Play Therapy in Bethlehem, PA
She utilizes therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, solutions-focused therapy, play therapy, and family therapy.
Lucy Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania who has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families to help them manage the effects of anxiety, depression, grief, life stress, trauma, work stress, OCD, Adult ADHD, and Mild Autism. Lucy has significant experience working with children and adolescents. She enjoys helping youth to express their feelings, feel more positive about themselves and develop positive coping skills.
She utilizes therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, solutions-focused therapy, play therapy, and family therapy.
Lucy Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania who has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families to help them manage the effects of anxiety, depression, grief, life stress, trauma, work stress, OCD, Adult ADHD, and Mild Autism. Lucy has significant experience working with children and adolescents. She enjoys helping youth to express their feelings, feel more positive about themselves and develop positive coping skills.
Jolene Batarick
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18018
I specialize in treating eating disorders, trauma and ptsd, grief and loss, chronic pain and substance use issues. I am certified in intuitive therapy for eating disorders and am a certified trauma therapist. I strive to create a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which individuals can express themselves. I believe that compassion, empathy and patience are needed with all patients. I draw on mindfulness, DBT and CBT techniques. I also incorporate play, art and music therapy when appropriate. Each treatment is tailored to each client, so I focus on getting to know you and how you want to live your life, and what is stopping you.
I specialize in treating eating disorders, trauma and ptsd, grief and loss, chronic pain and substance use issues. I am certified in intuitive therapy for eating disorders and am a certified trauma therapist. I strive to create a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which individuals can express themselves. I believe that compassion, empathy and patience are needed with all patients. I draw on mindfulness, DBT and CBT techniques. I also incorporate play, art and music therapy when appropriate. Each treatment is tailored to each client, so I focus on getting to know you and how you want to live your life, and what is stopping you.
Peggy Bressette Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18020
I help them to untangle those thoughts and feelings through play or talk while working in their developmental age.
I have been working with children, adolescents and adults for many years in a variety of settings including child welfare, school settings and private practice. I specialize in working with children of all ages from toddlers to young adulthood. I have experience and I am trained in anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, Autism, ADHD and anger.
I help them to untangle those thoughts and feelings through play or talk while working in their developmental age.
I have been working with children, adolescents and adults for many years in a variety of settings including child welfare, school settings and private practice. I specialize in working with children of all ages from toddlers to young adulthood. I have experience and I am trained in anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, Autism, ADHD and anger.
Sara Kahler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, BSL
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18018
I help to build communication skills, social/ play skills, compliance skills and coping skills.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Behavior Specialist. I have worked with children ages 2-18, on the Autism Spectrum for the past 10 years. I am an expert in working with children who have multiple diagnoses including Oppositional Defiant Disorder and ADHD. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of functioning levels, including children who are completely non verbal to those who possess an extensive vocabulary. I use Applied Behavior Analysis and verbal behavior principles. I also help families to communicate with school officials and also, as an advocate in attendance at Individualized Education Plan meetings.
I help to build communication skills, social/ play skills, compliance skills and coping skills.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Behavior Specialist. I have worked with children ages 2-18, on the Autism Spectrum for the past 10 years. I am an expert in working with children who have multiple diagnoses including Oppositional Defiant Disorder and ADHD. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of functioning levels, including children who are completely non verbal to those who possess an extensive vocabulary. I use Applied Behavior Analysis and verbal behavior principles. I also help families to communicate with school officials and also, as an advocate in attendance at Individualized Education Plan meetings.
Jennifer Whitlock
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18016 (Online Only)
I have a playful style and can use writing and role play in therapy.
I have a soft spot for people who are quirky and unconventional, as I am. I welcome free spirits and those who yearn to express their authentic selves. Life can be more satisfying when one lives for what brings joy, not approval. I love to work with people who already have some insight into their issues and are ready to explore their emotions, thoughts and behaviors in greater depth and try new behaviors - that's why I do so well counseling fellow therapists. I encourage my clients to experience and understand their emotions, rather than regarding feelings as nasty symptoms that they want to get rid of.
I have a playful style and can use writing and role play in therapy.
