Play Therapy in Preston, ID
Scott Hull
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Preston, ID 83263
Now accepting new clients. Sometimes we just need a boost and a new perspective on things. I love to meet people where they are at to help navigate personal challenges. I have a lot of experience with children, teens and adults. I can definitely help with most anxiety and depression struggles. I enjoy also working those who are challenged with situations stemming from major changes in life, to loss/grief, addictions, anger/stress management, family discord, and trauma.
Now accepting new clients. Sometimes we just need a boost and a new perspective on things. I love to meet people where they are at to help navigate personal challenges. I have a lot of experience with children, teens and adults. I can definitely help with most anxiety and depression struggles. I enjoy also working those who are challenged with situations stemming from major changes in life, to loss/grief, addictions, anger/stress management, family discord, and trauma.
Le Ann Durfey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Preston, ID 83263
If you have found this page, you might be struggling with problems or emotions that are too big or complex for you to take on alone. You might feel lonely, overwhelmed, afraid. It may seem like, as hard as you try, relationships just don't work out in the ways you hoped and you find yourself wondering, "What am I doing wrong?". Maybe you don’t feel good enough, have feelings of hopelessness or anxiety. Perhaps you're ready to tackle those skeletons in your closet. Reaching out for help is an act of courage. My commitment to you is to reach back and meet you with genuine interest, compassion, hope and skill.
If you have found this page, you might be struggling with problems or emotions that are too big or complex for you to take on alone. You might feel lonely, overwhelmed, afraid. It may seem like, as hard as you try, relationships just don't work out in the ways you hoped and you find yourself wondering, "What am I doing wrong?". Maybe you don’t feel good enough, have feelings of hopelessness or anxiety. Perhaps you're ready to tackle those skeletons in your closet. Reaching out for help is an act of courage. My commitment to you is to reach back and meet you with genuine interest, compassion, hope and skill.
Kayla Allen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CSW
Verified Verified
Preston, ID 83263
Waitlist for new clients
You are so much stronger than you realize. But when life throws you for a loop, it can be difficult to see it. Therapy is a place you can come work through life's difficulties, gain new perspectives, and relearn how to see the inherent good in yourself. I enjoy working with women who are navigating eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-doubt, and other life challenges. I also enjoy working with children as they navigate life. Acknowledging you need therapy is a brave step. I deeply admire you for taking it. Everybody has a superpower, you just may not realize it. Let me help you find yours.
You are so much stronger than you realize. But when life throws you for a loop, it can be difficult to see it. Therapy is a place you can come work through life's difficulties, gain new perspectives, and relearn how to see the inherent good in yourself. I enjoy working with women who are navigating eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-doubt, and other life challenges. I also enjoy working with children as they navigate life. Acknowledging you need therapy is a brave step. I deeply admire you for taking it. Everybody has a superpower, you just may not realize it. Let me help you find yours.
Heather Stephenson
Counselor, MS, CMHC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Preston, ID 83263
Not accepting new clients
Work, laundry, children, cleaning house, mowing the lawn......the list of responsibilities can seem overwhelming and endless. These everyday tasks can become even more of a struggle when you suffer from depression or anxiety. Let me help you gain the skills to be successful and find joy once again. Adults are not the only ones that can suffer from mental health issues. Children and teens are increasingly being diagnosed with anxiety and depression. While working with your child its important for you, the parent, to be involved in the treatment process for the best results. Contact me today for help!
Work, laundry, children, cleaning house, mowing the lawn......the list of responsibilities can seem overwhelming and endless. These everyday tasks can become even more of a struggle when you suffer from depression or anxiety. Let me help you gain the skills to be successful and find joy once again. Adults are not the only ones that can suffer from mental health issues. Children and teens are increasingly being diagnosed with anxiety and depression. While working with your child its important for you, the parent, to be involved in the treatment process for the best results. Contact me today for help!
Online Therapists
Kirsten Griggs
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CCPS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ammon, ID 83406
Waitlist for new clients
I also specializes in treating children ages 4-11 using sandtray, art and play therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor guided by the belief that everyone should have a chance for a more joyful life. My desire is to help others achieve their personal goals by providing an atmosphere of acceptance, non-judgement, and empowerment. I believes that all people have the power to change and that true happiness comes through developing and nurturing healthy relationships. I have over 25 years of experience in helping individuals with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma/complex PTSD and childhood issues. I work with children, teens, and adults.
