Play Therapy in Westfield, NJ
See all therapists in Westfield
Marissa Geist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified
Verified
I employ cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness based therapy,
play
and art therapy, life coaching, as well as other evidenced based practices.
"Integrity is choosing courage over comfort." -Brène Brown. Often it is not easy to ask for help, to step outside of your comfort zone, but sometimes it is easier to have someone in your corner who can provide counseling and psychotherapy support. I work with children and adolescents to alleviate anxiety, stress, and ADHD symptoms. My focus to continually create a positive self-narrative and overall well-being for my clients. I want my clients to feel a sense of safety, sensitivity and wellness within themselves and with others.
Kerry Lea Fleming
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, DRCC, SAC, NBCC
Verified
Verified
I believe Family Systems
play
a huge role in how people grow and learn.
I bring intention, patience and hope into my work as a therapist and try my best to inspire you to do the same. I like for you to feel secure and comfortable when you come into my office; and empowered and satisfied when you leave. My sessions are free of judgments, and spent building a foundation where progress toward your goal(s) can be made. Regular day-to-day obligations can easily interfere with our best intentions. Identifying and expressing your goal(s) is the first step. I would embrace the opportunity to work with you.
Misty A Shores
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCS
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), integrative therapy (
play
/art therapy), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), mindfulness based therapy (MBT), life coaching, as well as other evidenced based modalities.
I am a Buddhist psychotherapist with a focus on helping all clients find wellness through the Four Immeasurables - happiness, joy, compassion and equanimity. I am passionate about helping people navigate life transitions and difficulties in a practical manner. I help clients focus on the present and work through anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, grief, and other related disorders. I am passionate about serving first responders, veterans, and their families. For more information please view my website at http://www.4ilifepractice.com.
Eren Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am trained in faith-based counseling, Creative Arts Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Narrative therapy, Grief/loss,
Play therapy
, and working with survivors of racial trauma, sexual trauma/abuse, human trafficking, and other social justice issues.
I have experience working with men and women of all ages who are dealing with stress, anxiety/depression, and unresolved trauma and loss. I am passionate about hearing your story and journeying with you to explore your therapeutic needs/concerns. I will also help you identify core issues such as life transitions, stressors or negative core beliefs, or cognitive distortions and provide the support and tools that you need to achieve your therapeutic goals.
Cristina Monroy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT- S
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I incorporate sand tray work with children and adults, mindfulness-based parenting and a non-directive
play therapy
model.
I work with individuals, couples, and families towards increasing the ability to manage, grow and thrive through life's transitions. The ultimate intention is shifting our outlook from living problem to problem to living solution to solution. By formulating our own answers we have the power to shape and direct our lives. Within the context of Mindfulness-Based
Play
Family Therapy, I also work with children ages four through the young adult years addressing a variety of developmental issues and assisting them in developing the tools necessary for success.
Jennifer Laura Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
My favorite clients are those who are on a path toward greater self awareness. I love working with couples seeking to deepen their intimate connection & relationship; I love working with parents who are seeking to create a more healthy and heart centered relationship with their children. I feel excited to work with families who are seeking to change the way they relate to one another and who want to alter the way they balance love, work &
play
. Within each session I draw on principles of Non-Violent Communication, Internal Family Systems,
Play Therapy
, Attachment Parenting and Mind-Body-Spirit Approaches.
Jean Alter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
With children, I also use
play
to help them develop coping skills and learn how to make and keep friends.
For over 25 years, I've helped adults, children, and adolescents, with encouragement, coaching, and respect. I am committed to helping clients with a wide variety of issues including grief, anxiety, depression, ADHD, social issues, self-esteem, parenting, and divorce. Together, we can recognize your feelings, the stories behind these feelings, and your own goals. We can navigate through your pain so you can feel renewed confidence in coping with your difficult situations, and a sense of greater calmness.
Love Play Grow
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW, LPC, RPT
Verified
Verified
We work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are looking to enrich their lives with the skills they need to love,
play
, and grow into their best selves.
Edward H Callaghan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I also have expertise in
play therapy
, parenting support, and consultation regarding Child Study Teams.