I have a soft spot for people who are quirky and unconventional, as I am. I welcome free spirits and those who yearn to express their authentic selves. Life can be more satisfying when one lives for what brings joy, not approval. I love to work with people who already have some insight into their issues and are ready to explore their emotions, thoughts and behaviors in greater depth and try new behaviors - that's why I do so well counseling fellow therapists. I encourage my clients to experience and understand their emotions, rather than regarding feelings as nasty symptoms that they want to get rid of.
Carissa Young
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18017 (Online Only)
My counseling approach utilizes multiple modes of therapy such as: CBT, strength-based, mindfulness, person-centered, play therapy, and art therapy.
Sometimes we may feel like we don't have any control over the things in our lives. Right now by reaching out for help, you are taking some control back. Throughout our lives we all experience difficult times and need some support. I can provide a safe, healing space to work on managing the stressors in your life. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I also work as a School Counselor and volunteer as a crisis hotline counselor. Previously, I worked as a teacher for over 17 years across different grades. I love working with children of all ages and empowering women!
My counseling approach utilizes multiple modes of therapy such as: CBT, strength-based, mindfulness, person-centered, play therapy, and art therapy.
Sometimes we may feel like we don't have any control over the things in our lives. Right now by reaching out for help, you are taking some control back. Throughout our lives we all experience difficult times and need some support. I can provide a safe, healing space to work on managing the stressors in your life. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I also work as a School Counselor and volunteer as a crisis hotline counselor. Previously, I worked as a teacher for over 17 years across different grades. I love working with children of all ages and empowering women!
Utilizing an eclectic approach, I draw on various evidence-based modalities, including: Person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy.
Welcome! Choosing therapy and establishing a meaningful relationship with a therapist is a profound and empowering decision. We all encounter hardships in life, and as a parent, it's natural to feel overwhelmed when trying to support our children through difficult times. As a therapist, my aim is to guide children, teenagers, young adults, and families in acquiring the tools necessary to navigate depression, anxiety, anger, family life adjustments, grief/loss, behavioral difficulties, social skills, and trauma with resilience.
Utilizing an eclectic approach, I draw on various evidence-based modalities, including: Person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy.
Welcome! Choosing therapy and establishing a meaningful relationship with a therapist is a profound and empowering decision. We all encounter hardships in life, and as a parent, it's natural to feel overwhelmed when trying to support our children through difficult times. As a therapist, my aim is to guide children, teenagers, young adults, and families in acquiring the tools necessary to navigate depression, anxiety, anger, family life adjustments, grief/loss, behavioral difficulties, social skills, and trauma with resilience.
Emily Calcagni
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18017
I also have some training in play therapy and mindfulness.
I work with individuals with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. I specialize in working with individuals with gender dysphoria and am able to provide referral letters for gender affirming care. I work with any age, with a special interest in working with adolescents and young adults. I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.
I also have some training in play therapy and mindfulness.
I work with individuals with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. I specialize in working with individuals with gender dysphoria and am able to provide referral letters for gender affirming care. I work with any age, with a special interest in working with adolescents and young adults. I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.
If you have a child who is struggling with behavioral issues and you just can't understand what is going on, come see me. I see children as young as 3 years old. Using play as their voice I will help your child with those issues by teaching coping skills and gently guiding them to think before acting. At times I will provide you with tools to use at home so your child has consistent support. I have experience working with children on the spectrum, ADHD, ADD, ODD, Conduct Disorder, and DMDD. I also have experience working with both children and adults with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and trauma.
If you have a child who is struggling with behavioral issues and you just can't understand what is going on, come see me. I see children as young as 3 years old. Using play as their voice I will help your child with those issues by teaching coping skills and gently guiding them to think before acting. At times I will provide you with tools to use at home so your child has consistent support. I have experience working with children on the spectrum, ADHD, ADD, ODD, Conduct Disorder, and DMDD. I also have experience working with both children and adults with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and trauma.
Kierstin Carreira
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18015 (Online Only)
Kierstin Carreira is a licensed clinical social worker with a dedicated practice focused on supporting both children and adults. Her expertise spans behavior modification, family dynamics and cohesion, positive parenting, co-parenting, and relational attachment. Kierstin is deeply knowledgeable about trauma and recognizes its significant role in many presenting issues. She approaches her work with a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring that treatment addresses the root causes of distress.
