Photo of Chad Calderon, Psychologist in Denver, CO
Chad Calderon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80204
Welcome! If you are here, you have found the courage to seek the life balance you deserve through the best care possible. I'm Dr. Calderon, a licensed clinical psychologist, and compassionate, fun therapist. I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology in San Francisco. I've worked across the country in clinical settings including veteran, inpatient, outpatient, addiction, sexual behaviors, human services, psych assessment and primary care centers. I use a diverse range of therapy modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, child play, and psychodynamic. I am dedicated to specializing in child/adolescent care but work with all age groups.
Welcome! If you are here, you have found the courage to seek the life balance you deserve through the best care possible. I'm Dr. Calderon, a licensed clinical psychologist, and compassionate, fun therapist. I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology in San Francisco. I've worked across the country in clinical settings including veteran, inpatient, outpatient, addiction, sexual behaviors, human services, psych assessment and primary care centers. I use a diverse range of therapy modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, child play, and psychodynamic. I am dedicated to specializing in child/adolescent care but work with all age groups.
(720) 815-9712 View (720) 815-9712
Photo of Katy Childs, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Katy Childs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80231
I also offer play therapy, sand tray therapy, and typical talk therapy sessions.
The clients that I typically work with come from diverse backgrounds and present with struggles across the mental health spectrum. Some of those struggles, but not all, surround anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidality, impulse control, and overall emotion identification and regulation. The clients I work with vary in age, starting in early childhood and continuing on into parenting and adulthood. My ideal client is one that is engaged, open to learning, and motivated for positive change. Therapy can be anxiety-provoking when starting, so having a therapy dog in the room can be extremely helpful when it comes to big emotions.
I also offer play therapy, sand tray therapy, and typical talk therapy sessions.
The clients that I typically work with come from diverse backgrounds and present with struggles across the mental health spectrum. Some of those struggles, but not all, surround anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidality, impulse control, and overall emotion identification and regulation. The clients I work with vary in age, starting in early childhood and continuing on into parenting and adulthood. My ideal client is one that is engaged, open to learning, and motivated for positive change. Therapy can be anxiety-provoking when starting, so having a therapy dog in the room can be extremely helpful when it comes to big emotions.
(720) 674-9163 View (720) 674-9163
Photo of Beverly Houston, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Beverly Houston
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80238
I believe that play is essential to a child's growing and learning process as children naturally communicate through play. Play therapy can be utilized as a way for children and adolescents to express themselves, explore and process their experiences and feelings through play/art. I am here to partner with you and your family to support in growing a child or adolescent's ability to process through, cope and regulate with difficult life transitions, school related difficulties, emotional and behavioral challenges, grief/loss, social skills, attachment, trauma and self-exploration.
I believe that play is essential to a child's growing and learning process as children naturally communicate through play. Play therapy can be utilized as a way for children and adolescents to express themselves, explore and process their experiences and feelings through play/art. I am here to partner with you and your family to support in growing a child or adolescent's ability to process through, cope and regulate with difficult life transitions, school related difficulties, emotional and behavioral challenges, grief/loss, social skills, attachment, trauma and self-exploration.
(720) 575-0314 View (720) 575-0314
Photo of Travis Pilarcik, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Travis Pilarcik
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80238
Working with kids/teens has shown me how powerful, resilient, and amazing they can become with help and support from those who care. Through caring, compassion, and a little bit of play, we’ll work together to create a future where they can grow into the best versions of themselves. I believe in using a mix of play and developmentally appropriate experiential therapy, along with using ways of expressing themselves such as art or even drama therapy.
Working with kids/teens has shown me how powerful, resilient, and amazing they can become with help and support from those who care. Through caring, compassion, and a little bit of play, we’ll work together to create a future where they can grow into the best versions of themselves. I believe in using a mix of play and developmentally appropriate experiential therapy, along with using ways of expressing themselves such as art or even drama therapy.
