Play Therapy in Wilmington, NC
Elizabeth W Watson
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28401
I use a tailored combination of traditional psychotherapy, family therapy, play therapy, parent behavior management, and educational planning.
Hi! I'm Elizabeth. If you're reading this, you or someone you care about might be interested in seeking counseling services. Working through relationship and family of origin issues, challenging negative belief systems and improving unhelpful habits/thoughts are a few areas worked on often in therapy. I have worked with those who are adjusting to change, grieving, experiencing depression/anxiety (postpartum or otherwise) as well as teenagers coping with change, and children and families coping with divorce. My desire is to walk alongside clients to help navigate whatever issue is before them.
I use a tailored combination of traditional psychotherapy, family therapy, play therapy, parent behavior management, and educational planning.
Hi! I'm Elizabeth. If you're reading this, you or someone you care about might be interested in seeking counseling services. Working through relationship and family of origin issues, challenging negative belief systems and improving unhelpful habits/thoughts are a few areas worked on often in therapy. I have worked with those who are adjusting to change, grieving, experiencing depression/anxiety (postpartum or otherwise) as well as teenagers coping with change, and children and families coping with divorce. My desire is to walk alongside clients to help navigate whatever issue is before them.
Catherine Swartzwelder Pittman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
NOW Accepting Adults! I practice Child Centered play therapy with children and adolescents. I have worked with this population for over 20 years. I am also a Parenting coordinator and coach for high conflict divorce cases throughout the New Hanover County court system. I offer divorced couples counseling, and I am now seeing adult patients as well.
NOW Accepting Adults! I practice Child Centered play therapy with children and adolescents. I have worked with this population for over 20 years. I am also a Parenting coordinator and coach for high conflict divorce cases throughout the New Hanover County court system. I offer divorced couples counseling, and I am now seeing adult patients as well.
Sarah Pearce
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28403 (Online Only)
Sarah uses a variety of strengths-based practices and cognitive behavioral therapies, as well as play therapy in her therapeutic practice.
Sarah Pearce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker of 4 years who spent 13 years in education. Sarah loves to work with young adults, adults, children, and families. She enjoys working with young adults on relationships, careers, building confidence, and transitioning to adulthood, as well as assisting children and families through the challenges of early childhood development including anxiety, depression, trauma, friendships, family struggles, and learning disabilities like ADHD, providing healthy coping strategies and communication tools. Sarah Pearce completed her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina.
Sarah uses a variety of strengths-based practices and cognitive behavioral therapies, as well as play therapy in her therapeutic practice.
Sarah Pearce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker of 4 years who spent 13 years in education. Sarah loves to work with young adults, adults, children, and families. She enjoys working with young adults on relationships, careers, building confidence, and transitioning to adulthood, as well as assisting children and families through the challenges of early childhood development including anxiety, depression, trauma, friendships, family struggles, and learning disabilities like ADHD, providing healthy coping strategies and communication tools. Sarah Pearce completed her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina.
Brandon Caulder
LCSW Associate, LCAS-A, MSW
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28403
Brandon is also skilled in an array of Play Therapy techniques and games for younger clients.
Brandon is passionate about working with individuals living with trauma and PTSD, struggling with addiction, OCD, depression, anxiety, and self-harm ideation. He is also skilled in assisting individuals with anger management, grief processing, and life transitions.
Brandon is also skilled in an array of Play Therapy techniques and games for younger clients.
Brandon is passionate about working with individuals living with trauma and PTSD, struggling with addiction, OCD, depression, anxiety, and self-harm ideation. He is also skilled in assisting individuals with anger management, grief processing, and life transitions.
Ashlyn Arnold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
Ashlyn provides individual and family therapy to children ranging from ages 3-12 years old. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & play therapy interventions to create a warm, inviting therapeutic environment for children to thrive. In addition, she has training in the Triple P Positive Parenting Program and and understands the importance of collaboration between parents and children. Ashlyn strives to provide a non-judgmental space where both children and parents can learn how to be the best version of themselves.
