Play Therapy in Comanche, OK
Amanda Lee Awad
Pre-Licensed Professional, MCMHC, LPC-C
Verified Verified
Comanche, OK 73529
Waitlist for new clients
Are you struggling to manage your emotions and thoughts, feel disconnected from others, or are unsure of where you want your life to go and what steps to take next? It’s normal to struggle and need help, and you're not alone. These are some of the issues I’d love to work through with you in counseling, and I’m so glad you’re here!
Are you struggling to manage your emotions and thoughts, feel disconnected from others, or are unsure of where you want your life to go and what steps to take next? It’s normal to struggle and need help, and you're not alone. These are some of the issues I’d love to work through with you in counseling, and I’m so glad you’re here!
More Therapists Nearby
Tobi L Duncan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSBS
Verified Verified
Duncan, OK 73533
Have you been crying while watching endearing videos posted on Facebook more than you care to admit? Are you not enjoying activities like you used to? Feel like you cannot do anything right and become angry? By teaching additional coping skills to manage anger, anxiety or depression; identifying strengths; and rebuilding resiliency will aid in personal growth. The main goal is to help sift through stressors that causes conflict and regain access to skills that successfully worked for you, while learning new tools to find a better balance. Your emotional health and wellness is top priority at this very moment.
Have you been crying while watching endearing videos posted on Facebook more than you care to admit? Are you not enjoying activities like you used to? Feel like you cannot do anything right and become angry? By teaching additional coping skills to manage anger, anxiety or depression; identifying strengths; and rebuilding resiliency will aid in personal growth. The main goal is to help sift through stressors that causes conflict and regain access to skills that successfully worked for you, while learning new tools to find a better balance. Your emotional health and wellness is top priority at this very moment.
Online Therapists
FSC Kids
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
FSC Kids is dedicated to providing quality play-based therapy and mental health services to help kids, adolescents, and families more effectively navigate the complexities and challenges of life. We have adequately equipped our therapists with the proper space and tools essential to meeting the goals established by each individual client. One unique aspect of our facility is our fully functional play therapy and sandtray rooms. These rooms will be utilized at therapists’ discretion based on the treatment plan of the child, teen, and/or family.
FSC Kids is dedicated to providing quality play-based therapy and mental health services to help kids, adolescents, and families more effectively navigate the complexities and challenges of life. We have adequately equipped our therapists with the proper space and tools essential to meeting the goals established by each individual client. One unique aspect of our facility is our fully functional play therapy and sandtray rooms. These rooms will be utilized at therapists’ discretion based on the treatment plan of the child, teen, and/or family.
Melissa Findley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edmond, OK 73013
As a registered play therapist, I use play to help children explore emotions, deal with unresolved trauma, and learn new coping mechanisms to redirect inappropriate behaviors.
Children often do not have the words or the ability to tell you what is going on with them, how they feel or why they are acting the way they are. I work with children ages 12 and under who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and problem behaviors. My goal is allow them to communicate in their own way, through play, to process and resolve trauma, explore emotions and learn ways to redirect inappropriate behaviors.
As a registered play therapist, I use play to help children explore emotions, deal with unresolved trauma, and learn new coping mechanisms to redirect inappropriate behaviors.
Children often do not have the words or the ability to tell you what is going on with them, how they feel or why they are acting the way they are. I work with children ages 12 and under who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and problem behaviors. My goal is allow them to communicate in their own way, through play, to process and resolve trauma, explore emotions and learn ways to redirect inappropriate behaviors.
Christy Vanderbilt-Pela
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Edmond, OK 73013
I am an LPC and Registered Play Therapist with an Attachment based approach working with clients from 13-70+ years old utilizing attachment-based interventions.
Our first relationships are the foundation on which we build all future relationships. If our foundation is shaking, unreliable, or scary we develop a sense of disconnectedness or that we are in some way lacking. This feeling of vulnerability leads us to act in ways we don’t understand. Some may find themselves being overly clingy/controlling for fear that they may be left alone. Some have self-doubt leading to Anxiety, Depression, or addiction. While others shut themselves off from the world to protect themselves. We all have needs and it’s okay to have them met but how we do that can be more destructive than helpful.
I am an LPC and Registered Play Therapist with an Attachment based approach working with clients from 13-70+ years old utilizing attachment-based interventions.
Our first relationships are the foundation on which we build all future relationships. If our foundation is shaking, unreliable, or scary we develop a sense of disconnectedness or that we are in some way lacking. This feeling of vulnerability leads us to act in ways we don’t understand. Some may find themselves being overly clingy/controlling for fear that they may be left alone. Some have self-doubt leading to Anxiety, Depression, or addiction. While others shut themselves off from the world to protect themselves. We all have needs and it’s okay to have them met but how we do that can be more destructive than helpful.