(720) 802-6196 View (720) 802-6196
Photo of Marjorie Nicholson, Pre-Licensed Professional in Denver, CO
Marjorie Nicholson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, SWC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
I'm deeply passionate about mental health and trained in various modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness practices, narrative therapy, theraplay, and non-directive play therapy. In essence, my therapy practice revolves around building a strong therapeutic alliance as the foundation. From there, together we explore your therapy goals, tailoring the experience to be strengths-based and client-centered. I work with clients across the lifespan, and am open to exploring whatever client's bring to session.
I'm deeply passionate about mental health and trained in various modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness practices, narrative therapy, theraplay, and non-directive play therapy. In essence, my therapy practice revolves around building a strong therapeutic alliance as the foundation. From there, together we explore your therapy goals, tailoring the experience to be strengths-based and client-centered. I work with clients across the lifespan, and am open to exploring whatever client's bring to session.
(720) 776-1467 View (720) 776-1467
Photo of Mount Saint Vincent in Denver, CO
Mount Saint Vincent
MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80211
Mount Saint Vincent has been helping children and families in the Denver area for over 135 years. Let us help you and your child with our Pediatric Behavioral Health services: Outpatient Therapy, In-Home Therapy and Day Treatment. Our Masters level clinicians offer evidenced based counseling modalities specific to client needs, including: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Play Therapy, Trauma Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Mount Saint Vincent has been helping children and families in the Denver area for over 135 years. Let us help you and your child with our Pediatric Behavioral Health services: Outpatient Therapy, In-Home Therapy and Day Treatment. Our Masters level clinicians offer evidenced based counseling modalities specific to client needs, including: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Play Therapy, Trauma Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
(720) 640-8471 View (720) 640-8471
Photo of The Child and Family Therapy Center of Denver, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
The Child and Family Therapy Center of Denver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC, MT-BC, LMT, BCBA
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80237
We provide INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY counseling, expressive therapy (PLAY, ART, MUSIC), pediatric MASSAGE therapy, and APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS.
The Child and Family Therapy Center of Denver, LLC specializes in providing therapeutic support to children, adolescents and families in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. We focus on helping families identify goals to improve their quality of life and make sustainable change. At The Child and Family Therapy Center of Denver, we support the CLLI, CES, SLS & CHRP Waivers along with Medicaid/CHP+ and Anthem.
We provide INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY counseling, expressive therapy (PLAY, ART, MUSIC), pediatric MASSAGE therapy, and APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS.
The Child and Family Therapy Center of Denver, LLC specializes in providing therapeutic support to children, adolescents and families in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. We focus on helping families identify goals to improve their quality of life and make sustainable change. At The Child and Family Therapy Center of Denver, we support the CLLI, CES, SLS & CHRP Waivers along with Medicaid/CHP+ and Anthem.
(720) 399-1321 View (720) 399-1321
Photo of Center for Valued Living, PLLC, Psychologist in Denver, CO
Center for Valued Living, PLLC
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LAC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80204
Common Issues or Specialties: Adults, Children/Adolescents/Teens, Family, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Bipolar, Relationship problems, Couples, EMDR, CBT, DBT, play therapy, work/school stress; Identity issues; panic, grief/loss, work comp.
We are a group of highly-qualified mental health therapists serving all over CO via telehealth and in-person (offices in Aurora). Our licensed therapists and supervised LPCC/SWC/intern providers take most insurances including Medicaid. See c4vl.com or photo gallery for details on our clinicians, & specialties, insurances. We are committed to anti-racist, neurodivergent-affirming, and GLBTQIA+ allied practice. We have providers who speak Spanish, French, and Russian. Hablamos Espanol tambien!
Common Issues or Specialties: Adults, Children/Adolescents/Teens, Family, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Bipolar, Relationship problems, Couples, EMDR, CBT, DBT, play therapy, work/school stress; Identity issues; panic, grief/loss, work comp.
