Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
Ellie Mental Health Philadelphia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Our providers are experts in Individual Therapy, Online Therapy, Family Therapy, Grief Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Dance and Movement Therapy, and more.
Ellie Mental Health Philadelphia is accepting patients with immediate availability for both in-person or virtual appointments!
Our providers are experts in Individual Therapy, Online Therapy, Family Therapy, Grief Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Dance and Movement Therapy, and more.
Ellie Mental Health Philadelphia is accepting patients with immediate availability for both in-person or virtual appointments!
Penny Orr
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, ATR-BC, ATCS, RPT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Creative Art Therapist and Registered Play Therapist.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious? Through stress management, identity exploration, mindfulness, and active listening, I hope that I can help you to understand yourself better, love yourself more and manage your feelings and behaviors better. I use a combination of counseling, art therapy, play therapy, and pet therapy(depending on interest and age) to help you to be comfortable with the person that you are instead of the person you think you should be.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Creative Art Therapist and Registered Play Therapist.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious? Through stress management, identity exploration, mindfulness, and active listening, I hope that I can help you to understand yourself better, love yourself more and manage your feelings and behaviors better. I use a combination of counseling, art therapy, play therapy, and pet therapy(depending on interest and age) to help you to be comfortable with the person that you are instead of the person you think you should be.
Holly Olshefski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Mindfulness Based Play and Family Therapy and Parenting by Connection training have provided me with experience and interventions to help parents empathically listen to and respond to a wide variety of issues facing children.
I specialize in therapy care for children, teens, young adults & families. Parents are included as part of the therapy process from start to finish. Individual clients are seen as well using a relational and humanistic lens. Issues you may want to focus on: building cooperation & fostering openness instead of hostility & defiance; growing self esteem & confidence instead of fearfulness, clinging & sadness; increasing tolerance, self control instead of tantrums & aggression. Our work will heal family patterns of discord, hurt & division & will help children along their journey of becoming a confident, well rounded individual.
Mindfulness Based Play and Family Therapy and Parenting by Connection training have provided me with experience and interventions to help parents empathically listen to and respond to a wide variety of issues facing children.
I specialize in therapy care for children, teens, young adults & families. Parents are included as part of the therapy process from start to finish. Individual clients are seen as well using a relational and humanistic lens. Issues you may want to focus on: building cooperation & fostering openness instead of hostility & defiance; growing self esteem & confidence instead of fearfulness, clinging & sadness; increasing tolerance, self control instead of tantrums & aggression. Our work will heal family patterns of discord, hurt & division & will help children along their journey of becoming a confident, well rounded individual.
Victoria Galperin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19106
I utilize a variety of modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, Play Therapy, behavior modification, solution focused, and strength based.
Whether you are trying to navigate day-to-day challenges, improve your awareness and the quality of your relationships, or resolve issues from your past, my goal for our sessions is for you to feel seen, supported and empowered to release the burdens that may hold you back and to move forward. I have twelve years of experience working in community mental and health and group practices with adults and children, in a one on one as well as in a group setting. Currently providing in person and virtual sessions.
I utilize a variety of modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, Play Therapy, behavior modification, solution focused, and strength based.
Whether you are trying to navigate day-to-day challenges, improve your awareness and the quality of your relationships, or resolve issues from your past, my goal for our sessions is for you to feel seen, supported and empowered to release the burdens that may hold you back and to move forward. I have twelve years of experience working in community mental and health and group practices with adults and children, in a one on one as well as in a group setting. Currently providing in person and virtual sessions.
Sankofa Healing Studio - Jacqui Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, ATR-BC, CCMHC, PMH-C, RYT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Waitlist for new clients
As a Somatic Healing Justice Art, Play, & Hip-Hop Therapist, I view you as the master of your own narrative; my purpose is to walk beside you, offering light through the shadows when the path seems unclear. Together, we will navigate the unique landscape of your experiences. Embracing the principle of 'Sankofa', we recognize the courage in looking back to forge ahead, using this reflection to craft the narrative you aspire to live by. My approach integrates creative practices grounded in the understanding of trauma's impact on the brain, aiming to help you sculpt the life narrative you seek.
As a Somatic Healing Justice Art, Play, & Hip-Hop Therapist, I view you as the master of your own narrative; my purpose is to walk beside you, offering light through the shadows when the path seems unclear. Together, we will navigate the unique landscape of your experiences. Embracing the principle of 'Sankofa', we recognize the courage in looking back to forge ahead, using this reflection to craft the narrative you aspire to live by. My approach integrates creative practices grounded in the understanding of trauma's impact on the brain, aiming to help you sculpt the life narrative you seek.
