Play Therapy in Arkansas
Holly Gilliam
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Greenwood, AR 72936
I am a Registered Play Therapist.
My goal is to help others find peace in their lives. I love working with families who struggle to maintain a calm home because It Is Hard! Sometimes we find it’s ourselves that block peace. I also very much enjoy helping all ages individually find out what triggers them and how to regulate to find peace in themselves.
I am a Registered Play Therapist.
My goal is to help others find peace in their lives. I love working with families who struggle to maintain a calm home because It Is Hard! Sometimes we find it’s ourselves that block peace. I also very much enjoy helping all ages individually find out what triggers them and how to regulate to find peace in themselves.
Mary Kate Thompson
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Little Rock, AR 72116
With experience working with children and adolescents, I understand the importance of creating a compassionate and accepting space that fosters hope and healing. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor and I've had the privilege of working with children and adolescents providing school-based mental health services within central Arkansas. I have experience working with issues such as anxiety, self-esteem, anger, depression and trauma related issues. Drawing from evidence-based techniques, I integrate person-centered, cognitive behavioral, experiential and elements of play therapy. I provide in-person and telehealth appointments.
With experience working with children and adolescents, I understand the importance of creating a compassionate and accepting space that fosters hope and healing. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor and I've had the privilege of working with children and adolescents providing school-based mental health services within central Arkansas. I have experience working with issues such as anxiety, self-esteem, anger, depression and trauma related issues. Drawing from evidence-based techniques, I integrate person-centered, cognitive behavioral, experiential and elements of play therapy. I provide in-person and telehealth appointments.
Maryam Grimwood
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, AR 72701
At its core therapy is about having a place where your story is heard and you are seen as the whole person you are. I have a devotion toward helping women and very young children and have years of experience focused on trauma, abuse, infertility, anxiety, depression and family issues. I have worked with kids as young as two and am so amazed by their resiliency and ability to process through play. Women and men come in thinking they are alone with issues related to infertility, parenting, sexuality, and more because these are not things people talk about openly but life is messy and having a safe place process it helps.
At its core therapy is about having a place where your story is heard and you are seen as the whole person you are. I have a devotion toward helping women and very young children and have years of experience focused on trauma, abuse, infertility, anxiety, depression and family issues. I have worked with kids as young as two and am so amazed by their resiliency and ability to process through play. Women and men come in thinking they are alone with issues related to infertility, parenting, sexuality, and more because these are not things people talk about openly but life is messy and having a safe place process it helps.
Jessica Robinson
Counselor, MS, LAC
Verified Verified
Rogers, AR 72756
I am trained in play therapy and use play in session in various ways depending on the client needs to build skills, heal and grow!.
It takes such courage to begin therapy, congratulations on taking the first step! I believe therapy can benefit us all, and I love seeing the positive changes in my client's lives and families as they process trauma, learn new skills and come to understand things in new, healthier ways. I see clients of all ages, but I most enjoy working with teens and tweens, the quirkier and messier the better. Together we can build an alliance that allows them to feel safe and heard, and develop skills that will have life long benefit.
I am trained in play therapy and use play in session in various ways depending on the client needs to build skills, heal and grow!.
It takes such courage to begin therapy, congratulations on taking the first step! I believe therapy can benefit us all, and I love seeing the positive changes in my client's lives and families as they process trauma, learn new skills and come to understand things in new, healthier ways. I see clients of all ages, but I most enjoy working with teens and tweens, the quirkier and messier the better. Together we can build an alliance that allows them to feel safe and heard, and develop skills that will have life long benefit.
Abby Stanfill
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, AR 72703
My extensive training in play therapy is beneficial in helping young children process & work through things they may not be able or willing to talk about.
With experience as a therapist since 2010, I have had the opportunity to work with a wide array of clients through community mental health. I've been able to gain experience treating variety of mental health concerns including treating individuals with anxiety, depression, challenging family dynamics, trauma, and children with behavioral issues. After working as a Program Coordinator managing a team of therapists and paraprofessionals, I am excited to be established in private practice at NWA Therapy so I can facilitate counseling in a way that helps me tap into all the skills I have developed so far in my career.
My extensive training in play therapy is beneficial in helping young children process & work through things they may not be able or willing to talk about.
With experience as a therapist since 2010, I have had the opportunity to work with a wide array of clients through community mental health. I've been able to gain experience treating variety of mental health concerns including treating individuals with anxiety, depression, challenging family dynamics, trauma, and children with behavioral issues. After working as a Program Coordinator managing a team of therapists and paraprofessionals, I am excited to be established in private practice at NWA Therapy so I can facilitate counseling in a way that helps me tap into all the skills I have developed so far in my career.