Kierstin Carreira is a licensed clinical social worker with a dedicated practice focused on supporting both children and adults. Her expertise spans behavior modification, family dynamics and cohesion, positive parenting, co-parenting, and relational attachment. Kierstin is deeply knowledgeable about trauma and recognizes its significant role in many presenting issues. She approaches her work with a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring that treatment addresses the root causes of distress.
William James Dougherty
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC, CCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18017
As noted by the award-winning nationally and regionally recognized correspondent, television and radio host Jim Masters (of PBS and Close-Up Talk Radio), "effective therapy requires a combination of compassion, skill set and education level, as well as a safe environment in order for clients to share their feelings", and "nowhere is that more true" than with Bill Dougherty. Furthermore, Jim points out that Dougherty "provides a client-centered approach....and I love when I hear that phrase, client-centered ....its all about you, its not one size fits all, it's tailored to you..."
As noted by the award-winning nationally and regionally recognized correspondent, television and radio host Jim Masters (of PBS and Close-Up Talk Radio), "effective therapy requires a combination of compassion, skill set and education level, as well as a safe environment in order for clients to share their feelings", and "nowhere is that more true" than with Bill Dougherty. Furthermore, Jim points out that Dougherty "provides a client-centered approach....and I love when I hear that phrase, client-centered ....its all about you, its not one size fits all, it's tailored to you..."
15 Second Videos
P. Myria Bailey Whitcomb
Nicole Venskytis
Jessica Fricke
Leah Cofield
I see in person and telehealth clients in Pennsylvania. I also see Telehealth patients from New Jersey. Everyone goes through mental health phases. These phases can range from misunderstandings among couples, adjusting to life after the death of a loved one, and or major depression. All of these Issues have one thing in common. They all can be managed. People can live a high quality of life despite being challenged with mental health obstacles.
I see in person and telehealth clients in Pennsylvania. I also see Telehealth patients from New Jersey. Everyone goes through mental health phases. These phases can range from misunderstandings among couples, adjusting to life after the death of a loved one, and or major depression. All of these Issues have one thing in common. They all can be managed. People can live a high quality of life despite being challenged with mental health obstacles.
Inner Resources Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Inner Resource Counseling is a group practice serving Bethlehem & the Lehigh Valley area. Our focus is on acting as therapeutic supports in assisting people in improving their lives by gaining personal insights about themselves and making healthier choices in problematic times, allowing for positive change to occur in life. If you are feeling stuck, frustrated or overwhelmed as a result of current life stressors or have been living with long-standing issues, clinicians can work with you to develop skills and raise your level of functioning and satisfaction with the use of multiple techniques, based on your individual needs.
Inner Resource Counseling is a group practice serving Bethlehem & the Lehigh Valley area. Our focus is on acting as therapeutic supports in assisting people in improving their lives by gaining personal insights about themselves and making healthier choices in problematic times, allowing for positive change to occur in life. If you are feeling stuck, frustrated or overwhelmed as a result of current life stressors or have been living with long-standing issues, clinicians can work with you to develop skills and raise your level of functioning and satisfaction with the use of multiple techniques, based on your individual needs.
Ulanda R. Davis
Pastoral Counselor, PhD, ND, CpastC, CPCT, HHSC
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Hi. I'm Dr. Ulanda Davis. I offer Professional and Pastoral Counseling and Coaching and Naturopathic Care. I have helped many people over the last 20 years or so to develop healthy habits, relationships, and spirituality. Having support that you can to trust and relate to is very important to your success. I am genuinely sensitive to these needs and concerns without judgment. I'll work with you and be a support throughout the journey to wholeness. I offer a holistic approach to mental, emotional and physical wellness.
Hi. I'm Dr. Ulanda Davis. I offer Professional and Pastoral Counseling and Coaching and Naturopathic Care. I have helped many people over the last 20 years or so to develop healthy habits, relationships, and spirituality. Having support that you can to trust and relate to is very important to your success. I am genuinely sensitive to these needs and concerns without judgment. I'll work with you and be a support throughout the journey to wholeness. I offer a holistic approach to mental, emotional and physical wellness.