Luke Romano
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19106
My work with children and youth emphasizes the roles of free play and family involvement in healing, self-expression, and healthy development.
My areas of expertise include challenges navigating social life, relationships, and life transitions, coping with traumatic experiences, and understanding complex family dynamics. With advanced training in relational psychodynamic therapy, I specialize in trauma informed mental health treatment based on the development of a strong therapeutic relationship. My goal is to create a comfortable and judgment free therapeutic space within which children, youth, and adults can explore, heal, and grow.
My work with children and youth emphasizes the roles of free play and family involvement in healing, self-expression, and healthy development.
My areas of expertise include challenges navigating social life, relationships, and life transitions, coping with traumatic experiences, and understanding complex family dynamics. With advanced training in relational psychodynamic therapy, I specialize in trauma informed mental health treatment based on the development of a strong therapeutic relationship. My goal is to create a comfortable and judgment free therapeutic space within which children, youth, and adults can explore, heal, and grow.
Susan Kaye-Huntington
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118
I use many different approaches in helping individuals and families deal with problems that concern them but have special training in the use of the visual arts and play in therapy, and in hypnosis.
I believe an important part of the therapy process is developing a flexible and collaborative relationship in which the client feels safe to explore, understand, and change relationships and behaviors, so that he or she may grow in a satisfying, creative, and life enhancing way. I have worked as a clinician for over twenty years and maintain a general practice for adults, families and children.
I use many different approaches in helping individuals and families deal with problems that concern them but have special training in the use of the visual arts and play in therapy, and in hypnosis.
I believe an important part of the therapy process is developing a flexible and collaborative relationship in which the client feels safe to explore, understand, and change relationships and behaviors, so that he or she may grow in a satisfying, creative, and life enhancing way. I have worked as a clinician for over twenty years and maintain a general practice for adults, families and children.
Jacquelyn Farasat
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Online Only)
When working with children and families, she often uses play therapy to foster relational skills, develop emotional awareness and self-regulation skills, and promot.
Jacquelyn Farasat is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds National Counselor Certification and is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has 8 years of experience supporting the emotional, social, and personal growth and well-being of children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and group formats. Jacquelyn has a Master’s degree in Counseling and a Master’s degree in Education. She strives to develop a caring relationship with the client that is built on trust, respect, and collaboration.
When working with children and families, she often uses play therapy to foster relational skills, develop emotional awareness and self-regulation skills, and promot.
Jacquelyn Farasat is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds National Counselor Certification and is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has 8 years of experience supporting the emotional, social, and personal growth and well-being of children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and group formats. Jacquelyn has a Master’s degree in Counseling and a Master’s degree in Education. She strives to develop a caring relationship with the client that is built on trust, respect, and collaboration.
Samantha A Duranti
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
Knowing that therapy is not a one size fits all, I employ the use of play therapy, CBT, psychodynamic, structural family therapy, solution focused, narrative and attachment-based therapy.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Maybe disruptive behavior is making it difficult to connect with your child or teenager. Maybe you are struggling in your relationship with your partner or even in the relationship you have with yourself. Hi! I’m Samantha and I work together with my clients, who include children, adolescents, adults, and families, to find realistic and creative solutions to the struggles they are facing. I enjoy drawing on the strengths of my clients and being a part of their journey of making the changes they want in their lives.
Knowing that therapy is not a one size fits all, I employ the use of play therapy, CBT, psychodynamic, structural family therapy, solution focused, narrative and attachment-based therapy.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Maybe disruptive behavior is making it difficult to connect with your child or teenager. Maybe you are struggling in your relationship with your partner or even in the relationship you have with yourself. Hi! I’m Samantha and I work together with my clients, who include children, adolescents, adults, and families, to find realistic and creative solutions to the struggles they are facing. I enjoy drawing on the strengths of my clients and being a part of their journey of making the changes they want in their lives.
Stefani Dzikiy-Wasil
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
I have experience with co-occurring disorders, mental health assessments, play therapy, anger management, trauma, anxiety, depression, and case management services; I have both provided clinical supervision and training in a variety of community counseling settings.
Sometimes you just need someone to listen and be there. Everyone experiences difficult situations from time to time and counseling can help you keep things in perspective and maintain a hopeful outlook. I would describe myself as creative, flexible, results driven, and interested in lifelong learning.
I have experience with co-occurring disorders, mental health assessments, play therapy, anger management, trauma, anxiety, depression, and case management services; I have both provided clinical supervision and training in a variety of community counseling settings.
Sometimes you just need someone to listen and be there. Everyone experiences difficult situations from time to time and counseling can help you keep things in perspective and maintain a hopeful outlook. I would describe myself as creative, flexible, results driven, and interested in lifelong learning.
