Play Therapy in New Mexico
Christina Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCM, IMH-E
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albuquerque, NM 87111
I use talk, play( I am trained in play therapy) and journaling as forms of therapy as well as cognitive behavioral theory.
Accepting new telehealth clients. I have been working with families since 2017. In that time I have had the opportunity to work with families who are experiencing both physical and emotional trauma, homlessness and drug addictions. I enjoy working with parents, children, tweens, and teens. The world is full of stressful situations and life has it's ups and downs, during these moments we could all use some help and guideance in learning how to cope in a healthy way. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an endorsement in Infant Mental Health and a Certified Case Manager. Lets work together to make life as enjoyable as you can.
I use talk, play( I am trained in play therapy) and journaling as forms of therapy as well as cognitive behavioral theory.
Accepting new telehealth clients. I have been working with families since 2017. In that time I have had the opportunity to work with families who are experiencing both physical and emotional trauma, homlessness and drug addictions. I enjoy working with parents, children, tweens, and teens. The world is full of stressful situations and life has it's ups and downs, during these moments we could all use some help and guideance in learning how to cope in a healthy way. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an endorsement in Infant Mental Health and a Certified Case Manager. Lets work together to make life as enjoyable as you can.
Amanda Gonzales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Albuquerque, NM 87110
I have been trained in Experiential Play therapy and have been utilizing this modality since 2020.
My focus is on supporting the healing and growth of children. Children are a vulnerable population and do not always have the means to succeed. Clients may come in with anxiety, depression, issues regulating emotions, emotional outbursts. These issues can occur in all environments and impact a child's functioning. Childhood trauma can have a negative impact on development and the ultimate success of a child's future. Not all trauma leaves physical effects but can also leave emotional effects. Children can be left with challenges building relationships, understanding themselves, regulating and functioning overall.
I have been trained in Experiential Play therapy and have been utilizing this modality since 2020.
My focus is on supporting the healing and growth of children. Children are a vulnerable population and do not always have the means to succeed. Clients may come in with anxiety, depression, issues regulating emotions, emotional outbursts. These issues can occur in all environments and impact a child's functioning. Childhood trauma can have a negative impact on development and the ultimate success of a child's future. Not all trauma leaves physical effects but can also leave emotional effects. Children can be left with challenges building relationships, understanding themselves, regulating and functioning overall.
Albuquerque SantaFe Child Psychotherapy/Counseling
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Albuquerque, NM 87111
I have a long history of working with children and families. I treat children of all ages and adults. I address attachment issues, academics, oppositional defiance, grief, loss and trauma. This is often complicated and usually requires the involvement of the whole family. I love working with children and find that there are always solutions and ways to accommodate the most difficult situations. I use a variety of modalities including play therapy which includes sand tray, art and a variety of other ways for self expression for children .
I have a long history of working with children and families. I treat children of all ages and adults. I address attachment issues, academics, oppositional defiance, grief, loss and trauma. This is often complicated and usually requires the involvement of the whole family. I love working with children and find that there are always solutions and ways to accommodate the most difficult situations. I use a variety of modalities including play therapy which includes sand tray, art and a variety of other ways for self expression for children .
Balanced Life Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Las Cruces, NM 88005
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive training in trauma, attachment, play, and parenting.
My name is Brittany Hernandez. I am a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Balanced Life Psychotherapy. I find it a great privilege and honor to witness and hold people’s story and to be included in the healing journey. My passion is partnering with individuals and families in a therapeutic space. My goal will be to work with you to determine the best treatment approach to help you address the reason you are seeking services. I understand everyone is unique and there is not a one size fits all model. My practice is relationship-based, strengths-based, and trauma informed.
I have extensive training in trauma, attachment, play, and parenting.
My name is Brittany Hernandez. I am a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Balanced Life Psychotherapy. I find it a great privilege and honor to witness and hold people’s story and to be included in the healing journey. My passion is partnering with individuals and families in a therapeutic space. My goal will be to work with you to determine the best treatment approach to help you address the reason you are seeking services. I understand everyone is unique and there is not a one size fits all model. My practice is relationship-based, strengths-based, and trauma informed.
Tawn Head
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Albuquerque, NM 87110 (Online Only)
As an Archetypal Art Therapist, I offer: Talk Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Play, Hypnosis, Affirmation Work, "Tapping", Dream Analysis, and EMDR.
I offer services to women of all ages, and occasionally children, who have had trauma in their background and are seeking to find clarity in who they are now, and where they want to go from here. I offer expressive modalities in addition to talk therapy for an ease in releasing the past, increasing self esteem, and leading to a safer and more joyous future.
