Play Therapy in Philadelphia, PA
Hadley Roberts-Donnelly
Pre-Licensed Professional, LAPC, MPhilEd, MSEd
4 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19146
I also work with children and adolescents, incorporating interventions from play and art therapy.
My job, as your therapist, is to provide you with an open, welcoming, and supportive space, and to invite all versions of you to show up to each session. Whether we explore new ways of managing distressing feelings, giggle through a relational hiccup, or challenge ourselves by diving into some untapped memories, I will be alongside you every step of the way.
I also work with children and adolescents, incorporating interventions from play and art therapy.
My job, as your therapist, is to provide you with an open, welcoming, and supportive space, and to invite all versions of you to show up to each session. Whether we explore new ways of managing distressing feelings, giggle through a relational hiccup, or challenge ourselves by diving into some untapped memories, I will be alongside you every step of the way.
I love working with individuals who may not easily connect with traditional talk therapy and are looking for a different approach to explore past experiences, relational dynamics and current life difficulties. I believe in the power of movement, mindfulness, and creativity as an avenue for emotional expression, self exploration, and growth. I commonly work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and difficulties with emotional expression and/or regulation. Through the use of DMT and talk therapy we can reconnect the communication lines between the mind and the body and move through change and growth.
I love working with individuals who may not easily connect with traditional talk therapy and are looking for a different approach to explore past experiences, relational dynamics and current life difficulties. I believe in the power of movement, mindfulness, and creativity as an avenue for emotional expression, self exploration, and growth. I commonly work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and difficulties with emotional expression and/or regulation. Through the use of DMT and talk therapy we can reconnect the communication lines between the mind and the body and move through change and growth.
I help children, individuals and families target problematic behaviors, develop effective coping skills, improve their communication and enrich their relationships with one another. My education in family therapy and my years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults have shown me even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome with the right support.
I help children, individuals and families target problematic behaviors, develop effective coping skills, improve their communication and enrich their relationships with one another. My education in family therapy and my years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults have shown me even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome with the right support.
I also run weekly D&D-style play therapy groups where clients can grow through storytelling and creativity.
My ideal client is someone navigating transitions, stress, identity, grief, relationships, or big emotions who wants to feel understood without pressure to have it all figured out. They might feel stuck, overwhelmed, or craving clarity, connection, or peace. Looking for trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent-affirming support with low-cost options or work with a focus on ADHD, autism, or anxiety. My background in behavioral health/ABA with children on the spectrum, and my own lived ADHD experience deeply shape my approach. A main goal in our work will be advocating for you and helping you grow toward advocating for yourself.
I also run weekly D&D-style play therapy groups where clients can grow through storytelling and creativity.
My ideal client is someone navigating transitions, stress, identity, grief, relationships, or big emotions who wants to feel understood without pressure to have it all figured out. They might feel stuck, overwhelmed, or craving clarity, connection, or peace. Looking for trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent-affirming support with low-cost options or work with a focus on ADHD, autism, or anxiety. My background in behavioral health/ABA with children on the spectrum, and my own lived ADHD experience deeply shape my approach. A main goal in our work will be advocating for you and helping you grow toward advocating for yourself.
Are you having difficulty communicating with your partner? Anxiety making daily tasks feel overwhelming? You're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself. Whether you're struggling with self-doubt, communication in relationships, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can help you rediscover your confidence and find peace. I specialize in helping busy parents, anxious adults, and families navigate life's toughest moments with practical tools and genuine support. You deserve to feel grounded, capable, and genuinely happy again.
Are you having difficulty communicating with your partner? Anxiety making daily tasks feel overwhelming? You're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself. Whether you're struggling with self-doubt, communication in relationships, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can help you rediscover your confidence and find peace. I specialize in helping busy parents, anxious adults, and families navigate life's toughest moments with practical tools and genuine support. You deserve to feel grounded, capable, and genuinely happy again.
I use various modalities including talk, play, art, sand, movement & meditation.
I am here to help you through life's biggest challenges. Whether it is coming up with strategies to manage anxiety and negative thoughts, understanding how trauma affects current relationships and patterns of behaviors, working through a recent breakup, helping your child(ren) through a divorce, managing big emotions, or processing life changes and transitions…you don’t have to do it alone. I am by nature a good listener, empathetic, and caring. I provide a safe space for you to share details about the past & present without any judgement, and together we can work towards understanding how these experiences are affecting your life.
I use various modalities including talk, play, art, sand, movement & meditation.
I am here to help you through life's biggest challenges. Whether it is coming up with strategies to manage anxiety and negative thoughts, understanding how trauma affects current relationships and patterns of behaviors, working through a recent breakup, helping your child(ren) through a divorce, managing big emotions, or processing life changes and transitions…you don’t have to do it alone. I am by nature a good listener, empathetic, and caring. I provide a safe space for you to share details about the past & present without any judgement, and together we can work towards understanding how these experiences are affecting your life.
