Play Therapy in Pennsauken, NJ

Photo of Debbie Chisolm, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Debbie Chisolm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
My name is Debbie Chisolm, and I have a Clinical License in Social Work, a Clinical License in Counseling, and a Clinical License in Addictions. I have several approaches I use towards therapy that consist of Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, etc. My focus is geared towards first meeting the person where he/she is at, focusing on the whole person, changing behaviors, feelings, and thoughts, and guiding each one towards meeting their life goals and using the wellness to recovery approach.
My name is Debbie Chisolm, and I have a Clinical License in Social Work, a Clinical License in Counseling, and a Clinical License in Addictions. I have several approaches I use towards therapy that consist of Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, etc. My focus is geared towards first meeting the person where he/she is at, focusing on the whole person, changing behaviors, feelings, and thoughts, and guiding each one towards meeting their life goals and using the wellness to recovery approach.
(609) 262-7735 View (609) 262-7735
Photo of Debbie Chisolm, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW, LPC, LCADC
Debbie Chisolm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW, LPC, LCADC
Pennsauken, NJ 08109
As we are all human beings and have taken falls throughout life and required help getting back up. There is no one perfect in this world as we all have faced obstacles in challenges throughout life many dealing with trauma, stressors, mental health issues, and so on. I know the feeling of not being able to trust others and feeling like you are struggling alone, and others do not understand what you are going through. Trust is the essential ingredient in reaching out to someone for help taking the steps towards wellness, and I do believe that I am that one that can help you through your journey to recovery.
As we are all human beings and have taken falls throughout life and required help getting back up. There is no one perfect in this world as we all have faced obstacles in challenges throughout life many dealing with trauma, stressors, mental health issues, and so on. I know the feeling of not being able to trust others and feeling like you are struggling alone, and others do not understand what you are going through. Trust is the essential ingredient in reaching out to someone for help taking the steps towards wellness, and I do believe that I am that one that can help you through your journey to recovery.
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Photo of Armen Grigoryan - MindWell Behavioral Health
MindWell Behavioral Health
Verified Verified
Pennsauken, NJ 08109
MindWell Behavioral Health offers a range of mental health services and supports necessary to assist customers in achieving mental health rehabilitation and recovery goals, including achieving and maintaining valued life roles in the social, employment, physical health, educational and/or housing domains and restoring or maintaining a customer’s level of functioning to that which allows the guest to achieve community integration and to remain in an independent living setting of the customer’s choice. MindWell will be an outpatient facility to serve adults, adolescents and children 7 years and older with behavioral health disorders.
MindWell Behavioral Health offers a range of mental health services and supports necessary to assist customers in achieving mental health rehabilitation and recovery goals, including achieving and maintaining valued life roles in the social, employment, physical health, educational and/or housing domains and restoring or maintaining a customer’s level of functioning to that which allows the guest to achieve community integration and to remain in an independent living setting of the customer’s choice. MindWell will be an outpatient facility to serve adults, adolescents and children 7 years and older with behavioral health disorders.
(856) 934-4862 View (856) 934-4862
Photo of Elissia Forty, Licensed Social Worker , MSW, LSW
Elissia Forty
Licensed Social Worker , MSW, LSW
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Working with me you will learn to solve your problems, find balance, and adapt to the curveballs of life. I believe that we all can change our narrative, whether we begin as a child or as an adult it’s never too late to evolve .
Working with me you will learn to solve your problems, find balance, and adapt to the curveballs of life. I believe that we all can change our narrative, whether we begin as a child or as an adult it’s never too late to evolve .
(856) 856-3431 View (856) 856-3431
Photo of Anna Bradley, Licensed Social Worker, LSW
Anna Bradley
Licensed Social Worker, LSW
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Currently only accepting patients 18 years and younger.
Currently only accepting patients 18 years and younger.
