Play Therapy in Brevard, NC
Tara Tecce
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor , MEdS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Brevard, NC 28712
I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, and specialize in concerns related to anxiety, self-esteem, family conflict, challenging behaviors, grief, life transitions, communication, trauma, and attachment. I believe learning often happens best through play and connection, positive change is most supported when you are an active participant in the process, and, although failure is inevitable, through failure can come resilience. I believe we are all doing the best we can with what we have, and everyone needs to be nurtured, cared for, and believed in.
I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, and specialize in concerns related to anxiety, self-esteem, family conflict, challenging behaviors, grief, life transitions, communication, trauma, and attachment. I believe learning often happens best through play and connection, positive change is most supported when you are an active participant in the process, and, although failure is inevitable, through failure can come resilience. I believe we are all doing the best we can with what we have, and everyone needs to be nurtured, cared for, and believed in.
Grace Davis
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Brevard, NC 28712
Waitlist for new clients
Adult play therapy is rooted in narrative, existential theory, while engaging a variety of creative and expressive arts techniques.
My ideal client is willing to rethink what therapy looks and feels like - being open to a variety of techniques; collaborating; and engaging body, mind, and emotions, particularly in the outdoors. I conduct experiential outdoor sessions (when weather permits), helping clients in connecting with themselves by grounding in the supportive power of nature. Walking and talking in an outdoor space allows us to engage in an informal environment, while still providing therapeutic benefits.
Adult play therapy is rooted in narrative, existential theory, while engaging a variety of creative and expressive arts techniques.
My ideal client is willing to rethink what therapy looks and feels like - being open to a variety of techniques; collaborating; and engaging body, mind, and emotions, particularly in the outdoors. I conduct experiential outdoor sessions (when weather permits), helping clients in connecting with themselves by grounding in the supportive power of nature. Walking and talking in an outdoor space allows us to engage in an informal environment, while still providing therapeutic benefits.
Ashley Witt
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brevard, NC 28712
Waitlist for new clients
Are you tired of feeling stuck, putting yourself last, or navigating challenges without support? Do you want to recover from a difficult childhood, explore how to set boundaries, shift your energy around work, or find more peace in your day-to-day life? Therapy is an experience YOU deserve to have. You can feel validated, find new ways of functioning, and create a life that brings joy and restoration. You have a willingness to grow toward a better life, and I want to walk with you on that journey.
Are you tired of feeling stuck, putting yourself last, or navigating challenges without support? Do you want to recover from a difficult childhood, explore how to set boundaries, shift your energy around work, or find more peace in your day-to-day life? Therapy is an experience YOU deserve to have. You can feel validated, find new ways of functioning, and create a life that brings joy and restoration. You have a willingness to grow toward a better life, and I want to walk with you on that journey.
Christie C Eberhardt
Pastoral Counselor, PhD, BCPC
Verified Verified
Brevard, NC 28712
Life can be difficult and confusing. I am here to help you sort through the pain to find hope and healing for the days ahead. The hurt can be deep, going back to earliest memories or coming from present hardships. Counseling you is about establishing a safe place, a loving environment of grace. My tools come from my training and from 33 years of experience, but each person is exquisitely unique, so no therapeutic relationship is the same as any other. It is an honor and privilege to share deeply in your life and the lives of your family. At present, because of a recent move to another state, I am connecting only online or by cell.
Life can be difficult and confusing. I am here to help you sort through the pain to find hope and healing for the days ahead. The hurt can be deep, going back to earliest memories or coming from present hardships. Counseling you is about establishing a safe place, a loving environment of grace. My tools come from my training and from 33 years of experience, but each person is exquisitely unique, so no therapeutic relationship is the same as any other. It is an honor and privilege to share deeply in your life and the lives of your family. At present, because of a recent move to another state, I am connecting only online or by cell.