Maxine Margolies
Psychologist, MFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Because children express themselves most easily through play, I often will use play to better understand your child.
The essence of therapy is to free the present from the past. Together, we can see how issues from your childhood, can be blocking your present-day well-being. This understanding will give you the tools to move beyond the stuck places, and to live more fully in the present. Motivation increases, and change becomes possible, furthering positive growth, with my ongoing support. A thorough assessment, allows the therapy to focus on strategies for change.
Because children express themselves most easily through play, I often will use play to better understand your child.
The essence of therapy is to free the present from the past. Together, we can see how issues from your childhood, can be blocking your present-day well-being. This understanding will give you the tools to move beyond the stuck places, and to live more fully in the present. Motivation increases, and change becomes possible, furthering positive growth, with my ongoing support. A thorough assessment, allows the therapy to focus on strategies for change.
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Lucero Rave
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19134
I use different resources and integrate multiple modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused, and play therapy.
Hi there, I'm Lucy! I am a licensed clinical social worker looking to create a connection and an atmosphere where you can feel supported and comfortable to share openly your concerns. I see individuals of all ages and stages and incorporate a range of strategies to best promote growth and healing while creating a fun and engaging experience for those younger clients.
I use different resources and integrate multiple modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused, and play therapy.
Hi there, I'm Lucy! I am a licensed clinical social worker looking to create a connection and an atmosphere where you can feel supported and comfortable to share openly your concerns. I see individuals of all ages and stages and incorporate a range of strategies to best promote growth and healing while creating a fun and engaging experience for those younger clients.
Diany Fermin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
My therapeutic style is Eclectic where I use various evidence based therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness, Narrative, Play Therapy,Positive Psychology, Psycho-education, Solution Focused.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, bipolar disorder, OCD, ODD, PTSD, and ADHD. We'll use a whole self and client centered approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit.
My therapeutic style is Eclectic where I use various evidence based therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness, Narrative, Play Therapy,Positive Psychology, Psycho-education, Solution Focused.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, bipolar disorder, OCD, ODD, PTSD, and ADHD. We'll use a whole self and client centered approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit.
Nicole Thompson Cartwright
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102 (Online Only)
For children, I incorporate play therapy techniques to help them gain and practice skills.
Hello, I'm Niki. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you struggling yourself, or maybe your child is concerning you? Let's talk, and we can work together to find solutions. I help others to find patterns in their lives that are keeping them stuck, and find ways to become unstuck. We'll find what is working and build on your strengths. We'll also find what isn't working, and develop a plan that's right for you.
For children, I incorporate play therapy techniques to help them gain and practice skills.
Hello, I'm Niki. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you struggling yourself, or maybe your child is concerning you? Let's talk, and we can work together to find solutions. I help others to find patterns in their lives that are keeping them stuck, and find ways to become unstuck. We'll find what is working and build on your strengths. We'll also find what isn't working, and develop a plan that's right for you.
Diane W Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I have trained extensively at the Play Therapy Training Institute in New Jersey, in addition to other training centers.
How can I help you? Whatever the obstacles are that stand in the way of your happiness, success, or satisfaction, I would like to help you overcome them. I am compassionate, understanding, smart and insightful. I have over twenty years of experience, education and specialized training. In my opinion, change comes from gaining insight into and understanding about oneself. My treatment orientation is psychodynamic but I incorporate other treatment modalities as well, such as cognitive and behavioral therapies. I see individuals, couples, adolescents and children. I look forward to the opportunity to help you.
I have trained extensively at the Play Therapy Training Institute in New Jersey, in addition to other training centers.
How can I help you? Whatever the obstacles are that stand in the way of your happiness, success, or satisfaction, I would like to help you overcome them. I am compassionate, understanding, smart and insightful. I have over twenty years of experience, education and specialized training. In my opinion, change comes from gaining insight into and understanding about oneself. My treatment orientation is psychodynamic but I incorporate other treatment modalities as well, such as cognitive and behavioral therapies. I see individuals, couples, adolescents and children. I look forward to the opportunity to help you.
Kim Finnie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19115
The primary therapeutic approaches Kim uses are: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Sand Play, EMDR.
Some of human suffering is about the way we experience the events of our lives rather than the things themselves. Therapy offers an opportunity to bring awareness to our experiences and change our relationship to them rather than try to change the events themselves. Through this approach, we gain a sense of control in our lives and positively experience and influence its direction. If we believe that we have power within us to achieve health and happiness, then the events in our lives that cause us pain and suffering can be seen as an opportunity to learn about ourselves and experience personal growth.
