Play Therapy in Lincoln County, ME
McLean Counseling, LLC
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
New Harbor, ME 04554
I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, especially to a complete stranger! If you are reading this, you've probably tried everything you can think of to improve your current situation on your own. My hope is you'll find something in this profile that resonates with you and prompts you to call me. Together, through a trusting therapeutic relationship, we can get to the heart of your issue. Working at your own pace, you'll begin the process of healing, and gain some important tools to keep your life in balance.
I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, especially to a complete stranger! If you are reading this, you've probably tried everything you can think of to improve your current situation on your own. My hope is you'll find something in this profile that resonates with you and prompts you to call me. Together, through a trusting therapeutic relationship, we can get to the heart of your issue. Working at your own pace, you'll begin the process of healing, and gain some important tools to keep your life in balance.
Loretta L. Severson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Waldoboro, ME 04572
Raised in Waldoboro, Maine. Received my doctorate from University of Hartford in CT. I have experience providing therapy and testing/evaluations with children as young as three through the adult age of 90 something. I have specialized training with developmental disabilities and have also worked with individuals struggling to regain control of their life after addiction, divorce, and parental conflict. Most of my clients have a history of trauma and find my therapeutic style comforting. My style meets you where you are at and evolves with the pace YOU are ready for, WHEN you are ready.
Raised in Waldoboro, Maine. Received my doctorate from University of Hartford in CT. I have experience providing therapy and testing/evaluations with children as young as three through the adult age of 90 something. I have specialized training with developmental disabilities and have also worked with individuals struggling to regain control of their life after addiction, divorce, and parental conflict. Most of my clients have a history of trauma and find my therapeutic style comforting. My style meets you where you are at and evolves with the pace YOU are ready for, WHEN you are ready.
Melissa L Thornton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Boothbay, ME 04537 (Online Only)
Choose a skilled, optimistic partner to help you resolve issues and achieve the life and relationship goals you choose. We form a dynamic partnership to clarify your current and highest life goals. You learn and embrace new thoughts, attitudes and skills...and make new moves, knowing that this trained and dedicated professional, committed to your success, is guiding and cheering your every step. Together, we will turn your life around.
Choose a skilled, optimistic partner to help you resolve issues and achieve the life and relationship goals you choose. We form a dynamic partnership to clarify your current and highest life goals. You learn and embrace new thoughts, attitudes and skills...and make new moves, knowing that this trained and dedicated professional, committed to your success, is guiding and cheering your every step. Together, we will turn your life around.
Kella River
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LADC, MT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Damariscotta, ME 04543
Not accepting new clients
Therapy provides an opportunity to be empathically heard, to gain insight into thoughts and behaviors, to identify and practice healthy coping skills and to cultivate growth and resilience in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. I offer a trauma-informed approach for a variety of client needs, utilizing traditional psychotherapy and other techniques such as EMDR, play therapy, guided imagery therapy, biofield tuning and other somatic tools to promote healing and wellness.
Therapy provides an opportunity to be empathically heard, to gain insight into thoughts and behaviors, to identify and practice healthy coping skills and to cultivate growth and resilience in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. I offer a trauma-informed approach for a variety of client needs, utilizing traditional psychotherapy and other techniques such as EMDR, play therapy, guided imagery therapy, biofield tuning and other somatic tools to promote healing and wellness.
David Kelley
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Waldoboro, ME 04572
Not accepting new clients
I enjoy working with people of all ages. I've been providing psychotherapy and other clinical support services for over 30 years in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, community mental health centers and private practice. I've been providing art therapy and clinical counseling at The Center for Health and Healing for 25 years.
I enjoy working with people of all ages. I've been providing psychotherapy and other clinical support services for over 30 years in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, community mental health centers and private practice. I've been providing art therapy and clinical counseling at The Center for Health and Healing for 25 years.
Online Therapists
Tamara Mello
Counselor, MEd, LCPC, CCTP, CCATP, CTMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterville, ME 04903 (Online Only)
The style I use is eclectic and offers compassionate understanding in a relaxed environment that supports growth and personal exploration for individuals and couples. My methods include the use of creative expression through creative play, art, dramatic play, music, puppetry, creative writing, sculpture, painting, and other modalities for adult clients. I also offer traditional talk therapies designed for clients to develop solution-focused ideas to their own concerns as the goal is for each client to become their own best expert.
The style I use is eclectic and offers compassionate understanding in a relaxed environment that supports growth and personal exploration for individuals and couples. My methods include the use of creative expression through creative play, art, dramatic play, music, puppetry, creative writing, sculpture, painting, and other modalities for adult clients. I also offer traditional talk therapies designed for clients to develop solution-focused ideas to their own concerns as the goal is for each client to become their own best expert.