Michael James Tui- II
Counselor, MSCP, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brevard, NC 28712
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be such a challenge especially if we find ourselves walking our path alone. On this journey, my hope is to help guide and provide skill training that will help you increase confidence, self-worth, and self-empowerment. I serve all ages and have specialized training to address disorders and challenges in ages 3 years old - 100+ My love and passion is supporting the health of our families. I passionately that by healing our families we heal the world.
Life can be such a challenge especially if we find ourselves walking our path alone. On this journey, my hope is to help guide and provide skill training that will help you increase confidence, self-worth, and self-empowerment. I serve all ages and have specialized training to address disorders and challenges in ages 3 years old - 100+ My love and passion is supporting the health of our families. I passionately that by healing our families we heal the world.
Debbie Dixon Barney
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, LCAS-A, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brevard, NC 28712
Do you ever wake up and wonder, "How did I get here?" or "Why did this have to happen to me?" Maybe you wish your life looked differently but are not sure how to get there. We all have "things" we need to process, but my experience is that we often get “stuck in a rut” with how we approach problems. We need a new perspective or another person to help us process our "stuff” - someone who can ask us questions to help us to see things from a different vantage point or to help us rewrite our stories with hope, purpose, and excitement. My desire is to help people see how the “stuff” in their lives can be used in amazing ways.
Do you ever wake up and wonder, "How did I get here?" or "Why did this have to happen to me?" Maybe you wish your life looked differently but are not sure how to get there. We all have "things" we need to process, but my experience is that we often get “stuck in a rut” with how we approach problems. We need a new perspective or another person to help us process our "stuff” - someone who can ask us questions to help us to see things from a different vantage point or to help us rewrite our stories with hope, purpose, and excitement. My desire is to help people see how the “stuff” in their lives can be used in amazing ways.
Online Therapists
Lisa Lavelle Bowen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803 (Online Only)
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression. 21 yrs experience counseling adolescents, adults, couples and families. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. Kinds of therapy I do: CBT, DBT, REBT, Art therapy, Play therapy and Christian counseling. Experience: worked with World Trade Center 9/11 survivors, survivors of torture, in a psychiatric hospital, an outpatient clinic, as a clinical supervisor, as a school based therapist, counseled military, their spouses & children at bases in USA, Europe and Japan and private practice.
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression. 21 yrs experience counseling adolescents, adults, couples and families. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. Kinds of therapy I do: CBT, DBT, REBT, Art therapy, Play therapy and Christian counseling. Experience: worked with World Trade Center 9/11 survivors, survivors of torture, in a psychiatric hospital, an outpatient clinic, as a clinical supervisor, as a school based therapist, counseled military, their spouses & children at bases in USA, Europe and Japan and private practice.
Adrian B. Thornburg
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MA, NCC, RPTS, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gastonia, NC 28054
Waitlist for new clients
As a LCMHC and Registered Play Therapist, I have 20+ years of experience working with clients from the existential philosophy and utilizing Person Centered & Mindful and Cognitive Behavioral theories.
Life changing events bring emotional struggles such as grief, loss and other challenges. Adults may find themselves questioning and asking "Who am I now?" and "Where do I go from here?". Children, preteens and teens may find themselves navigating through new emotions and experiences as they grow and change. The need to explore and understand these new landscapes is critical to making positive and sometimes difficult decisions regarding self expression and life choices. Overall goals often included finding relief of inner conflict, developing confidence and experiencing growth.
As a LCMHC and Registered Play Therapist, I have 20+ years of experience working with clients from the existential philosophy and utilizing Person Centered & Mindful and Cognitive Behavioral theories.
Life changing events bring emotional struggles such as grief, loss and other challenges. Adults may find themselves questioning and asking "Who am I now?" and "Where do I go from here?". Children, preteens and teens may find themselves navigating through new emotions and experiences as they grow and change. The need to explore and understand these new landscapes is critical to making positive and sometimes difficult decisions regarding self expression and life choices. Overall goals often included finding relief of inner conflict, developing confidence and experiencing growth.
Mark S Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I utilize a variety of useful approaches including: narrative, DBT, acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment-focused practice, internal family systems, mindfulness, play therapy/sand tray, and group therapy.