We are a group of highly-qualified mental health therapists serving all over CO via telehealth and in-person (offices in Aurora). Our licensed therapists and supervised LPCC/SWC/intern providers take most insurances including Medicaid. See c4vl.com or photo gallery for details on our clinicians, & specialties, insurances. We are committed to anti-racist, neurodivergent-affirming, and GLBTQIA+ allied practice. We have providers who speak Spanish, French, and Russian. Hablamos Espanol tambien!
(720) 262-5859 View (720) 262-5859
Colorado Counseling & Wellness Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80202
We offer play therapy for kids, men's groups, women's groups and even a couples group.
Whether your goals include overcoming and managing anxiety and depression etc., or you want to do some wellness work focusing on confidence, self-esteem, communication etc. we are here to be your partner in this journey.
We offer play therapy for kids, men's groups, women's groups and even a couples group.
Whether your goals include overcoming and managing anxiety and depression etc., or you want to do some wellness work focusing on confidence, self-esteem, communication etc. we are here to be your partner in this journey.
(720) 650-2276 View (720) 650-2276
Photo of Irene Gutierrez Ellis, Psychologist in Denver, CO
Irene Gutierrez Ellis
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80012
I also use Play Therapy, Sand Tray, Solution Focused Therapy and Parenting.
In life we have joyful and enlightening experiences, and painful challenges that are best handled with help. Therapy helps you build awareness and increase your ability to deal with problems of life like depression, anxiety or fear. Counseling, enables you to recover the joy of life. We provide an atmosphere of understanding and trust where we listen empathetically to understand your perspective and issues. We use culturally centered Evidence and Practice Based therapy to find your strengths and equip you with tools to overcome challenges and to make positive changes so you can lead a better life.
I also use Play Therapy, Sand Tray, Solution Focused Therapy and Parenting.
In life we have joyful and enlightening experiences, and painful challenges that are best handled with help. Therapy helps you build awareness and increase your ability to deal with problems of life like depression, anxiety or fear. Counseling, enables you to recover the joy of life. We provide an atmosphere of understanding and trust where we listen empathetically to understand your perspective and issues. We use culturally centered Evidence and Practice Based therapy to find your strengths and equip you with tools to overcome challenges and to make positive changes so you can lead a better life.
(720) 650-0906 View (720) 650-0906
Photo of Madz Kluz, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Denver, CO
Madz Kluz
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80299
I use therapeutic modalities including art therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, trauma-informed practices, CBT, DBT, and play therapy.
Hi there! I operate strongly with the belief that kindness and care for others goes a long way. I enjoy connecting with and helping others regardless of our differences. I am passionate about working with kids and with family preservation. I hope to be an advocate for a child when they may not otherwise have one. I aim to help families connect and better understand one another to create a more cohesive home environment. As an artist, I am especially passionate about using art as healing. Art can create a strong container for difficult emotions, and I believe you don’t have to be an artist to benefit from the power of art making!
I use therapeutic modalities including art therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, trauma-informed practices, CBT, DBT, and play therapy.
Hi there! I operate strongly with the belief that kindness and care for others goes a long way. I enjoy connecting with and helping others regardless of our differences. I am passionate about working with kids and with family preservation. I hope to be an advocate for a child when they may not otherwise have one. I aim to help families connect and better understand one another to create a more cohesive home environment. As an artist, I am especially passionate about using art as healing. Art can create a strong container for difficult emotions, and I believe you don’t have to be an artist to benefit from the power of art making!
(720) 248-9390 View (720) 248-9390
Photo of Jordan Gonzales, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Denver, CO
Jordan Gonzales
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, LPC, ADDC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80212
She’s received training in Play Therapy and Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Jordan has been practicing counseling since 2016, and has experience in community, non-profit, and private practice settings. She’s worked with teens and adults who have experienced trauma, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, depression and anxiety. Jordan is passionate about providing a safe space for clients to express and understand themselves. She uses a client-centered approach, along with expressive arts, CBT and solution-focused therapy to help clients reach their goals. Her approach is playful, creative, and empowering. She also has experience providing therapeutic support for members of the LBGTQIA+ community.