Rhonda Oxley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHRC , LPC
Verified Verified
Norman, OK 73072
I enjoy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and also with children I am training to become certified in Play Therapy.
There are many aspects of my profession that I enjoy. I enjoy meeting people and assisting them with improving their mental health. We work as a team to develop a treatment plan that will address their needs and implement goals and objectives that outline how we will work together. There are many instances in which the client does not know what they need or what they want. They know they are not mentally healthy. They want to improve how they feel and how they view situations in their life.
I enjoy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and also with children I am training to become certified in Play Therapy.
There are many aspects of my profession that I enjoy. I enjoy meeting people and assisting them with improving their mental health. We work as a team to develop a treatment plan that will address their needs and implement goals and objectives that outline how we will work together. There are many instances in which the client does not know what they need or what they want. They know they are not mentally healthy. They want to improve how they feel and how they view situations in their life.
Hannah Holcomb
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about helping children who are in families going through the tough stuff. I believe children learn and heal best through play. I also enjoy working with adolescents, families, and individual adults. I believe we were created to live in connection with others. The nature of sharing our burdens and hardships with another human who is listening and showing empathy is healing in itself. It is my goal in therapy to create a safe space where you feel heard. We are not promised a life free of hardships but we can journey through it together.
I am passionate about helping children who are in families going through the tough stuff. I believe children learn and heal best through play. I also enjoy working with adolescents, families, and individual adults. I believe we were created to live in connection with others. The nature of sharing our burdens and hardships with another human who is listening and showing empathy is healing in itself. It is my goal in therapy to create a safe space where you feel heard. We are not promised a life free of hardships but we can journey through it together.
Elizabeth D Weingart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Edmond, OK 73003
I provide individual therapy for men, women, and children as well as family and play therapy.
My name is Liz Weingart and I have been working with adults, children, and families for over 25 years. I began my career as a home-based family therapist working to keep at risk children in their homes. This position allowed me the opportunity to work with children with a wide range of diagnoses, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorders, various Anxiety Disorders, and Aspergers Disorder. While working with adolescents and young adults, I have provided treatment for suicidal ideation, self-mutilating behaviors, and eating disorders.
I provide individual therapy for men, women, and children as well as family and play therapy.
My name is Liz Weingart and I have been working with adults, children, and families for over 25 years. I began my career as a home-based family therapist working to keep at risk children in their homes. This position allowed me the opportunity to work with children with a wide range of diagnoses, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorders, various Anxiety Disorders, and Aspergers Disorder. While working with adolescents and young adults, I have provided treatment for suicidal ideation, self-mutilating behaviors, and eating disorders.
Jason Crouch
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
My approach is rooted in building trust and rapport, creating a space where open communication and exploration can flourish by utilizing multiple approaches including Play and Cognitive-Behavorial Therapy.
I have a strong passion for working with children, preteens, teenagers, and their families. Difficult struggles including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and anger management problems can affect people of all ages. Regardless of whether these issues are due in part to trauma, family changes, abuse, or other factors, I help my clients to feel more self-assured and to succeed on their own. By delving deep into the individual and grasping their unique perspective of the world around them, we can help them on their journey forward.
My approach is rooted in building trust and rapport, creating a space where open communication and exploration can flourish by utilizing multiple approaches including Play and Cognitive-Behavorial Therapy.
I have a strong passion for working with children, preteens, teenagers, and their families. Difficult struggles including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and anger management problems can affect people of all ages. Regardless of whether these issues are due in part to trauma, family changes, abuse, or other factors, I help my clients to feel more self-assured and to succeed on their own. By delving deep into the individual and grasping their unique perspective of the world around them, we can help them on their journey forward.
Mollie Hobbs
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT- C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (Online Only)
Parents/caregivers play an important role in treatment.
April 2024- Now accepting new clients. Virtual/Telehealth Only. Hello! I am glad you are here. Starting therapy can seem overwhelming. Sometimes the hardest part is finding a therapist you can connect with. And I hope I am that therapist for you. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space where my clients feel seen, heard, and valued. I have a passion for working with preteens, teens, and young adults. As a play-based therapist, I understand the value of play for children and adults of all ages. Play creates a safe arena for those to learn about themselves and the world around them.
Parents/caregivers play an important role in treatment.
April 2024- Now accepting new clients. Virtual/Telehealth Only. Hello! I am glad you are here. Starting therapy can seem overwhelming. Sometimes the hardest part is finding a therapist you can connect with. And I hope I am that therapist for you. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space where my clients feel seen, heard, and valued. I have a passion for working with preteens, teens, and young adults. As a play-based therapist, I understand the value of play for children and adults of all ages. Play creates a safe arena for those to learn about themselves and the world around them.