For over 30 years I have been helping people overcome life obstacles and interpersonal struggles. Clients report significant benefit when they seek help dealing with transforming ideas of self that result from trauma, relationship changes, chronic illness, grief & loss, gender dysphoria, and coming out as LGBTQ. I utilize a variety of approaches including narrative, DBT, ACT, attachment-focused therapy, internal family systems and trauma informed practices. I now am seeing clients in person as well as virtually.
I utilize a variety of useful approaches including: narrative, DBT, acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment-focused practice, internal family systems, mindfulness, play therapy/sand tray, and group therapy.
For over 30 years I have been helping people overcome life obstacles and interpersonal struggles. Clients report significant benefit when they seek help dealing with transforming ideas of self that result from trauma, relationship changes, chronic illness, grief & loss, gender dysphoria, and coming out as LGBTQ. I utilize a variety of approaches including narrative, DBT, ACT, attachment-focused therapy, internal family systems and trauma informed practices. I now am seeing clients in person as well as virtually.
Susan Rainsford MA LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
I utilize a variety of evidenced based approaches based on individual needs and preferences including but not limited to: Mindfulness and Body Centered Approaches, DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Expressive Therapies, Energy Therapy, Play Therapy, and Compassionate Communication Skills.
I know it can take courage to seek therapy and I am here to help. I would be honored to guide and assist you towards positive change. I have been enjoying providing Psychotherapy in Asheville since 2000. I provide caring and professional therapy for Individuals (Adults, Adolescents & Children), Couples and Families. I am happy to serve our diverse community including the LGBTQ+ community. I have extensive experience working with anxiety disorders, depression, parenting skills, couples conflicts, life transitions, divorce/separation, post traumatic stress, ADHD, bi-polar, and many other issues.
I utilize a variety of evidenced based approaches based on individual needs and preferences including but not limited to: Mindfulness and Body Centered Approaches, DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Expressive Therapies, Energy Therapy, Play Therapy, and Compassionate Communication Skills.
I know it can take courage to seek therapy and I am here to help. I would be honored to guide and assist you towards positive change. I have been enjoying providing Psychotherapy in Asheville since 2000. I provide caring and professional therapy for Individuals (Adults, Adolescents & Children), Couples and Families. I am happy to serve our diverse community including the LGBTQ+ community. I have extensive experience working with anxiety disorders, depression, parenting skills, couples conflicts, life transitions, divorce/separation, post traumatic stress, ADHD, bi-polar, and many other issues.
Carolinas Institute
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
Verified Verified
Gastonia, NC 28054
Carolinas Institute for Behavioral Health is a behavioral health clinic for children and adults. We also provide working memory therapy as a certified Cogmed Practice. We use the Gold Standard assessments and batteries for each evaluation in order to obtain an accurate, objective, measurable, and comprehensive evaluation presenting needs and chief concerns. Services include treatment and therapy for ASD, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and trauma. We utilize play, expressive, emotional, and behavioral therapies individually tailored to a patient's needs.
Carolinas Institute for Behavioral Health is a behavioral health clinic for children and adults. We also provide working memory therapy as a certified Cogmed Practice. We use the Gold Standard assessments and batteries for each evaluation in order to obtain an accurate, objective, measurable, and comprehensive evaluation presenting needs and chief concerns. Services include treatment and therapy for ASD, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and trauma. We utilize play, expressive, emotional, and behavioral therapies individually tailored to a patient's needs.
Debra Delois Carabantes
Counselor, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715
Supporting children in connecting back to themselves through play therapy is my role as a mental health counselor working alongside children and families. Hello and Welcome! My name is Debra and my professional background is in education, community programs, and counseling. I hold a Clinical Mental Health Counselor License at an Associate level in North Carolina. I worked in public education for 12 years including serving as a school counselor. Currently, I primarily work with children and families utilizing play therapy and creative expressive arts to support children on their journey of growth and healing.
