Play Therapy in Phoenix, AZ
Heartful Solutions for Families
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Waitlist for new clients
Weekend and afternoon/evening appointments. I offer family and individual therapy for children ages 2 to 12 using child-friendly tools: Play therapy, Sand Tray, Expressive Arts, EMDR, Somatic Therapy. Rhythmic Movement and Mindfulness training. Whether you are seeking help for common childhood concerns, learning, and attention problems, or more traumatic life events, my playful approach will help your child connect emotionally, learn new behaviors, communicate and navigate through times of change.
Weekend and afternoon/evening appointments. I offer family and individual therapy for children ages 2 to 12 using child-friendly tools: Play therapy, Sand Tray, Expressive Arts, EMDR, Somatic Therapy. Rhythmic Movement and Mindfulness training. Whether you are seeking help for common childhood concerns, learning, and attention problems, or more traumatic life events, my playful approach will help your child connect emotionally, learn new behaviors, communicate and navigate through times of change.
Dalisa Jimenez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85048
I provide services including Play Therapy, Sand Tray, and EMDR.
Parenting can be difficult. This is especially true when your child is experiencing behavioral problems. Whether it’s problems within the parent-child relationship, academics, peer relationships, or difficulty managing emotions, I can help. Young children are unique in their experience of the world and the challenges they face. My experience in the Birth to Five field as well as working with individuals of all ages has provided me the opportunity to help families from many different backgrounds with a variety of problems.
I provide services including Play Therapy, Sand Tray, and EMDR.
Parenting can be difficult. This is especially true when your child is experiencing behavioral problems. Whether it’s problems within the parent-child relationship, academics, peer relationships, or difficulty managing emotions, I can help. Young children are unique in their experience of the world and the challenges they face. My experience in the Birth to Five field as well as working with individuals of all ages has provided me the opportunity to help families from many different backgrounds with a variety of problems.
Melissa Joy Hahnke
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Waitlist for new clients
In her spare time, Melissa likes to play Nintendo games, read, and write music, and she is the Dungeon Master for her friends’ Dungeons & Dragons group.
As an autistic person herself, Melissa is passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals and operates from a neuroaffirmative lens. Melissa prioritizes collaboration in the therapeutic process, believing that each person is the expert of their life–every person is different, with a unique set of lived experiences, identities, and perspectives, so she believes that treatment should be unique to each person, too. Treatment involves community and self-advocacy, incorporating intersectional cultural identities, supporting clients’ personal treatment goals, fostering self-compassion, and building community support.
In her spare time, Melissa likes to play Nintendo games, read, and write music, and she is the Dungeon Master for her friends’ Dungeons & Dragons group.
As an autistic person herself, Melissa is passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals and operates from a neuroaffirmative lens. Melissa prioritizes collaboration in the therapeutic process, believing that each person is the expert of their life–every person is different, with a unique set of lived experiences, identities, and perspectives, so she believes that treatment should be unique to each person, too. Treatment involves community and self-advocacy, incorporating intersectional cultural identities, supporting clients’ personal treatment goals, fostering self-compassion, and building community support.
Mike Greenwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DBH, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85014
I work with clients throughout the course of the life span. I have skills for working with both youth and adults. I have been working in the helping professions since 2003. And a licensed provider from 2011. I personalized the treatment to each client and each need. I offer both long term and short term treatment options: EMDR, ACT, DBT, TF-CBT, CBT, Hypnotherapy, Play Therapy, SandTray Therapy, and Solution Focused Interviewing.
I work with clients throughout the course of the life span. I have skills for working with both youth and adults. I have been working in the helping professions since 2003. And a licensed provider from 2011. I personalized the treatment to each client and each need. I offer both long term and short term treatment options: EMDR, ACT, DBT, TF-CBT, CBT, Hypnotherapy, Play Therapy, SandTray Therapy, and Solution Focused Interviewing.
Courtney L. Mony
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85050 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with youth and adults who experience symptoms of PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, low self-esteem, behavioral issues, and relationship issues while utilizing modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT, DBT, Animal Assisted Therapy, Play Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy. It’s my top priority to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to process any thoughts and feelings and experiences, as well as I strive to be empathetic and genuine when working with my clients!
I specialize in working with youth and adults who experience symptoms of PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, low self-esteem, behavioral issues, and relationship issues while utilizing modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT, DBT, Animal Assisted Therapy, Play Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy. It’s my top priority to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to process any thoughts and feelings and experiences, as well as I strive to be empathetic and genuine when working with my clients!