Ashlyn provides individual and family therapy to children ranging from ages 3-12 years old. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & play therapy interventions to create a warm, inviting therapeutic environment for children to thrive. In addition, she has training in the Triple P Positive Parenting Program and and understands the importance of collaboration between parents and children. Ashlyn strives to provide a non-judgmental space where both children and parents can learn how to be the best version of themselves.
Kelly Knapp McCray
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
Using an eclectic therapy model, I often incorporate mindfulness, art, play, and music therapy techniques in sessions to help clients increase self awareness.
My goal is provide you with an inclusive, judgement-free space for self-exploration as you move toward positive changes. I focus on a client-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to meet the needs of individuals. My specialties include working with children, teens, and parents to learn coping skills, emotional co-regulation, and social skills. I also specialize in coping with chronic illness and anxiety for children, teens and adults. I will walk beside you as you gain insight to your authentic self and incorporate skills to help you reach your goals.
Using an eclectic therapy model, I often incorporate mindfulness, art, play, and music therapy techniques in sessions to help clients increase self awareness.
My goal is provide you with an inclusive, judgement-free space for self-exploration as you move toward positive changes. I focus on a client-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to meet the needs of individuals. My specialties include working with children, teens, and parents to learn coping skills, emotional co-regulation, and social skills. I also specialize in coping with chronic illness and anxiety for children, teens and adults. I will walk beside you as you gain insight to your authentic self and incorporate skills to help you reach your goals.
Jessica Taylor Dean
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28405
I enjoy working with couples wanting to enhance their relationship, recover from affairs, increase their emotional intimacy, or have other goals that might pertain to a couple. I also enjoy utilizing play therapy, where children and adolescents can utilize toys and sand trays to process current or past experiences, including traumatic events, as well as increase their self-awareness and self-esteem. Finally, I appreciate working with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-esteem/identity issues, spiritual issues, relational issues, family issues, and stressful life transitions.
I enjoy working with couples wanting to enhance their relationship, recover from affairs, increase their emotional intimacy, or have other goals that might pertain to a couple. I also enjoy utilizing play therapy, where children and adolescents can utilize toys and sand trays to process current or past experiences, including traumatic events, as well as increase their self-awareness and self-esteem. Finally, I appreciate working with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-esteem/identity issues, spiritual issues, relational issues, family issues, and stressful life transitions.
Kelly Casparius
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28403
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS I am here to help you! My goal is to help you and your family be happier and healthier. I work with children ages 3 and up as well as adults! If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress, or just overwhelmed with life I am here to listen and help you learn to cope more effectively! When working with children I believe that they communicate through play. Children experience so many feelings and emotions that they cannot verbally express and play is a valuable tool! I can also be found on Talkspace if you prefer text and video messaging therapy! https://www.talkspace.com/room/kellycasparius
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS I am here to help you! My goal is to help you and your family be happier and healthier. I work with children ages 3 and up as well as adults! If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress, or just overwhelmed with life I am here to listen and help you learn to cope more effectively! When working with children I believe that they communicate through play. Children experience so many feelings and emotions that they cannot verbally express and play is a valuable tool! I can also be found on Talkspace if you prefer text and video messaging therapy! https://www.talkspace.com/room/kellycasparius
Katelyn Currie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28403
As a child therapist, I utilize play, humor, and fun activities to connect with children of all ages and their caregivers.
I specialize in helping children who have experienced trauma or traumatic grief, using TFCBT to reduce trauma symptoms experienced by the child with the support of their caregiver. I’m also committed to helping children understand and overcome other life challenges and stressors, such as depression, anxiety, familial separations, grief, poor self-esteem, and difficulties in school. I use an eclectic approach to develop a treatment plan and goals that suit the specific needs of each client while drawing from their intrinsic resiliency and strengths. I also have a training therapy dog to provide comfort and support to clients.
As a child therapist, I utilize play, humor, and fun activities to connect with children of all ages and their caregivers.