I also specializes in treating children ages 4-11 using sandtray, art and play therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor guided by the belief that everyone should have a chance for a more joyful life. My desire is to help others achieve their personal goals by providing an atmosphere of acceptance, non-judgement, and empowerment. I believes that all people have the power to change and that true happiness comes through developing and nurturing healthy relationships. I have over 25 years of experience in helping individuals with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma/complex PTSD and childhood issues. I work with children, teens, and adults.
Tandice C Peterson
Counselor, LCPC, CCTP, CCTHP, SSP, AAI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pocatello, ID 83201
My primary theoretical approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and animal assisted therapy. However I also utilize theories such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Adlerian Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the use of books, Art Therapy, sand Tray Therapy, Play therapy and attachment therapy. I'm certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Tandice has knowledge and experience working with children and families struggling with sibling and parent conflict issues. Anxiety disorders, depression disorders, PTSD, Bi-Polar, Domestic Violence, Relationship issues, self-esteem and identity issues are also areas of expertise.
My primary theoretical approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and animal assisted therapy. However I also utilize theories such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Adlerian Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the use of books, Art Therapy, sand Tray Therapy, Play therapy and attachment therapy. I'm certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Tandice has knowledge and experience working with children and families struggling with sibling and parent conflict issues. Anxiety disorders, depression disorders, PTSD, Bi-Polar, Domestic Violence, Relationship issues, self-esteem and identity issues are also areas of expertise.
Kevin White
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pocatello, ID 83202
I am a counselor experienced in working with children and adolescents, and I am trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Navigating life's challenges is tough, especially for your children. Even the youngest children pick up on the stress around them. How can we expect them to learn how to effectively cope when many adults struggle? It's crucial, now more than ever, to give them a safe place where they can just be themselves, express their feelings, make sense of the world, and be heard.
I am a counselor experienced in working with children and adolescents, and I am trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Navigating life's challenges is tough, especially for your children. Even the youngest children pick up on the stress around them. How can we expect them to learn how to effectively cope when many adults struggle? It's crucial, now more than ever, to give them a safe place where they can just be themselves, express their feelings, make sense of the world, and be heard.
McKenzie Christensen
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pocatello, ID 83201
McKenzie completed her Masters’ in Counseling also at Idaho State University specializing in marriage, couple, and family counseling. McKenzie enjoys working with a wide range of ages and concerns. Her primary clinical approach is person-centered and family systems. She also utilizes other supportive theories including CBT, play therapy techniques, and Adlerian theory. She is trained in EMDR therapy supporting reprocessing of trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. She views individuals and families through a holistic lens.
McKenzie completed her Masters’ in Counseling also at Idaho State University specializing in marriage, couple, and family counseling. McKenzie enjoys working with a wide range of ages and concerns. Her primary clinical approach is person-centered and family systems. She also utilizes other supportive theories including CBT, play therapy techniques, and Adlerian theory. She is trained in EMDR therapy supporting reprocessing of trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. She views individuals and families through a holistic lens.
Inner Light Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Soda Springs, ID 83276
I help children heal from past abuse and neglect using Child Centered Play Therapy.
It has been said that if you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life. I truly love helping children, teens, and adults work through trauma, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationships, beginning with the relationship with self. I believe that everyone has infinite worth and value. Using the client as the expert of their own life, I assist in healing and growth, increasing your ability to heal and thrive with what life presents.
I help children heal from past abuse and neglect using Child Centered Play Therapy.
It has been said that if you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life. I truly love helping children, teens, and adults work through trauma, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationships, beginning with the relationship with self. I believe that everyone has infinite worth and value. Using the client as the expert of their own life, I assist in healing and growth, increasing your ability to heal and thrive with what life presents.
Stefanie Westover
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Waitlist for new clients
Stefanie Westover, LCSW, is an attachment therapist who focuses on relationships as the key to finding meaning and joy in living. Her goal is to partner with clients to find hope so they can heal and thrive. Stefanie has experience working with parents and their children in a variety of settings for over ten years, including training foster parents, working with children in a speech-language pathology research lab, at a child development center, and in play therapy.