(856) 925-6521 View (856) 925-6521
Photo of Mervat Ahmed Bashir, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Mervat Ahmed Bashir
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Online Only
(609) 469-3548 View (609) 469-3548

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lateefah Thompson, Licensed Social Worker, LSW
Lateefah Thompson
Licensed Social Worker, LSW
3 Endorsed
Voorhees, NJ 08043
My ideal client is someone who feels torn between who they really are and who the world expects them to be. They may be carrying anxiety, depression, or the pressures of school, work, and relationships, and they're longing for clarity and emotional relief. They want a space where they can be honest, understood, and supported without judgment. Their goal is to feel grounded, confident, and more connected to themselves. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I am here to help you navigate what is weighing on you.
My ideal client is someone who feels torn between who they really are and who the world expects them to be. They may be carrying anxiety, depression, or the pressures of school, work, and relationships, and they're longing for clarity and emotional relief. They want a space where they can be honest, understood, and supported without judgment. Their goal is to feel grounded, confident, and more connected to themselves. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I am here to help you navigate what is weighing on you.
(856) 548-5908 View (856) 548-5908
Photo of Elisabeth Legge, Counselor, MS, LAC, NCC
Elisabeth Legge
Counselor, MS, LAC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Marlton, NJ 08053
Through play therapy, children can make sense of their feelings, build resilience, and ultimately feel happier and more secure in themselves and their relationships.
I am passionate about utilizing play therapy to work with children and families who have experienced adverse events or situations. Play therapy provides children with a safe, non-threatening environment where they can explore their feelings and experiences, allowing me to better understand their world and offer the guidance they need to heal.
Through play therapy, children can make sense of their feelings, build resilience, and ultimately feel happier and more secure in themselves and their relationships.
I am passionate about utilizing play therapy to work with children and families who have experienced adverse events or situations. Play therapy provides children with a safe, non-threatening environment where they can explore their feelings and experiences, allowing me to better understand their world and offer the guidance they need to heal.
(856) 544-2512 View (856) 544-2512
Photo of Simone Lavine, Counselor, MSEd, MPhilEd, LPC
Simone Lavine
Counselor, MSEd, MPhilEd, LPC
7 Endorsed
Audubon, NJ 08106
The interventions I use draw from parts work (IFS), Emotion-Focused Couple and Family Therapy, EMDR, Play Therapy, and CBT.
Finding a therapist can be a daunting challenge, and it's courageous to even begin the process. Many of my clients have seen one or more therapists in the past, and struggled to feel understood and get the help they actually need. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. I am trained and practiced in addressing the root causes of suffering in individuals and relational systems, which allows me to provide the highest quality of care to children, teens, adults, couples, and families; even those who have previously struggled to find therapy helpful.
The interventions I use draw from parts work (IFS), Emotion-Focused Couple and Family Therapy, EMDR, Play Therapy, and CBT.
Finding a therapist can be a daunting challenge, and it's courageous to even begin the process. Many of my clients have seen one or more therapists in the past, and struggled to feel understood and get the help they actually need. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. I am trained and practiced in addressing the root causes of suffering in individuals and relational systems, which allows me to provide the highest quality of care to children, teens, adults, couples, and families; even those who have previously struggled to find therapy helpful.
(609) 905-4467 View (609) 905-4467
Photo of Carlton Bogan, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Carlton Bogan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Many are perplexed by these unprecedented times. Sharing in the burdens of others to lighten their load is what I have to offer the world. As a licensed counselor, I am both ready and professionally equipped to lend an empathetic ear to those who are attempting to navigate life. As an African American man, I am sensitive to multicultural matters. In addition, I also possess a natural, multi-generational reach that enables me to connect with any age group on a wide range of topics.
Many are perplexed by these unprecedented times. Sharing in the burdens of others to lighten their load is what I have to offer the world. As a licensed counselor, I am both ready and professionally equipped to lend an empathetic ear to those who are attempting to navigate life. As an African American man, I am sensitive to multicultural matters. In addition, I also possess a natural, multi-generational reach that enables me to connect with any age group on a wide range of topics.
