Play Therapy in Nevada, MO
If you are facing challenging circumstances now, or have had your fair share of challenges in the past, I would be honored to walk with you toward healing. Whether it is anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, or mood disorders, I will provide a safe atmosphere for my clients to process, reflect and grow.
If you are facing challenging circumstances now, or have had your fair share of challenges in the past, I would be honored to walk with you toward healing. Whether it is anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, or mood disorders, I will provide a safe atmosphere for my clients to process, reflect and grow.
Online Therapists
I offer a holistic, trauma-informed approach to therapy, change and healing that is informed by neuroscience, including: Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, attachment-based, IFS/parts, Play Therapy, iRest, yoga.
Sometimes life is hard. We experience stress, difficult experiences, wounding in relationships, and trauma along with many other experiences. We carry these with us and they show up in our daily lives - in our thoughts, emotions, physical body, relationships with others, relationship with our self. Maybe you've noticed feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Weighed down. Maybe anxious. Maybe you've noticed patterns in your relationships. Maybe physical discomfort and pain. Tension in your body. Maybe you're curious about what you're noticing. Or maybe you’re curious about who YOU are – the authentic you.
I offer a holistic, trauma-informed approach to therapy, change and healing that is informed by neuroscience, including: Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, attachment-based, IFS/parts, Play Therapy, iRest, yoga.
Sometimes life is hard. We experience stress, difficult experiences, wounding in relationships, and trauma along with many other experiences. We carry these with us and they show up in our daily lives - in our thoughts, emotions, physical body, relationships with others, relationship with our self. Maybe you've noticed feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Weighed down. Maybe anxious. Maybe you've noticed patterns in your relationships. Maybe physical discomfort and pain. Tension in your body. Maybe you're curious about what you're noticing. Or maybe you’re curious about who YOU are – the authentic you.
Sara McGinnis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parkville, MO 64152
Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a therapist, I enjoy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Through these methods I strive to encourage you to overcome life obstacles, achieve your social/emotional goals, and find joy in every day. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a therapist, I enjoy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Through these methods I strive to encourage you to overcome life obstacles, achieve your social/emotional goals, and find joy in every day. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
Elizabeth McKinley Counseling & Play Therapy, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
Raymore, MO 64083
Are you stressed out with life issues and find yourself struggling to manage anxiety and depression related to major life changes or trauma? Does your child struggle to express their emotions and anxiety? I meet my clients where they are and work with you to enhance the coping skills you have and learn more effective ways to improve their mental and emotional health. I see ages 5 to adult; I am person centered in my approach and also utilize Play Therapy and EMDR.
Are you stressed out with life issues and find yourself struggling to manage anxiety and depression related to major life changes or trauma? Does your child struggle to express their emotions and anxiety? I meet my clients where they are and work with you to enhance the coping skills you have and learn more effective ways to improve their mental and emotional health. I see ages 5 to adult; I am person centered in my approach and also utilize Play Therapy and EMDR.
I am a certified Aut Play therapist and am working on play therapy and TF-CBT (therapy for children with trauma) certification.
I believe everyone deserves a counselor! I am here to help families and individuals with many different issues.
I am a certified Aut Play therapist and am working on play therapy and TF-CBT (therapy for children with trauma) certification.
I believe everyone deserves a counselor! I am here to help families and individuals with many different issues.
As a child centered therapist, who uses play to help a child communicate in their natural language, I invite you to reach out.
The relationship you and your child has with their counselor is the true measure of how helpful the counseling experience will be. I value developing a warm, positive, supportive and empathic environment for your family to overcome any challenge that you are facing. In our experience together, you will find healing and growth, and recognize your own strengths, and how they help you and your child work toward building a more positive and rewarding future. Both in your individual lives, and collectively within the family.
As a child centered therapist, who uses play to help a child communicate in their natural language, I invite you to reach out.
The relationship you and your child has with their counselor is the true measure of how helpful the counseling experience will be. I value developing a warm, positive, supportive and empathic environment for your family to overcome any challenge that you are facing. In our experience together, you will find healing and growth, and recognize your own strengths, and how they help you and your child work toward building a more positive and rewarding future. Both in your individual lives, and collectively within the family.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) trained in trauma focused therapies, including EMDR to help teens and adults process through traumatic life experiences My passion for play therapy activities are utilized through my practice with adults in couples and family counseling.
Are you feeling stuck and having a difficult time finding clarity and purpose? Making the decision to talk through personal challenges and struggles with someone takes courage and while it can be a hard step to take, it opens the door to positive and profound change. Allow me to walk alongside of you to process through these challenging times.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) trained in trauma focused therapies, including EMDR to help teens and adults process through traumatic life experiences My passion for play therapy activities are utilized through my practice with adults in couples and family counseling.
Are you feeling stuck and having a difficult time finding clarity and purpose? Making the decision to talk through personal challenges and struggles with someone takes courage and while it can be a hard step to take, it opens the door to positive and profound change. Allow me to walk alongside of you to process through these challenging times.
I have additional training in EMDR, Play Therapy, and Mediation.