Hi! My name is Dr. Ed Callaghan. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and am fully licensed in the state of New Jersey. I am the co-founder of the Integrative Therapy Institute of NJ and it’s Director of Child Services. I specialize in working with preschool and school-age children as well as adolescents and adults. I am especially proficient at working with children with ADHD, behavioral problems, and school-related difficulties--especially problems related to poor school performance, distractibility, and motivation/drive. I am also VERY SUCCESSFUL at bridging conflictual relationships between teens and their parents.
Kara S. Jablonka
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
My style is open and collaborative, mostly using talk,
play
and emotion-focused therapy modalities.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you hoping to improve your coping skills? Perhaps you need help making yourself a priority in your own life. Searching for a therapist can be an overwhelming task. The good news is that you are looking for help, which is often the first step toward positive change. Most people come to me wanting to feel happier, more fulfilled and balanced in their lives. Common issues include problems related to parenting, peers, school or work.
Ivy Horan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified
Verified
I utilize different techniques such as CBT, DBT, somatic, narrative and
play therapy
to create personal safety, improve emotional regulation.
Do you ever find yourself being overwhelmed with your feelings? Does it seem like the peanut gallery in your mind is never silent - is it always ready with a judgmental comment? Do you find yourself tired, overwhelmed and stressed? It is possible for children, adolescents, and adults to be able to learn to feel their feelings and not be overwhelmed by them. For you to learn how to tame the peanut gallery of your mind and improve your sense of being in control of your thoughts and emotions. To build the skills to reduce feeling tired, overwhelmed and stressed. Your can become integrated and whole.
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Rebecca Levy-Cruz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
My empathetic and caring demeanor coupled with my therapeutic approach using
play therapy
and cognitive behavioral strategies can help both children and adults develop the coping skills they need to manage stressors.
I'm glad you are here! Its the first step in improving your life. If you are feeling weighed down by anxious thoughts or sad feelings or just having difficulty dealing with life's stressors then you are in the right place. "The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." -William James.
Not accepting new clients
Genevieve Shineman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I believe that within each individual, family, or relationship there is a natural and effective process for healing. Although in times of crisis helping a person or family find safety and stabilization becomes a priority, once this is established I have found an inside-out approach can be a powerful, creative, and effective process toward finding your unique self and path.
Waitlist for new clients
Sarah Pettit
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified
Verified
Having a warm and caring connection with a therapist can help you through times of transition, stress, and uncertainty. I am here to support you by providing effective, evidence-based therapy in a comfortable setting. My areas of expertise include assisting clients who are dealing with a difficult transition, struggling with anxiety complicated by another disorder (such as depression, attention hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism spectrum disorder), addressing a specific phobia, or parenting an anxious child. I will work with you to identify your goals and needs.
Andrea Papa (adolescent/teen specialist)
DO
Verified
Verified
I am a Psychiatrist with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. 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.
Nicole Mossbacher (adolescent/teen specialist)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor 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.
Melissa Cramutolo (adolescent/teen specialist)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC
Verified
Verified
I am a LCSW 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.
Lila Redmount
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Sometimes life throws us challenges that seem insurmountable. A loved child diagnosed with autism, a spouse who seems out of sync with us, problems with school or work, worries about the future... I have more than 20 years' experience working with children, teens and adults, and helping them improve the quality of their lives. My approach is rooted on psychodynamic psychotherapy, and I provide a warm and caring environment that promotes growth and emotional fulfillment. The goal is to help my clients live a more authentic life, improved honesty, empathy, and playfulness.
Sarah Roche (adolescent/teen specialist)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified
Verified
I am a LSW 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.
Waitlist for new clients
Stacie Shivers
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
The process of starting therapy can feel daunting and overwhelming, but can also be enlightening and rewarding. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I offer a collaborative approach to therapy, providing support to each individual along their journey toward self-discovery and growth. My goal is to help you identify and utilize your inherent strengths and learn adaptive skills to aide in developing a strong sense of self, reach your personal goals, effectively manage life’s challenges, and cope with emotional distress. Moreover, I believe that therapeutic work is most productive when aligned with an empathetic and nonjudgmental environment, which I intend to offer each person. I tailor treatment to meet the unique and diverse needs of every individual.
See more therapy options for
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.