I specialize in helping children who have experienced trauma or traumatic grief, using TFCBT to reduce trauma symptoms experienced by the child with the support of their caregiver. I’m also committed to helping children understand and overcome other life challenges and stressors, such as depression, anxiety, familial separations, grief, poor self-esteem, and difficulties in school. I use an eclectic approach to develop a treatment plan and goals that suit the specific needs of each client while drawing from their intrinsic resiliency and strengths. I also have a training therapy dog to provide comfort and support to clients.
Caroline Suits
Counselor, LCMHCA, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28405
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Play Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy in a non-judgmental and supportive environment to help my clients reach their goals and challenge negative thought patterns.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or defeated? Maybe you feel like life has thrown you too many curve balls recently. I am here to help you work towards solutions to improve your every day life. You might be a parent who is concerned with a behavior your child is exhibiting, a teen who is looking to work through challenges, or a young adult who is figuring out your new roles in life. Through therapy tailored to your needs, I’m looking forward to working with you to discover solutions to challenges you’re facing. I’d love to help you improve your overall mental health and set goals towards a healthier you.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Play Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy in a non-judgmental and supportive environment to help my clients reach their goals and challenge negative thought patterns.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or defeated? Maybe you feel like life has thrown you too many curve balls recently. I am here to help you work towards solutions to improve your every day life. You might be a parent who is concerned with a behavior your child is exhibiting, a teen who is looking to work through challenges, or a young adult who is figuring out your new roles in life. Through therapy tailored to your needs, I’m looking forward to working with you to discover solutions to challenges you’re facing. I’d love to help you improve your overall mental health and set goals towards a healthier you.
Suzanne Nardozzi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28412
Play-based therapies are what I utilize the most, since that is how children communicate and learn.
Accepting new clients! I am passionate about working with children and their families. Children are learning about the world around them and they often don't know what their feelings mean or how to communicate them quite yet. When children have been through stressful things, it is even harder for them to express their feelings. And those feelings can come out of kids in big ways! As adults, we can struggle to understand how to help young ones when their emotions get really big. As their adult, you want to help your child and you also need someone to support you. That is where I can help.
Play-based therapies are what I utilize the most, since that is how children communicate and learn.
Accepting new clients! I am passionate about working with children and their families. Children are learning about the world around them and they often don't know what their feelings mean or how to communicate them quite yet. When children have been through stressful things, it is even harder for them to express their feelings. And those feelings can come out of kids in big ways! As adults, we can struggle to understand how to help young ones when their emotions get really big. As their adult, you want to help your child and you also need someone to support you. That is where I can help.
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Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, RPT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28401
I am also a registered play therapist and specialize in counseling children and teens.
Whether you are adjusting to life as a college student, somewhere along the journey of pregnancy and motherhood, or seeking additional support for your children, it is my goal to focus on the relationship as the foundation for the counseling process. I will seek to strengthen our relationship by providing a relaxed, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment. I approach therapy from a person-centered perspective, focusing on your individual needs and goals.
I am also a registered play therapist and specialize in counseling children and teens.
Whether you are adjusting to life as a college student, somewhere along the journey of pregnancy and motherhood, or seeking additional support for your children, it is my goal to focus on the relationship as the foundation for the counseling process. I will seek to strengthen our relationship by providing a relaxed, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment. I approach therapy from a person-centered perspective, focusing on your individual needs and goals.
Parent Like It Matters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
We utilize a range of session types such as individual, family, play therapy, and parenting in order to provide the best possible outcome for each client we serve.
Parent Like It Matters was founded in 2022 by Lauren Butler, MSW, LCSW after spending time in various private practice settings. She found her passion for working with children and realized that there is a huge need for specific pediatric mental health care in the Wilmington, NC community. She chose the name Parent Like It Matters because of its meaning to her therapeutic style. Whether it is a parent/guardian bringing a child to therapy, reaching out for postpartum support, asking for parenting help, or joining a support group, there is an intentional choice to parent like it matters, because it really does!.