Celia Mantovani
Counselor, LCPC, PhD
Verified Verified
Cumberland, ME 04021
Other therapeutic resources, such as EMDR, sand tray, and play therapy, and also the journey towards spirituality are very important in my work.
As a psychotherapist, I believe in human interactions as a powerful healing tool. I have been working as a therapist for 30 + years, having started my practice in Brazil, my country of origin, and practicing in the US since 2020. My work is based in Psychodynamic, Jungian Analytical Psychology, and I also provide trauma-informed care using EMDR as a therapeutic tool. My approach is mostly eclectic, meeting the client where they are at, and using evidence-based resources tailored to the client's needs. I see the human life as a journey, full of wonders and hardships, and I feel honored helping someone throughout their unique journey.
Other therapeutic resources, such as EMDR, sand tray, and play therapy, and also the journey towards spirituality are very important in my work.
As a psychotherapist, I believe in human interactions as a powerful healing tool. I have been working as a therapist for 30 + years, having started my practice in Brazil, my country of origin, and practicing in the US since 2020. My work is based in Psychodynamic, Jungian Analytical Psychology, and I also provide trauma-informed care using EMDR as a therapeutic tool. My approach is mostly eclectic, meeting the client where they are at, and using evidence-based resources tailored to the client's needs. I see the human life as a journey, full of wonders and hardships, and I feel honored helping someone throughout their unique journey.
Liz Ulrich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rockport, ME 04856
When working with children, these exchanges often take the form of play.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I help individuals with a range of life challenges. I have training and expertise in the areas of anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, parenting support, creative blocks, grief and loss, work/school stress, trauma, and important life transitions. I view therapy as a collaborative process between therapist and client focused on exploring your concerns in an honest, active, and effective manner. Therapy involves sharing your thoughts and feelings, shedding light on and understanding relational and behavioral patterns, and reflecting on how past experiences may impact you now.
When working with children, these exchanges often take the form of play.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I help individuals with a range of life challenges. I have training and expertise in the areas of anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, parenting support, creative blocks, grief and loss, work/school stress, trauma, and important life transitions. I view therapy as a collaborative process between therapist and client focused on exploring your concerns in an honest, active, and effective manner. Therapy involves sharing your thoughts and feelings, shedding light on and understanding relational and behavioral patterns, and reflecting on how past experiences may impact you now.
Decha Bailey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ICST
Verified Verified
Brewer, ME 04412
Waitlist for new clients
Children learn best through play so with children, I like to do a lot of therapy involving role playing in various methods and also like to use multimedia expression as well.
From the beginning of my career, I have worked with children and families on helping to improve functioning in the home. The children I have worked with have had issues coping with multiple stressors, difficulties managing their thoughts and feelings and the behaviors that came with that were things that they wanted to change. I also work with adults with issues that they have around many different facets including but not limited to self acceptance, parenting a child, optimal self care and more. I also like to work with people of any age to support with life transitions and self discovery.
Children learn best through play so with children, I like to do a lot of therapy involving role playing in various methods and also like to use multimedia expression as well.
From the beginning of my career, I have worked with children and families on helping to improve functioning in the home. The children I have worked with have had issues coping with multiple stressors, difficulties managing their thoughts and feelings and the behaviors that came with that were things that they wanted to change. I also work with adults with issues that they have around many different facets including but not limited to self acceptance, parenting a child, optimal self care and more. I also like to work with people of any age to support with life transitions and self discovery.
Carrie Ryba
Counselor, LCPCc
Verified Verified
Yarmouth, ME 04096
Alongside talk, I offer mindfulness, expressive art, movement, play, and sand tray.
It is OK to ask for help! Loads of information coming at our nervous systems on a regular basis, paired with unreasonable expectations often leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, angry and hopeless. When our brains and bodies are out of whack, they signal us that we need help by making it hard to ignore! I offer guidance and nurturing through somatic regulation, self expression, discovery of strengths, attuned listening, validated emotions, and more. I work with individuals of all ages in a warm, supportive, and safe environment.
Alongside talk, I offer mindfulness, expressive art, movement, play, and sand tray.
It is OK to ask for help! Loads of information coming at our nervous systems on a regular basis, paired with unreasonable expectations often leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, angry and hopeless. When our brains and bodies are out of whack, they signal us that we need help by making it hard to ignore! I offer guidance and nurturing through somatic regulation, self expression, discovery of strengths, attuned listening, validated emotions, and more. I work with individuals of all ages in a warm, supportive, and safe environment.
Annmarie Mica
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04103
Waitlist for new clients
CBT, Play therapy, Supportive therapy, Positive Psychology, and Couples therapy are the approaches I primarily use to guide you to a better future.
