Play Therapy in Athens, IL
There are no results for therapists in Athens
Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Illinois below.More Therapists Nearby
Life throws us many obstacles and challenges, no matter our age. Challenges such as starting a new job, moving to a new city, starting or ending a relationship, etc. Along with these new journeys, you may start to experience excessive worry, or continuously doubt your abilities, or feel isolated and alone and therefore not wanting to burden others. These patterns begin to influence your relationships with others and yourself, affecting your mood, motivation level, and overall happiness. If you’re reading this, you are approaching the first step into your therapeutic journey and I am here to help you with each step moving forward.
Life throws us many obstacles and challenges, no matter our age. Challenges such as starting a new job, moving to a new city, starting or ending a relationship, etc. Along with these new journeys, you may start to experience excessive worry, or continuously doubt your abilities, or feel isolated and alone and therefore not wanting to burden others. These patterns begin to influence your relationships with others and yourself, affecting your mood, motivation level, and overall happiness. If you’re reading this, you are approaching the first step into your therapeutic journey and I am here to help you with each step moving forward.
Barb C. Sherman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PEL
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sherman, IL 62684
Genuine, realistic help. What meeting with me will be like? This will very much be decided by me and you together. We will chart a journey toward what “better” could look like for you and what tools and skills we can build together to get you there. Above all, I want you to feel welcomed and comfortable. I have worked hard to create a setting that feels inviting, warm, and safe.
Genuine, realistic help. What meeting with me will be like? This will very much be decided by me and you together. We will chart a journey toward what “better” could look like for you and what tools and skills we can build together to get you there. Above all, I want you to feel welcomed and comfortable. I have worked hard to create a setting that feels inviting, warm, and safe.
Online Therapists
Starfish Family Counseling
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CATP
Verified Verified
West Peoria, IL 61604
Since 2018 I have been certified in and practicing play therapy.
The mission of Starfish Family Counseling, PLLC, is best described through a story. The Starfish Story tells of a child walking along a beach after a terrible storm which washed up thousands of starfish onto the beach. The child is throwing starfish back into the water, when someone admonishes the child that they cannot save them all, cannot really make a difference. The child responds by picking up another starfish and saying "it makes a difference to this one." Together we will explore your goals, strengths and most importantly that you, your child, your relationships deserve healing. You matter.
Since 2018 I have been certified in and practicing play therapy.
The mission of Starfish Family Counseling, PLLC, is best described through a story. The Starfish Story tells of a child walking along a beach after a terrible storm which washed up thousands of starfish onto the beach. The child is throwing starfish back into the water, when someone admonishes the child that they cannot save them all, cannot really make a difference. The child responds by picking up another starfish and saying "it makes a difference to this one." Together we will explore your goals, strengths and most importantly that you, your child, your relationships deserve healing. You matter.
Unsure if your child's behavior is age appropriate? Is your adolescent having difficulties in academics or social connections? Are you struggling with adjusting to life changes or reflecting on past experiences that cause you to feel uneasy? Not sure how to work out differences between you and your partner or within your family? I am here to help your child play out any fears, worries, and past traumas, help your adolescent feel empowered, find solutions, and discover self identity, help adults navigate life transitions, and help couples/families explore conflict. Most of all, I focus on your needs to cultivate trust and safety.
Unsure if your child's behavior is age appropriate? Is your adolescent having difficulties in academics or social connections? Are you struggling with adjusting to life changes or reflecting on past experiences that cause you to feel uneasy? Not sure how to work out differences between you and your partner or within your family? I am here to help your child play out any fears, worries, and past traumas, help your adolescent feel empowered, find solutions, and discover self identity, help adults navigate life transitions, and help couples/families explore conflict. Most of all, I focus on your needs to cultivate trust and safety.
Sedellia Strobel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, IL 62711
For children, a large component of this comes through play, which is why play therapy is often utilized in sessions.
Accepting new clients! My passion is working with children and adolescents that have experienced trauma and assisting them in identifying their strengths to achieve progress. I additionally assist with behavioral struggles, ADHD, anxiety, and many others. I also work with parents and families to build knowledge, education, and support for child!
For children, a large component of this comes through play, which is why play therapy is often utilized in sessions.
Accepting new clients! My passion is working with children and adolescents that have experienced trauma and assisting them in identifying their strengths to achieve progress. I additionally assist with behavioral struggles, ADHD, anxiety, and many others. I also work with parents and families to build knowledge, education, and support for child!
I use CBT, play-based, and person-centered therapy interventions.
I enjoy working with families from all backgrounds. My ideal clients are young children to adolescents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and multicultural families, including first- and second-generation Latinx individuals navigating generational differences. These clients often face anxiety, identity struggles, and cultural conflicts. They need a safe, supportive space to explore their feelings and experiences. Their goals are to build resilience, improve communication, and achieve a sense of belonging. I incorporate diverse techniques to address their unique needs, always taking a relational, cultural, and trauma- focused approach in my work.
