Play Therapy in Pittsburgh, PA
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, couples, and families seeking help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and family/life transitions. Additionally, I have experience working with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), trauma, grief and loss, and multigenerational family patterns. I completed my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Pennsylvania State University and my Master of Science (MS) in Marriage and Family Therapy at Seton Hall University.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, couples, and families seeking help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and family/life transitions. Additionally, I have experience working with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), trauma, grief and loss, and multigenerational family patterns. I completed my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Pennsylvania State University and my Master of Science (MS) in Marriage and Family Therapy at Seton Hall University.
I love working with kids, teens, and young adults (ages 18-22)! Being a kid or young adult right now can feel pretty overwhelming with how fast things are changing in the world around us. Kids face pressure from a digital world and social media, impacting their sense of identity and self-worth. Teens and young adults experience the pressure of figuring out who they are, dealing with academic or career decisions, managing relationships, and navigating changing ideas around gender, sexuality, and social issues. Let me help you or your child overcome these challenges, reclaim peace, and find a new sense of freedom.
I love working with kids, teens, and young adults (ages 18-22)! Being a kid or young adult right now can feel pretty overwhelming with how fast things are changing in the world around us. Kids face pressure from a digital world and social media, impacting their sense of identity and self-worth. Teens and young adults experience the pressure of figuring out who they are, dealing with academic or career decisions, managing relationships, and navigating changing ideas around gender, sexuality, and social issues. Let me help you or your child overcome these challenges, reclaim peace, and find a new sense of freedom.
My work often incorporates psychodynamic, CBT, TF-CBT, and DBT techniques, along with play therapy for children and mindfulness-based strategies.
I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard and understood. Reaching out for help takes courage, and I value the trust it requires. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, helping you explore patterns, build on strengths, and move toward meaningful change. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck, I will walk alongside you with care and guidance as you work toward healing, growth, and greater well-being.
My work often incorporates psychodynamic, CBT, TF-CBT, and DBT techniques, along with play therapy for children and mindfulness-based strategies.
I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard and understood. Reaching out for help takes courage, and I value the trust it requires. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, helping you explore patterns, build on strengths, and move toward meaningful change. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck, I will walk alongside you with care and guidance as you work toward healing, growth, and greater well-being.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 8 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families grow beyond current challenges. I specialize in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, grief, chronic and serious mental health issues, communication, and managing life stressors.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 8 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families grow beyond current challenges. I specialize in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, grief, chronic and serious mental health issues, communication, and managing life stressors.
While working with young children, Erika uses a child-centered approach with Trauma Focused Play Therapy.
Daytime availability only. Erika is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. She has treated a range of clients such as toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, children in foster care, adoptees, college-age students, and adults in counseling settings. Erika works with both adults and children on healing the wounds that trauma has created in their lives, as well as those experiencing other symptoms that are impacting their lives. When working with clients, Erika utilizes an integrative approach to best meet the needs of the client. This therapeutic space is LGBTQIA+-affirming.
While working with young children, Erika uses a child-centered approach with Trauma Focused Play Therapy.
Daytime availability only. Erika is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. She has treated a range of clients such as toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, children in foster care, adoptees, college-age students, and adults in counseling settings. Erika works with both adults and children on healing the wounds that trauma has created in their lives, as well as those experiencing other symptoms that are impacting their lives. When working with clients, Erika utilizes an integrative approach to best meet the needs of the client. This therapeutic space is LGBTQIA+-affirming.
My treatment uses elements of CBT, Play, and Strength-Based practices to teach coping strategies, replacement behaviors, the connection between thoughts and actions, and emotional regulation skills.
I specialize in working with children, teenagers, and families to understand, accept, and overcome challenges related to their mental health. I support my clients and their families by collaborating every step of the way to process emotions, create attainable goals, learn new skills, and improve everyday behaviors and routines across home, school, and community environments.
My treatment uses elements of CBT, Play, and Strength-Based practices to teach coping strategies, replacement behaviors, the connection between thoughts and actions, and emotional regulation skills.
I specialize in working with children, teenagers, and families to understand, accept, and overcome challenges related to their mental health. I support my clients and their families by collaborating every step of the way to process emotions, create attainable goals, learn new skills, and improve everyday behaviors and routines across home, school, and community environments.
I have years of experience working with adults, children, couples and seniors. Clients with symptoms of anxiety and depression are a large part of my practice. From prior hospital work, I have knowledge regarding the impact of physical illness on mental health. I see clients both in person and virtually.
I have years of experience working with adults, children, couples and seniors. Clients with symptoms of anxiety and depression are a large part of my practice. From prior hospital work, I have knowledge regarding the impact of physical illness on mental health. I see clients both in person and virtually.
I support folks navigating identity, relationships, and the impact of trauma — with a particular focus on survivors of domestic and interpersonal violence. I understand how emotional abuse, manipulation, and complex family or relationship dynamics can shape how we see ourselves and move through the world. As a sober therapist and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I offer affirming care for people exploring sexuality, gender, neurodiversity, substance use, and non-traditional relationship structures.