Ray'shionne Smith
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, LPC-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
I use play therapy which is a form of psychotherapy using play to address mental, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
Life continuously throws curve balls and coping can be difficult when you are a child and are not in direct control of your environment and situations. Sometimes children need someone to sit with and help process so many complicated emotions, feelings, and thoughts. I appreciate empowering the clients I meet with and I believe in the transformative value of having a listening ear. I want to be that person for your child and encourage them to shine through all of it. I believe your child can be a fierce light in this world despite their circumstances.
I use play therapy which is a form of psychotherapy using play to address mental, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
Life continuously throws curve balls and coping can be difficult when you are a child and are not in direct control of your environment and situations. Sometimes children need someone to sit with and help process so many complicated emotions, feelings, and thoughts. I appreciate empowering the clients I meet with and I believe in the transformative value of having a listening ear. I want to be that person for your child and encourage them to shine through all of it. I believe your child can be a fierce light in this world despite their circumstances.
Haley Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Yukon, OK 73099
I use play/art therapy techniques for littles and I'm an ADHD-CCSP.
The truth is life can definitely be challenging at times and sometimes you just need a little extra help to figure out what to do next. Whether you are experiencing current or past trauma, going through a stressful life event, experiencing anxiety or depression or if you just need someone to listen and help challenge you to grow as a person, I offer a genuine place to be heard and work together. I offer guidance to learn, process and grow into the best version of you. I often utilized CBT as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which has been proven to work for PTSD, trauma, Anxiety, Depression, grief, etc.
I use play/art therapy techniques for littles and I'm an ADHD-CCSP.
The truth is life can definitely be challenging at times and sometimes you just need a little extra help to figure out what to do next. Whether you are experiencing current or past trauma, going through a stressful life event, experiencing anxiety or depression or if you just need someone to listen and help challenge you to grow as a person, I offer a genuine place to be heard and work together. I offer guidance to learn, process and grow into the best version of you. I often utilized CBT as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which has been proven to work for PTSD, trauma, Anxiety, Depression, grief, etc.
Braiden Green
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Shawnee, OK 74804
Additionally, Braiden has completed level I of the Gottman Method training and has received additional training in IFS therapy and play therapy, as well as in an evidence-based approach for identification and intervention of co-dependency and narcissism.
Braiden Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Southern Nazarene University. She has been working in behavioral health for more than five years, beginning as a Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Specialist and Case Manager. As a therapist, Braiden has received specific training in treatment practices for a variety of childhood and adolescent, as well as adult mental health care needs.
Additionally, Braiden has completed level I of the Gottman Method training and has received additional training in IFS therapy and play therapy, as well as in an evidence-based approach for identification and intervention of co-dependency and narcissism.
Braiden Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Southern Nazarene University. She has been working in behavioral health for more than five years, beginning as a Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Specialist and Case Manager. As a therapist, Braiden has received specific training in treatment practices for a variety of childhood and adolescent, as well as adult mental health care needs.
Carli Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Waitlist for new clients
I have received additional training in EMDR and play therapy.
In therapy, my goal is to help empower you to find healing and solutions for many of the issues you may be facing. I balance empathy and collaboration to create a safe space for you to grow at your own pace. Together we will work to understand and find healthy ways to cope with the symptoms you are facing. We will look back on your past experiences with compassion to explore how they've impacted who you are today and where you want to go in the future.
I have received additional training in EMDR and play therapy.
In therapy, my goal is to help empower you to find healing and solutions for many of the issues you may be facing. I balance empathy and collaboration to create a safe space for you to grow at your own pace. Together we will work to understand and find healthy ways to cope with the symptoms you are facing. We will look back on your past experiences with compassion to explore how they've impacted who you are today and where you want to go in the future.
Elaine Demke
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edmond, OK 73013
I have had training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative, and Play Therapy.
Asking for help is one of the hardest things to do. It can make you feel defeated and vulnerable, however, it is the first step to overcome the obstacles in your life. After overcoming this step, the last thing you want to do is to tell a stranger your most inner thoughts. I will provide an environment that encourages trust, open communication, and understanding. I believe it is important to collaborate with my clients as each client is the expert of their own lives. It is my personal goal to empower and develop the skills my client needs to address any issues that are prohibiting them from living the life that they want to live.
I have had training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative, and Play Therapy.