Refresh Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Our counselors are trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities including Play Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, EMDR, Sex Addiction Therapy, and more.
Refresh Counseling has been serving the River Valley since 2015. In 2015, we opened our doors as Fresh Roots Family Counseling, and in 2022 we became Refresh Counseling under the new ownership and leadership of Shawn Kispert and Kerry Underwood. We are committed to serving and equipping you in every season of life.
Our counselors are trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities including Play Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, EMDR, Sex Addiction Therapy, and more.
Refresh Counseling has been serving the River Valley since 2015. In 2015, we opened our doors as Fresh Roots Family Counseling, and in 2022 we became Refresh Counseling under the new ownership and leadership of Shawn Kispert and Kerry Underwood. We are committed to serving and equipping you in every season of life.
Kailey Buck
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, AR 72703
I aim to walk beside you in your path to healing while utilizing creative approaches such as sand tray therapy, expressive arts, EMDR, and play therapy that are suitable and allow me to be equipped to help all ages.
I believe that we are all capable of change and am passionate about helping empower individuals to live their most genuine lives. I have focused much of my learned career experiences & training on trauma informed care and attachment to help create a sense of felt safety and understanding in a space that feels authentic while challenging. Sitting in vulnerability and big feelings can require bravery and significant internal motivation and my goal is to help foster your inner resilience and shed the weight of trauma and stressors that inhibit you from living your most satisfied life.
I aim to walk beside you in your path to healing while utilizing creative approaches such as sand tray therapy, expressive arts, EMDR, and play therapy that are suitable and allow me to be equipped to help all ages.
I believe that we are all capable of change and am passionate about helping empower individuals to live their most genuine lives. I have focused much of my learned career experiences & training on trauma informed care and attachment to help create a sense of felt safety and understanding in a space that feels authentic while challenging. Sitting in vulnerability and big feelings can require bravery and significant internal motivation and my goal is to help foster your inner resilience and shed the weight of trauma and stressors that inhibit you from living your most satisfied life.
Suzanne Hubbard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rogers, AR 72758
Play therapy techniques allow a child to express themself in a safe environment to work through difficulties.
As parents and children get frustrated with each other, it often results in strained relationships and exhaustion for all involved. Parents who want to better understand their children and themselves can benefit from tools and strategies to help them know how to respond in healthy ways.
Play therapy techniques allow a child to express themself in a safe environment to work through difficulties.
As parents and children get frustrated with each other, it often results in strained relationships and exhaustion for all involved. Parents who want to better understand their children and themselves can benefit from tools and strategies to help them know how to respond in healthy ways.
Kelsey Fink
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, EMDR-C, BSP
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72211
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals and families, utilizing EMDR, Brainspotting, body-based techniques, mindfulness, sandtray therapy, play therapy, and relationship based approaches to help you find successful ways to address challenges in your day to day life, and understand the role the mind/body connection plays in experiencing, managing and expressing emotions.
I believe that everyone has the ability to heal from trauma, and experience the beauty of personal growth from difficult life experiences. When we experience trauma and/or chronic stress, we often become disconnected from ourselves, from others, and from the world around us. Our work together can help you reconnect to yourself, improve interpersonal relationships and learn to be present in the moment. My goal is to help you become more resilient, so that you feel comfortable enough to process your past, and confident enough to navigate difficult life events.
I work with individuals and families, utilizing EMDR, Brainspotting, body-based techniques, mindfulness, sandtray therapy, play therapy, and relationship based approaches to help you find successful ways to address challenges in your day to day life, and understand the role the mind/body connection plays in experiencing, managing and expressing emotions.
I believe that everyone has the ability to heal from trauma, and experience the beauty of personal growth from difficult life experiences. When we experience trauma and/or chronic stress, we often become disconnected from ourselves, from others, and from the world around us. Our work together can help you reconnect to yourself, improve interpersonal relationships and learn to be present in the moment. My goal is to help you become more resilient, so that you feel comfortable enough to process your past, and confident enough to navigate difficult life events.
Mary Ann Stewart
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bentonville, AR 72712
Waitlist for new clients
I also have worked within school-based mental health (ages K-18) and trained in play therapy.
I currently have a waitlist for new patients. I am pleased to be part of a practice that specializes in neurodivergence, something near and dear to my heart and own lived experience. I believe you as the patient are the expert on your own life and you are the true pilot of your treatment. Therapy to me is collaborating with you to help you find ways to enjoy life more and feel encouraged to make changes, even when change is often so intimidating.
I also have worked within school-based mental health (ages K-18) and trained in play therapy.
I currently have a waitlist for new patients. I am pleased to be part of a practice that specializes in neurodivergence, something near and dear to my heart and own lived experience. I believe you as the patient are the expert on your own life and you are the true pilot of your treatment. Therapy to me is collaborating with you to help you find ways to enjoy life more and feel encouraged to make changes, even when change is often so intimidating.