Everyone has their own story, strengths, and challenges, which is why I take an eclectic approach—shaping each session around what feels most supportive and meaningful for you.
Everyone has their own story, strengths, and challenges, which is why I take an eclectic approach—shaping each session around what feels most supportive and meaningful for you.
Twana Melody Wood-Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19131
My name is Dr. Mel. I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. Helping others has been my greatest accomplishment. I utilize a creative, holistic focus to treatment which motivates clients to take an active role in their healing. In addition to an holistic approach, I also encourage empowerment and solution-focused tools to help individuals on their journey to healing and establishing a balanced life.
My name is Dr. Mel. I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. Helping others has been my greatest accomplishment. I utilize a creative, holistic focus to treatment which motivates clients to take an active role in their healing. In addition to an holistic approach, I also encourage empowerment and solution-focused tools to help individuals on their journey to healing and establishing a balanced life.
As a Doctor of Social Work and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide virtual therapy to youth, adults, and families who are experiencing trauma, stress, and mental health challenges. Using creativity, a strengths-based approach, and methods like trauma-informed care and narrative therapy, I support clients as they journey from a path of overwhelm and defeat to a path of relief and hope. Learn more about my experience and approach through my website.
As a Doctor of Social Work and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide virtual therapy to youth, adults, and families who are experiencing trauma, stress, and mental health challenges. Using creativity, a strengths-based approach, and methods like trauma-informed care and narrative therapy, I support clients as they journey from a path of overwhelm and defeat to a path of relief and hope. Learn more about my experience and approach through my website.
My style of therapy is greatly informed by Gestalt Therapy, Play Therapy, mindfulness, somatic-work, body-mind awareness and Parts work.
Imagine a space where you can express yourself in many different forms as you feel most comfortable; where you can try out new ways of being in your life and in your relationships. I strive to provide a space like this; where your thoughts, feelings and most tender parts can be revealed, nurtured, heard and seen. I enjoy the limitless diversity of brain chemistries, ethnicities, sexualities and gender expressions that exist among us. I also appreciate the diversity of life experience that each of us holds, and believe that there is wisdom and expertise within each of us to enable healing, but we don't always know how to access it.
My style of therapy is greatly informed by Gestalt Therapy, Play Therapy, mindfulness, somatic-work, body-mind awareness and Parts work.
Imagine a space where you can express yourself in many different forms as you feel most comfortable; where you can try out new ways of being in your life and in your relationships. I strive to provide a space like this; where your thoughts, feelings and most tender parts can be revealed, nurtured, heard and seen. I enjoy the limitless diversity of brain chemistries, ethnicities, sexualities and gender expressions that exist among us. I also appreciate the diversity of life experience that each of us holds, and believe that there is wisdom and expertise within each of us to enable healing, but we don't always know how to access it.
When working with children, I primarily use mindfulness-based play therapy.
Play is a natural form of communication for children, allowing them to express emotions, explore relationships, and process challenges in a developmentally appropriate way. By integrating mindfulness practices, I help children become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, regulate their bodies, and develop self-compassion.
When working with children, I primarily use mindfulness-based play therapy.
Play is a natural form of communication for children, allowing them to express emotions, explore relationships, and process challenges in a developmentally appropriate way. By integrating mindfulness practices, I help children become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, regulate their bodies, and develop self-compassion.
I work with clients struggling with anxiety and depression. I have expertise in child/adolescent counseling, and perinatal mood disorders, as well as additional concerns.
I work with clients struggling with anxiety and depression. I have expertise in child/adolescent counseling, and perinatal mood disorders, as well as additional concerns.
I specialize in neurobiology-informed psychotherapy to address anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, attachment issues, etc.. My approach is integrative and whole person wellbeing focused. Psychological issues closely interact with physical health issues, such as chronic illness/pain, energy deficiency, sleeping, memory loss, eating/weight issues, etc. In therapy, I will work with you on the interdependent issues from psychological, biological, and environmental aspects and help you gain insights of your mind, body, and experiences, and use practical strategies to obtain healing and improve your quality of life.
I specialize in neurobiology-informed psychotherapy to address anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, attachment issues, etc.. My approach is integrative and whole person wellbeing focused. Psychological issues closely interact with physical health issues, such as chronic illness/pain, energy deficiency, sleeping, memory loss, eating/weight issues, etc. In therapy, I will work with you on the interdependent issues from psychological, biological, and environmental aspects and help you gain insights of your mind, body, and experiences, and use practical strategies to obtain healing and improve your quality of life.
I remember my own experience meeting my new therapist. I was anxious to talk to a new person. I did not know if I would make sense. I did not want to feel judged. I remember feeling lost and hopeless. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to change the bad feelings and I resisted to believe that there was something wrong with me. I wanted someone who could guide me to understand my world and myself. I wanted a safe space. I needed to find someone who could collaborate with me in changing and resisting. I did not want a therapist who treated me as a study object. I just wanted to feel fully human.
