navigate the complexities of such challenges while fostering supportive relationship dynamics within the families and their communities. Are you trying to rebuild after an affair, regain intimacy, or build stronger communication skills to better connect with your loved ones? We can work together to face struggles from marriage hurdles to trauma.
Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and understood. We all have the capacity for change, growth, healing, and evolution. I specialize in couples therapy and have over 20 years of experience working with demographics such as special needs individuals and military families, helping navigate the complexities of such challenges while fostering supportive relationship dynamics within the families and their communities. Are you trying to rebuild after an affair, regain intimacy, or build stronger communication skills to better connect with your loved ones? We can work together to face struggles from marriage hurdles to trauma.
Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness, provider of exceptional mental healthcare services, offers a wide range of healing options in a comfortable & friendly atmosphere. Established in 2019, they specialize in psychiatric medication management, psychotherapy, counseling & various therapeutic modalities including traditional talk therapy, music & creative arts therapies, CBT, EMDR, DBT skill building, hypnosis and more.
Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness, provider of exceptional mental healthcare services, offers a wide range of healing options in a comfortable & friendly atmosphere. Established in 2019, they specialize in psychiatric medication management, psychotherapy, counseling & various therapeutic modalities including traditional talk therapy, music & creative arts therapies, CBT, EMDR, DBT skill building, hypnosis and more.
Hello! I'm Jesse and happy to be accepting new clients! Once your intake paperwork is submitted, I should be able to start sessions within the week. We can meet either in office or remotely depending on your preference.
Hello! I'm Jesse and happy to be accepting new clients! Once your intake paperwork is submitted, I should be able to start sessions within the week. We can meet either in office or remotely depending on your preference.
I use a variety of Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Strength-Based, Client-Centered, Play and Art Therapy techniques, depending on individual client needs.
It is a privilege to be a part of your journey toward optimal wellness. I believe it is a lifelong journey to become our best selves and having the support of a counselor can make the journey feel more manageable. I enjoy working with all ages, children, teens and adults. It is my honor to support you through any obstacle life throws at you whether that be depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting, caregiving, grief, loss, trauma, emotion regulation or other challenges you encounter.
I use a variety of Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Strength-Based, Client-Centered, Play and Art Therapy techniques, depending on individual client needs.
It is a privilege to be a part of your journey toward optimal wellness. I believe it is a lifelong journey to become our best selves and having the support of a counselor can make the journey feel more manageable. I enjoy working with all ages, children, teens and adults. It is my honor to support you through any obstacle life throws at you whether that be depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting, caregiving, grief, loss, trauma, emotion regulation or other challenges you encounter.
My approach is empathetic and compassionate, ensuring that clients feel heard and understood. I aim to build a trusting relationship, where each individual can explore their challenges at their own pace while feeling respected and empowered. I am trained in a broad range of treatment modalities and interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Family Trauma, Individual Trauma (for both children and adults), Adjustment Therapy, Relationship Therapy, Family Conflict Therapy, LGBTQ+ Therapy, Polyamory Therapy, and Neurodiversity therapy . When it comes to goal setting, I take a collaborative and client-centered approach.
My approach is empathetic and compassionate, ensuring that clients feel heard and understood. I aim to build a trusting relationship, where each individual can explore their challenges at their own pace while feeling respected and empowered. I am trained in a broad range of treatment modalities and interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Family Trauma, Individual Trauma (for both children and adults), Adjustment Therapy, Relationship Therapy, Family Conflict Therapy, LGBTQ+ Therapy, Polyamory Therapy, and Neurodiversity therapy . When it comes to goal setting, I take a collaborative and client-centered approach.
I believe play therapy is the most affective way to assist children in processing their feelings and experiences.
I also enjoy assisting parents with building strong, happy relationships with their children. Parenting can be challenging even in the best of circumstances. I can help parents to develop strategies to manage their children’s emotions and problematic behaviors.
I believe play therapy is the most affective way to assist children in processing their feelings and experiences.
I also enjoy assisting parents with building strong, happy relationships with their children. Parenting can be challenging even in the best of circumstances. I can help parents to develop strategies to manage their children’s emotions and problematic behaviors.
I am currently offering in-person play therapy (ages 3-14) in Chapel Hill on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-6 PM.
Take a second and think, "What brought me here?" Are life's demands causing you added stress? Are you feeling a lack of control over the direction your life is heading? Do you feel like you are walking through life without actually living it? If you answered yes to any of these questions, counseling can help address your concerns and provide you with the skills and resources needed to feel better and thrive.
I am currently offering in-person play therapy (ages 3-14) in Chapel Hill on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-6 PM.
Take a second and think, "What brought me here?" Are life's demands causing you added stress? Are you feeling a lack of control over the direction your life is heading? Do you feel like you are walking through life without actually living it? If you answered yes to any of these questions, counseling can help address your concerns and provide you with the skills and resources needed to feel better and thrive.
Accepting new clients for both in office & virtual sessions. Hi! I’m Samantha (she/her), I am so excited to have the opportunity to meet with you and be a part of your mental health journey. I provide my clients a safe and comfortable environment, in which we can start to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences together. My goal is to offer my clients a space to feel seen, heard, and understood. The counseling space is yours and what you want out of our time together is very important to me, so let’s collaborate on how we can meet your goals! I have experience working with adults, young adults, couples, teens and children.
Accepting new clients for both in office & virtual sessions. Hi! I’m Samantha (she/her), I am so excited to have the opportunity to meet with you and be a part of your mental health journey. I provide my clients a safe and comfortable environment, in which we can start to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences together. My goal is to offer my clients a space to feel seen, heard, and understood. The counseling space is yours and what you want out of our time together is very important to me, so let’s collaborate on how we can meet your goals! I have experience working with adults, young adults, couples, teens and children.
Happy to be accepting new clients! After-school and work appointments are available as well as availability throughout the day. I enjoy working with all ages above 10 years old. I have experience with relationship issues, identity exploration, life transitions, and more. Please consider therapy with me to be a safe place for all ages, identities, sexualities, religions, races, and socioeconomic statuses. I will make every effort to use my education, experience, and genuine care for you to help move you through difficult times, past or present.
Happy to be accepting new clients! After-school and work appointments are available as well as availability throughout the day. I enjoy working with all ages above 10 years old. I have experience with relationship issues, identity exploration, life transitions, and more. Please consider therapy with me to be a safe place for all ages, identities, sexualities, religions, races, and socioeconomic statuses. I will make every effort to use my education, experience, and genuine care for you to help move you through difficult times, past or present.
See more therapy options for Apex
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Apex
- Angier
- Carrboro
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Fuquay Varina
- Garner
- Holly Springs
- Knightdale
- Morrisville
- Pittsboro
- Raleigh
- Willow Spring
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.