P. Myria Bailey Whitcomb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Today, the world is moving very fast, often not allowing individuals time to do self-care, self-reflection, or personal/family needs assessments. I can help you slow the pace down and focus on your individual or group needs. For others, the world is unrecognizable, adjusting has become complex, and adaptation has proven complicated. My role is to help you find yourself and your strengths amid life, emotional, psychological, relational, spiritual, and physical challenges.
Today, the world is moving very fast, often not allowing individuals time to do self-care, self-reflection, or personal/family needs assessments. I can help you slow the pace down and focus on your individual or group needs. For others, the world is unrecognizable, adjusting has become complex, and adaptation has proven complicated. My role is to help you find yourself and your strengths amid life, emotional, psychological, relational, spiritual, and physical challenges.
Numra Yaqub
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18018
At some point in their life, an individual may struggle to cope with overwhelming challenges, ranging from depression, anxiety, grief and loss, intrusive thoughts, to trauma or emotional dysregulation. My goal is to equip individuals with a plethora of tools in order to help them manage these life-changing struggles. These tools may include coping strategies, improving social skills, managing intrusive thoughts, or anger management strategies. I am passionate about helping individuals live up to their full potential. I provide individual, couples, family therapy, and I also provide child custody evaluation services.
At some point in their life, an individual may struggle to cope with overwhelming challenges, ranging from depression, anxiety, grief and loss, intrusive thoughts, to trauma or emotional dysregulation. My goal is to equip individuals with a plethora of tools in order to help them manage these life-changing struggles. These tools may include coping strategies, improving social skills, managing intrusive thoughts, or anger management strategies. I am passionate about helping individuals live up to their full potential. I provide individual, couples, family therapy, and I also provide child custody evaluation services.
Jacquelyn Otto
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, CAADC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18018
I am a licensed professional counselor, who is passionate in helping others reach their treatment goals through therapeutic interventions and working on setting specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely treatment objectives. I strongly support person-centered treatment and maintaining a safe and holistic therapeutic environment, while also focusing on the strengths of the individual.
I am a licensed professional counselor, who is passionate in helping others reach their treatment goals through therapeutic interventions and working on setting specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely treatment objectives. I strongly support person-centered treatment and maintaining a safe and holistic therapeutic environment, while also focusing on the strengths of the individual.
Jennifer Coleman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, BCBA, LPC, LBS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Jennifer M. Coleman, MS, BCBA, LPC, LBS has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Experimental Psychology from Moravian College, a masters’ degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with a specialization in trauma, and post-graduate education in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Additionally, she holds a license as a professional counselor, a certification as a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst, and a license as a behavioral specialist. Jennifer and another therapist at the practice are licensed in NJ and PA.
Jennifer M. Coleman, MS, BCBA, LPC, LBS has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Experimental Psychology from Moravian College, a masters’ degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with a specialization in trauma, and post-graduate education in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Additionally, she holds a license as a professional counselor, a certification as a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst, and a license as a behavioral specialist. Jennifer and another therapist at the practice are licensed in NJ and PA.
Constance Brown is an associate Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working in the field of human services. When working with clients, it is of the utmost significance to establish a safe environment through acceptance and understanding. She will meet her clients where they are and cater treatment to their unique needs. From a relational viewpoint, she will work with you to examine your unique patterns and identify difficulties within the context of your family and relationships.
Constance Brown is an associate Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working in the field of human services. When working with clients, it is of the utmost significance to establish a safe environment through acceptance and understanding. She will meet her clients where they are and cater treatment to their unique needs. From a relational viewpoint, she will work with you to examine your unique patterns and identify difficulties within the context of your family and relationships.
Rana Dimmig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, MLSP, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Each of us needs to find a way to interact with our world in the best way we can. Sometimes, things happen that make this difficult. Everyone deserves to have someone listen to them and hear them.
Each of us needs to find a way to interact with our world in the best way we can. Sometimes, things happen that make this difficult. Everyone deserves to have someone listen to them and hear them.
See more therapy options for Bethlehem
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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.