Play Therapy in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Family Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
East Greenwich, RI 02818
Through integrative play therapy, I specialize in helping children work through trauma and loss.
Thank you for getting to know my counseling practice at The Family Institute of RI. I have worked for over thirty years with individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression and other mental health issues.
I have spent much of my practice working with children ages 3-12, teens, and adults. I have extensive knowledge and experience helping individuals and families involved in the family court system. And I am committed to helping individuals overcome obstacles that interfere with positive change and growth. I also work with individuals and couples struggling with relationship issues,as well as domestic abuse and anger management.
Through integrative play therapy, I specialize in helping children work through trauma and loss.
Thank you for getting to know my counseling practice at The Family Institute of RI. I have worked for over thirty years with individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression and other mental health issues.
I have spent much of my practice working with children ages 3-12, teens, and adults. I have extensive knowledge and experience helping individuals and families involved in the family court system. And I am committed to helping individuals overcome obstacles that interfere with positive change and growth. I also work with individuals and couples struggling with relationship issues,as well as domestic abuse and anger management.
Katie A Saraiva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrington, RI 02806
I utilize an electic approach to help my patients, consisting of: expressive therapies , CBT ( cognitive behavorial therapy), DBT ( dialectal behavioral therapy), play therapy and EMDR.
I have vast experience in working with adults, families, children and adolscents. I am dedicated to providing people with the support and guidance they need to achieve goals, learn coping mechansims and invest in leading an overall healthy lifestyle for your mind, body and spirit. I have experience working with miltary members/families, ADHD, behavioral issues in children, anxiety, depression, bipolar, life transitions, grief, trauma, Autism and several other areas.
I utilize an electic approach to help my patients, consisting of: expressive therapies , CBT ( cognitive behavorial therapy), DBT ( dialectal behavioral therapy), play therapy and EMDR.
I have vast experience in working with adults, families, children and adolscents. I am dedicated to providing people with the support and guidance they need to achieve goals, learn coping mechansims and invest in leading an overall healthy lifestyle for your mind, body and spirit. I have experience working with miltary members/families, ADHD, behavioral issues in children, anxiety, depression, bipolar, life transitions, grief, trauma, Autism and several other areas.
Jeffrey D Berthiaume
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
North Smithfield, RI 02896
I am a Licensed Child and Family Behavioral Therapist and received my Master's from New England College. I have been working with children, couples and families for over 18 years. I have spent the past 16 years using Behavioral Play Therapy with Preschool children, as well as with families utilizing a variety of treatment modalities which include Family Systems and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Issues I have years of experience treating both ADHD and ODD in young children. Over my eighteen years of experience, I have developed an unrelenting passion to help my clients achieve their personal goals.
I am a Licensed Child and Family Behavioral Therapist and received my Master's from New England College. I have been working with children, couples and families for over 18 years. I have spent the past 16 years using Behavioral Play Therapy with Preschool children, as well as with families utilizing a variety of treatment modalities which include Family Systems and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Issues I have years of experience treating both ADHD and ODD in young children. Over my eighteen years of experience, I have developed an unrelenting passion to help my clients achieve their personal goals.
Darlene D'Arezzo
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Providence, RI 02906
D'Arezzo has more than ten years experience providing treatment to children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults via "talk therapy", play therapy, sand tray, EMDR, and EAP.
“Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.” – Carl G. Jung.
D'Arezzo has more than ten years experience providing treatment to children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults via "talk therapy", play therapy, sand tray, EMDR, and EAP.
“Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.” – Carl G. Jung.
Arrow Behavioral Health
Counselor, MEd, LICSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
Newport, RI 02840
Having over 15 years experience with children and adolescents in psychiatric inpatient, agency and educational settings. I have had the opportunity to serve children, adolescents and families facing adversity. I have an eclectic approach to therapy, promoting a better understanding of the biological perspectives of mental health, while drawing from multiple treatment models including; internal family systems, trauma informed care, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, person centered therapy , reality therapy, solution focused and play therapy. I provide therapy to adults, children, adolescents and families.
Having over 15 years experience with children and adolescents in psychiatric inpatient, agency and educational settings. I have had the opportunity to serve children, adolescents and families facing adversity. I have an eclectic approach to therapy, promoting a better understanding of the biological perspectives of mental health, while drawing from multiple treatment models including; internal family systems, trauma informed care, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, person centered therapy , reality therapy, solution focused and play therapy. I provide therapy to adults, children, adolescents and families.
Sheila C Poirier
Counselor, LMHC, ATR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Smithfield, RI 02896
Waitlist for new clients
Expressive Therapy is a specialization tool that I utilize in therapy sessions by introducing art, creative writing, music, movement, drama and play to help individuals express themselves more effectively and without judgment.