I use CBT, play-based, and person-centered therapy interventions.
I enjoy working with families from all backgrounds. My ideal clients are young children to adolescents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and multicultural families, including first- and second-generation Latinx individuals navigating generational differences. These clients often face anxiety, identity struggles, and cultural conflicts. They need a safe, supportive space to explore their feelings and experiences. Their goals are to build resilience, improve communication, and achieve a sense of belonging. I incorporate diverse techniques to address their unique needs, always taking a relational, cultural, and trauma- focused approach in my work.
I am a licensed professional counselor with a Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Many therapeutic modalities, such as talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-centered therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, trauma-informed practice, and play therapy, are available to support clients on their healing paths. I draw from a combination of these techniques uniquely combined and applied according to each client’s needs.
I am a licensed professional counselor with a Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Many therapeutic modalities, such as talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-centered therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, trauma-informed practice, and play therapy, are available to support clients on their healing paths. I draw from a combination of these techniques uniquely combined and applied according to each client’s needs.
Dr. Ryan Liberati
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, M-RAS, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614
I specialize in LGBTQ, Men's issues, and Play therapy.
Thank you for your interest. My ideal client is motivated for change and open to exploring more about themselves. I use a more direct style of counseling that heavily incorporates aspects of choice theory, reality therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help my adult clients make real changes in their lives. For children, I utilize evidence-based directive and non-directive play therapy approaches, depending upon the child's unique psychosocial needs.
I specialize in LGBTQ, Men's issues, and Play therapy.
Thank you for your interest. My ideal client is motivated for change and open to exploring more about themselves. I use a more direct style of counseling that heavily incorporates aspects of choice theory, reality therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help my adult clients make real changes in their lives. For children, I utilize evidence-based directive and non-directive play therapy approaches, depending upon the child's unique psychosocial needs.
I have experience working with a wide variety of age groups and a diverse population of people. I specialize in working with teens, adults, and families, treating anxiety, life adjustments, chronic illness, problems at school and life transitions. I mainly work with CBT but also incorporate play therapy, strengths-based approaches, and mindfulness.
I have experience working with a wide variety of age groups and a diverse population of people. I specialize in working with teens, adults, and families, treating anxiety, life adjustments, chronic illness, problems at school and life transitions. I mainly work with CBT but also incorporate play therapy, strengths-based approaches, and mindfulness.
While my overall view of therapy most closely aligns with RCT, I also utilize CBT, person-centered, and play therapy tools in my sessions in order to best fit my clients’ needs.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Human Development Counseling and a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield. I have provided counseling services in a variety of different settings including community mental health, university, and private practice. I am experienced in working with children, adolescents, and young adults surrounding difficulties with self-esteem, relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma experiences, and ADHD symptoms.
While my overall view of therapy most closely aligns with RCT, I also utilize CBT, person-centered, and play therapy tools in my sessions in order to best fit my clients’ needs.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Human Development Counseling and a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield. I have provided counseling services in a variety of different settings including community mental health, university, and private practice. I am experienced in working with children, adolescents, and young adults surrounding difficulties with self-esteem, relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma experiences, and ADHD symptoms.
I have advanced training in play therapy, art therapy and mindfulness training to help clients access core issues and work towards making a change.
At one time or another we all need help to cope with life's challenges. Whether you are looking to make a significant change in your life, need some assistance with coping skills or someone kind who will listen and be there for you counseling is the right path. My clients describe me as a warm, understanding and easy-going individual who is easy to talk to. Clients begin to rediscover what they really need to feel happier and more content with themselves and move on to become more productive and at peace with their lives.
I have advanced training in play therapy, art therapy and mindfulness training to help clients access core issues and work towards making a change.
At one time or another we all need help to cope with life's challenges. Whether you are looking to make a significant change in your life, need some assistance with coping skills or someone kind who will listen and be there for you counseling is the right path. My clients describe me as a warm, understanding and easy-going individual who is easy to talk to. Clients begin to rediscover what they really need to feel happier and more content with themselves and move on to become more productive and at peace with their lives.
Cynthia Martin Wadsworth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Springfield, IL 62701
I am trained in Infant Mental Health, TheraplayR, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Play and Art treatments, Mindfulness, and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy.
Compassionate, active, and evidence-based treatment help you heal with a focus on your goals. I am trained in working with young children. I see children 0-5, school aged children, teens, and adults. We will work as a team together to meet your needs. Our relationship will help you gain and maintain mental health and overcome difficulties. I look forward to meeting you and assisting you.
I am trained in Infant Mental Health, TheraplayR, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Play and Art treatments, Mindfulness, and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy.
Compassionate, active, and evidence-based treatment help you heal with a focus on your goals. I am trained in working with young children. I see children 0-5, school aged children, teens, and adults. We will work as a team together to meet your needs. Our relationship will help you gain and maintain mental health and overcome difficulties. I look forward to meeting you and assisting you.