Stefanie Westover, LCSW, is an attachment therapist who focuses on relationships as the key to finding meaning and joy in living. Her goal is to partner with clients to find hope so they can heal and thrive. Stefanie has experience working with parents and their children in a variety of settings for over ten years, including training foster parents, working with children in a speech-language pathology research lab, at a child development center, and in play therapy.
Temoc Rafael Torres
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Pocatello, ID 83204
Do you feel out of sorts, lost, and no longer in control of your life? The goal of my practice is to help you find balance and clarity. I believe that we can work together to find growth and success in the different areas of your life: school, work, personal and social relationships. For the past 6 years, I have been helping individuals use coping strategies to assist with their daily activities and interactions so they can find happiness and peace again in their lives. Together, we can do this!
Do you feel out of sorts, lost, and no longer in control of your life? The goal of my practice is to help you find balance and clarity. I believe that we can work together to find growth and success in the different areas of your life: school, work, personal and social relationships. For the past 6 years, I have been helping individuals use coping strategies to assist with their daily activities and interactions so they can find happiness and peace again in their lives. Together, we can do this!
Lisa Calderwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, CCTP, CTMH, CGP
Verified Verified
Idaho Falls, ID 83404 (Online Only)
I have a very large tool bag to help you move through a variety of issues. I have the equivalent of a minor in elementary education, child psychology and developmental psychology. I changed majors to Social Work and feel my added skills of psychology and education give me a different edge than a lot of counselors in the field. I work with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, military veteran's and the entire family. I work with many diagnosis's to find a solution together which suits you best in personal growth. Contact us to work together today.
I have a very large tool bag to help you move through a variety of issues. I have the equivalent of a minor in elementary education, child psychology and developmental psychology. I changed majors to Social Work and feel my added skills of psychology and education give me a different edge than a lot of counselors in the field. I work with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, military veteran's and the entire family. I work with many diagnosis's to find a solution together which suits you best in personal growth. Contact us to work together today.
Kimberly Porter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Recognizing and asking for help for mental health needs requires courage and strength. I honor that courage. I would like to introduce myself so that you can assess whether I am a good fit for your therapeutic work. I believe that you are the expert on your life and will strive to foster a nonjudgemental, safe environment for you to claim your ability to offer yourself trust and compassion. I will support you in your journey to allow yourself to be human, heal past wounds, and discover your authentic self. We will work to build relationships with your yourself and others that provide connection, purpose, and meaning.
Recognizing and asking for help for mental health needs requires courage and strength. I honor that courage. I would like to introduce myself so that you can assess whether I am a good fit for your therapeutic work. I believe that you are the expert on your life and will strive to foster a nonjudgemental, safe environment for you to claim your ability to offer yourself trust and compassion. I will support you in your journey to allow yourself to be human, heal past wounds, and discover your authentic self. We will work to build relationships with your yourself and others that provide connection, purpose, and meaning.
Cynthia Louise Lange
Licensed Professional Counselor, MCOUN, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pocatello, ID 83204
Everyone is unique and wonderful in their own way. Struggles and trials in life are normal. Working through them can be healing and a growth opportunity if you are willing to be open and involved in this journey called life. You can expect to be treated with respect, unconditional positive regard, and compassion as an individual. Development of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, spiritual, and social needs can be some of your goals as well as striving for healthy relationships and mental wellness.
Everyone is unique and wonderful in their own way. Struggles and trials in life are normal. Working through them can be healing and a growth opportunity if you are willing to be open and involved in this journey called life. You can expect to be treated with respect, unconditional positive regard, and compassion as an individual. Development of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, spiritual, and social needs can be some of your goals as well as striving for healthy relationships and mental wellness.
Portneuf Valley Family Center
Verified Verified
Pocatello, ID 83201
Portneuf Valley Family Center is a locally owned company established in 2005. We are dedicated to providing quality mental health services in Southeast Idaho. To better serve our consumers, we currently have offices in Pocatello and Soda Springs. The staff members at PVFC have years of training and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults as well as with couples and families who struggle with a wide range of difficult issues.
