Photo of Alyssa West, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Alyssa West
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
I have specialized training utilizing play therapy, activity therapy, EMDR, and expressive arts.
I recognize how overwhelming the process towards healing can be whether for yourself or a loved one. Together, I can help you through the process, as we work on fostering self-esteem, a greater sense of self, and the healthy coping skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. I believe that counseling is a collaborative process where we work on healing and allowing the whole self to thrive in whatever way is best tailored towards your individual needs.
I have specialized training utilizing play therapy, activity therapy, EMDR, and expressive arts.
I recognize how overwhelming the process towards healing can be whether for yourself or a loved one. Together, I can help you through the process, as we work on fostering self-esteem, a greater sense of self, and the healthy coping skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. I believe that counseling is a collaborative process where we work on healing and allowing the whole self to thrive in whatever way is best tailored towards your individual needs.
(214) 496-5278 View (214) 496-5278
Photo of Lori Michele Kennedy, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Lori Michele Kennedy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT, Owner
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
Expressions Family Counseling is a place for everyone to experience the difference wellness focused therapy can make! What makes us different is a dedication to combining traditional talk therapy with creative arts, play and experiential activities. Our clients love the variety of ways to work on their strengths and struggles. Helping clients express through art, sand and other mediums inspires self-exploration and insight on a deeper level, alleviating the need for the "perfect words" and taking the pressure off of overthinking and anxiety. We love helping clients find the perfect way to harness strengths in order to thrive.
Expressions Family Counseling is a place for everyone to experience the difference wellness focused therapy can make! What makes us different is a dedication to combining traditional talk therapy with creative arts, play and experiential activities. Our clients love the variety of ways to work on their strengths and struggles. Helping clients express through art, sand and other mediums inspires self-exploration and insight on a deeper level, alleviating the need for the "perfect words" and taking the pressure off of overthinking and anxiety. We love helping clients find the perfect way to harness strengths in order to thrive.
(972) 362-1399 View (972) 362-1399
Photo of Sarah E Carlson, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Sarah E Carlson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, E-RYT, YACEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Sometimes, the smallest steps can lead to the biggest change! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher 200 Hour, and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider. I have been providing services in the DFW area since 2007, including services for children, adults, and families. Through a warm and caring approach, I can help you find within yourself the positive qualities to help you feel empowered. I can help you understand yourself and/or your child more fully, to be ready to face the big and little challenges that life can throw your way.
Sometimes, the smallest steps can lead to the biggest change! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher 200 Hour, and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider. I have been providing services in the DFW area since 2007, including services for children, adults, and families. Through a warm and caring approach, I can help you find within yourself the positive qualities to help you feel empowered. I can help you understand yourself and/or your child more fully, to be ready to face the big and little challenges that life can throw your way.
(469) 698-3590 View (469) 698-3590
Photo of Jennifer Milligan, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Jennifer Milligan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
I am trained in Play Therapy and have been coined the Tween/ Teen Whisperer.
Hi! Whether this is your first attempt or your last effort to find help, I am happy you’re here. Having worked in the school setting the last 10 years, I know that times are really tough for our kids. As parents, we may not know how to handle the things our kids go through, or even understand. I want to help by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth to process their emotions and teach them healthy coping skills to get them through life’s difficult times.
I am trained in Play Therapy and have been coined the Tween/ Teen Whisperer.
Hi! Whether this is your first attempt or your last effort to find help, I am happy you’re here. Having worked in the school setting the last 10 years, I know that times are really tough for our kids. As parents, we may not know how to handle the things our kids go through, or even understand. I want to help by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth to process their emotions and teach them healthy coping skills to get them through life’s difficult times.
(214) 609-1647 View (214) 609-1647
Photo of Megan M Krizan, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Megan M Krizan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
As an LPC-Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor, I work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families, using play, activity, and talk therapy.
We all wish life’s journey could be an easy one, but the reality is the path is not always smooth. Life can be filled with uncertainty, conflict, and hard choices. No matter what your age, there are times when life can leave you feeling lost. The good news is that this journey does not have to be faced alone. With a focus on compassion, connection, and what is developmentally appropriate, I can provide support and guidance through these challenges. Whether you are an adult, child, teen, parent, or whole family, I am able to help. I consider it a great privilege to be allowed to walk with people on their life's journey.
As an LPC-Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor, I work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families, using play, activity, and talk therapy.