We utilize a range of session types such as individual, family, play therapy, and parenting in order to provide the best possible outcome for each client we serve.
Parent Like It Matters was founded in 2022 by Lauren Butler, MSW, LCSW after spending time in various private practice settings. She found her passion for working with children and realized that there is a huge need for specific pediatric mental health care in the Wilmington, NC community. She chose the name Parent Like It Matters because of its meaning to her therapeutic style. Whether it is a parent/guardian bringing a child to therapy, reaching out for postpartum support, asking for parenting help, or joining a support group, there is an intentional choice to parent like it matters, because it really does!.
Wendy Ivey Registered Play Therapist
Counselor, LCMHC, RPT, NCC
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28412
As a Registered Play Therapist, former elementary teacher & school counselor of 27 years, I have the unique experience of walking alongside and supporting children & families during many challenging seasons.
Do you have a child struggling at home, school or in both places? School and life can sometimes get complicated and messy for children and adolescents. When your child struggles, it is not uncommon to feel stuck, frustrated and helpless. Parenting can be hard at times! By working together to get to the bottom of the challenges, children can feel better about themselves and achieve greater success in school. Family units can make changes that lead to greater joy in their relationships with each other and with friends.
As a Registered Play Therapist, former elementary teacher & school counselor of 27 years, I have the unique experience of walking alongside and supporting children & families during many challenging seasons.
Do you have a child struggling at home, school or in both places? School and life can sometimes get complicated and messy for children and adolescents. When your child struggles, it is not uncommon to feel stuck, frustrated and helpless. Parenting can be hard at times! By working together to get to the bottom of the challenges, children can feel better about themselves and achieve greater success in school. Family units can make changes that lead to greater joy in their relationships with each other and with friends.
Courtney Clement Bowles
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MAEd, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
I specialize in empowering parents through positive parenting skills and utilizing play therapy to address childhood mental health struggles.
My goal in the therapeutic space is to approach issues or situations with curiosity, work to find insight, and create sustainable solutions to life’s struggles. In my sessions, you can expect a lot of empathy and gentle pushing towards cultivating more compassion for yourself. At my core, I am a person-centered therapist and my space reflects that. I will be authentic and genuine in session and hope you feel safe doing the same.
I specialize in empowering parents through positive parenting skills and utilizing play therapy to address childhood mental health struggles.
My goal in the therapeutic space is to approach issues or situations with curiosity, work to find insight, and create sustainable solutions to life’s struggles. In my sessions, you can expect a lot of empathy and gentle pushing towards cultivating more compassion for yourself. At my core, I am a person-centered therapist and my space reflects that. I will be authentic and genuine in session and hope you feel safe doing the same.
Alli Roy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
I often pair therapeutic discussion with laughter, play, and expression along with evidenced based therapeutic approaches.
I am so glad you are here! I am hoping we can work together to take steps for you to recognize and accept your worthiness and humanity. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with children, teens, and adults to overcome life's difficulties and provide a space for self exploration. I specialize in providing therapy in areas of trauma, anxiety, developing boundaries, life transition, healthy relationships, depression, parenting, and family.
I often pair therapeutic discussion with laughter, play, and expression along with evidenced based therapeutic approaches.
I am so glad you are here! I am hoping we can work together to take steps for you to recognize and accept your worthiness and humanity. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with children, teens, and adults to overcome life's difficulties and provide a space for self exploration. I specialize in providing therapy in areas of trauma, anxiety, developing boundaries, life transition, healthy relationships, depression, parenting, and family.
Hayden Ahlbrandt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28401
As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, I specialize in working with children who are presenting with symptoms of hyper-arousal (as noted above) and helping them learn regulation skills amidst this activation.
