Play Therapy in Bennington County, VT
Christian Weeks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manchester Center, VT 05255
Waitlist for new clients
In my work with children, I also utilize Play Therapy techniques to help them comfortably express and overcome challenges in their natural language.
I invite clients into a supportive atmosphere where they can share and explore their different emotions, experience empathy, and being fully heard. Clients will develop skills to better manage their upsets, fears, or relational challenges, both past and present. From a mindful perspective, I challenge clients to create a ‘half-full' mindset, to gradually move beyond emotional reactivity or overwhelm. Regardless of the challenge, clients will learn to see the opportunities in life, rather than falling victim to upsets, and will gradually move into a new way of being - one with a renewed sense of possibility, peace, and freedom.
In my work with children, I also utilize Play Therapy techniques to help them comfortably express and overcome challenges in their natural language.
I invite clients into a supportive atmosphere where they can share and explore their different emotions, experience empathy, and being fully heard. Clients will develop skills to better manage their upsets, fears, or relational challenges, both past and present. From a mindful perspective, I challenge clients to create a ‘half-full' mindset, to gradually move beyond emotional reactivity or overwhelm. Regardless of the challenge, clients will learn to see the opportunities in life, rather than falling victim to upsets, and will gradually move into a new way of being - one with a renewed sense of possibility, peace, and freedom.
Kara Dibble
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manchester, VT 05254 (Online Only)
My specialized training includes EMDR, Sand Play Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Yoga.
I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and have since been practicing as a Clinical Social Worker in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. My experience includes working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, presenting with a need for support in areas including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and navigating various life transitions. Through a client-centered, relationship-based, and trauma informed approach, I aim address all components that could be leading to discomfort, dysfunction, or need for additional support. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
My specialized training includes EMDR, Sand Play Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Yoga.
I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and have since been practicing as a Clinical Social Worker in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. My experience includes working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, presenting with a need for support in areas including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and navigating various life transitions. Through a client-centered, relationship-based, and trauma informed approach, I aim address all components that could be leading to discomfort, dysfunction, or need for additional support. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Kara Dibble
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manchester, VT 05254
I take a nonjudgmental, biopsychosocial approach with each client in order to address all components that could be leading to discomfort, dysfunction, or need for support in any area of life. Through various somatic trainings, and personal experience in utilizing these modalities over the last decade, my goal as a therapist is to offer compassionate understanding, as well as share with you the various tools that I've acquired along the way to support you in your self-regulation, healing, growth, and empowerment. I am trained in EMDR, Sand Play Therapy, DIR, Trauma-Informed Yoga, and meditations for brain health.
I take a nonjudgmental, biopsychosocial approach with each client in order to address all components that could be leading to discomfort, dysfunction, or need for support in any area of life. Through various somatic trainings, and personal experience in utilizing these modalities over the last decade, my goal as a therapist is to offer compassionate understanding, as well as share with you the various tools that I've acquired along the way to support you in your self-regulation, healing, growth, and empowerment. I am trained in EMDR, Sand Play Therapy, DIR, Trauma-Informed Yoga, and meditations for brain health.
Joanne Beck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Manchester Center, VT 05255
Waitlist for new clients
As a clinician my role is to support and advocate for your well being. How we get there is completely dependent on what works best for you. I am an EMDR Certified therapist and EMDR Child Specialist providing trauma informed therapy to both children and adults. I am trained in Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) helping parents and children repair their relationship through an evidence based approach. I also have experience providing solutions to those struggling with addiction discover paths to sobriety. I look forward to working with you!
As a clinician my role is to support and advocate for your well being. How we get there is completely dependent on what works best for you. I am an EMDR Certified therapist and EMDR Child Specialist providing trauma informed therapy to both children and adults. I am trained in Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) helping parents and children repair their relationship through an evidence based approach. I also have experience providing solutions to those struggling with addiction discover paths to sobriety. I look forward to working with you!
Emma Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manchester Center, VT 05255
I work with couples, families, and individuals looking to strengthen feelings of connection as they navigate relational challenges, transitions, and changes. I have witnessed the powerful healing that can occur when people, like you, allow themselves to be vulnerable and courageous in seeking support. I work to create an environment where people can feel safe to share their stories and open up about their challenges, strengths, values, perspectives, and hopes for the future. I believe in the importance of understanding problems through a systemic lens and supporting people in creating meaningful and lasting changes in their lives.