(856) 832-6318 View (856) 832-6318
Photo of Melissa Barua, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Melissa Barua
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Clementon, NJ 08021
I am a Licensed Social Worker with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. My areas of specialty and focus are depression, anxiety, low self esteem, mood disorders, and trauma. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
I am a Licensed Social Worker with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. My areas of specialty and focus are depression, anxiety, low self esteem, mood disorders, and trauma. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
(856) 481-8874 View (856) 481-8874
Photo of Beth Fleischman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Beth Fleischman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Marlton, NJ 08053
I use play therapy, sand tray therapy, and nervous-system-informed approaches to support expression, regulation, and resilience.
I provide trauma-informed, play-based therapy for toddlers, children and teens experiencing anxiety, emotional dysregulation, grief & family transitions. I specialize in nervous system regulation, coping skills & strengthening parent-child connection. My approach blends play therapy techniques, sandplay and parent guidance to create steady, lasting change.
I use play therapy, sand tray therapy, and nervous-system-informed approaches to support expression, regulation, and resilience.
I provide trauma-informed, play-based therapy for toddlers, children and teens experiencing anxiety, emotional dysregulation, grief & family transitions. I specialize in nervous system regulation, coping skills & strengthening parent-child connection. My approach blends play therapy techniques, sandplay and parent guidance to create steady, lasting change.
(856) 553-0939 View (856) 553-0939
Photo of Olivia Farrell, Licensed Associate Counselor, Ed.M, LAC
Olivia Farrell
Licensed Associate Counselor, Ed.M, LAC
1 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
I integrate a variety of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness practices, and play therapy.
I believe every child deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and accepted for who they are. My approach to therapy is centered on building a strong, trusting relationship with each child while partnering closely with caregivers to support growth both in and outside of therapy. As a school counselor and therapist, I have experience supporting children and adolescents through the academic, social, emotional, and family challenges that come with growing up. I work with children, adolescents, and young adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, self-esteem, friendship difficulties.
I integrate a variety of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness practices, and play therapy.
I believe every child deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and accepted for who they are. My approach to therapy is centered on building a strong, trusting relationship with each child while partnering closely with caregivers to support growth both in and outside of therapy. As a school counselor and therapist, I have experience supporting children and adolescents through the academic, social, emotional, and family challenges that come with growing up. I work with children, adolescents, and young adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, self-esteem, friendship difficulties.
(609) 215-3182 View (609) 215-3182
Photo of Dondre Oliver, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Dondre Oliver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
2 Endorsed
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
I’m a mental health therapist who believes healing happens through compassionate and empowering relationships. I work with individuals who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected while navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life transitions.
I’m a mental health therapist who believes healing happens through compassionate and empowering relationships. I work with individuals who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected while navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life transitions.
(640) 356-1698 x3 View (640) 356-1698 x3
Photo of Jasmine Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Jasmine Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Jasmine Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgian Court University. She brings diverse experience across multiple levels of mental health care. Her background includes working in group homes supporting non-verbal autistic adults, serving on psychiatric inpatient units, and working as a crisis intervention specialist with Children’s Mobile Response.
Jasmine Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgian Court University. She brings diverse experience across multiple levels of mental health care. Her background includes working in group homes supporting non-verbal autistic adults, serving on psychiatric inpatient units, and working as a crisis intervention specialist with Children’s Mobile Response.
(856) 588-3187 View (856) 588-3187
Photo of Melissa Acquavella-Lightfoot, Psychologist, PsyD
Melissa Acquavella-Lightfoot
Psychologist, PsyD
Marlton, NJ 08053
Adults, children and adolescents, we treat all ages! Is your child struggling with anxiety, regulating their emotions, managing friendships or dealing with grief? Is your adolescent experiencing anxiety, depression, low motivation or having difficulty managing intense emotions? Or maybe you, as an adult, are struggling to manage life stressors and anxiety, life transitions or loss? Improvement is possible! We can help by guiding individuals-children through adults-in the process of gaining insight and coping skills to make real, lasting positive changes.