As an Archetypal Art Therapist, I offer: Talk Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Play, Hypnosis, Affirmation Work, "Tapping", Dream Analysis, and EMDR.
I offer services to women of all ages, and occasionally children, who have had trauma in their background and are seeking to find clarity in who they are now, and where they want to go from here. I offer expressive modalities in addition to talk therapy for an ease in releasing the past, increasing self esteem, and leading to a safer and more joyous future.
Alameda Marriage & Family Therapy & IOP
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LADAC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Las Cruces, NM 88005
We are a group of private practice clinicians who specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. We have a variety of clinicians with varied specialities and theoretical approaches, so we can find just the right fit for your needs. Some examples of our specialities include: depression, anxiety, substance use and abuse, sexuality, child and family play therapy, family therapy. We accept most major insurance plans and self-pay clients. Se habla Espanol. We are now accepting clients.
We are a group of private practice clinicians who specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. We have a variety of clinicians with varied specialities and theoretical approaches, so we can find just the right fit for your needs. Some examples of our specialities include: depression, anxiety, substance use and abuse, sexuality, child and family play therapy, family therapy. We accept most major insurance plans and self-pay clients. Se habla Espanol. We are now accepting clients.
Cocoon Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHC, DMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Are you stuck in patterns that you want to change? Have you experienced trauma and want to heal? Are you struggling with communication in a relationship? In my work with clients we work together to create a cocoon, a safe place where you can transform. I am an eclectic therapist who tailors my interventions and style to each client’s unique needs. Some modalities that I draw from are somatic counseling, DBT, dance/movement therapy, mindfulness, play therapy, attachment based, and expressive arts. My training and experiences support me in working with people who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or those who have epilepsy.
Are you stuck in patterns that you want to change? Have you experienced trauma and want to heal? Are you struggling with communication in a relationship? In my work with clients we work together to create a cocoon, a safe place where you can transform. I am an eclectic therapist who tailors my interventions and style to each client’s unique needs. Some modalities that I draw from are somatic counseling, DBT, dance/movement therapy, mindfulness, play therapy, attachment based, and expressive arts. My training and experiences support me in working with people who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or those who have epilepsy.
Tessa A Ontiveros
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Las Cruces, NM 88001
I specialize in play therapy and infant mental health for children and in anxiety and trauma related issues for children and adults.
I have worked with children and families for over twenty years. My primary focus has been on trauma, connection and attachment. I received my Registered Play Therapist Supervisor about two years ago and have focused in addition on infant mental health.
I specialize in play therapy and infant mental health for children and in anxiety and trauma related issues for children and adults.
I have worked with children and families for over twenty years. My primary focus has been on trauma, connection and attachment. I received my Registered Play Therapist Supervisor about two years ago and have focused in addition on infant mental health.
Marisol Olivas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albuquerque, NM 87120
I am committed to providing therapy services that is both compassionate and empowering. I work with adults, children, couples, and families. My approach to family therapy is through a systemic perspective. Trying to understand individual behavior within the context of the family. My approach to play therapy is to help children voice their thoughts and feelings and process these in an environment that is safe and non-judgmental.
I am committed to providing therapy services that is both compassionate and empowering. I work with adults, children, couples, and families. My approach to family therapy is through a systemic perspective. Trying to understand individual behavior within the context of the family. My approach to play therapy is to help children voice their thoughts and feelings and process these in an environment that is safe and non-judgmental.
Arianda Saucedo
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Albuquerque, NM 87110
I am trained in experiential play therapy and have vast experience working with the BIPOC community.
I offer therapy services in English and Spanish. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults dealing with various challenges from daily stressors to anxiety, life transitions, depression, grief, and complex trauma. I offer a multicultural approach to help create a safe space for exploration, healing, and growth.
I am trained in experiential play therapy and have vast experience working with the BIPOC community.
I offer therapy services in English and Spanish. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults dealing with various challenges from daily stressors to anxiety, life transitions, depression, grief, and complex trauma. I offer a multicultural approach to help create a safe space for exploration, healing, and growth.
Cheryl Aiken
Counselor, PsyD, LPCC
Verified Verified
Albuquerque, NM 87112
My Psychotherapist career of 30+ years has consisted of working with Children, Parents, Teens, and Adults to address various mental health issues and help individuals become the best version of themselves. Children learn, grow, and heal best through play. I provide children with the opportunity to engage in this important work through play therapy sessions. Parenting is one of the most important jobs a person can have and at times one of the hardest. I provide parents with the support and encouragement they need to be successful in parenting. Today’s world provides many challenges for teens.