Do you experience the outdoors as a place of healing and comfort? Can you imagine meeting with your therapist outside for support? To learn skills to improve your life and overall well-being? I love the outdoors and am excited to offer the option of meeting in person outside for therapy in the Portland and Scarborough areas, with telehealth as a backup when the weather does not cooperate. Indoors or outside, throughout the year, you can expect a supportive and comfortable atmosphere in which to heal and grow when you and/or your partner, or your child or teen meet with me for therapy.
CBT, Play therapy, Supportive therapy, Positive Psychology, and Couples therapy are the approaches I primarily use to guide you to a better future.
Do you experience the outdoors as a place of healing and comfort? Can you imagine meeting with your therapist outside for support? To learn skills to improve your life and overall well-being? I love the outdoors and am excited to offer the option of meeting in person outside for therapy in the Portland and Scarborough areas, with telehealth as a backup when the weather does not cooperate. Indoors or outside, throughout the year, you can expect a supportive and comfortable atmosphere in which to heal and grow when you and/or your partner, or your child or teen meet with me for therapy.
Jessica Packard
Counselor, LCPC, CCATPCA, CMHIMP, MHRTC, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brunswick, ME 04011
Rise Up offers traditional treatment approaches including CBT, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy as well as play therapy, expressive art and sand tray methods.
Rise Up is NOW accepting NEW clients! Are you or your child struggling with school/work, socialization, focus, anxiety or depression? Do you or your family need more tools? I invite you and your child to visit Rise Up to learn the skills to draw strength from overcoming challenges. I'm Jessica Packard and I founded Rise Up. I firmly believe that we are strong because of our challenges, not in spite of them. I work with children, adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD and general stuckness.
Rise Up offers traditional treatment approaches including CBT, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy as well as play therapy, expressive art and sand tray methods.
Rise Up is NOW accepting NEW clients! Are you or your child struggling with school/work, socialization, focus, anxiety or depression? Do you or your family need more tools? I invite you and your child to visit Rise Up to learn the skills to draw strength from overcoming challenges. I'm Jessica Packard and I founded Rise Up. I firmly believe that we are strong because of our challenges, not in spite of them. I work with children, adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD and general stuckness.
Kim Finnie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04101
The primary therapeutic approaches Kim uses are: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Sand Play, EMDR.
Some of human suffering is about the way we experience the events of our lives rather than the things themselves. Therapy offers an opportunity to bring awareness to our experiences and change our relationship to them rather than try to change the events themselves. Through this approach, we gain a sense of control in our lives and positively experience and influence its direction. If we believe that we have power within us to achieve health and happiness, then the events in our lives that cause us pain and suffering can be seen as an opportunity to learn about ourselves and experience personal growth.
The primary therapeutic approaches Kim uses are: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Sand Play, EMDR.
Some of human suffering is about the way we experience the events of our lives rather than the things themselves. Therapy offers an opportunity to bring awareness to our experiences and change our relationship to them rather than try to change the events themselves. Through this approach, we gain a sense of control in our lives and positively experience and influence its direction. If we believe that we have power within us to achieve health and happiness, then the events in our lives that cause us pain and suffering can be seen as an opportunity to learn about ourselves and experience personal growth.
Stephanie Chmielewski Francis
Counselor, LCPC, RPT, NCC
Verified Verified
Orland, ME 04472
As a registered play therapist, I have a fondness and belief in the power of play.
My present focus is with children 4-12+ years of age. Specific areas of mental health training have included ADHD, Learning Disorders, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (ND-PAE), trauma and grief/loss as well as methods for working with angry and/or dys-regulated children. Treatment modalities include Child-Centered Play Therapy and Synergetic Play Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral approaches are utilized when deemed appropriate. Since my practice is with children, a special focus is additionally placed on working directly with the child’s parent (s)/caregiver (s).
As a registered play therapist, I have a fondness and belief in the power of play.
My present focus is with children 4-12+ years of age. Specific areas of mental health training have included ADHD, Learning Disorders, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (ND-PAE), trauma and grief/loss as well as methods for working with angry and/or dys-regulated children. Treatment modalities include Child-Centered Play Therapy and Synergetic Play Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral approaches are utilized when deemed appropriate. Since my practice is with children, a special focus is additionally placed on working directly with the child’s parent (s)/caregiver (s).
Ahmika Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04101
I will meet you where you are on your healing journey. As your therapist, it is my goal to cultivate a welcoming and judgment free zone that will allow you to explore your emotions, thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. Each person is the expert in their own lives, and through utilizing an empowering and holistic approach, we will identify and work towards your goals. During our time together we may talk, play and/or practice mindfulness-it is all guided by your unique needs. I am grateful to take this journey with you!