We all wish life’s journey could be an easy one, but the reality is the path is not always smooth. Life can be filled with uncertainty, conflict, and hard choices. No matter what your age, there are times when life can leave you feeling lost. The good news is that this journey does not have to be faced alone. With a focus on compassion, connection, and what is developmentally appropriate, I can provide support and guidance through these challenges. Whether you are an adult, child, teen, parent, or whole family, I am able to help. I consider it a great privilege to be allowed to walk with people on their life's journey.
(214) 934-0543 View (214) 934-0543
Photo of Madee Hayes, LPC Associate in 75093, TX
Madee Hayes
LPC Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
I am formally trained in Play Therapy.
Your child has been bullied, feels overwhelmed easily, and has had difficulty making friends. Your teen may be showing signs of anxiety or depression and are having difficulty feeling confident and capable in their world. You as an adult may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed and you just need help making sense of it all.
I am formally trained in Play Therapy.
Your child has been bullied, feels overwhelmed easily, and has had difficulty making friends. Your teen may be showing signs of anxiety or depression and are having difficulty feeling confident and capable in their world. You as an adult may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed and you just need help making sense of it all.
(214) 239-4987 View (214) 239-4987
Photo of Bloom Child Psychology, PLLC, Psychologist in 75093, TX
Bloom Child Psychology, PLLC
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Stewart provides child and teen counseling, play therapy, and parent training.
Dr. Bonny Stewart is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychologist, and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. She has advanced specialization working with children and families. Her passion is to help parents find answers and understanding to help their child succeed at home, school, and in all aspects of their lives.
Stewart provides child and teen counseling, play therapy, and parent training.
Dr. Bonny Stewart is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychologist, and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. She has advanced specialization working with children and families. Her passion is to help parents find answers and understanding to help their child succeed at home, school, and in all aspects of their lives.
(469) 457-4197 View (469) 457-4197
Photo of Jarrod Hood, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Jarrod Hood
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, I specialize in child and adolescent counseling.
I enjoy helping children, adolescents and their families navigate through the complexities of powerful emotions and challenging life circumstances. I bring a warm sense of humor with an empathetic awareness to people struggling in tough situations. I want to meet you where you are in life's journey, while bringing a fresh, non-judgmental perspective to each counseling session. Whether you are a frustrated parent dealing with a difficult teen, a tired parent working to understand your little one, or a family adjusting to a "new normal", counseling can be a helpful resource to gain tools and support.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, I specialize in child and adolescent counseling.
I enjoy helping children, adolescents and their families navigate through the complexities of powerful emotions and challenging life circumstances. I bring a warm sense of humor with an empathetic awareness to people struggling in tough situations. I want to meet you where you are in life's journey, while bringing a fresh, non-judgmental perspective to each counseling session. Whether you are a frustrated parent dealing with a difficult teen, a tired parent working to understand your little one, or a family adjusting to a "new normal", counseling can be a helpful resource to gain tools and support.
(469) 273-1734 View (469) 273-1734
Photo of Vanessa M Sanford, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Vanessa M Sanford
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, CDWF
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
I believe in Resiliency. I believe with support and time healing is possible. I believe the family is powerful and can influence change. I provide a safe place for kids, teens, adults, and families to build a support system. I am passionate about the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, body, and spirit and finding strengths in life's challenges. I am here to listen, support, offer hope, and to encourage health. I offer play therapy, individual, and family therapy.
I believe in Resiliency. I believe with support and time healing is possible. I believe the family is powerful and can influence change. I provide a safe place for kids, teens, adults, and families to build a support system. I am passionate about the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, body, and spirit and finding strengths in life's challenges. I am here to listen, support, offer hope, and to encourage health. I offer play therapy, individual, and family therapy.
(214) 444-5049 View (214) 444-5049
Photo of Terri L Gonzales-Ball, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Terri L Gonzales-Ball
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
During my training in play therapy, I have worked with many children experiencing behavioral problems, divorce, depression, anxiety, grief, abuse, adoption, relational problems with peers and siblings, academic issues, trauma, developmental delays, aggression, abandonment, and disruptive behavior.
As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to do when your child or adolescent is experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties. You may often feel helpless and isolated. I can help. I have had extensive training in the field of play therapy, a developmentally appropriate approach to working with children struggling with a variety of issues. Throughout this process, your child will experience a warm, safe, and accepting environment where these issues can be worked out. I will also work to help you understand your child more and provide you with ways to feel more empowered.
During my training in play therapy, I have worked with many children experiencing behavioral problems, divorce, depression, anxiety, grief, abuse, adoption, relational problems with peers and siblings, academic issues, trauma, developmental delays, aggression, abandonment, and disruptive behavior.