My Psychotherapist career of 30+ years has consisted of working with Children, Parents, Teens, and Adults to address various mental health issues and help individuals become the best version of themselves. Children learn, grow, and heal best through play. I provide children with the opportunity to engage in this important work through play therapy sessions. Parenting is one of the most important jobs a person can have and at times one of the hardest. I provide parents with the support and encouragement they need to be successful in parenting. Today’s world provides many challenges for teens.
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Angela A Romero
Counselor, MA, LPCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Albuquerque, NM 87122
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience using a variety of therapeutic modalities and have had specialized training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and play therapy.
I care deeply about the relationship I establish with the people who come to see me in therapy. I work hard to provide clients with a safe and non-judgmental environment, in which they can feel comfortable being themselves. I know life can be difficult, but I truly believe that we all have the ability to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Knowing where to begin can be challenging , and that is what I am here for. I always work to meet clients where they are, and create a treatment plan based on their specific needs.
I have experience using a variety of therapeutic modalities and have had specialized training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and play therapy.
I care deeply about the relationship I establish with the people who come to see me in therapy. I work hard to provide clients with a safe and non-judgmental environment, in which they can feel comfortable being themselves. I know life can be difficult, but I truly believe that we all have the ability to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Knowing where to begin can be challenging , and that is what I am here for. I always work to meet clients where they are, and create a treatment plan based on their specific needs.
Lori Notor Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Farmington, NM 87401
She is now training in Synergetic Play Therapy and working toward becoming a registered play therapist.
Lori Notor Hughes is a licensed clinical social worker providing counseling in Farmington, NM. She sees clients in-person at her office and specializes in treating children ages 5-12 using play and sand tray therapies.
She is now training in Synergetic Play Therapy and working toward becoming a registered play therapist.
Lori Notor Hughes is a licensed clinical social worker providing counseling in Farmington, NM. She sees clients in-person at her office and specializes in treating children ages 5-12 using play and sand tray therapies.
Michelle M Lee
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Waitlist for new clients
At this time I only have Telehealth appointments available. I do have a waitlist for in-person and would be happy to place you on it. I am committed to helping adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, developmental disorders, trauma, relationship issues, divorce, and problematic family dynamics. I have a Humanistic approach and also utilize techniques that are largely cognitive-behavioral, experiential, and structural. I also focus on family systems. When working with adolescents - I draw from talk, creative play and sand tray therapy.
At this time I only have Telehealth appointments available. I do have a waitlist for in-person and would be happy to place you on it. I am committed to helping adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, developmental disorders, trauma, relationship issues, divorce, and problematic family dynamics. I have a Humanistic approach and also utilize techniques that are largely cognitive-behavioral, experiential, and structural. I also focus on family systems. When working with adolescents - I draw from talk, creative play and sand tray therapy.
Gabriela Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, IMH-E
Verified Verified
Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM 87107
Specializing in Early Childhood (0-5) - trauma informed - Infant Mental Health - Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) - Adult, Family and Couple therapy - Sand play therapy.
"Ama tu vida, ama tu historia, ama lo que eres" - "love your life, love your history, love who you are" . Bilingual (Spanish/English) - Parenting and relationships can be difficult. I believe parents always do their best, all learning, personality and development takes place in the context of relationship and are critically affected by the quality of those relationships. I am passionate to empower clients to own their strengths. I believe we all have the internal capacity to heal and reach our full potential. I use a holistic, relationship based, trauma-informed, strenght based, multicultural approach.
Specializing in Early Childhood (0-5) - trauma informed - Infant Mental Health - Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) - Adult, Family and Couple therapy - Sand play therapy.
"Ama tu vida, ama tu historia, ama lo que eres" - "love your life, love your history, love who you are" . Bilingual (Spanish/English) - Parenting and relationships can be difficult. I believe parents always do their best, all learning, personality and development takes place in the context of relationship and are critically affected by the quality of those relationships. I am passionate to empower clients to own their strengths. I believe we all have the internal capacity to heal and reach our full potential. I use a holistic, relationship based, trauma-informed, strenght based, multicultural approach.
Mary Hokom
Counselor, LPCC, IMH-EIV
Verified Verified
Silver City, NM 88061
I have worked in the counseling field since 2004 and am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, (LPCC) a retired registered play therapist and Infant Mental Health Specialist (IMH-E IV).