Adults, children and adolescents, we treat all ages! Is your child struggling with anxiety, regulating their emotions, managing friendships or dealing with grief? Is your adolescent experiencing anxiety, depression, low motivation or having difficulty managing intense emotions? Or maybe you, as an adult, are struggling to manage life stressors and anxiety, life transitions or loss? Improvement is possible! We can help by guiding individuals-children through adults-in the process of gaining insight and coping skills to make real, lasting positive changes.
(856) 481-0002 View (856) 481-0002
Photo of Mervat Bashir, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Mervat Bashir
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, exposure therapy, mindfulness, meditation, play therapy, and positive reinforcement.
I am Mervat, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults identify their challenges, triggers, and goals. I support individuals with mental health issues such as ADHD, ODD, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their personal goals.
These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, exposure therapy, mindfulness, meditation, play therapy, and positive reinforcement.
I am Mervat, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults identify their challenges, triggers, and goals. I support individuals with mental health issues such as ADHD, ODD, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their personal goals.
(856) 388-5247 View (856) 388-5247
Photo of David Curry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
David Curry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Many men struggle in silence with stress, substance use, or feeling stuck, unsure of how things got so off track. Therapy can be a place to finally slow down, get honest, and start making real changes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with men and individuals navigating substance use, anxiety and relationship issues. My approach is direct, supportive, and collaborative, with a focus on building insight, accountability, and practical skills that translate into real life.
Many men struggle in silence with stress, substance use, or feeling stuck, unsure of how things got so off track. Therapy can be a place to finally slow down, get honest, and start making real changes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with men and individuals navigating substance use, anxiety and relationship issues. My approach is direct, supportive, and collaborative, with a focus on building insight, accountability, and practical skills that translate into real life.
(609) 473-3897 View (609) 473-3897
Photo of Diane McMahon, Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, RN, LPC
Diane McMahon
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, RN, LPC
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Diane McMahon EdS, RN, LPC has been licensed in the healing arts since 1976. Through her years of continuing education and hands-on experience, she has successfully facilitated the ethical healing, empowerment and growth of clients of all ages. Diane spent 20+ yrs as a pediatric nurse, psychiatric nurse, and as a nursing educator. Since 2001, she has worked as a counselor primarily in schools and in community-based services providing Individual, Couples, Family and Group Counseling. Included in her curriculum vitae is EAGALA certification using horses as part of a therapeutic team to engage clients in creative problem solving.
Diane McMahon EdS, RN, LPC has been licensed in the healing arts since 1976. Through her years of continuing education and hands-on experience, she has successfully facilitated the ethical healing, empowerment and growth of clients of all ages. Diane spent 20+ yrs as a pediatric nurse, psychiatric nurse, and as a nursing educator. Since 2001, she has worked as a counselor primarily in schools and in community-based services providing Individual, Couples, Family and Group Counseling. Included in her curriculum vitae is EAGALA certification using horses as part of a therapeutic team to engage clients in creative problem solving.
(609) 353-5457 View (609) 353-5457
Photo of Simona Badger, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Simona Badger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Our Child Therapy, incorporates expressive therapy through play and art therapy.
I utilize self-compassion therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, creative arts therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction.I believe that in working together through a trusting collaborative relationship one can gain support to alleviate emotional pain and begin the journey of self-acceptance.
Our Child Therapy, incorporates expressive therapy through play and art therapy.
I utilize self-compassion therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, creative arts therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction.I believe that in working together through a trusting collaborative relationship one can gain support to alleviate emotional pain and begin the journey of self-acceptance.
(201) 503-3641 View (201) 503-3641

See more therapy options for Pennsauken

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.