Does your kid easily become overwhelmed by big emotions, & does that overwhelm often lead to melt downs? Maybe your kid seems to get stuck in the overwhelm & has a hard time coming out of it, sometimes even derailing the whole day. Is your kid melting down over the most seemingly minor things, when they aren't perfect, or things don't go exactly as planned? Maybe they feel paralyzed by anxiety that is keeping them from doing the things that they like or creating high levels of fear. Whether they are melting down, becoming aggressive, angry, defiant, or avoiding situations/activities due to high levels of anxiety, I'm here to help!
As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, I specialize in working with children who are presenting with symptoms of hyper-arousal (as noted above) and helping them learn regulation skills amidst this activation.
Does your kid easily become overwhelmed by big emotions, & does that overwhelm often lead to melt downs? Maybe your kid seems to get stuck in the overwhelm & has a hard time coming out of it, sometimes even derailing the whole day. Is your kid melting down over the most seemingly minor things, when they aren't perfect, or things don't go exactly as planned? Maybe they feel paralyzed by anxiety that is keeping them from doing the things that they like or creating high levels of fear. Whether they are melting down, becoming aggressive, angry, defiant, or avoiding situations/activities due to high levels of anxiety, I'm here to help!
Derek West
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28406
I have also worked extensively with kids and teenagers utilizing play to help them process their emotions.
Going to a counselor can be intimidating or nerve wracking. Will they accept me? What if I don't know what exactly I want to talk about in therapy? Or do I really want to open up about some of these things? All of these feelings are really normal when beginning counseling and I've had experience working with kids, teenagers, young adults, and adults to begin the journey of processing whatever they would like to work on in therapy. I offer collaborative, supportive, and honest therapy to provide my clients with therapy that helps them identify and work towards the changes they want to see in their lives.
I have also worked extensively with kids and teenagers utilizing play to help them process their emotions.
Going to a counselor can be intimidating or nerve wracking. Will they accept me? What if I don't know what exactly I want to talk about in therapy? Or do I really want to open up about some of these things? All of these feelings are really normal when beginning counseling and I've had experience working with kids, teenagers, young adults, and adults to begin the journey of processing whatever they would like to work on in therapy. I offer collaborative, supportive, and honest therapy to provide my clients with therapy that helps them identify and work towards the changes they want to see in their lives.
Yuri Sklad
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT, CSOTP, CSAT-C
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28403 (Online Only)
I am a Registered Play Therapist.
If you are struggling with anxiety, compulsive behavior, wish to overcome the consequences of traumatic experiences, or feel stuck in your life journey, I invite you to contact me. As a therapist, I strive to provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment for individuals to gain greater self-awareness and self-regulation. In our work together, we will hold space for difficult emotions, identify patterns that have helped you in the past and may not be serving you now, and develop new skills so that you are able to gently move toward living a more fulfilling life aligned with your values.
I am a Registered Play Therapist.
If you are struggling with anxiety, compulsive behavior, wish to overcome the consequences of traumatic experiences, or feel stuck in your life journey, I invite you to contact me. As a therapist, I strive to provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment for individuals to gain greater self-awareness and self-regulation. In our work together, we will hold space for difficult emotions, identify patterns that have helped you in the past and may not be serving you now, and develop new skills so that you are able to gently move toward living a more fulfilling life aligned with your values.
Brittany Patterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
Waitlist for new clients
"The world breaks everyone, but some are strong at the broken places." -Ernest Hemingway. We all encounter challenges from time to time that seem to break us but with support we can strengthen the broken places to become whole again. If you are facing challenges in life with PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges or parenting needs I will help come alongside you to find the strength to heal and become whole again. I work with individuals of all ages (0-adult) as well as families. I take a holistic client centered approach to therapy.
"The world breaks everyone, but some are strong at the broken places." -Ernest Hemingway. We all encounter challenges from time to time that seem to break us but with support we can strengthen the broken places to become whole again. If you are facing challenges in life with PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges or parenting needs I will help come alongside you to find the strength to heal and become whole again. I work with individuals of all ages (0-adult) as well as families. I take a holistic client centered approach to therapy.
See more therapy options for Wilmington
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.