Supporting children in connecting back to themselves through play therapy is my role as a mental health counselor working alongside children and families. Hello and Welcome! My name is Debra and my professional background is in education, community programs, and counseling. I hold a Clinical Mental Health Counselor License at an Associate level in North Carolina. I worked in public education for 12 years including serving as a school counselor. Currently, I primarily work with children and families utilizing play therapy and creative expressive arts to support children on their journey of growth and healing.
Callie Bridges Perez
Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morganton, NC 28655
When working with children I enjoy using play therapy.
Everyone has a story. Sometimes the story has a happy ending, but often it is a journey filled with ups and downs. You or your child’s story may include depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or family and relationship issues. Therapy is a great place to start processing your unique story. Talking in a confidential, supportive space can provide the perspective needed to heal and to find hope and clarity again.
When working with children I enjoy using play therapy.
Everyone has a story. Sometimes the story has a happy ending, but often it is a journey filled with ups and downs. You or your child’s story may include depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or family and relationship issues. Therapy is a great place to start processing your unique story. Talking in a confidential, supportive space can provide the perspective needed to heal and to find hope and clarity again.
Katey Smith
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Canton, NC 28716
I conduct therapy by using traditional talk therapy, play therapy, and art therapy.
Watching your daughter struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and perfectionism can be heartbreaking. You want nothing more than to see her thrive and to feel good about herself, but sometimes it can feel like you’re not sure how to help. That’s where I come in. Hi there! I'm Katey, a licensed therapist specializing in helping preteen and teen girls overcome all aspects of perfectionism. Before my clients came to see me, they felt inadequate and less than. They were certain they would never be good enough, no matter how hard they tried.
I conduct therapy by using traditional talk therapy, play therapy, and art therapy.
Watching your daughter struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and perfectionism can be heartbreaking. You want nothing more than to see her thrive and to feel good about herself, but sometimes it can feel like you’re not sure how to help. That’s where I come in. Hi there! I'm Katey, a licensed therapist specializing in helping preteen and teen girls overcome all aspects of perfectionism. Before my clients came to see me, they felt inadequate and less than. They were certain they would never be good enough, no matter how hard they tried.
Emily Cox
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I use a client-focused approach that adds creative and expressive arts techniques, including Sand Tray, play-based, EMDR, and narrative practices when useful.
I specialize in helping tweens and teens regulate and thrive. Things can feel off and you're not sure why. Maybe noticing your teen pulling away, shut behind a closed door. Your child changing, giving one word answers when they are usually a chatterbox. You may feel that everything is getting on your nerves, having ADHD overwhelm, or like things are in a funk. You know that something is wrong, but are stuck on how to fix it. The disconnect can get to a point where we need some support. Feeling stuck can lead us to seek help for re-connection to our inner strengths. You can find your strengths again and use them to feel better.
I use a client-focused approach that adds creative and expressive arts techniques, including Sand Tray, play-based, EMDR, and narrative practices when useful.
I specialize in helping tweens and teens regulate and thrive. Things can feel off and you're not sure why. Maybe noticing your teen pulling away, shut behind a closed door. Your child changing, giving one word answers when they are usually a chatterbox. You may feel that everything is getting on your nerves, having ADHD overwhelm, or like things are in a funk. You know that something is wrong, but are stuck on how to fix it. The disconnect can get to a point where we need some support. Feeling stuck can lead us to seek help for re-connection to our inner strengths. You can find your strengths again and use them to feel better.
Bettie McKemie Hill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boone, NC 28607
With children and teens, I employ play-therapy, expressive-arts and nature-based approaches to encourage processing.
I love working with people who are taking steps to better understand themselves and how they relate to the world around them. I work with children, teens, adults and families who are looking to realize their full potential and confront challenges in doing so. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, family conflict, life transitions, academic struggles, work-life balance and relationships. I love working with children and parents to support empathy building in family relationships.
With children and teens, I employ play-therapy, expressive-arts and nature-based approaches to encourage processing.