"Trust The Process" is my professional mantra in which I help people through the therapeutic healing process in an expressive and non-intrusive style. I been in the behavioral health field for 27 years and I am still highly energized, empathetic and compassionate about my profession and the people I serve. Using traditional talk therapy as well as DBT and Expressive therapy modalities I focus on mindfulness, wellness and strength-based practices to empower people to be active and motivated for change, acceptance and letting go of the past which is holding back the healing today.
Expressive Therapy is a specialization tool that I utilize in therapy sessions by introducing art, creative writing, music, movement, drama and play to help individuals express themselves more effectively and without judgment.
"Trust The Process" is my professional mantra in which I help people through the therapeutic healing process in an expressive and non-intrusive style. I been in the behavioral health field for 27 years and I am still highly energized, empathetic and compassionate about my profession and the people I serve. Using traditional talk therapy as well as DBT and Expressive therapy modalities I focus on mindfulness, wellness and strength-based practices to empower people to be active and motivated for change, acceptance and letting go of the past which is holding back the healing today.
Caitlin Frumerie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warren, RI 02885
Through both in-person and telehealth sessions, I provide trauma-informed care utilizing a range of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Play Therapy techniques.
My approach is warm and engaging, meeting you where you are. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I tailor therapy to your unique needs. Seeking practical strategies, emotional support, and a safe space, you aim for calm, balance, and meaning. I offer compassion, humor, and empowerment as we work toward your goals.
Through both in-person and telehealth sessions, I provide trauma-informed care utilizing a range of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Play Therapy techniques.
My approach is warm and engaging, meeting you where you are. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I tailor therapy to your unique needs. Seeking practical strategies, emotional support, and a safe space, you aim for calm, balance, and meaning. I offer compassion, humor, and empowerment as we work toward your goals.
Megan Bradley
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
North Kingstown, RI 02852
I am a Holistic Therapist who practices an eclectic, person centered style, pulling from several different modalities. I am a trained EMDR practitioner, but I also utilize Mindfulness, Narrative therapy, CBT, and Play therapy. I work with clients aged 6 to 65. I have extensive experience working with trauma around domestic violence and abuse.
I am a Holistic Therapist who practices an eclectic, person centered style, pulling from several different modalities. I am a trained EMDR practitioner, but I also utilize Mindfulness, Narrative therapy, CBT, and Play therapy. I work with clients aged 6 to 65. I have extensive experience working with trauma around domestic violence and abuse.
Mari Dias
Counselor, EdD, NCC, FT, GC-C, CG-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Kingstown, RI 02852
This includes play, theatre, art and story telling therapies for children, which is modified for teens.
As both a thanatologist and certified grief counselor and a former hospice volunteer I find bereavement and end of life counseling is where I belong. It is humbling and gratifying; I am privileged to work with grieving a loss, both expected or traumatic, as well as spending the remaining months of an individual's life with them.I am also certified in complicated grief and hold a certificate in Psychological Autopsy autopsy. Moreover, I am a certified death doula.
This includes play, theatre, art and story telling therapies for children, which is modified for teens.
As both a thanatologist and certified grief counselor and a former hospice volunteer I find bereavement and end of life counseling is where I belong. It is humbling and gratifying; I am privileged to work with grieving a loss, both expected or traumatic, as well as spending the remaining months of an individual's life with them.I am also certified in complicated grief and hold a certificate in Psychological Autopsy autopsy. Moreover, I am a certified death doula.
Katherine Pescosolido
Counselor, PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
Warwick, RI 02888
Dr. Katherine Pescosolido is a licensed therapist specializing in couples, depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, pregnancy/post-partum issues, grief, health behavior change and parenting. Katherine has experience working with adults and families in a variety of clinical, research and outpatient settings. In her clinical work, she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered Therapy as well as expressive modalities such as play, music, and art.
Dr. Katherine Pescosolido is a licensed therapist specializing in couples, depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, pregnancy/post-partum issues, grief, health behavior change and parenting. Katherine has experience working with adults and families in a variety of clinical, research and outpatient settings. In her clinical work, she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered Therapy as well as expressive modalities such as play, music, and art.
Lori B Scheffler
Counselor, LMHC, LCDP, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portsmouth, RI 02871
I have specialized training working with children and families utilizing evidence based practices including play therapy.
Choosing a therapist for yourself or your child is a courageous step and the connection you have with your therapist is essential. I am an experienced psychotherapist providing therapy for children, adults and families. I utilize a strength based approach to empower you or your child to uncover personal strengths and skills to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. My clients come to me with a variety of concerns including depression, substance abuse and addiction, anxiety, parenting, relationship issues, grief and loss, or life transition. I work in a compassionate, collaborative and creative way.