Courtney Denevi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BCBA, LBA, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Empowering your mental health journey with an evidenced based approach. Are you seeking services for yourself, child, your relationship, or maybe a family member? Want to focus on increasing motivation, creativity, self esteem, confidence, or organizational skills? Then I’m your gal. With a diverse range of expertise, I specialize in Play therapy, behavioral therapy, art expression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution focused therapy, Positive Psychology, and mindfulness techniques.
Empowering your mental health journey with an evidenced based approach. Are you seeking services for yourself, child, your relationship, or maybe a family member? Want to focus on increasing motivation, creativity, self esteem, confidence, or organizational skills? Then I’m your gal. With a diverse range of expertise, I specialize in Play therapy, behavioral therapy, art expression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution focused therapy, Positive Psychology, and mindfulness techniques.
Dawn Marie Byrd
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85015
These include psychoeducational assessments, neurodevelopment assessments, CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, ACT, Brainspotting, empirical interventions, cognitive restructuring.
My ideal client could be in need of any one of a broad array of professional services encompassing areas of therapy and testing. Clients range from individuals to entire families. I serve a diverse clientele ranging from emotional or behavioral distress, adjustment or trauma distress to identity issues. Whether it is treatment of behavioral/emotional or developmental disabilities, trauma therapy, treatment of mental disorders or psycho-educational assessments, I have programs and techniques such as EMDR or Brainspotting that can help you and your loved ones address life challenges. Call or email me immediately to start your program!
These include psychoeducational assessments, neurodevelopment assessments, CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, ACT, Brainspotting, empirical interventions, cognitive restructuring.
My ideal client could be in need of any one of a broad array of professional services encompassing areas of therapy and testing. Clients range from individuals to entire families. I serve a diverse clientele ranging from emotional or behavioral distress, adjustment or trauma distress to identity issues. Whether it is treatment of behavioral/emotional or developmental disabilities, trauma therapy, treatment of mental disorders or psycho-educational assessments, I have programs and techniques such as EMDR or Brainspotting that can help you and your loved ones address life challenges. Call or email me immediately to start your program!
Moriah Nicole Fitzpatrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85028 (Online Only)
I have specialized training in virtual art therapy, sand tray therapy, and experiential play therapy.
Living with unprocessed trauma can feel like trying to keep a beachball under water. You can do it, but it requires a lot of your energy and if you let your attention slip, it will come exploding to the surface. But we do this because we feel we don’t know what we will do when we have to look the trauma in the face. We fear it will overwhelm us and we won’t be able to cope. But when the pain of your past traumatic event becomes too unbearable, you know that it’s time to do something about it.
I have specialized training in virtual art therapy, sand tray therapy, and experiential play therapy.
Living with unprocessed trauma can feel like trying to keep a beachball under water. You can do it, but it requires a lot of your energy and if you let your attention slip, it will come exploding to the surface. But we do this because we feel we don’t know what we will do when we have to look the trauma in the face. We fear it will overwhelm us and we won’t be able to cope. But when the pain of your past traumatic event becomes too unbearable, you know that it’s time to do something about it.
Caroline Nyberg
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Ready to reclaim your story and build resilience? Taking the first step into therapy can be challenging, but you're not alone. Caroline is a Trauma Therapist committed to guiding individuals, families, and children through the journey of overcoming and preventing trauma. In her therapeutic space, Caroline prioritizes creating a safe and nurturing environment. Caroline utilizes somatic awareness, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy Interventions, she understands the vital link between mind and body, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in the healing process.
Ready to reclaim your story and build resilience? Taking the first step into therapy can be challenging, but you're not alone. Caroline is a Trauma Therapist committed to guiding individuals, families, and children through the journey of overcoming and preventing trauma. In her therapeutic space, Caroline prioritizes creating a safe and nurturing environment. Caroline utilizes somatic awareness, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy Interventions, she understands the vital link between mind and body, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in the healing process.
Eva Cristina Norheim
Counselor, LAC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85086
It takes time to pick up the pieces. Parts of you may feel broken, paralyzed, and unheard. With intergenerational systems of dysfunction, very few of us grew up with anything approaching healthy relating. As mammals, we can use the natural force towards connection along with regulating our autonomic fitness to return to our joyful and intuitive self. I can help adults and teens create movement in the isolated "stuck places" and integrate unprocessed pain and suffering. I am passionate about serving children who also highly benefit from therapy by communicating their inner world through play.
It takes time to pick up the pieces. Parts of you may feel broken, paralyzed, and unheard. With intergenerational systems of dysfunction, very few of us grew up with anything approaching healthy relating. As mammals, we can use the natural force towards connection along with regulating our autonomic fitness to return to our joyful and intuitive self. I can help adults and teens create movement in the isolated "stuck places" and integrate unprocessed pain and suffering. I am passionate about serving children who also highly benefit from therapy by communicating their inner world through play.