I will meet you where you are on your healing journey. As your therapist, it is my goal to cultivate a welcoming and judgment free zone that will allow you to explore your emotions, thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. Each person is the expert in their own lives, and through utilizing an empowering and holistic approach, we will identify and work towards your goals. During our time together we may talk, play and/or practice mindfulness-it is all guided by your unique needs. I am grateful to take this journey with you!
Abbie Dufrene
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brunswick, ME 04011
We do this through imaginative play, physical movement, and connection with nature.
Watching your child struggle can feel like watching your heart break outside of your body. Often, you see their strengths and spirit get covered by behaviors so that people can’t see the beautiful person they really are. In my practice, I want to get to know the heart of your child and bring it back to the surface. If you have a child age 4-10 who has autism, PTSD, attachment complications, anxiety, and depression; they may respond well to my treatment.
We do this through imaginative play, physical movement, and connection with nature.
Watching your child struggle can feel like watching your heart break outside of your body. Often, you see their strengths and spirit get covered by behaviors so that people can’t see the beautiful person they really are. In my practice, I want to get to know the heart of your child and bring it back to the surface. If you have a child age 4-10 who has autism, PTSD, attachment complications, anxiety, and depression; they may respond well to my treatment.
Allen- Healthy Minds Counseling, Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Skowhegan, ME 04976 (Online Only)
I am an individual and couples therapist. I specialize in working with veterans, complex relationship issues, and the LGBTQ+ community. I work closely with individuals struggling with different forms of mental disorders and help my clients forge a new path forward toward healing and wholeness. My passion is in therapy, and I am humbled and grateful when people invite me to play a meaningful role in their lives.
I am an individual and couples therapist. I specialize in working with veterans, complex relationship issues, and the LGBTQ+ community. I work closely with individuals struggling with different forms of mental disorders and help my clients forge a new path forward toward healing and wholeness. My passion is in therapy, and I am humbled and grateful when people invite me to play a meaningful role in their lives.
Susan Cook
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
Brunswick, ME 04011
I am trained in a number of techniques: EMDR, mindfulness strategies, cognitive-behavioral treatment, DBT and play therapy and integrate relaxation strategies in our work.
In my calm, safe, confidential office, I am currently offering HIPAA secure Online video sessions using a HIPPA-compliant secure platform or phone consultations. We integrate CDC guidelines for COVID-19 for any inperson sessions. My 25 years of clinical experience have taught me about the courage those facing complex life difficulties bring to psychotherapy. Adults, children and adolescents are given help finding solutions. Mindfulness techniques which I have discovered the value of through a 25+ year meditation practice are also of benefit to clients who are looking to make life changes.
I am trained in a number of techniques: EMDR, mindfulness strategies, cognitive-behavioral treatment, DBT and play therapy and integrate relaxation strategies in our work.
In my calm, safe, confidential office, I am currently offering HIPAA secure Online video sessions using a HIPPA-compliant secure platform or phone consultations. We integrate CDC guidelines for COVID-19 for any inperson sessions. My 25 years of clinical experience have taught me about the courage those facing complex life difficulties bring to psychotherapy. Adults, children and adolescents are given help finding solutions. Mindfulness techniques which I have discovered the value of through a 25+ year meditation practice are also of benefit to clients who are looking to make life changes.
Kimberly Chabot
Counselor, MSEd, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Freeport, ME 04032
Play Therapy / Sand Tray Therapy / Expressive work for children and their families to support awareness, balance and growth. Strength-based, empowerment focus . Skilled in Filial Therapy to help families re-learn play. Available to work in client home , school and/ or natural environment. Adventure-based and outdoor focus, when appropriate.
Play Therapy / Sand Tray Therapy / Expressive work for children and their families to support awareness, balance and growth. Strength-based, empowerment focus . Skilled in Filial Therapy to help families re-learn play. Available to work in client home , school and/ or natural environment. Adventure-based and outdoor focus, when appropriate.
Chelsea Weiner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Camden, ME 04843
I utilize a variety of modalities, including talk therapy, play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and more.
I provide individual therapy within a safe and confidential environment. People often find themselves struggling with difficult emotions, feeling uncertain of where they came from, and unsure of how to move forward. I work with my clients to help them recognize what is beneath these emotions, and support them in making positive changes within their relationships and lives. Through this work, people are able to connect with their emotional needs and begin to live a more meaningful and emotionally satisfying life.
I utilize a variety of modalities, including talk therapy, play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and more.
I provide individual therapy within a safe and confidential environment. People often find themselves struggling with difficult emotions, feeling uncertain of where they came from, and unsure of how to move forward. I work with my clients to help them recognize what is beneath these emotions, and support them in making positive changes within their relationships and lives. Through this work, people are able to connect with their emotional needs and begin to live a more meaningful and emotionally satisfying life.
See more therapy options for Lincoln County
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.