I support folks navigating identity, relationships, and the impact of trauma — with a particular focus on survivors of domestic and interpersonal violence. I understand how emotional abuse, manipulation, and complex family or relationship dynamics can shape how we see ourselves and move through the world. As a sober therapist and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I offer affirming care for people exploring sexuality, gender, neurodiversity, substance use, and non-traditional relationship structures.
Whether I'm involved in play therapy with a child or problem solving with an adult client, I wish for my caring and support to be most evident.
I have many areas of specialty, which include work with children and adolescents, college students, psycho-educational assessment, substance abuse, and forensic consultation and assessment. My work balances efficiency with a comprehensive approach that seeks to help clients solve their problems and understand the causal factors for challenges.
Whether I'm involved in play therapy with a child or problem solving with an adult client, I wish for my caring and support to be most evident.
I have many areas of specialty, which include work with children and adolescents, college students, psycho-educational assessment, substance abuse, and forensic consultation and assessment. My work balances efficiency with a comprehensive approach that seeks to help clients solve their problems and understand the causal factors for challenges.
Bright Beginnings Counseling and Tutoring
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSEd, MS
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
I can help. In these challenging times, it's important to have a person and place for support; a place where your voice is truly heard. At Bright Beginnings Counseling and Tutoring LLC, I understand the art of listening and guidance.
I can help. In these challenging times, it's important to have a person and place for support; a place where your voice is truly heard. At Bright Beginnings Counseling and Tutoring LLC, I understand the art of listening and guidance.
Cristina Panaccione and Associates, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Our practice is a small, down to earth setting. We strive to make our clients feel at home and connected with supportive, caring staff. We come from many walks of life and a wide range of experience. We will tailor our treatment methods to best suit your needs so that you can get out of our office and back into the life you were meant to lead! Our office is open 7 days a week with morning, afternoon and evening hours to best suit your needs.
Our practice is a small, down to earth setting. We strive to make our clients feel at home and connected with supportive, caring staff. We come from many walks of life and a wide range of experience. We will tailor our treatment methods to best suit your needs so that you can get out of our office and back into the life you were meant to lead! Our office is open 7 days a week with morning, afternoon and evening hours to best suit your needs.
So something just took your life, shook it up like a snow globe, and now you’re trying to make sense as the pieces fall back into place?
And the pieces do fall, that’s physics. But nothing is the same. And in a world that feels so uncertain…wouldn’t it be great to have a say in what your life looks like, post shake-up?
Wouldn't you love to come out of this shake-up feeling more confident, purposeful, and alive than ever before?
So something just took your life, shook it up like a snow globe, and now you’re trying to make sense as the pieces fall back into place?
And the pieces do fall, that’s physics. But nothing is the same. And in a world that feels so uncertain…wouldn’t it be great to have a say in what your life looks like, post shake-up?
Wouldn't you love to come out of this shake-up feeling more confident, purposeful, and alive than ever before?
I have a passion for using creative and effective interventions to help individuals and families heal trauma, embrace neurodiversity, and deepen attuned relationships. I am also skilled and passionate about working with First Responder families who are often left unsupported as they manage trauma and occupational stress which affects all members of their families. My clients come to therapy to reflect on their lives and make connections between past experiences and present reactions. If you are seeking an approach that is nervous system informed, neurodiversity affirming, and nonjudgmental, I may be the right fit!
I have a passion for using creative and effective interventions to help individuals and families heal trauma, embrace neurodiversity, and deepen attuned relationships. I am also skilled and passionate about working with First Responder families who are often left unsupported as they manage trauma and occupational stress which affects all members of their families. My clients come to therapy to reflect on their lives and make connections between past experiences and present reactions. If you are seeking an approach that is nervous system informed, neurodiversity affirming, and nonjudgmental, I may be the right fit!
Some of our team's specialties include Complex Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma-Focused Play Therapy, Foster Care/Adoption, ADHD, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Christian Counseling, Inner Child Work, and more.
The goal of Premier Psychotherapy is to create a place where anyone can relax and be fully self-expressed, without fear of judgment. The team offers a range of services that are designed to meet the individual needs of each client who comes to us for help. Our clinicians work with adults and children to heal the wounds that trauma or stressful events have created in their lives. When working with clients, clinicians utilize an integrative approach to best meet the needs of the client. Each team member has specialized training and styles that meet the needs of diverse clients.
Some of our team's specialties include Complex Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma-Focused Play Therapy, Foster Care/Adoption, ADHD, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Christian Counseling, Inner Child Work, and more.
The goal of Premier Psychotherapy is to create a place where anyone can relax and be fully self-expressed, without fear of judgment. The team offers a range of services that are designed to meet the individual needs of each client who comes to us for help. Our clinicians work with adults and children to heal the wounds that trauma or stressful events have created in their lives. When working with clients, clinicians utilize an integrative approach to best meet the needs of the client. Each team member has specialized training and styles that meet the needs of diverse clients.