I remember my own experience meeting my new therapist. I was anxious to talk to a new person. I did not know if I would make sense. I did not want to feel judged. I remember feeling lost and hopeless. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to change the bad feelings and I resisted to believe that there was something wrong with me. I wanted someone who could guide me to understand my world and myself. I wanted a safe space. I needed to find someone who could collaborate with me in changing and resisting. I did not want a therapist who treated me as a study object. I just wanted to feel fully human.
Hi! I am a medical doctor with a specific background in psychedelic medicine, including working with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (in Oregon and Colorado where it is legal), and with other medicines where they are legal (Peru, Jamaica, etc).
I have particular expertise in ADHD and learning differences, I create individualized treatment plans based on neurotype. These protocols are 6 months long.
I offer one-time consultations for folks to help them make a plan around psychedelics and integrative medicine - or for ongoing clients, I meet weekly or bi-monthly, using psychodynamic methodology.
Hi! I am a medical doctor with a specific background in psychedelic medicine, including working with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (in Oregon and Colorado where it is legal), and with other medicines where they are legal (Peru, Jamaica, etc).
I have particular expertise in ADHD and learning differences, I create individualized treatment plans based on neurotype. These protocols are 6 months long.
I offer one-time consultations for folks to help them make a plan around psychedelics and integrative medicine - or for ongoing clients, I meet weekly or bi-monthly, using psychodynamic methodology.
Ideal clients have difficulties with boundaries and trauma. They want to be able to have better relationships and process their trauma.
Ideal clients have difficulties with boundaries and trauma. They want to be able to have better relationships and process their trauma.
Therapy is a space for us to work together in exploration, growth, and play.
My practice is centered around our therapeutic relationship and incorporates elements of parts work and creative arts therapies. It is important to me to create an approach that is tailored specifically to you. I believe in affirming the unique intersection of your identities, and integrating them into our work together.
Therapy is a space for us to work together in exploration, growth, and play.
My practice is centered around our therapeutic relationship and incorporates elements of parts work and creative arts therapies. It is important to me to create an approach that is tailored specifically to you. I believe in affirming the unique intersection of your identities, and integrating them into our work together.
I am trained in Mindfulness-Based Play and Family Therapy to support children and their caregivers, and I have advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based approach that supports healing from difficult experiences.
Healing is often easier when you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by unresolved experiences, therapy can offer a supportive space to regain clarity, balance, and confidence.
I work with children, teens, adults, and families using a compassionate, individualized approach rooted in your unique goals and strengths. Our work together is both holistic and trauma-informed, honoring your lived experiences while gently supporting deeper healing. I emphasize present-moment awareness in sessions, incorporating mindfulness, sensory exploration, and calming techniques.
I am trained in Mindfulness-Based Play and Family Therapy to support children and their caregivers, and I have advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based approach that supports healing from difficult experiences.
Healing is often easier when you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by unresolved experiences, therapy can offer a supportive space to regain clarity, balance, and confidence.
I work with children, teens, adults, and families using a compassionate, individualized approach rooted in your unique goals and strengths. Our work together is both holistic and trauma-informed, honoring your lived experiences while gently supporting deeper healing. I emphasize present-moment awareness in sessions, incorporating mindfulness, sensory exploration, and calming techniques.
I love working with all different kinds of people, and I’ll always start with your family (yep, that's your childhood!). I specialize in attachment work. This can help kids/teens and their parents, couples stuck in a cycle of conflict or disconnect, and individuals experiencing anxiety or depression - especially around big life transitions. Folks who come to me (and who stay the longest) are ready to do the deeper work in their lives. They aren't looking for a quick fix - they are looking to truly understand the systems they're a part of, and the agency they have in their own lives to create change.
I love working with all different kinds of people, and I’ll always start with your family (yep, that's your childhood!). I specialize in attachment work. This can help kids/teens and their parents, couples stuck in a cycle of conflict or disconnect, and individuals experiencing anxiety or depression - especially around big life transitions. Folks who come to me (and who stay the longest) are ready to do the deeper work in their lives. They aren't looking for a quick fix - they are looking to truly understand the systems they're a part of, and the agency they have in their own lives to create change.
Being human means experiencing highs and lows, and sometimes we need some help along the way. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s challenges, milestones, and accomplishments. If you’re feeling stuck, lonely, or misunderstood, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with Riverwards Wellness Collective to see if we would make a good team. I have experience working with clients who expressed symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relational issues, infidelity, life transitions, self-esteem, spirituality, stress, trauma and PTSD.
Being human means experiencing highs and lows, and sometimes we need some help along the way. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s challenges, milestones, and accomplishments. If you’re feeling stuck, lonely, or misunderstood, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with Riverwards Wellness Collective to see if we would make a good team. I have experience working with clients who expressed symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relational issues, infidelity, life transitions, self-esteem, spirituality, stress, trauma and PTSD.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Cheltenham
- Elkins Park
- Gladwyne
- Haverford
- Havertown
- Jenkintown
- Lansdowne
- Narberth
- Upper Darby
- Wynnewood
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.