She’s received training in Play Therapy and Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Jordan has been practicing counseling since 2016, and has experience in community, non-profit, and private practice settings. She’s worked with teens and adults who have experienced trauma, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, depression and anxiety. Jordan is passionate about providing a safe space for clients to express and understand themselves. She uses a client-centered approach, along with expressive arts, CBT and solution-focused therapy to help clients reach their goals. Her approach is playful, creative, and empowering. She also has experience providing therapeutic support for members of the LBGTQIA+ community.
(720) 928-9332 View (720) 928-9332
Photo of Alyssandra Livingston-Shelburne, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Alyssandra Livingston-Shelburne
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80214  (Online Only)
I specialize in play therapy and am a fully registered Play Therapist through the Association of Play Therapy.
Has your child has started behaving out of character leading you to wonder what they are going through? Perhaps they are struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger. Play therapy offers an avenue to gain insight into what your child is struggling with and can help them gain confidence and explore their emotions in a safe environment where they can freely express themselves. I strive to build a therapeutic egalitarian relationship where we work together in order to help resolve the issues you and your family could be struggling with.
I specialize in play therapy and am a fully registered Play Therapist through the Association of Play Therapy.
Has your child has started behaving out of character leading you to wonder what they are going through? Perhaps they are struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger. Play therapy offers an avenue to gain insight into what your child is struggling with and can help them gain confidence and explore their emotions in a safe environment where they can freely express themselves. I strive to build a therapeutic egalitarian relationship where we work together in order to help resolve the issues you and your family could be struggling with.
(855) 910-9401 View (855) 910-9401
Photo of KidStuff Child and Family Counseling, P.C., Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
KidStuff Child and Family Counseling, P.C.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80022
Our therapists utilize many effective modalities including art and dance therapy, play therapy, EMDR therapy, and engaging talk therapy.
KidStuff Child & Family Counseling, P.C. specializes in helping kids, families and adults navigate life's challenges and improve overall wellness. LifeStuff, HardStuff, AdultStuff: whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, our therapists will collaborate with you to create a therapeutic experience to meet your needs. Our therapists are open and welcoming while supporting clients through their healing process. If you have Medicaid health insurance, commercial insurance, or are looking for a reasonably affordable cash-pay option, we have options for in-office and telehealth services.
Our therapists utilize many effective modalities including art and dance therapy, play therapy, EMDR therapy, and engaging talk therapy.
KidStuff Child & Family Counseling, P.C. specializes in helping kids, families and adults navigate life's challenges and improve overall wellness. LifeStuff, HardStuff, AdultStuff: whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, our therapists will collaborate with you to create a therapeutic experience to meet your needs. Our therapists are open and welcoming while supporting clients through their healing process. If you have Medicaid health insurance, commercial insurance, or are looking for a reasonably affordable cash-pay option, we have options for in-office and telehealth services.
(719) 394-9745 View (719) 394-9745
Photo of Jenna Deubler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Jenna Deubler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80002
I also utilize CBT techniques, play therapy techniques and the Gottman Method when working with couples.
Are you stuck in traumatic experiences or the past? I can be there to support you as you work your way through the pain. My specialty and passion is working through trauma and relational pain. I am EMDR trained and use it most often in treatment. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples (on a limited basis using the Gottman Method).
I also utilize CBT techniques, play therapy techniques and the Gottman Method when working with couples.
Are you stuck in traumatic experiences or the past? I can be there to support you as you work your way through the pain. My specialty and passion is working through trauma and relational pain. I am EMDR trained and use it most often in treatment. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples (on a limited basis using the Gottman Method).