Ren & Rei has multiple therapists available.
Owner-Christy graduated from Allegheny College with a degree in Psychology, then went on to complete her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gannon University. Before moving to Pittsburgh, Christy previously worked in the highest level of care in the state for adolescents through the Enhanced Residential Units at Perseus House, in Erie, PA. While here, she has previously worked in school-based outpatient services in Pittsburgh Public School District and West Mifflin Area School District, through Wesley Family Services and Family Behavioral Resources, respectively.
Ren & Rei has multiple therapists available.
Owner-Christy graduated from Allegheny College with a degree in Psychology, then went on to complete her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gannon University. Before moving to Pittsburgh, Christy previously worked in the highest level of care in the state for adolescents through the Enhanced Residential Units at Perseus House, in Erie, PA. While here, she has previously worked in school-based outpatient services in Pittsburgh Public School District and West Mifflin Area School District, through Wesley Family Services and Family Behavioral Resources, respectively.
Dr. John Carosso works as a Child Psychologist and School Psychologist specializing in conducting child psychological diagnostic evaluations for Autism, ADHD, behavioral and learning issues, anxiety, depression, and trauma. He is also Clinical Director of Community Psychiatric Centers where children can be seen for treatment. Dr. Carosso can be seen in offices in Monroeville, Greensburg, and North Hills. Check out his website at HelpForYourChild.com.
Dr. John Carosso works as a Child Psychologist and School Psychologist specializing in conducting child psychological diagnostic evaluations for Autism, ADHD, behavioral and learning issues, anxiety, depression, and trauma. He is also Clinical Director of Community Psychiatric Centers where children can be seen for treatment. Dr. Carosso can be seen in offices in Monroeville, Greensburg, and North Hills. Check out his website at HelpForYourChild.com.
Hi There! Sometimes life can be difficult. Anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parent/child issues, trauma-LIFE can sneak up on you. You can walk in healing from these issues and more. Sometimes you need the space and the right person to help you get unstuck and move forward in success. I have worked for over 18 years with children, adolescents, adults and families in overcoming their obstacles in mental health and addiction to walk in healing.
Hi There! Sometimes life can be difficult. Anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parent/child issues, trauma-LIFE can sneak up on you. You can walk in healing from these issues and more. Sometimes you need the space and the right person to help you get unstuck and move forward in success. I have worked for over 18 years with children, adolescents, adults and families in overcoming their obstacles in mental health and addiction to walk in healing.
Difficult emotions may bring you to therapy, but they can also serve as pathways to hope, curiosity, insight, and self-compassion. Turning towards these emotions can offer opportunities to heal and move forward with greater ease. As a therapist, I have the privilege of working with school-age children, adults, couples, and families facing challenges in relationships, struggles at work or school, feelings of overwhelm or stagnation, low self-worth, or difficulty finding joy in life. I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Treatment, and Anxiety Treatment, and I am trained in CBT, ACT, IFS, and ADHD Treatment.
Difficult emotions may bring you to therapy, but they can also serve as pathways to hope, curiosity, insight, and self-compassion. Turning towards these emotions can offer opportunities to heal and move forward with greater ease. As a therapist, I have the privilege of working with school-age children, adults, couples, and families facing challenges in relationships, struggles at work or school, feelings of overwhelm or stagnation, low self-worth, or difficulty finding joy in life. I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Treatment, and Anxiety Treatment, and I am trained in CBT, ACT, IFS, and ADHD Treatment.
Seeking a therapist is a courageous first step. My hope is that through the therapeutic relationship we can understand what motivates you and how to overcome the barriers you may face.
Seeking a therapist is a courageous first step. My hope is that through the therapeutic relationship we can understand what motivates you and how to overcome the barriers you may face.
I also firmly believe that play is the language of children and is a very powerful tool when working with young clients to make treatment engaging and relatable.
As a child, adolescent, and young adult therapist, my approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique challenges young people face in navigating the complexities of developing autonomy, healing trauma (past and present), relational difficulties, life transitions, and anxiety. I believe that each client has their own unique story and that therapy is a collaborative journey where trust, compassion, and connection are paramount. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build resilience in the face of life's challenges.
I also firmly believe that play is the language of children and is a very powerful tool when working with young clients to make treatment engaging and relatable.
As a child, adolescent, and young adult therapist, my approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique challenges young people face in navigating the complexities of developing autonomy, healing trauma (past and present), relational difficulties, life transitions, and anxiety. I believe that each client has their own unique story and that therapy is a collaborative journey where trust, compassion, and connection are paramount. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build resilience in the face of life's challenges.
See more therapy options for Pittsburgh
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Pittsburgh
- Allison Park
- Bethel Park
- Bridgeville
- Carnegie
- Monroeville
- Moon Township
- Mount Lebanon
- Oakdale
- Shadyside
- Squirrel Hill
- Upper Saint Clair
- White Oak
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.