I have specialized training working with children and families utilizing evidence based practices including play therapy.
Choosing a therapist for yourself or your child is a courageous step and the connection you have with your therapist is essential. I am an experienced psychotherapist providing therapy for children, adults and families. I utilize a strength based approach to empower you or your child to uncover personal strengths and skills to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. My clients come to me with a variety of concerns including depression, substance abuse and addiction, anxiety, parenting, relationship issues, grief and loss, or life transition. I work in a compassionate, collaborative and creative way.
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Dale Belluscio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Warwick, RI 02886
In my practice I use art/play and sand therapy for the children.
I have many years experience working with a wide age range from 3 to 90 yrs old. I believe in helping my clients find a sense of empowerment within. i believe everyone can be supported and helped in working with their mental illness and emotional issues. I create a warm, comfortable and safe environment for all of my clients. I offer day, evening and Saturday appointments, therefore there is usually not a wait list. I have worked with non profit agencies, the federal probation program, and in a group practice. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, ADHD, PTSD, trauma and many other diagnoses.
In my practice I use art/play and sand therapy for the children.
I have many years experience working with a wide age range from 3 to 90 yrs old. I believe in helping my clients find a sense of empowerment within. i believe everyone can be supported and helped in working with their mental illness and emotional issues. I create a warm, comfortable and safe environment for all of my clients. I offer day, evening and Saturday appointments, therefore there is usually not a wait list. I have worked with non profit agencies, the federal probation program, and in a group practice. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, ADHD, PTSD, trauma and many other diagnoses.
Tina Leavitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CGS, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cranston, RI 02910
Is it hard coping with daily stressors? My passion is working with children, teens, and families to help them understand and manage their emotions and behaviors in a supportive therapeutic environment. I assist parents and children with working through barriers that affect their everyday life through a warm and collaborative, strength-based approach. I utilize creative interventions to support children/adolescents to enhance their skills including play therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and collaborative/proactive problem-solving.
Is it hard coping with daily stressors? My passion is working with children, teens, and families to help them understand and manage their emotions and behaviors in a supportive therapeutic environment. I assist parents and children with working through barriers that affect their everyday life through a warm and collaborative, strength-based approach. I utilize creative interventions to support children/adolescents to enhance their skills including play therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and collaborative/proactive problem-solving.
Saira I. Qureshi
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Providence, RI 02903 (Online Only)
Working with children and adolescents brings up various treatment needs and goals in therapy. Through CBT, DBT, MBSR, PCIT, mentalization based therapeutic strategies and educational resources, role-playing, arts and play therapy as well as self-help worksheets, young clients will be able to develop appropriate expressive skills to share their wants and needs. Parents can collaborate in treatment by proactively learning parenting skills to best engage with their children and adolescents by becoming more responsive in establishing and maintaining secure attachment through consistently building on healthy, nurturing relationships.
Working with children and adolescents brings up various treatment needs and goals in therapy. Through CBT, DBT, MBSR, PCIT, mentalization based therapeutic strategies and educational resources, role-playing, arts and play therapy as well as self-help worksheets, young clients will be able to develop appropriate expressive skills to share their wants and needs. Parents can collaborate in treatment by proactively learning parenting skills to best engage with their children and adolescents by becoming more responsive in establishing and maintaining secure attachment through consistently building on healthy, nurturing relationships.
The Counseling Center at JCS
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Providence, RI 02904
Services Include • Individual and Family – In person and/or telehealth • Case management • Ages 3 and up - Specialties include: Seniors, Art Therapy, Child Play therapy, Grief therapy, Trauma-Informed Care.
For more than 50 years, The Counseling Center at JCS in Providence has offered hope and help to anyone facing life challenges. As a multidisciplinary team, we have decades of experience providing mental health services in both community and private practice settings. We provide counseling services to seniors, adults, adolescents, children, and families with a wide range of concerns, including, but not limited to: feeling overwhelmed or stressed, depressed mood, panic or anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, adjusting to life transitions and developmental stages, identity development, trauma recovery, etc.
Services Include • Individual and Family – In person and/or telehealth • Case management • Ages 3 and up - Specialties include: Seniors, Art Therapy, Child Play therapy, Grief therapy, Trauma-Informed Care.
For more than 50 years, The Counseling Center at JCS in Providence has offered hope and help to anyone facing life challenges. As a multidisciplinary team, we have decades of experience providing mental health services in both community and private practice settings. We provide counseling services to seniors, adults, adolescents, children, and families with a wide range of concerns, including, but not limited to: feeling overwhelmed or stressed, depressed mood, panic or anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, adjusting to life transitions and developmental stages, identity development, trauma recovery, etc.