I am here for those that are overwhelmed, fed up, tired, lost, misunderstood, & disconnected. Here is a place to release your burden and create a new path. You do not have to stay stuck in your confusion. You do not have to continue to shut down or shut out. You do not have to keep hiding. I can guide you into making sense of your experiences. This leads to new perspectives that allow space for making new meaning or finding solutions. Is your home a war zone? Has your spouse become a stranger? Your child out of control? Life unbearable? Let me help you find clarity in your circumstances and tools to move forward. Find your freedom.
I have additional training in EMDR, Play Therapy, and Mediation.
I am here for those that are overwhelmed, fed up, tired, lost, misunderstood, & disconnected. Here is a place to release your burden and create a new path. You do not have to stay stuck in your confusion. You do not have to continue to shut down or shut out. You do not have to keep hiding. I can guide you into making sense of your experiences. This leads to new perspectives that allow space for making new meaning or finding solutions. Is your home a war zone? Has your spouse become a stranger? Your child out of control? Life unbearable? Let me help you find clarity in your circumstances and tools to move forward. Find your freedom.
Camille A Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lees Summit, MO 64063
I'm trained in EMDR, DBT, CBT, and Play therapy.
I specialize in providing support to individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism, and ADHD. I support and encourage people’s ability to be resilient and overcome adversities in life. Taking care of yourself and building strong relationships can help build resiliency and I’m here to help you through that journey.
I'm trained in EMDR, DBT, CBT, and Play therapy.
I specialize in providing support to individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism, and ADHD. I support and encourage people’s ability to be resilient and overcome adversities in life. Taking care of yourself and building strong relationships can help build resiliency and I’m here to help you through that journey.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes that the foundation to a successful outcome in therapy begins with a strong rapport between the client and the therapist. Once that foundation is laid, I will work with the client to use one of several therapeutic modalities. These modalities may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Mindfulness and Client-Centered Therapy. I am trained in EMDR and working on my certification.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes that the foundation to a successful outcome in therapy begins with a strong rapport between the client and the therapist. Once that foundation is laid, I will work with the client to use one of several therapeutic modalities. These modalities may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Mindfulness and Client-Centered Therapy. I am trained in EMDR and working on my certification.
Kimberly Levitan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64110
As a Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I utilize play therapy to foster children's understanding, expression, and management of their feelings.
Are you a parent that is feeling overwhelmed or exhausted? Do your child's emotional or behavioral problems dominate your day? If your child or family is facing challenges, I'm here to help! I see children ages 4-16 presenting a variety of issues including anxiety, behavior problems, depression, anger management, grief and loss, trauma, adjustment issues, and more.
As a Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I utilize play therapy to foster children's understanding, expression, and management of their feelings.
Are you a parent that is feeling overwhelmed or exhausted? Do your child's emotional or behavioral problems dominate your day? If your child or family is facing challenges, I'm here to help! I see children ages 4-16 presenting a variety of issues including anxiety, behavior problems, depression, anger management, grief and loss, trauma, adjustment issues, and more.
I utilize both directive and non directive Play Therapy and enjoy bringing play into work with adults as well.
Growth happens in discomfort. We all deserve a safe and accepting space that allows us to feel and learn from this discomfort. As a therapist I cherish the opportunity to work with those from all walks of life. By meeting each client where they are, my hope is that this space will allow you to love and accept yourself in ways that bring change in your life you may not have experienced before. I believe that laughter should be a part of every healing journey, and so should tears. It is so important that we allow the full spectrum of the human experience to be felt.
I utilize both directive and non directive Play Therapy and enjoy bringing play into work with adults as well.
Growth happens in discomfort. We all deserve a safe and accepting space that allows us to feel and learn from this discomfort. As a therapist I cherish the opportunity to work with those from all walks of life. By meeting each client where they are, my hope is that this space will allow you to love and accept yourself in ways that bring change in your life you may not have experienced before. I believe that laughter should be a part of every healing journey, and so should tears. It is so important that we allow the full spectrum of the human experience to be felt.
I draw primarily from neuroscience based approaches including Somatic Experiencing, IFS, Play Therapy, & attachment based.
Are you stuck in a cycle of anxiety and overwhelm? Do you struggle to stay regulated when your children are upset? Are you aware of your emotional triggers but unsure how to manage them? Maybe you feel numb or avoid feeling all together. Maybe you're depressed, exhausted, and in pain. I am here to help you connect to your body by holding your story and pain in a non judgemental way. I want to help you understand your emotions, build resiliency, and reconnect you to your body; leading to a life of freedom, alignment, and self-trust. I desire to teach you how to treat your body as an equal partner in the attachment process with others
I draw primarily from neuroscience based approaches including Somatic Experiencing, IFS, Play Therapy, & attachment based.