Kristin Bailey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rogers, AR 72756
Some of my modalities include: Existential, IFS, Psychodynamic, Sandplay, Client-Centered, and Play Therapy.
If you are to find yourself, your family, or your child struggling, the best thing you can do is seek out someone to listen and empathize with your situation. My approach is grounded in the principles of Attachment Theory and Humanistic Psychology. Through a warm and empathetic environment, I invite clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and patterns of interaction, promoting insight and awareness that pave the way for meaningful change.
Some of my modalities include: Existential, IFS, Psychodynamic, Sandplay, Client-Centered, and Play Therapy.
If you are to find yourself, your family, or your child struggling, the best thing you can do is seek out someone to listen and empathize with your situation. My approach is grounded in the principles of Attachment Theory and Humanistic Psychology. Through a warm and empathetic environment, I invite clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and patterns of interaction, promoting insight and awareness that pave the way for meaningful change.
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Lisa Bailey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ICST
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72207
I believe children are resilient and their main source of communication is through play.
Hello! Do you have a child who is struggling academically, emotionally or socially? When children are struggling with emotional difficulties it can be hard to watch and even more difficult to know how to help. It might be best to have them talk to someone with experience in getting children to communicate about what's affecting them. I am an experienced child therapist utilizing play to assist children and their families in being able to process and heal through traumatic or difficult situations.
I believe children are resilient and their main source of communication is through play.
Hello! Do you have a child who is struggling academically, emotionally or socially? When children are struggling with emotional difficulties it can be hard to watch and even more difficult to know how to help. It might be best to have them talk to someone with experience in getting children to communicate about what's affecting them. I am an experienced child therapist utilizing play to assist children and their families in being able to process and heal through traumatic or difficult situations.
Counselors R Us PLLC
Verified Verified
Clarksville, AR 72830
Therapists at our agency offer EMDR, Brain-spotting, and Play Therapy techniques, in addition to specializations and certifications in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health.
As a Behavioral Health Agency in rural Arkansas, Counselors R Us PLLC is deeply committed to providing a full spectrum of high-quality behavioral health services to rural communities. We believe that mental and emotional well-being are fundamental to overall health, and we strive to make these services accessible to everyone. We are proud to be nationally accredited by the Joint Commission, guaranteeing the highest standards in mental health care. We also offer specialized immigration mental health evaluations conducted by an experienced bilingual counselor fluent in Spanish.
Therapists at our agency offer EMDR, Brain-spotting, and Play Therapy techniques, in addition to specializations and certifications in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health.
As a Behavioral Health Agency in rural Arkansas, Counselors R Us PLLC is deeply committed to providing a full spectrum of high-quality behavioral health services to rural communities. We believe that mental and emotional well-being are fundamental to overall health, and we strive to make these services accessible to everyone. We are proud to be nationally accredited by the Joint Commission, guaranteeing the highest standards in mental health care. We also offer specialized immigration mental health evaluations conducted by an experienced bilingual counselor fluent in Spanish.
Felicity Johnson
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rogers, AR 72756
My work is grounded in existential theory and play therapy.
I believe all individuals carry heavy questions about their life: Why am I here? What am I supposed do? Why do I feel bad? The weight of these thoughts can cause distress in our minds and bodies. All age groups bear these questions, albeit in different ways and expressions. There are not simple answers, yet you can find healing through the universality of exploring your meaning. I believe in your power to heal and your desire to feel whole. I believe you are doing the best you can do with the tools you have. And I will listen and support you, welcome shadows and joys equally, and will encourage you to do the same.
My work is grounded in existential theory and play therapy.
I believe all individuals carry heavy questions about their life: Why am I here? What am I supposed do? Why do I feel bad? The weight of these thoughts can cause distress in our minds and bodies. All age groups bear these questions, albeit in different ways and expressions. There are not simple answers, yet you can find healing through the universality of exploring your meaning. I believe in your power to heal and your desire to feel whole. I believe you are doing the best you can do with the tools you have. And I will listen and support you, welcome shadows and joys equally, and will encourage you to do the same.
Carin Channing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72201 (Online Only)
Let’s do something different! What if we could lighten up in the therapy room? What if playfulness can actually support deep growth? In 30+ years of personal development and therapy experiences, I’ve learned that “talking about it” only goes so far. My clients and I play with all-inclusive, embodied methods to meet ourselves authentically and thoroughly, and to effectively process emotions and subconscious programming.