I specialize in working with adolescents, teens and young adults utilizing a variety of therapy techniques such as Directive and Non-Directive play, Art Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy and Strengths-Based Therapy.
I am a licensed Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois with a concentration in mental health and a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from Purdue University. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, crisis and therapy. My goal is to prioritize your comfort during our sessions by providing a safe, relaxing and laid-back experience.
I specialize in working with adolescents, teens and young adults utilizing a variety of therapy techniques such as Directive and Non-Directive play, Art Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy and Strengths-Based Therapy.
I am a licensed Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois with a concentration in mental health and a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from Purdue University. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, crisis and therapy. My goal is to prioritize your comfort during our sessions by providing a safe, relaxing and laid-back experience.
While I am comfortable using a variety of therapeutic modalities, I primarily draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed practices, and child-centered play therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, received in 2018. I have worked in social services since 2014 in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, community mental health, and private practice. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults as they cope with a variety of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, trauma, grief, and religious transitions.
While I am comfortable using a variety of therapeutic modalities, I primarily draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed practices, and child-centered play therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, received in 2018. I have worked in social services since 2014 in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, community mental health, and private practice. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults as they cope with a variety of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, trauma, grief, and religious transitions.
Hello, I’m Whitney Perdun, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist working with individuals, families, and couples. I have eight years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, self esteem, marital/pre-marital, and emotional disturbance issues. I use a mix of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Grief Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Structural Planning. My goal is to help you build healthy relationships and find balance, understanding, peace, and safety.
Hello, I’m Whitney Perdun, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist working with individuals, families, and couples. I have eight years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, self esteem, marital/pre-marital, and emotional disturbance issues. I use a mix of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Grief Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Structural Planning. My goal is to help you build healthy relationships and find balance, understanding, peace, and safety.
I use a variety of therapeutic interventions including, but not limited to play, art, CBT, and brainspotting.
Hello! My name is Bethany. Parents that seek my services have children or adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges. They need tailored therapeutic support that fosters emotional regulation, self-awareness, and coping skills. Their goals may include improving communication, managing emotions, nurturing peer and familial relationships, and building resilience. The presenting issues have disrupted the family dynamics and caregivers are in dire need of support.
I use a variety of therapeutic interventions including, but not limited to play, art, CBT, and brainspotting.
Hello! My name is Bethany. Parents that seek my services have children or adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges. They need tailored therapeutic support that fosters emotional regulation, self-awareness, and coping skills. Their goals may include improving communication, managing emotions, nurturing peer and familial relationships, and building resilience. The presenting issues have disrupted the family dynamics and caregivers are in dire need of support.
I utilize somatics, play therapy, sand tray, nature therapy, and other evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions.
My clients are individuals, couples, and families, of all ages and backgrounds seeking help with anxiety, depression, trauma, simple- and complex- PTSD, struggling identities, chronic stress, family wounds, and parental conflicts; I offer a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I utilize somatics, play therapy, sand tray, nature therapy, and other evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions.
My clients are individuals, couples, and families, of all ages and backgrounds seeking help with anxiety, depression, trauma, simple- and complex- PTSD, struggling identities, chronic stress, family wounds, and parental conflicts; I offer a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Throughout my clinical experience, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, anger management, trauma, stress management, and parenting. My preferred treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Trauma Focused-CBT.
Throughout my clinical experience, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, anger management, trauma, stress management, and parenting. My preferred treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Trauma Focused-CBT.
I incorporate expressive arts, play, attachment work, and talk therapy into my practice; however, I pride myself on being flexible and tailoring my style to your needs.
Hi, I’m MacKenzie Jones, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I’ve been working in the mental health field for 10 years. I specialize in helping individuals who have experienced trauma or distressing life events.
I incorporate expressive arts, play, attachment work, and talk therapy into my practice; however, I pride myself on being flexible and tailoring my style to your needs.
Hi, I’m MacKenzie Jones, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I’ve been working in the mental health field for 10 years. I specialize in helping individuals who have experienced trauma or distressing life events.
I specialize in behavior disorders in adolescents and teens while focusing on a non-directive play and art therapy approach which allows a safe environment for non-judgmental self expression to process and learn.
In a world where we lack so much control, regaining our sense of self is so important. My goal is to help individuals learn about their mental health and start to take the necessary steps to improve their quality of life. I believe a person cannot truly begin to grow unless they are able to connect with their therapist and understand how their mental health concerns affect their lives. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2020 with a focus on Children, Youth, and Family Services.
I specialize in behavior disorders in adolescents and teens while focusing on a non-directive play and art therapy approach which allows a safe environment for non-judgmental self expression to process and learn.
In a world where we lack so much control, regaining our sense of self is so important. My goal is to help individuals learn about their mental health and start to take the necessary steps to improve their quality of life. I believe a person cannot truly begin to grow unless they are able to connect with their therapist and understand how their mental health concerns affect their lives. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2020 with a focus on Children, Youth, and Family Services.
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.