As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to do when your child or adolescent is experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties. You may often feel helpless and isolated. I can help. I have had extensive training in the field of play therapy, a developmentally appropriate approach to working with children struggling with a variety of issues. Throughout this process, your child will experience a warm, safe, and accepting environment where these issues can be worked out. I will also work to help you understand your child more and provide you with ways to feel more empowered.
(214) 960-2367 View (214) 960-2367
Photo of Angela Erickson, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Angela Erickson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
In my work with children, I utilize play therapy.
I want to support you or your child with any struggles you may be having in a comforting and confidential environment. I assist kids, teens, and young adults. My goal is to recognize the strengths in your life, as well as encourage choices that will help you reach your personal goals.
In my work with children, I utilize play therapy.
I want to support you or your child with any struggles you may be having in a comforting and confidential environment. I assist kids, teens, and young adults. My goal is to recognize the strengths in your life, as well as encourage choices that will help you reach your personal goals.
(214) 214-4523 View (214) 214-4523
Photo of Erica Sewell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 75093, TX
Erica Sewell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, RPT, CAS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
As a Registered Play Therapist, I have expertise in Parent Support/Coaching that is age appropriate and grounded in developmentally sound approaches.
In celebration of each individual's strengths and unique qualities, I offer an individualized approach that is customized to the needs of each client. I believe that with support, guidance, compassion, and understanding people have the ability to not only find solutions to their challenges, but the strength to make positive changes. I am passionate about working with children, teens, adults, and families and offer play therapy, activity therapy, expressive arts, and/or traditional talk therapy. I practice from a neurodiversity affirming lens where we focus on empowerment and appreciating everyone's unique differences.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I have expertise in Parent Support/Coaching that is age appropriate and grounded in developmentally sound approaches.
In celebration of each individual's strengths and unique qualities, I offer an individualized approach that is customized to the needs of each client. I believe that with support, guidance, compassion, and understanding people have the ability to not only find solutions to their challenges, but the strength to make positive changes. I am passionate about working with children, teens, adults, and families and offer play therapy, activity therapy, expressive arts, and/or traditional talk therapy. I practice from a neurodiversity affirming lens where we focus on empowerment and appreciating everyone's unique differences.
(469) 871-6316 View (469) 871-6316
Photo of Oneida Pinero, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 75093, TX
Oneida Pinero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW TX, LCSW CA, LCSW FL, LCSW VA, LISW OH
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093  (Online Only)
I take an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating a range of evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and solution-focused therapy, tailored to individual circumstances.
Hello, my name is Oneida Pinero and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, California, Ohio, Virginia, and Texas. With over 25 years of experience, I have a diverse professional background providing treatment to children ages four and older, adolescents, and adults, with a special focus on working with children and adolescents who experience symptoms of PTSD, Anxiety, ADHD, conduct disorders, trauma symptoms, and mood disorders.
I take an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating a range of evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and solution-focused therapy, tailored to individual circumstances.
Hello, my name is Oneida Pinero and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, California, Ohio, Virginia, and Texas. With over 25 years of experience, I have a diverse professional background providing treatment to children ages four and older, adolescents, and adults, with a special focus on working with children and adolescents who experience symptoms of PTSD, Anxiety, ADHD, conduct disorders, trauma symptoms, and mood disorders.
(419) 451-4496 View (419) 451-4496
Photo of Bryna Talamantez, Marriage & Family Therapist in 75093, TX
Bryna Talamantez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Seeing your kid struggle is one of the toughest things to do as a parent or caregiver. Our children cannot always express their thoughts and feelings through words, and this can lead to frustration and confusion for both parent and child. Children express their thoughts and feelings through play and their toys are their words. When we allow children to play alongside therapeutic interventions, children can tell us so much about what is going on in their lives. Whether your child is experiencing grief, sadness, anxiety, anger, or school problems, they deserve some extra help!
Seeing your kid struggle is one of the toughest things to do as a parent or caregiver. Our children cannot always express their thoughts and feelings through words, and this can lead to frustration and confusion for both parent and child. Children express their thoughts and feelings through play and their toys are their words. When we allow children to play alongside therapeutic interventions, children can tell us so much about what is going on in their lives. Whether your child is experiencing grief, sadness, anxiety, anger, or school problems, they deserve some extra help!
(972) 564-8528 View (972) 564-8528
Photo of LaShaun N. Mwangi, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
LaShaun N. Mwangi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
I have served individuals and groups within non-profit agencies and in play therapy setting.
(DAY TIME, EVENING AND BI WEEKLY SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE). Now offering sessions for revisioning, grief and trauma as well as ETT (Emotional Transformation Therapy). Counseling is external moral support as you take the path to overcome barriers that block you from growing mentally and spiritually. I believe the therapy process is a collaborative relationship between the therapist and the client. An important part in the therapy process is setting goals and helping create a wholesome conceptualization of the client. I take an eclectic approach as everyone is different in their own way.