(719) 203-2040 View (719) 203-2040
Photo of Westside Behavioral Care in Denver, CO
Westside Behavioral Care
PsyD, LPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80202
Westside Behavioral Care can help you find a therapist who is just right for you or your family. Our qualified and compassionate counselors provide outstanding mental health services in-person and online across the entire Greater Denver Area. For an appointment, please call 303-986-4197 to speak with our receptionist M-F 8:30am-5pm. Alternatively, our website allows you to self-schedule with one of our multi-award-winning therapists 24/7. Our network includes licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, couples counselors, and certified alcohol and drug counselors.
Westside Behavioral Care can help you find a therapist who is just right for you or your family. Our qualified and compassionate counselors provide outstanding mental health services in-person and online across the entire Greater Denver Area. For an appointment, please call 303-986-4197 to speak with our receptionist M-F 8:30am-5pm. Alternatively, our website allows you to self-schedule with one of our multi-award-winning therapists 24/7. Our network includes licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, couples counselors, and certified alcohol and drug counselors.
(303) 647-4369 View (303) 647-4369
Photo of Peregrine Counseling and Wellness, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Peregrine Counseling and Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSc, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80231
Peregrine Counseling and Wellness is a nonprofit mental health organization based in southeast Denver, CO. We aim to promote wellbeing from a mind-body perspective, working to heal trauma through the integration of evidence-based practices. Our team of clinicians have over a decade or more of experience working with victims of trauma and trauma related disorders.
Peregrine Counseling and Wellness is a nonprofit mental health organization based in southeast Denver, CO. We aim to promote wellbeing from a mind-body perspective, working to heal trauma through the integration of evidence-based practices. Our team of clinicians have over a decade or more of experience working with victims of trauma and trauma related disorders.
(720) 709-1888 View (720) 709-1888
Photo of Shira Hecht, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Shira Hecht
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80204
LCSW trained in CBT and motivational interviewing, as well as TBRI. I have worked with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, veterans, and kids and teenagers. I love working with teens and kids, and I have a specialized background in trauma of all kinds. To me, therapy is about the connection between the therapist and the client, and about that attunement and understanding. Beyond that, all the training in the world is secondary!
LCSW trained in CBT and motivational interviewing, as well as TBRI. I have worked with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, veterans, and kids and teenagers. I love working with teens and kids, and I have a specialized background in trauma of all kinds. To me, therapy is about the connection between the therapist and the client, and about that attunement and understanding. Beyond that, all the training in the world is secondary!
(720) 709-2448 View (720) 709-2448
Photo of Katlynn Bender, Pre-Licensed Professional in Denver, CO
Katlynn Bender
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
I am passionate about psychology and aim to provide effective assistance for those struggling with mental health. I focus on humanistic, critical, and community psychology and value the importance regarding individuals personal and lived experiences with mental health. I find that the individual’s relationship with their struggles shapes their perception of the experience. I understand that it can be difficult to understand your own struggles at times and I work to assist individuals in understanding this.
I am passionate about psychology and aim to provide effective assistance for those struggling with mental health. I focus on humanistic, critical, and community psychology and value the importance regarding individuals personal and lived experiences with mental health. I find that the individual’s relationship with their struggles shapes their perception of the experience. I understand that it can be difficult to understand your own struggles at times and I work to assist individuals in understanding this.
(720) 821-1570 x703 View (720) 821-1570 x703
Photo of Mindfully - Denver, CO, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Mindfully - Denver, CO
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPC, LPCC, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80237
At Mindfully, we are dedicated to helping our clients heal, grow, and thrive. We focus on matching clients with providers who specialize in the challenges they are facing. By providing the best fit from the start, we help our clients meet their goals with greater success, faster.
At Mindfully, we are dedicated to helping our clients heal, grow, and thrive. We focus on matching clients with providers who specialize in the challenges they are facing. By providing the best fit from the start, we help our clients meet their goals with greater success, faster.
(720) 500-7091 View (720) 500-7091
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.