The Empowerment Group,LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, RN, BSN
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85044
I specialize in EMDR, play therapy, grief and loss, and sandtray.
STARTING NEW GROUP ON SHAME RESILIENCY CALL 602-525-5783 TO JOIN. What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? Let's get started! I work with individuals and families from birth to 100+! I have literally worked with families from birth to the end of life, focusing on working through those matters or events in life that hold each of us back from our full potential. Isn't it time for your optimal life? Life can be heavy and I will work with you and your family or friends to help you locate and access your inner strength to guide your life's journey.
I specialize in EMDR, play therapy, grief and loss, and sandtray.
STARTING NEW GROUP ON SHAME RESILIENCY CALL 602-525-5783 TO JOIN. What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? Let's get started! I work with individuals and families from birth to 100+! I have literally worked with families from birth to the end of life, focusing on working through those matters or events in life that hold each of us back from our full potential. Isn't it time for your optimal life? Life can be heavy and I will work with you and your family or friends to help you locate and access your inner strength to guide your life's journey.
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Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHI
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85016
My expertise entails working with children and their families, utilizing play therapy, sand trays, and attachment-based family therapy.
I am accepting new clients! My experience in the field has led me to understand that everyone is unique and comes to healing in their own ways. My role is to provide a safe and nurturing environment and assist individuals in understanding and achieving their goals during the therapeutic process.
My expertise entails working with children and their families, utilizing play therapy, sand trays, and attachment-based family therapy.
I am accepting new clients! My experience in the field has led me to understand that everyone is unique and comes to healing in their own ways. My role is to provide a safe and nurturing environment and assist individuals in understanding and achieving their goals during the therapeutic process.
Suzana Adams Psy.D. LLC
Psychologist, PsyD, LLC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Most of my work involves working with depression, anxiety, trauma, losses, and life adaptations with early and late adolescents, adults, and couples. I have a strong experience working cross-culturally and including the family in the therapy if necessary. My approach is Existential-Humanistic with a strong Psychodynamic base. I may use cognitive therapy, and techniques such as EMDR, Play, Art, or IFS when necessary.
Most of my work involves working with depression, anxiety, trauma, losses, and life adaptations with early and late adolescents, adults, and couples. I have a strong experience working cross-culturally and including the family in the therapy if necessary. My approach is Existential-Humanistic with a strong Psychodynamic base. I may use cognitive therapy, and techniques such as EMDR, Play, Art, or IFS when necessary.
Heather Sestili
Counselor, MSCP, LPC, RPT-S, IMH, ASDCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85080 (Online Only)
I'm a child development specialist with extensive training in play therapy.
There is a special place in my heart for a traumatized child. Traumatic events in childhood have a devastating impact on the child and family. Children need empathic, understanding, knowledgeable adults to come along side to guide and comfort the child through the journey of recovery. I provide caregivers education to support the child while providing practical techniques rewarding for both child and family. I provide play therapy, sand tray, Theraplay (R), and PCIT. I use these with EMDR and CBT to help children process their loss, trauma, reduce behaviors and impulsivity, enhance attachment, build communication and self esteem.
I'm a child development specialist with extensive training in play therapy.
There is a special place in my heart for a traumatized child. Traumatic events in childhood have a devastating impact on the child and family. Children need empathic, understanding, knowledgeable adults to come along side to guide and comfort the child through the journey of recovery. I provide caregivers education to support the child while providing practical techniques rewarding for both child and family. I provide play therapy, sand tray, Theraplay (R), and PCIT. I use these with EMDR and CBT to help children process their loss, trauma, reduce behaviors and impulsivity, enhance attachment, build communication and self esteem.
Sarah Zillweger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC/AZ, LPCC/CA, NCC, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85028
Navigating life, stress, and building meaningful connections can be hard. As a clinician with a specialized skill set, I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all who enter. The hardest step can be getting here, and you’re here. Having worked years in the behavioral health field, I’ve learned to adapt to each individual. My style often includes neuro-affirming, client centered, play therapy techniques, and other evidenced based methodologies such as ACT. My hope is to work collaboratively with you as an individual, with your child, and/or family, to develop the tools you need to support in navigating life.
Navigating life, stress, and building meaningful connections can be hard. As a clinician with a specialized skill set, I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all who enter. The hardest step can be getting here, and you’re here. Having worked years in the behavioral health field, I’ve learned to adapt to each individual. My style often includes neuro-affirming, client centered, play therapy techniques, and other evidenced based methodologies such as ACT. My hope is to work collaboratively with you as an individual, with your child, and/or family, to develop the tools you need to support in navigating life.
