Play Therapy in The Woodlands, TX

Tanja Van Dam
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I have training in cognitive behavioral, cognitive therapy, behavioral, play therapy, trauma sensitive and mindfulness.
Everyone has moments in their lives when they do not feel equipped to handle what life has thrown at them. It is in these moments that enlisting the help of someone else, can improve your ability to cope. I have 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a diverse range of presenting problems. I am equipped to help clients cope with everyday stressors, as well as learning how to recover after a loss or trauma.
I have training in cognitive behavioral, cognitive therapy, behavioral, play therapy, trauma sensitive and mindfulness.
Everyone has moments in their lives when they do not feel equipped to handle what life has thrown at them. It is in these moments that enlisting the help of someone else, can improve your ability to cope. I have 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a diverse range of presenting problems. I am equipped to help clients cope with everyday stressors, as well as learning how to recover after a loss or trauma.
(281) 973-5669 View (281) 973-5669
Photo of Angela Pidala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in The Woodlands, TX
Angela Pidala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C, RPT™
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional, and Registered Play Therapist, I truly love the work I do.
Deciding to go to counseling takes a huge step of courage. Therefore, connecting with your counselor and feeling comfortable sharing your heart is a top priority. I will meet you where you are and provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Together we will work to process your thoughts and feelings during life's challenging moments and move you closer to living a life you value. Whether that is helping you navigate your world while hormones, conflicting emotions, postpartum anxiety symptoms, and/or physical body changes become daily experiences; Or your child learn emotional regulation, expand their window of tolerance or process trauma.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional, and Registered Play Therapist, I truly love the work I do.
Deciding to go to counseling takes a huge step of courage. Therefore, connecting with your counselor and feeling comfortable sharing your heart is a top priority. I will meet you where you are and provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Together we will work to process your thoughts and feelings during life's challenging moments and move you closer to living a life you value. Whether that is helping you navigate your world while hormones, conflicting emotions, postpartum anxiety symptoms, and/or physical body changes become daily experiences; Or your child learn emotional regulation, expand their window of tolerance or process trauma.
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Photo of Mindful Movements Counseling Center, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Mindful Movements Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
We are trained in approaches including EMDR, used for trauma & anxiety; Sandtray, using sand and figures that facilitate a deeper level of processing; Play therapy for children; Gottman, Bowen, & EFT to facilitate healthy communication for couples; Adlerian to explore patterns rooted in the past, CBT to help develop strategies for current problems, and more.
I'm Mikayla, and I am the founder of MMCC. We know it's hard to be vulnerable with a new person, not knowing how they’ll react to what you tell them. As your counselor, our role is to meet you where you’re at, take your hand, and walk with you at your own pace. We are passionate for holistic, mindful mental health counseling for kids, teens, couples, and adults in areas including trauma, DV and sexual assault, grief, faith-based counseling, anxiety, depression, codependency, self-esteem, identity, self-harming behaviors, relationships, parenting, and more. With 11 counselors on our team, we aim to have a counselor for everyone.
We are trained in approaches including EMDR, used for trauma & anxiety; Sandtray, using sand and figures that facilitate a deeper level of processing; Play therapy for children; Gottman, Bowen, & EFT to facilitate healthy communication for couples; Adlerian to explore patterns rooted in the past, CBT to help develop strategies for current problems, and more.
I'm Mikayla, and I am the founder of MMCC. We know it's hard to be vulnerable with a new person, not knowing how they’ll react to what you tell them. As your counselor, our role is to meet you where you’re at, take your hand, and walk with you at your own pace. We are passionate for holistic, mindful mental health counseling for kids, teens, couples, and adults in areas including trauma, DV and sexual assault, grief, faith-based counseling, anxiety, depression, codependency, self-esteem, identity, self-harming behaviors, relationships, parenting, and more. With 11 counselors on our team, we aim to have a counselor for everyone.
(713) 804-4955 View (713) 804-4955
Photo of Lauren Castillo Supervised By Jennifer J. Cain, LPC Associate in The Woodlands, TX
Lauren Castillo Supervised By Jennifer J. Cain
LPC Associate, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I offer Play Therapy for children and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adolescents.
Life can be difficult. Every person, regardless of their age, has their own unique experiences and hardships. However, no one should have to navigate through these difficulties on their own. I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment, regardless of what the client’s values or beliefs may be. I believe every person deserves respect and the right to tell and own their story. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of your journey and I applaud anyone who is beginning or returning to counseling!