The primary therapeutic approaches Kim uses are: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Sand Play, EMDR.
Some of human suffering is about the way we experience the events of our lives rather than the things themselves. Therapy offers an opportunity to bring awareness to our experiences and change our relationship to them rather than try to change the events themselves. Through this approach, we gain a sense of control in our lives and positively experience and influence its direction. If we believe that we have power within us to achieve health and happiness, then the events in our lives that cause us pain and suffering can be seen as an opportunity to learn about ourselves and experience personal growth.
Charles L Solomon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MBA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19131 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My approaches include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Behavior Modification Rational Emotive Therapy Solution Focused Therapy Yalom's Therapeutic Factors (Group) Relaxation Therapy Psycho-Pharmaceutical Education Forgiveness Empowerment Principles Play Therapy.
Throughout a lifetime, we are reminded of our own mortality by a continuous journey fraught with hurdles and complications that cause not only physical, but emotional pain as well. Often, along with that journey, we discover the desired destination is full of stressors that inhibit our strive, accomplishments, and ultimately, our very joy and sense of fulfillment.
My approaches include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Behavior Modification Rational Emotive Therapy Solution Focused Therapy Yalom's Therapeutic Factors (Group) Relaxation Therapy Psycho-Pharmaceutical Education Forgiveness Empowerment Principles Play Therapy.
Throughout a lifetime, we are reminded of our own mortality by a continuous journey fraught with hurdles and complications that cause not only physical, but emotional pain as well. Often, along with that journey, we discover the desired destination is full of stressors that inhibit our strive, accomplishments, and ultimately, our very joy and sense of fulfillment.
Bridget McElroy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19130
I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, play therapy (directive and non-directive), and narrative therapy during my sessions, adapting to the unique needs and preferences of each client.
My therapeutic approach is strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming. My primary focus is working with autistic and other neurodivergent children (age 4 and up), teens, and young adults as they navigate a world that can be confusing and complex. I also work with individuals with anxiety, depression, sensory processing differences, executive functioning challenges, and divergent ways of communicating and socializing. In particular, I have significant experience supporting teens and young adults as they transition to adulthood, helping them navigate this daunting but exciting time in their lives.
I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, play therapy (directive and non-directive), and narrative therapy during my sessions, adapting to the unique needs and preferences of each client.
My therapeutic approach is strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming. My primary focus is working with autistic and other neurodivergent children (age 4 and up), teens, and young adults as they navigate a world that can be confusing and complex. I also work with individuals with anxiety, depression, sensory processing differences, executive functioning challenges, and divergent ways of communicating and socializing. In particular, I have significant experience supporting teens and young adults as they transition to adulthood, helping them navigate this daunting but exciting time in their lives.
Michelle Clemmer (Healing Families Llc)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT, MEd
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Do you have a child or teenager that you are worried about? Have they exhibited behaviors that are getting them into trouble? Children, like adults, need to learn healthy coping skills to manage the stressors of today's world. Issues such as divorce, loss of a loved one, school and peer pressures can be challenging for families particularly during the uncertainty of a global pandemic. As a registered play therapist, I work within the context of family therapy to provide a safe space for children to address their deep emotions while providing support and education to parents so they can continue the healing process at home.
Do you have a child or teenager that you are worried about? Have they exhibited behaviors that are getting them into trouble? Children, like adults, need to learn healthy coping skills to manage the stressors of today's world. Issues such as divorce, loss of a loved one, school and peer pressures can be challenging for families particularly during the uncertainty of a global pandemic. As a registered play therapist, I work within the context of family therapy to provide a safe space for children to address their deep emotions while providing support and education to parents so they can continue the healing process at home.
Geoff Gardner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19101
I have years of experience utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy elements with a person-centered approach as well as Mindfulness-Based, Family, and Play therapy.
Sometimes life can become difficult to handle on your own, and even asking for help can seem overwhelming or unattainable. I am here to tell you that it is normal and healthy to seek out help and support if you are finding yourself struggling, feeling stuck, or overwhelmed. Everyone deserves a chance to live a happy and fulfilled life. My goal is to help provide you with a positive direction towards meeting your own personalized goals.
I have years of experience utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy elements with a person-centered approach as well as Mindfulness-Based, Family, and Play therapy.
Sometimes life can become difficult to handle on your own, and even asking for help can seem overwhelming or unattainable. I am here to tell you that it is normal and healthy to seek out help and support if you are finding yourself struggling, feeling stuck, or overwhelmed. Everyone deserves a chance to live a happy and fulfilled life. My goal is to help provide you with a positive direction towards meeting your own personalized goals.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
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- Elkins Park
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- Havertown
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- Upper Darby
- Wynnewood
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.