Eric Shiveley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85012 (Online Only)
I have training in play therapy, EMDR, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and creativity in counseling.
In my experience, many people show up for therapy only when things have become almost unbearable. When we're in that state, it can be difficult to think straight, and often the first thing that's needed is a place to take a breath and be heard. You might have heard "just stop worrying about it" or "focus on the positive" so much that you no longer tell people when things get bad. Many people come to points where they can't remember when things felt okay, and they feel separated from others in a room filled with people who seem happy. These things happen, and sometimes we need something or someone just to help us think.
I have training in play therapy, EMDR, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and creativity in counseling.
In my experience, many people show up for therapy only when things have become almost unbearable. When we're in that state, it can be difficult to think straight, and often the first thing that's needed is a place to take a breath and be heard. You might have heard "just stop worrying about it" or "focus on the positive" so much that you no longer tell people when things get bad. Many people come to points where they can't remember when things felt okay, and they feel separated from others in a room filled with people who seem happy. These things happen, and sometimes we need something or someone just to help us think.
Deborah L Pettitt
Counselor
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85014
The "language of children is play." I use expressive therapies like play,drama,sand,and art to help children process their problems and find answers.
When a child plays out a solution to a problem he/she has the unique ability to actually experience success in the moment.
I have taken extensive training to learn how to help children play out their problems. I am one of a very few Registered Play Therapist Supervisors in the state of Arizona.
The "language of children is play." I use expressive therapies like play,drama,sand,and art to help children process their problems and find answers.
When a child plays out a solution to a problem he/she has the unique ability to actually experience success in the moment.
I have taken extensive training to learn how to help children play out their problems. I am one of a very few Registered Play Therapist Supervisors in the state of Arizona.
Creative Expression, LLC
Counselor, EdS, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85020
I strategically use play and art to help kids freely and naturally express themselves.
Is your child experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties? Does your child need help with identifying and expressing thoughts and feelings? Are you looking for services that differ from traditional talk therapy? If your answer is YES, I can help! My unique approach to counseling utilizes play therapy techniques and art activities as avenues of self-exploration, discovery, expression, and growth! I provide a safe, supportive, creative, and non-clinical environment to help your child build trust, gain hope, feel understood, positively connect, identify and express thoughts and emotions, and improve overall well-being!
I strategically use play and art to help kids freely and naturally express themselves.
Is your child experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties? Does your child need help with identifying and expressing thoughts and feelings? Are you looking for services that differ from traditional talk therapy? If your answer is YES, I can help! My unique approach to counseling utilizes play therapy techniques and art activities as avenues of self-exploration, discovery, expression, and growth! I provide a safe, supportive, creative, and non-clinical environment to help your child build trust, gain hope, feel understood, positively connect, identify and express thoughts and emotions, and improve overall well-being!
Elijah Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Elijah utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sand tray, play therapy, family therapy, EMDR eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, trauma therapy, and solutions-focused therapy (SFT), depending on individual needs.
Elijah Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 9 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate and dedicated to working with adolescents, young teenagers and adults to address their unique daily challenges. Elijah understands the demand for advocacy, support and skill building through the specialization in anxiety, depression, family conflicts, history of trauma, abuse, grief, relationships, self-esteem, and everyday distress.
Elijah utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sand tray, play therapy, family therapy, EMDR eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, trauma therapy, and solutions-focused therapy (SFT), depending on individual needs.
Elijah Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 9 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate and dedicated to working with adolescents, young teenagers and adults to address their unique daily challenges. Elijah understands the demand for advocacy, support and skill building through the specialization in anxiety, depression, family conflicts, history of trauma, abuse, grief, relationships, self-esteem, and everyday distress.
Alexandra Trusty
Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85041
I utilize therapeutic techniques such as EMDR, child-parent psychotherapy, sand-tray, play therapy, TFCBT, expressive arts, and mindfulness.
I believe that we all have the capacity for healing within ourselves. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and caregivers. My goal is to instill hope and healing for clients presenting with concerns related to post-traumatic stress, attachment, anxiety, grief/loss, depression, disruptive behaviors, social skills, parenting, and/or relational distress.
I utilize therapeutic techniques such as EMDR, child-parent psychotherapy, sand-tray, play therapy, TFCBT, expressive arts, and mindfulness.
I believe that we all have the capacity for healing within ourselves. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and caregivers. My goal is to instill hope and healing for clients presenting with concerns related to post-traumatic stress, attachment, anxiety, grief/loss, depression, disruptive behaviors, social skills, parenting, and/or relational distress.
See more therapy options for Phoenix
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Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.