Asking for help is one of the hardest things to do. It can make you feel defeated and vulnerable, however, it is the first step to overcome the obstacles in your life. After overcoming this step, the last thing you want to do is to tell a stranger your most inner thoughts. I will provide an environment that encourages trust, open communication, and understanding. I believe it is important to collaborate with my clients as each client is the expert of their own lives. It is my personal goal to empower and develop the skills my client needs to address any issues that are prohibiting them from living the life that they want to live.
Emily Linsky
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
At my core, I believe that play is an essential part of a human interaction. This is because I wholeheartedly believe that play should not end at a certain age, or when a child is “too old”. From a young age, play is how we learn boundaries and social skills. Play can also be used to process trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and much more. Play therapy can help build trust and attachment with your child, while the both of you learn more helpful behaviors and how to express your emotions. I encourage a child’s caregivers to take an active role in the therapeutic process.
At my core, I believe that play is an essential part of a human interaction. This is because I wholeheartedly believe that play should not end at a certain age, or when a child is “too old”. From a young age, play is how we learn boundaries and social skills. Play can also be used to process trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and much more. Play therapy can help build trust and attachment with your child, while the both of you learn more helpful behaviors and how to express your emotions. I encourage a child’s caregivers to take an active role in the therapeutic process.
Sunstone Family Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oklahoma City, OK 73114
I use experiential, art, and play therapy, along with parental participation, to help children express themselves and make sense of their own unique worlds.
My approach to therapy involves focusing on the family unit, meeting each individual family member where they’re at while treating them as an important part of the therapeutic process. I do this by treating each family member equally and with compassion. I often get calls from parents asking me to help their child and my response is always the same… “Let's work together to help your kiddo.” Studies show that when parents are involved, kids recover from trauma significantly faster.
I use experiential, art, and play therapy, along with parental participation, to help children express themselves and make sense of their own unique worlds.
My approach to therapy involves focusing on the family unit, meeting each individual family member where they’re at while treating them as an important part of the therapeutic process. I do this by treating each family member equally and with compassion. I often get calls from parents asking me to help their child and my response is always the same… “Let's work together to help your kiddo.” Studies show that when parents are involved, kids recover from trauma significantly faster.
Ruth LeFan
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW-P, MSW U/S
Verified Verified
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
Waitlist for new clients
I primarily use TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), as well as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and other play-based therapy techniques.
I serve children, adolescents, and their families, especially those who are affected by trauma, attachment difficulties, and other behavioral and mood regulation issues.
I primarily use TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), as well as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and other play-based therapy techniques.
I serve children, adolescents, and their families, especially those who are affected by trauma, attachment difficulties, and other behavioral and mood regulation issues.
Dr. Leisha Tompkins
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edmond, OK 73034
Offering clinical therapy & diagnostic testing in Edmond for children through young adults. ADHD/ASD embraced! Are you or your child are feeling overwhelmed by stress, social situations, or mood fluctuations? Need better coping or problem-solving skills? My approach involves a felt sense of safety and connection, using evidence-based therapies: play & sand tray therapies, Polyvagal Theory, IFS, & CBT. Experienced clinical psychologist. I offer expertise in neurodivergence as well as pressures affecting all young adults. Relatable & engaging, I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, ASD, emotional, & social difficulties. Email me!
Offering clinical therapy & diagnostic testing in Edmond for children through young adults. ADHD/ASD embraced! Are you or your child are feeling overwhelmed by stress, social situations, or mood fluctuations? Need better coping or problem-solving skills? My approach involves a felt sense of safety and connection, using evidence-based therapies: play & sand tray therapies, Polyvagal Theory, IFS, & CBT. Experienced clinical psychologist. I offer expertise in neurodivergence as well as pressures affecting all young adults. Relatable & engaging, I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, ASD, emotional, & social difficulties. Email me!
Ally Randels
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHR, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oklahoma City, OK 73104 (Online Only)
Telehealth Only - At this time I am only accepting teen and adult clients. Thank you for being here! I applaud all that you are and all that you bring here! I am honored to hear your story and share this chapter with you. I have worked with children, teens, adults, and families that need an extra hand to partner through daily difficulties, challenging behaviors, emotional adjustments, and traumatic experiences. My favorite way to get through the hard stuff is to add a little play-based therapy to the mix! You can get a taste of my therapy style by visiting "Therapy with Ally" on social media!
Telehealth Only - At this time I am only accepting teen and adult clients. Thank you for being here! I applaud all that you are and all that you bring here! I am honored to hear your story and share this chapter with you. I have worked with children, teens, adults, and families that need an extra hand to partner through daily difficulties, challenging behaviors, emotional adjustments, and traumatic experiences. My favorite way to get through the hard stuff is to add a little play-based therapy to the mix! You can get a taste of my therapy style by visiting "Therapy with Ally" on social media!
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.