I offer Play Therapy for children and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adolescents.
Life can be difficult. Every person, regardless of their age, has their own unique experiences and hardships. However, no one should have to navigate through these difficulties on their own. I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment, regardless of what the client’s values or beliefs may be. I believe every person deserves respect and the right to tell and own their story. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of your journey and I applaud anyone who is beginning or returning to counseling!
(832) 400-5091 View (832) 400-5091
Photo of Michelle MacLean, Licenced Professional Counselor Associate in The Woodlands, TX
Michelle MacLean
Licenced Professional Counselor Associate, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
For children ages 4-10, child centered play therapy allows them to fully express and explore self through play.
Adults, teens, and children alike often experience challenging moments on their life journey. Sometimes our thoughts and emotions feel so big and hard to manage. Sometimes we may feel uncertain about who we are and long to know ourselves better. Are you wanting to cope with life's challenges in a way that invites growth and connection with yourself and those you love to experience a more joy-filled journey? I am here to support you in working through whatever challenges you may be facing and support you in discovering for yourself and/or your child what you need to move toward healing, wholeness, and connection.
For children ages 4-10, child centered play therapy allows them to fully express and explore self through play.
Adults, teens, and children alike often experience challenging moments on their life journey. Sometimes our thoughts and emotions feel so big and hard to manage. Sometimes we may feel uncertain about who we are and long to know ourselves better. Are you wanting to cope with life's challenges in a way that invites growth and connection with yourself and those you love to experience a more joy-filled journey? I am here to support you in working through whatever challenges you may be facing and support you in discovering for yourself and/or your child what you need to move toward healing, wholeness, and connection.
(281) 868-6677 View (281) 868-6677
Photo of Alyssa Biestek, Marriage & Family Therapist in The Woodlands, TX
Alyssa Biestek
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I am working on becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and trained in TF-CBT and DBT.
Welcome...if you've noticed a shift in your own or your child’s mental health or if your teenager is distancing themselves, you're in the right place. If you are struggling with anxious feelings, confidence, and managing life transitions, that is okay. Being human comes with challenges for all of us, no matter what. It can be difficult to figure out how to navigate the transitions of school or work, relationships, and family dynamics. The first step of reaching out is the hardest. My goal is to welcome you into therapy with genuine care and work collaboratively with you and/or your child to heal and grow.
I am working on becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and trained in TF-CBT and DBT.
Welcome...if you've noticed a shift in your own or your child’s mental health or if your teenager is distancing themselves, you're in the right place. If you are struggling with anxious feelings, confidence, and managing life transitions, that is okay. Being human comes with challenges for all of us, no matter what. It can be difficult to figure out how to navigate the transitions of school or work, relationships, and family dynamics. The first step of reaching out is the hardest. My goal is to welcome you into therapy with genuine care and work collaboratively with you and/or your child to heal and grow.
(281) 595-8893 View (281) 595-8893
Photo of Kenna Earles, LPC Intern in The Woodlands, TX
Kenna Earles
LPC Intern, MA, LPC-A, CTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I focus in trauma, grief, life transitions, social/emotional challenges, women's issues, faith-based counseling, and play therapy for children. My main focus is helping clients take charge of their lives and find healing through compassionate empathy, grace, and encouragement in the therapeutic process and relationship, and find tangible tools that best work for their lives and situation. If you are struggling with perfectionism, trauma, childhood wounds, or relational concerns I would love to meet with you. I love working with grief and trauma concerns in children, and am a Certified Trauma Professional
I focus in trauma, grief, life transitions, social/emotional challenges, women's issues, faith-based counseling, and play therapy for children. My main focus is helping clients take charge of their lives and find healing through compassionate empathy, grace, and encouragement in the therapeutic process and relationship, and find tangible tools that best work for their lives and situation. If you are struggling with perfectionism, trauma, childhood wounds, or relational concerns I would love to meet with you. I love working with grief and trauma concerns in children, and am a Certified Trauma Professional
(281) 519-3108 View (281) 519-3108
Photo of Kristi Coats Evans, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Kristi Coats Evans
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Fear, anxiety, and shame are often the root causes of many of our society’s mental struggles and concerns. If you or your child feels like you are in a pit of despair or stuck in a destructive pattern of thinking, you may need help getting a new focus or sharing your burden with someone who can listen without judgement. My current specialty is play therapy and helping families with conflicts and struggling youth. I also enjoy helping adolescents or young adults who are suffering from depression or anxiety. My philosophy and interventions are faith based, research supported, and very solution focused. Reach out for help today
Fear, anxiety, and shame are often the root causes of many of our society’s mental struggles and concerns. If you or your child feels like you are in a pit of despair or stuck in a destructive pattern of thinking, you may need help getting a new focus or sharing your burden with someone who can listen without judgement. My current specialty is play therapy and helping families with conflicts and struggling youth. I also enjoy helping adolescents or young adults who are suffering from depression or anxiety. My philosophy and interventions are faith based, research supported, and very solution focused. Reach out for help today
(281) 612-7510 View (281) 612-7510
Photo of Jennifer Doyle, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Jennifer Doyle
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Play therapy is ideal for children to help them express their feelings in a way that is natural for them.