I work with couples, families, and individuals looking to strengthen feelings of connection as they navigate relational challenges, transitions, and changes. I have witnessed the powerful healing that can occur when people, like you, allow themselves to be vulnerable and courageous in seeking support. I work to create an environment where people can feel safe to share their stories and open up about their challenges, strengths, values, perspectives, and hopes for the future. I believe in the importance of understanding problems through a systemic lens and supporting people in creating meaningful and lasting changes in their lives.
Ginny Paige
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arlington, VT 05250 (Online Only)
Grief is an emotion often reserved for the passing of someone meaningful to us, but it’s also a normal emotion in life transitions, like job loss, a ruptured relationship, a move, an accident, the death of a pet, illness, trauma or an empty nest. These experiences may leave you grieving the loss of an idea, an expectation of what your life looked like or where it was going. Loss has a way of isolating a person from others. You may feel pressure to be doing better than you are, or to be further along an arbitrary timeline. Well-intentioned comments that don’t meet you where you are can leave you feeling even more alone.
Grief is an emotion often reserved for the passing of someone meaningful to us, but it’s also a normal emotion in life transitions, like job loss, a ruptured relationship, a move, an accident, the death of a pet, illness, trauma or an empty nest. These experiences may leave you grieving the loss of an idea, an expectation of what your life looked like or where it was going. Loss has a way of isolating a person from others. You may feel pressure to be doing better than you are, or to be further along an arbitrary timeline. Well-intentioned comments that don’t meet you where you are can leave you feeling even more alone.
Robin Jackelow
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC, AASECT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bennington, VT 05201
I specialize in helping people overcome complex and “difficult-to-treat” problems. Clients often come to therapy feeling "stuck" and wanting more freedom in their choices. I work with clients to help identify and bring light to the strategies that we often use to avoid our feelings and keep us locked in patterns we want to shift.
I specialize in helping people overcome complex and “difficult-to-treat” problems. Clients often come to therapy feeling "stuck" and wanting more freedom in their choices. I work with clients to help identify and bring light to the strategies that we often use to avoid our feelings and keep us locked in patterns we want to shift.
Emily Brooks, LMFT, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manchester, VT 05254
Today's crazy pace of life as well as the stresses of family, money, school, employment, not to mention COVID-19 and politics, it is no wonder more and more people are looking for therapeutic support to find balance in their lives. I will strive to help you find that balance, working with and building on your strengths, already present within you, but lost in the chaos of present day life in a safe, supportive environment. We will work to build coping skills to deal with every day life, when things get tough. Life is full of ups and downs. You can learn new ways to shift your perception, to build on the strengths and positives.
Today's crazy pace of life as well as the stresses of family, money, school, employment, not to mention COVID-19 and politics, it is no wonder more and more people are looking for therapeutic support to find balance in their lives. I will strive to help you find that balance, working with and building on your strengths, already present within you, but lost in the chaos of present day life in a safe, supportive environment. We will work to build coping skills to deal with every day life, when things get tough. Life is full of ups and downs. You can learn new ways to shift your perception, to build on the strengths and positives.
Rachel Hill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bennington, VT 05201 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Email inquiries preferred. Seeking support is a courageous first step toward growth, healing, and self-improvement. I am passionate about helping people make positive changes within themselves and their lives. I meet clients where they are at in their journey. Together we will work to explore strengths, practice skills, and to help alleviate distress. I use a range of therapeutic interventions that include, but are not limited to, cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered, narrative therapy, and mindfulness based approaches.
Email inquiries preferred. Seeking support is a courageous first step toward growth, healing, and self-improvement. I am passionate about helping people make positive changes within themselves and their lives. I meet clients where they are at in their journey. Together we will work to explore strengths, practice skills, and to help alleviate distress. I use a range of therapeutic interventions that include, but are not limited to, cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered, narrative therapy, and mindfulness based approaches.