I have served individuals and groups within non-profit agencies and in play therapy setting.
(DAY TIME, EVENING AND BI WEEKLY SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE). Now offering sessions for revisioning, grief and trauma as well as ETT (Emotional Transformation Therapy). Counseling is external moral support as you take the path to overcome barriers that block you from growing mentally and spiritually. I believe the therapy process is a collaborative relationship between the therapist and the client. An important part in the therapy process is setting goals and helping create a wholesome conceptualization of the client. I take an eclectic approach as everyone is different in their own way.
(469) 296-5485 View (469) 296-5485
Photo of Ashton Rone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 75093, TX
Ashton Rone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Looking for a therapist for your child or adolescent can be daunting. Every child's situation and needs are different. I provide a warm, energetic, compassionate atmosphere to help make my clients and their families feel at ease. Whether that means talking while playing ping pong or talking via telehealth. I believe that when a child is in their element, they are more likely to be receptive to the therapeutic process. This is why our office has several play and activity rooms. I also believe that communication with parents is the key to success, so I communicate frequently with parents via email or with parent meetings.
Looking for a therapist for your child or adolescent can be daunting. Every child's situation and needs are different. I provide a warm, energetic, compassionate atmosphere to help make my clients and their families feel at ease. Whether that means talking while playing ping pong or talking via telehealth. I believe that when a child is in their element, they are more likely to be receptive to the therapeutic process. This is why our office has several play and activity rooms. I also believe that communication with parents is the key to success, so I communicate frequently with parents via email or with parent meetings.
(469) 717-4070 View (469) 717-4070
Photo of Andrea Dawn Cooper, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Andrea Dawn Cooper
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, LCDC, <!-- Pr
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093  (Online Only)
I am honored to be able to assist others with challenges throughout life and I have been counseling clients for over 15 years. I have worked with trauma, and criminal justice issues as well as using play therapy. I am trauma focused and I believe trauma colors our behaviors and our future self. I use Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy to explore past trauma that is affecting your life.
I am honored to be able to assist others with challenges throughout life and I have been counseling clients for over 15 years. I have worked with trauma, and criminal justice issues as well as using play therapy. I am trauma focused and I believe trauma colors our behaviors and our future self. I use Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy to explore past trauma that is affecting your life.
(430) 304-1062 View (430) 304-1062
Photo of Angela Peña, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Angela Peña
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, NCC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
I believe that counseling has the potential to help a person unlock his/her ultimate potential. I utilize a humanistic approach to therapy that seeks to help a person integrate mind and body, in an effort to achieve wholeness. I incorporate modalities such as play therapy expressive arts, and sand tray therapy. However, I believe the power of the therapeutic relationship is quintessential for success with clients. My priority is to help clients feel safe and open in order to explore past and/or current issues.
I believe that counseling has the potential to help a person unlock his/her ultimate potential. I utilize a humanistic approach to therapy that seeks to help a person integrate mind and body, in an effort to achieve wholeness. I incorporate modalities such as play therapy expressive arts, and sand tray therapy. However, I believe the power of the therapeutic relationship is quintessential for success with clients. My priority is to help clients feel safe and open in order to explore past and/or current issues.
(940) 257-2283 View (940) 257-2283
Photo of Helena Reece, LPC-Associate in 75093, TX
Helena Reece
LPC-Associate
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
I work with clients across the lifespan helping individuals and families navigate the adversity life can throw. I work with a multicultural lens striving to understand my clients holistically and to provide a safe therapeutic environment to explore intrapersonal concerns.
I work with clients across the lifespan helping individuals and families navigate the adversity life can throw. I work with a multicultural lens striving to understand my clients holistically and to provide a safe therapeutic environment to explore intrapersonal concerns.
(469) 746-3575 View (469) 746-3575
Photo of Desiree Tennison, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 75093, TX
Desiree Tennison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Hello! My name is Desiree. Life can get tough and throw some curveballs that you are not ready to catch. When that happens, I am here for you! Even at a young age, I was always an advocate for therapy. I am equipped to provide services to a wide variety of populations across different ages, backgrounds, and with all stages of life!
Hello! My name is Desiree. Life can get tough and throw some curveballs that you are not ready to catch. When that happens, I am here for you! Even at a young age, I was always an advocate for therapy. I am equipped to provide services to a wide variety of populations across different ages, backgrounds, and with all stages of life!
(469) 529-8463 View (469) 529-8463
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.