I work with individuals to support their healthy emotional development and growth. I support and understand the complexities of my clients emotions through the lenses of brain science and early attachments as well as relationship dynamics, adverse childhood experiences and modern stresses. I help them to assess their life situations, consider their perspective and develop strategies that positively enhance the many aspects of their life. I approach this work with passion and look for potential joy and laughter with each session as well as recognize the ongoing struggles toward emotional health my clients face.
I have worked in the counseling field since 2004 and am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, (LPCC) a retired registered play therapist and Infant Mental Health Specialist (IMH-E IV).
I work with individuals to support their healthy emotional development and growth. I support and understand the complexities of my clients emotions through the lenses of brain science and early attachments as well as relationship dynamics, adverse childhood experiences and modern stresses. I help them to assess their life situations, consider their perspective and develop strategies that positively enhance the many aspects of their life. I approach this work with passion and look for potential joy and laughter with each session as well as recognize the ongoing struggles toward emotional health my clients face.
Cottonwood Counseling
Counselor, LPCC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Albuquerque, NM 87120
We also provide Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy for children, adolescents, & families.
Are you or your child feeling sad, worried, anxious, or having trouble sleeping? Have you been feeling irritable, disconnected, or hopeless? Are you having trouble concentrating, can’t make decisions, & sometimes feel like you can’t breathe? Are you suffering from loss? We can help you have relief from these symptoms. We are a trauma focused counseling group. We offer knowledgeable, nurturing, and effective treatment for trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and grief.
We also provide Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy for children, adolescents, & families.
Are you or your child feeling sad, worried, anxious, or having trouble sleeping? Have you been feeling irritable, disconnected, or hopeless? Are you having trouble concentrating, can’t make decisions, & sometimes feel like you can’t breathe? Are you suffering from loss? We can help you have relief from these symptoms. We are a trauma focused counseling group. We offer knowledgeable, nurturing, and effective treatment for trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and grief.
Sandia Sol
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Tanya is trained in CBT, play, art, and sand tray therapy techniques.
We enjoy working with people ages 3-60 years old who have a desire to make changes in their lives. We enjoy helping people heal and process their emotions. Tanya Baker is a New Mexico board-certified supervisor for Social Worker's and Counselors seeking supervision. Please inquire about rates. Limited availability for child clients.
Tanya is trained in CBT, play, art, and sand tray therapy techniques.
We enjoy working with people ages 3-60 years old who have a desire to make changes in their lives. We enjoy helping people heal and process their emotions. Tanya Baker is a New Mexico board-certified supervisor for Social Worker's and Counselors seeking supervision. Please inquire about rates. Limited availability for child clients.
Christina Forde
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Waitlist for new clients
I have play therapy techniques which I feel can enhance their growth and awareness of their place in this world.
**Unfortunately I have no availability****Welcome and thank you for visiting. There are many professional therapists to choose from. It's often hard to distinguish between everyone and feel you've made the right decision. Finding a genuine connection can take time. It's alright to change your mind if you don't feel comfortable. The best counseling environment encourages exploration of who you are with someone you trust, accepts you as you are, and travels where you feel needed to go. I hope when we work together that you feel this connection.
I have play therapy techniques which I feel can enhance their growth and awareness of their place in this world.
**Unfortunately I have no availability****Welcome and thank you for visiting. There are many professional therapists to choose from. It's often hard to distinguish between everyone and feel you've made the right decision. Finding a genuine connection can take time. It's alright to change your mind if you don't feel comfortable. The best counseling environment encourages exploration of who you are with someone you trust, accepts you as you are, and travels where you feel needed to go. I hope when we work together that you feel this connection.
Sonia Ramirez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome to my profile! I am Sonia Ramirez, a licensed social worker in the state of New Mexico and a native Spanish speaker. My family, like many others, immigrated to Albuquerque from Mexico in 2002. Since then, I have grown close to New Mexican culture and have experienced working with diverse families, including supporting immigrant families who are navigating challenging family dynamics that often accompany immigrating. Here at Whole Self Counseling, I work primarily with children, ages 5 and up. I am passionate about the use of play therapy concepts as supports to empower children to process their experiences.
Welcome to my profile! I am Sonia Ramirez, a licensed social worker in the state of New Mexico and a native Spanish speaker. My family, like many others, immigrated to Albuquerque from Mexico in 2002. Since then, I have grown close to New Mexican culture and have experienced working with diverse families, including supporting immigrant families who are navigating challenging family dynamics that often accompany immigrating. Here at Whole Self Counseling, I work primarily with children, ages 5 and up. I am passionate about the use of play therapy concepts as supports to empower children to process their experiences.
See more therapy options for New Mexico
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.