I have worked with adults, children, teens, and families for over 20 years as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I was originally licensed in Oklahoma in 2004 and became licensed in Texas when I moved here in 2013. At that time, I started my private practice. I see clients of all ages for individual and family counseling at the Grant Rd. location. I am only accepting adolescent clients (ages 12 and older) and adults at this time in the Woodlands location. I provide both mental health and substance use counseling (as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor).
Play therapy is ideal for children to help them express their feelings in a way that is natural for them.
I have worked with adults, children, teens, and families for over 20 years as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I was originally licensed in Oklahoma in 2004 and became licensed in Texas when I moved here in 2013. At that time, I started my private practice. I see clients of all ages for individual and family counseling at the Grant Rd. location. I am only accepting adolescent clients (ages 12 and older) and adults at this time in the Woodlands location. I provide both mental health and substance use counseling (as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor).
(832) 639-1161 View (832) 639-1161
Photo of Jenny Jacobs, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Jenny Jacobs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT, AAC
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I use play therapy and my partner named Oreo, who is a certified therapy animal.
Difficult situations of the past can have lasting effects on our futures. You’ve seen this first hand with your child or teen. Their life has been altered at such a young age, and they don’t know how to express their feelings towards it. So they express it by acting out; by being angry, not socializing like they used to, or by breaking the rules. It’s a burden seeing them go through this, and not knowing how to help them.
I use play therapy and my partner named Oreo, who is a certified therapy animal.
Difficult situations of the past can have lasting effects on our futures. You’ve seen this first hand with your child or teen. Their life has been altered at such a young age, and they don’t know how to express their feelings towards it. So they express it by acting out; by being angry, not socializing like they used to, or by breaking the rules. It’s a burden seeing them go through this, and not knowing how to help them.
(281) 801-9219 View (281) 801-9219
Photo of Dr. Sinem Akay-Sullivan, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Dr. Sinem Akay-Sullivan
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
As a Registered Play Therapist who is also specialized in activity therapy, sandtray therapy and expressive arts, I will provide the optimal environment for your child to achieve treatment goals.
Is your child struggling with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, ADHD, oppositional behaviors or other emotional and behavioral problems? Is a traumatic experience still following you or your child around? Are you having difficulties to find the best parenting style and discipline methods? With years of experience working with a wide variety of issues, I am here to help you and your loved ones to achieve your goals towards healing, happiness, and balance! I also work with adoptive and foster parents who want to learn better ways to help their children.
As a Registered Play Therapist who is also specialized in activity therapy, sandtray therapy and expressive arts, I will provide the optimal environment for your child to achieve treatment goals.
Is your child struggling with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, ADHD, oppositional behaviors or other emotional and behavioral problems? Is a traumatic experience still following you or your child around? Are you having difficulties to find the best parenting style and discipline methods? With years of experience working with a wide variety of issues, I am here to help you and your loved ones to achieve your goals towards healing, happiness, and balance! I also work with adoptive and foster parents who want to learn better ways to help their children.
(936) 427-3076 View (936) 427-3076
Photo of Lifestance Health - Ashley Hale, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Lifestance Health - Ashley Hale
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Her work at LifeStance is an “eclectic” mixture of therapies that includes expressive therapies such as art/music/play, narrative therapy, reality therapy, and CBT to name a few.
Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor. As a native Tennesean, she earned both her Bachelor’s of Psychology and Master’s of Community Counseling from the University of Tennessee. Her professor once said, “Play is a child’s most natural language.” That phrase, along with her love of the children, solidified Ashley’s career path. A job opportunity called her to Texas where she fell in love with breakfast tacos, blue bonnets and wide open spaces. She worked at an inpatient psychiatric hospital that exposed her to a variety of clinical diagnoses in the child and adolescent population.
Her work at LifeStance is an “eclectic” mixture of therapies that includes expressive therapies such as art/music/play, narrative therapy, reality therapy, and CBT to name a few.
Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor. As a native Tennesean, she earned both her Bachelor’s of Psychology and Master’s of Community Counseling from the University of Tennessee. Her professor once said, “Play is a child’s most natural language.” That phrase, along with her love of the children, solidified Ashley’s career path. A job opportunity called her to Texas where she fell in love with breakfast tacos, blue bonnets and wide open spaces. She worked at an inpatient psychiatric hospital that exposed her to a variety of clinical diagnoses in the child and adolescent population.
(210) 981-6251 View (210) 981-6251
Photo of Elizabeth Vargas, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Elizabeth Vargas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Tired, lost, confused, overwhelmed- you are not alone. I believe that with the right tools and the right support, everyone can find their inner strength and develop healthy coping strategies. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children and families. I enjoy working individually with all age ranges as well as supporting couples and the family unit. I focus on providing a safe environment, supporting each individual to reach their goals, while providing research evidence-based strategies to develop healthy coping skills.
Tired, lost, confused, overwhelmed- you are not alone. I believe that with the right tools and the right support, everyone can find their inner strength and develop healthy coping strategies. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children and families. I enjoy working individually with all age ranges as well as supporting couples and the family unit. I focus on providing a safe environment, supporting each individual to reach their goals, while providing research evidence-based strategies to develop healthy coping skills.
(281) 717-6746 View (281) 717-6746
Photo of Vanessa Pate, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Vanessa Pate
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
When working with children I utilize child-centered play therapy.
Glad you are here today! As a bilingual licensed mental health counselor, I am committed to creating a warm, inclusive, and compassionate environment where you are supported in becoming your best self. I work primarily with individuals and families who are seeking support regarding issues related to, trauma, anxiety, depression, highly sensitive and/or empathetic persons, adjustment and life transition, grief and loss, interpersonal issues, healthy communication and boundaries, and exploration of life purpose and meaning.
When working with children I utilize child-centered play therapy.
Glad you are here today! As a bilingual licensed mental health counselor, I am committed to creating a warm, inclusive, and compassionate environment where you are supported in becoming your best self. I work primarily with individuals and families who are seeking support regarding issues related to, trauma, anxiety, depression, highly sensitive and/or empathetic persons, adjustment and life transition, grief and loss, interpersonal issues, healthy communication and boundaries, and exploration of life purpose and meaning.
(713) 843-7199 View (713) 843-7199
Photo of Melissa Herrin Isaacks, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Melissa Herrin Isaacks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, and play therapy techniques as well as other treatment modalities in her sessions.
Melissa Isaacks is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 3 years of experience treating a wide range of mental illnesses, including ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, grief, loss, anger management, transitional disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. She takes great care to treat children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric clients with a warm and caring attitude. Melissa graduated from Texas Tech University with her Bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, and play therapy techniques as well as other treatment modalities in her sessions.
Melissa Isaacks is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 3 years of experience treating a wide range of mental illnesses, including ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, grief, loss, anger management, transitional disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. She takes great care to treat children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric clients with a warm and caring attitude. Melissa graduated from Texas Tech University with her Bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
(339) 218-3090 View (339) 218-3090
Photo of Michelle Byrd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in The Woodlands, TX
Michelle Byrd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Waitlist for new clients
I use play therapy along with teaching parenting skills.
Whether it's children with big feelings or behaviors they can’t control or teens struggling with sadness, anxiety, or stress, I'm here to help with teaching ways to identify and cope with these emotions. Perhaps you have a foster or adopted child who is struggling with behaviors due to the feelings of loss. Are you a caregiver of a teen or preteen and feel disconnected and need a way to understand each other? Are you divorced or going through a divorce and aren't co-parenting well? I help parents learn to co-parent effectively for the best interest of the child.
I use play therapy along with teaching parenting skills.