Are you stuck in a cycle of anxiety and overwhelm? Do you struggle to stay regulated when your children are upset? Are you aware of your emotional triggers but unsure how to manage them? Maybe you feel numb or avoid feeling all together. Maybe you're depressed, exhausted, and in pain. I am here to help you connect to your body by holding your story and pain in a non judgemental way. I want to help you understand your emotions, build resiliency, and reconnect you to your body; leading to a life of freedom, alignment, and self-trust. I desire to teach you how to treat your body as an equal partner in the attachment process with others
Mary Short
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Independence, MO 64055 (Online Only)
My name is Mary Kate Short and I am fully licensed in Missouri and Kansas. I primarily see children, families, young adults, and couples. I am in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and am Level One Gottman certified couples therapist. Having experience in the hospital, school, and private practice has given me the experience and empathy needed to see clients from all backgrounds and walks of life.
My name is Mary Kate Short and I am fully licensed in Missouri and Kansas. I primarily see children, families, young adults, and couples. I am in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and am Level One Gottman certified couples therapist. Having experience in the hospital, school, and private practice has given me the experience and empathy needed to see clients from all backgrounds and walks of life.
I incorporate evidenced based treatment modalities from various treatment models such as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) and Play Therapy into your treatment and adapt my practice to your unique needs.
My name is Karla Smith and I am the owner of Moving Forward Therapy. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have experience working with a variety of mental health diagnosis with children, adolescents, and adults. I am passionate about helping patients explore healthier ways to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships to live a mindful and authentic life.
I incorporate evidenced based treatment modalities from various treatment models such as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) and Play Therapy into your treatment and adapt my practice to your unique needs.
My name is Karla Smith and I am the owner of Moving Forward Therapy. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have experience working with a variety of mental health diagnosis with children, adolescents, and adults. I am passionate about helping patients explore healthier ways to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships to live a mindful and authentic life.
In therapy I strive to create a safe and supportive environment by using approaches like talking, somatic movement, play, and mindfulness exercises to help release trapped emotions or trauma in the mind and body.
I specialize in meeting with children and teens ages 3-17, adults 18+, and families who are seeking care for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-harming behaviors, emotional regulation, play therapy, and more.
In therapy I strive to create a safe and supportive environment by using approaches like talking, somatic movement, play, and mindfulness exercises to help release trapped emotions or trauma in the mind and body.
I specialize in meeting with children and teens ages 3-17, adults 18+, and families who are seeking care for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-harming behaviors, emotional regulation, play therapy, and more.
Michael holds a Master's in Counseling from Missouri State University. As Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor he is committed to learning and working with you through any of life’s challenging circumstances. Michael provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and reality based therapy for adults and play therapy for children. With a sense of humor, emotionally intelligent approach and honesty Michael can help you begin your therapy journey or continue on your path of healing.
Michael holds a Master's in Counseling from Missouri State University. As Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor he is committed to learning and working with you through any of life’s challenging circumstances. Michael provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and reality based therapy for adults and play therapy for children. With a sense of humor, emotionally intelligent approach and honesty Michael can help you begin your therapy journey or continue on your path of healing.
Kelsey Wendland-Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64108
I am trained in EMDR, play therapy, and more.
Maybe you are here because you're feeling stressed after a difficult, scary, or painful life event. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed and isolated by your emotions. Maybe you're already feeling not good enough and the idea of talking to someone feels like a lot. But at the same time, you're considering that what you need most might be acceptance and a safe person to process with. If you or your child/teen are feeling stuck, I am glad you are here! I can help you reconnect with your sense of calm and work through your struggles to find your growth.
I am trained in EMDR, play therapy, and more.
Maybe you are here because you're feeling stressed after a difficult, scary, or painful life event. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed and isolated by your emotions. Maybe you're already feeling not good enough and the idea of talking to someone feels like a lot. But at the same time, you're considering that what you need most might be acceptance and a safe person to process with. If you or your child/teen are feeling stuck, I am glad you are here! I can help you reconnect with your sense of calm and work through your struggles to find your growth.
Mary Short
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lees Summit, MO 64086 (Online Only)
My name is Mary Kate Short and I am fully licensed in Missouri and Kansas. I primarily see children, families, young adults, and couples. I am in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and am Level One Gottman certified couples therapist. Having experience in the hospital, school, and private practice has given me the experience and empathy needed to see clients from all backgrounds and walks of life.
My name is Mary Kate Short and I am fully licensed in Missouri and Kansas. I primarily see children, families, young adults, and couples. I am in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and am Level One Gottman certified couples therapist. Having experience in the hospital, school, and private practice has given me the experience and empathy needed to see clients from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Annette Arms
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64157 (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Annette Arms, and I am a licensed professional counselor, and a nationally certified counselor who is EMDR trained living and working in southwest Missouri serving clients throughout the state via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, and families. My specialties include working with neurodivergent children and adults, and the approaches I use are person-centered using a variety of integrative approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Narrative Therapy tailored to each client's individual need(s).
Hi, my name is Annette Arms, and I am a licensed professional counselor, and a nationally certified counselor who is EMDR trained living and working in southwest Missouri serving clients throughout the state via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, and families. My specialties include working with neurodivergent children and adults, and the approaches I use are person-centered using a variety of integrative approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Narrative Therapy tailored to each client's individual need(s).
See more therapy options for Nevada
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.