Kelly McKenney Golden
Counselor, MAT, MA, CAGS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Portsmouth, RI 02871
I use a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) along with more non-traditional counseling such as play and art therapy.
I'm a licensed mental health counselor, LMHC, with over twelve years of experience working with a variety of populations. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help them overcome a range of psychological as well as behavioral and emotional concerns. Whether difficulties stem from a family issue, school issue or other situational factor, I can be a therapeutic resource.
I use a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) along with more non-traditional counseling such as play and art therapy.
I'm a licensed mental health counselor, LMHC, with over twelve years of experience working with a variety of populations. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help them overcome a range of psychological as well as behavioral and emotional concerns. Whether difficulties stem from a family issue, school issue or other situational factor, I can be a therapeutic resource.
Deanna Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Warwick, RI 02886
I specialize in using evidence-based treatment modalities tailored to your needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy techniques, Acceptance & Commitment, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions.
Immediate openings! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Rhode Island. After graduating from Rhode Island College with my Master of Social Work degree, I worked as a School Social Worker providing mental health, social skill, and behavioral support to children and adolescents. I have additional experience providing outpatient therapy within community mental health and supporting individuals facing stressors resulting from crisis, trauma, life transitions, and structural and systematic challenges.
I specialize in using evidence-based treatment modalities tailored to your needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy techniques, Acceptance & Commitment, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions.
Immediate openings! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Rhode Island. After graduating from Rhode Island College with my Master of Social Work degree, I worked as a School Social Worker providing mental health, social skill, and behavioral support to children and adolescents. I have additional experience providing outpatient therapy within community mental health and supporting individuals facing stressors resulting from crisis, trauma, life transitions, and structural and systematic challenges.
Gabrielle J Dworkin
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, RPT, GC-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Providence, RI 02904
A little bit about me... I am a Registered Play Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in RI/MA, Certified Grief Counselor and recently became certified as a Facilitator of the Broken Bowl Technique. I attended the Expressive Arts Institute at Salve Regina University. I am a former Board Member of the New England Association for Play Therapy. I see clients ages 2-12 individually, but do involve family members. I am in the office weekdays. I am NOT accepting any court involved cases requiring contact with: lawyers/GAL/DCYF/and court letters, as well as those that require a higher level of care due to safety issues.
A little bit about me... I am a Registered Play Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in RI/MA, Certified Grief Counselor and recently became certified as a Facilitator of the Broken Bowl Technique. I attended the Expressive Arts Institute at Salve Regina University. I am a former Board Member of the New England Association for Play Therapy. I see clients ages 2-12 individually, but do involve family members. I am in the office weekdays. I am NOT accepting any court involved cases requiring contact with: lawyers/GAL/DCYF/and court letters, as well as those that require a higher level of care due to safety issues.
Nancy R Guertin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol, RI 02809
I also have experience providing play therapy with younger children who are experiencing emotional dysregulation or other developmental issues.
I have 25+ years working in the field of mental health with children, adolescents, and adults. My wide range of experiences provides me with the knowledge and skills to help people through difficult times in their lives and guide them through the challenges, and sometimes, difficult transitions and adjustments. My job is to provide clients with new skills that empower them to look at their issues from a new perspective and empower them to engage in a change process.
I also have experience providing play therapy with younger children who are experiencing emotional dysregulation or other developmental issues.
I have 25+ years working in the field of mental health with children, adolescents, and adults. My wide range of experiences provides me with the knowledge and skills to help people through difficult times in their lives and guide them through the challenges, and sometimes, difficult transitions and adjustments. My job is to provide clients with new skills that empower them to look at their issues from a new perspective and empower them to engage in a change process.
RI Home Based Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Are you facing challenges in parenting, relationships, dealing with trauma, or navigating anxiety triggers? I have a deep understanding of these issues, drawn from my personal experiences. I’m passionate about helping others manage and overcome them. I love working with children, teenagers, & couples. I enjoy drawing children & adolescents in with play & art therapy. These creative approaches help them to express themselves & foster a strong therapeutic bond between us. I guide couples to move from distress, distance, or contention to a place of renewed closeness & intimacy.
Are you facing challenges in parenting, relationships, dealing with trauma, or navigating anxiety triggers? I have a deep understanding of these issues, drawn from my personal experiences. I’m passionate about helping others manage and overcome them. I love working with children, teenagers, & couples. I enjoy drawing children & adolescents in with play & art therapy. These creative approaches help them to express themselves & foster a strong therapeutic bond between us. I guide couples to move from distress, distance, or contention to a place of renewed closeness & intimacy.
See more therapy options for Rhode Island
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.