Whether it's children with big feelings or behaviors they can’t control or teens struggling with sadness, anxiety, or stress, I'm here to help with teaching ways to identify and cope with these emotions. Perhaps you have a foster or adopted child who is struggling with behaviors due to the feelings of loss. Are you a caregiver of a teen or preteen and feel disconnected and need a way to understand each other? Are you divorced or going through a divorce and aren't co-parenting well? I help parents learn to co-parent effectively for the best interest of the child.
(281) 519-3176 View (281) 519-3176
Photo of Emily A. Morris, Marriage & Family Therapist in The Woodlands, TX
Emily A. Morris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77381
Play is a critical part of a child’s world, and play therapy is an important part of my work with children.
We all struggle with the ups and downs of life. My passion is working with children (ages 3 and older) and families to promote healthy and happy individuals and relationships. I hope to help my clients enhance their own individual strengths, better their relationships with others, and enjoy the most out of everyday interactions and experiences. Solution Focused and Attachment-Based therapy are the primary approaches I utilize in treating clients. As human beings, I believe we are wired to connect with others and that individual change and healing influences relational change and healing.
Play is a critical part of a child’s world, and play therapy is an important part of my work with children.
We all struggle with the ups and downs of life. My passion is working with children (ages 3 and older) and families to promote healthy and happy individuals and relationships. I hope to help my clients enhance their own individual strengths, better their relationships with others, and enjoy the most out of everyday interactions and experiences. Solution Focused and Attachment-Based therapy are the primary approaches I utilize in treating clients. As human beings, I believe we are wired to connect with others and that individual change and healing influences relational change and healing.
(936) 209-7024 View (936) 209-7024
Photo of Dorie M Hoffart, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Dorie M Hoffart
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I offer a wide array of theoretical orientations including Adlerian therapy, relational therapy, Play therapy, CBT, DBT, family therapy, couples therapy and others.
"Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it life?" - Mary Oliver. There is more. As your therapist, my hope is that the journey we embark on together through your individual story, will offer you a solid foundation for growth, healing, and positive change. I bring an authentic, humorous, empathetic warmth while also challenging you to show up fully and bring your most present self. Through the therapeutic relationship and with you, the expert of your own life, we will access your strengths to navigate each moment.
I offer a wide array of theoretical orientations including Adlerian therapy, relational therapy, Play therapy, CBT, DBT, family therapy, couples therapy and others.
"Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it life?" - Mary Oliver. There is more. As your therapist, my hope is that the journey we embark on together through your individual story, will offer you a solid foundation for growth, healing, and positive change. I bring an authentic, humorous, empathetic warmth while also challenging you to show up fully and bring your most present self. Through the therapeutic relationship and with you, the expert of your own life, we will access your strengths to navigate each moment.
(281) 475-4620 View (281) 475-4620
Photo of Jennifer J. Cain, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Jennifer J. Cain
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I specialize in play therapy for children ages 3-8 and supervision for LPC Associates and RPT Interns (post graduate only). I do not accept insurance, but you can submit your claims for out-of-network reimbursement. Please contact me today to determine if we are a good match for this process, or if you have any questions.
I specialize in play therapy for children ages 3-8 and supervision for LPC Associates and RPT Interns (post graduate only). I do not accept insurance, but you can submit your claims for out-of-network reimbursement. Please contact me today to determine if we are a good match for this process, or if you have any questions.
(832) 734-6717 View (832) 734-6717
Photo of Stephanie Walsh, Licensed Professional Counselor in The Woodlands, TX
Stephanie Walsh
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I use play therapy often with children who are finding it hard to express themselves in words.
There is HOPE for bringing your family through hard times. I focus on helping children with a variety of concerns from behavior issues at home or in school to traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, divorce, and more. I counsel the child, the whole family or just the parents depending on what everyone needs. Adults who are dealing with anxiety or know they have experienced trauma in their life, this does not have to control you any longer, I can help.
I use play therapy often with children who are finding it hard to express themselves in words.
There is HOPE for bringing your family through hard times. I focus on helping children with a variety of concerns from behavior issues at home or in school to traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, divorce, and more. I counsel the child, the whole family or just the parents depending on what everyone needs. Adults who are dealing with anxiety or know they have experienced trauma in their life, this does not have to control you any longer, I can help.
(281) 730-5336 View (281) 730-5336

See more therapy options for The Woodlands

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.