Let’s do something different! What if we could lighten up in the therapy room? What if playfulness can actually support deep growth? In 30+ years of personal development and therapy experiences, I’ve learned that “talking about it” only goes so far. My clients and I play with all-inclusive, embodied methods to meet ourselves authentically and thoroughly, and to effectively process emotions and subconscious programming.
Secure Foundation Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Whether it is individual, couples, family, play therapy etc, I am here for you.
Life can be hard at times. Periods of depression, anxiety, and even self doubt can cause you to feel that your foundation is unstable. It is possible for you to stand on a SECURE FOUNDATION! Therapy is simply me walking alongside you, helping you get where you desire to be. I will offer support and empathy along the way. During our sessions I will use my professional experience and training to ensure that you achieve your desired goals. We will be committed to your well-being, growth, and self development every step of the way. We also offer couple and family therapy to help create a healthy family unit.
Whether it is individual, couples, family, play therapy etc, I am here for you.
Life can be hard at times. Periods of depression, anxiety, and even self doubt can cause you to feel that your foundation is unstable. It is possible for you to stand on a SECURE FOUNDATION! Therapy is simply me walking alongside you, helping you get where you desire to be. I will offer support and empathy along the way. During our sessions I will use my professional experience and training to ensure that you achieve your desired goals. We will be committed to your well-being, growth, and self development every step of the way. We also offer couple and family therapy to help create a healthy family unit.
Theresa J Driver
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, RPT, LADAC, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fayetteville, AR 72703
I am here to assist your child and you through difficult times. I am a Licensed Professional Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist. I have specialized training using dogs and horses in my therapy sessions. When young children have problems, they aren't yet emotionally equipped to sit down and tell you or a therapist what is bothering them, but they can tell a trained therapist what is wrong through their play. In a play therapy room, equipped with specific toys and designed to make a child feel safe and secure, many feelings can be expressed through play.
I am here to assist your child and you through difficult times. I am a Licensed Professional Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist. I have specialized training using dogs and horses in my therapy sessions. When young children have problems, they aren't yet emotionally equipped to sit down and tell you or a therapist what is bothering them, but they can tell a trained therapist what is wrong through their play. In a play therapy room, equipped with specific toys and designed to make a child feel safe and secure, many feelings can be expressed through play.
Erin B Boydston
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Conway, AR 72032
I truly love helping all age groups from 5 years old to the middle-aged adult female. I have experience with children, teens, families, and adults. I hold a specialization in play therapy and love to utilize it into sessions both with the littles and bigs. “Play is the window to the soul” and you are never too old to play. I also love working with young woman college age that are experiencing anxiety, depression, and transitional difficulties related to creating more of that independence and navigating social relationships.
I truly love helping all age groups from 5 years old to the middle-aged adult female. I have experience with children, teens, families, and adults. I hold a specialization in play therapy and love to utilize it into sessions both with the littles and bigs. “Play is the window to the soul” and you are never too old to play. I also love working with young woman college age that are experiencing anxiety, depression, and transitional difficulties related to creating more of that independence and navigating social relationships.
Winter Yielding
Counselor, LPC, RPT, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Searcy, AR 72143
I have advanced training in Play Therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting and TF-CBT.
Counseling is my passion and I enjoy helping people discover their inner strengths and ability to overcome issues. Whether you have gone through a tragedy or are trying to figure out life and need some guidance, there is hope. I love connecting with individuals and families and assisting in healing where brokenness has occurred. My calming and comforting approach is my foundation for helping you achieve your goals.
I have advanced training in Play Therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting and TF-CBT.
Counseling is my passion and I enjoy helping people discover their inner strengths and ability to overcome issues. Whether you have gone through a tragedy or are trying to figure out life and need some guidance, there is hope. I love connecting with individuals and families and assisting in healing where brokenness has occurred. My calming and comforting approach is my foundation for helping you achieve your goals.
Emily Veasey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bentonville, AR 72712
I am nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and am trained in multiple modalities of Play Therapy.
I currently have a select few spots and no after-school spots open. I am pleased to join forces with three other quirky neurodivergent women in our small practice! Working with children is where I truly make an impact and enjoy my career most. My interests and experiences are in: trauma processing, neurodiversity, autism, anxiety, depression, adoption and foster care, attachment, behavior and mood dysregulation, stress and panic, and self-esteem. I have lived experience with chronic illness as well.
I am nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and am trained in multiple modalities of Play Therapy.
I currently have a select few spots and no after-school spots open. I am pleased to join forces with three other quirky neurodivergent women in our small practice! Working with children is where I truly make an impact and enjoy my career most. My interests and experiences are in: trauma processing, neurodiversity, autism, anxiety, depression, adoption and foster care, attachment, behavior and mood dysregulation, stress and panic, and self-esteem. I have lived experience with chronic illness as well.
See more therapy options for Arkansas
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.