I love working with people who are taking steps to better understand themselves and how they relate to the world around them. I work with children, teens, adults and families who are looking to realize their full potential and confront challenges in doing so. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, family conflict, life transitions, academic struggles, work-life balance and relationships. I love working with children and parents to support empathy building in family relationships.
Clarissa 'reese' Caskey
MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, NC 28037
And because each client is unique, I use an integrative approach in counseling incorporating traditional talk therapy with art, play, and sand tray therapy!.
Whether you have reoccurring symptoms or are facing a difficult time in your life right now, I am here to help! I specialize in working with children(ages 3+), teens & women experiencing various symptoms related to Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Low Self-esteem, Relationship Issues, Stress, and Trauma.
And because each client is unique, I use an integrative approach in counseling incorporating traditional talk therapy with art, play, and sand tray therapy!.
Whether you have reoccurring symptoms or are facing a difficult time in your life right now, I am here to help! I specialize in working with children(ages 3+), teens & women experiencing various symptoms related to Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Low Self-esteem, Relationship Issues, Stress, and Trauma.
Jillian Kelly-Wavering
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
With over 12 years of post-graduate experience in the field of child psychotherapy, I combine my knowledge of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness along with the awareness that each child is special and precious.
I'm a therapist for grieving children and their families in Asheville, NC, and previously in the Bronx, NY. My training includes a Master’s degree from Columbia University, fellowship with the National Health Service Corps, certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Registered Play Therapist Supervisor credential. I've served as the VP of the NY Association for Play Therapy, taught as an adjunct lecturer, and authored several publications (including children's books addressing grief). My hope is to be a therapeutic companion to children and families experiencing grief and loss.
With over 12 years of post-graduate experience in the field of child psychotherapy, I combine my knowledge of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness along with the awareness that each child is special and precious.
I'm a therapist for grieving children and their families in Asheville, NC, and previously in the Bronx, NY. My training includes a Master’s degree from Columbia University, fellowship with the National Health Service Corps, certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Registered Play Therapist Supervisor credential. I've served as the VP of the NY Association for Play Therapy, taught as an adjunct lecturer, and authored several publications (including children's books addressing grief). My hope is to be a therapeutic companion to children and families experiencing grief and loss.
Zoë Reddig
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, R-DMT
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Waitlist for new clients
With a background in clinical counseling and creative arts-based practices, I am passionate about creating nurturing therapeutic connections where play and healing meet.
Welcome! My name is Zoë and I look forward to learning more about you and your family’s story. I support the therapeutic growth of children and adolescents (ages 4-13), and families, addressing concerns related to anxiety, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, self-esteem, interpersonal conflict, and life transitions. I believe in the importance of integrating the family unit by providing individualized therapeutic support for caregivers, addressing concerns related to parenting and family dynamics.
With a background in clinical counseling and creative arts-based practices, I am passionate about creating nurturing therapeutic connections where play and healing meet.
Welcome! My name is Zoë and I look forward to learning more about you and your family’s story. I support the therapeutic growth of children and adolescents (ages 4-13), and families, addressing concerns related to anxiety, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, self-esteem, interpersonal conflict, and life transitions. I believe in the importance of integrating the family unit by providing individualized therapeutic support for caregivers, addressing concerns related to parenting and family dynamics.
Derek West
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Boone, NC 28607
I have also worked extensively with kids and teenagers utilizing play to help them process their emotions.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Going to a counselor can be intimidating or nerve wracking. Will they accept me? What if I don't know what exactly I want to talk about in therapy? Or do I really want to open up about some of these things? All of these feelings are really normal when beginning counseling and I've had experience working with kids, teenagers, young adults, and adults to begin the journey of processing whatever they would like to work on in therapy.
I have also worked extensively with kids and teenagers utilizing play to help them process their emotions.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Going to a counselor can be intimidating or nerve wracking. Will they accept me? What if I don't know what exactly I want to talk about in therapy? Or do I really want to open up about some of these things? All of these feelings are really normal when beginning counseling and I've had experience working with kids, teenagers, young adults, and adults to begin the journey of processing whatever they would like to work on in therapy.
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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.