Portneuf Valley Family Center is a locally owned company established in 2005. We are dedicated to providing quality mental health services in Southeast Idaho. To better serve our consumers, we currently have offices in Pocatello and Soda Springs. The staff members at PVFC have years of training and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults as well as with couples and families who struggle with a wide range of difficult issues.
Lisa N Wilmore
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Idaho Falls, ID 83401 (Online Only)
I value the opportunity to walk with you in your journey, no matter where you are at. I strive to provide a safe space where you can connect with your most authentic self. This work is best done with a non-judgmental, genuine therapeutic relationship. I enjoy working with people from all diverse backgrounds. In particular, I specialize in working with adults struggling with anxiety disorders. Family therapy is also a specialty of mine. I am endlessly curious to learn people's stories and I feel deeply privileged to be invited into these stories every day.
I value the opportunity to walk with you in your journey, no matter where you are at. I strive to provide a safe space where you can connect with your most authentic self. This work is best done with a non-judgmental, genuine therapeutic relationship. I enjoy working with people from all diverse backgrounds. In particular, I specialize in working with adults struggling with anxiety disorders. Family therapy is also a specialty of mine. I am endlessly curious to learn people's stories and I feel deeply privileged to be invited into these stories every day.
Mountain View Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Montpelier, ID 83254 (Online Only)
I believe that you can have a great life no matter the issues and feelings you currently have. This possibility may be hard to imagine now, but that is what I help you do. My job is to help you clarify what you want and then to achieve this. We all have a "wise mind" and heart in us. The wise mind can become obscured by stress and circumstance, but this is what you come to therapy to discover. With encouragement and support, you can learn to trust your path and solve whatever your current problems are. I work with motivated people who want to improve their lives.
I believe that you can have a great life no matter the issues and feelings you currently have. This possibility may be hard to imagine now, but that is what I help you do. My job is to help you clarify what you want and then to achieve this. We all have a "wise mind" and heart in us. The wise mind can become obscured by stress and circumstance, but this is what you come to therapy to discover. With encouragement and support, you can learn to trust your path and solve whatever your current problems are. I work with motivated people who want to improve their lives.
Ashley Vargas
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Pocatello, ID 83201 (Online Only)
I value genuine connection and safety in the counseling relationship. In order to best meet the needs of my clients, I approach each session with authenticity, compassion, empathy, and understanding. Through a trauma-informed lens, clients are able to explore difficult experiences from childhood through adulthood. Clients are able to make choices in their lives that best fit their values and beliefs by providing a space that fosters resilience, self-compassion, and empowerment.
I value genuine connection and safety in the counseling relationship. In order to best meet the needs of my clients, I approach each session with authenticity, compassion, empathy, and understanding. Through a trauma-informed lens, clients are able to explore difficult experiences from childhood through adulthood. Clients are able to make choices in their lives that best fit their values and beliefs by providing a space that fosters resilience, self-compassion, and empowerment.
Carol Garner
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
I believe every human being has within them the ability to reach their potential. Sometimes we need help unraveling our strengths while we work through difficult aspects of our lives. Together, I believe we can build resilience, improve our connections to others, give ourselves and others compassion for our suffering and build hope. I feel it is a privilege to be a part of my clients’ pathway of change toward a more fulfilling life.
I believe every human being has within them the ability to reach their potential. Sometimes we need help unraveling our strengths while we work through difficult aspects of our lives. Together, I believe we can build resilience, improve our connections to others, give ourselves and others compassion for our suffering and build hope. I feel it is a privilege to be a part of my clients’ pathway of change toward a more fulfilling life.
Kimberly Leishman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pocatello, ID 83201
I value the counseling relationship above all and believe in creating a space of safety and collaboration. I see counseling as a partnership and I am honored with every opportunity to be a partner in others' healing journey. I come from a person centered approach, which means that I believe in genuineness and transparency when working through difficult experiences. I work with teens and adults. I believe in helping client’s harness their natural self-healing through dignity, respect, non-judgement, and compassion.
I value the counseling relationship above all and believe in creating a space of safety and collaboration. I see counseling as a partnership and I am honored with every opportunity to be a partner in others' healing journey. I come from a person centered approach, which means that I believe in genuineness and transparency when working through difficult experiences. I work with teens and adults. I believe in helping client’s harness their natural self-healing through dignity, respect, non-judgement, and compassion.
See more therapy options for Preston
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.