Maple Leaf Clinic
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manchester, VT 05254
Maple Leaf Clinic, P.C. founded by Dr. Dean Mooney, provides a wide variety of services to the community including neuropsychological, educational, and psychological evaluations of children, adolescents and adults. Psychotherapy for people of all ages is also available. We also provide social skills development for all ages, cognitive rehabilitation for brain damage using the REHABIT program, professional development, and educational or clinical consultation (in person, by phone, or through FaceTime, Zoom, Doxy, Google Meet, or other telehealth options).
Maple Leaf Clinic, P.C. founded by Dr. Dean Mooney, provides a wide variety of services to the community including neuropsychological, educational, and psychological evaluations of children, adolescents and adults. Psychotherapy for people of all ages is also available. We also provide social skills development for all ages, cognitive rehabilitation for brain damage using the REHABIT program, professional development, and educational or clinical consultation (in person, by phone, or through FaceTime, Zoom, Doxy, Google Meet, or other telehealth options).
Timothy W Latsko
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC , LMFT
Verified Verified
Manchester, VT 05254 (Online Only)
Psychotherapy is a lifelong arduous learning and self exploration process that will improve the quality of life. I approach therapy with genuineness, unconditional positive regard, accurate empathy, and respect. I will competently employ techniques in which I have received training to assist you in reaching your goals. Technics I may use are EMDR, hypnosis, confrontation, desensitization, homework, humor, imagery, 'I' statements, modeling, psychodrama, journal writing and role-playing. If through the course of psychotherapy an acceptable degree of progress is not reached, I will refer you to another licensed professional.
Psychotherapy is a lifelong arduous learning and self exploration process that will improve the quality of life. I approach therapy with genuineness, unconditional positive regard, accurate empathy, and respect. I will competently employ techniques in which I have received training to assist you in reaching your goals. Technics I may use are EMDR, hypnosis, confrontation, desensitization, homework, humor, imagery, 'I' statements, modeling, psychodrama, journal writing and role-playing. If through the course of psychotherapy an acceptable degree of progress is not reached, I will refer you to another licensed professional.
Andrew Juettner M.ed.
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd
Verified Verified
Manchester, VT 05254 (Online Only)
I am a registered Psychotherapist specializing in psychotherapy with children, teenagers and adults. My primary areas of focus include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and family dynamics. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, adjusting to major life changes, or want to feel a deeper connection in your relationships, we can work collaboratively to develop coping skills and strategies for managing distress in your life. Please click on the "My Website Button" to schedule.
I am a registered Psychotherapist specializing in psychotherapy with children, teenagers and adults. My primary areas of focus include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and family dynamics. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, adjusting to major life changes, or want to feel a deeper connection in your relationships, we can work collaboratively to develop coping skills and strategies for managing distress in your life. Please click on the "My Website Button" to schedule.
Ericka M. Albright
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bennington, VT 05201
Not accepting new clients
Hi I am Ericka (she/her). I am a licensed family therapist and my office is located on the Mass MoCA campus. I am also a registered telehealth provider in Vermont & Florida. I work with couples, families and individuals. I consider myself a collaborative & strength-based therapist. I believe that building a trusting relationship with your therapist is an integral part of the therapeutic process; the right fit does make a difference. I thank you for visiting my profile and wish you all the best on your therapeutic journey.
Hi I am Ericka (she/her). I am a licensed family therapist and my office is located on the Mass MoCA campus. I am also a registered telehealth provider in Vermont & Florida. I work with couples, families and individuals. I consider myself a collaborative & strength-based therapist. I believe that building a trusting relationship with your therapist is an integral part of the therapeutic process; the right fit does make a difference. I thank you for visiting my profile and wish you all the best on your therapeutic journey.
Online Therapists
Jennifer M. Donohue, M.A., LCMHC, CLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, CLC
Verified Verified
Essex Junction, VT 05452 (Online Only)
I am committed to effect change through the process of psychotherapy using a direct, reality based approach. Although I draw from many different therapeutic modalities, my theoretical orientation is consistent with cognitive-behavioral theories. I believe social learning, modeling, and reinforcement all play a significant role in how ones personality developes, how one thinks, behaves, & feels as they get older. I believe refuting negative and irrational thinking will likely increase healthy feelings and behaviors that will greatly impact ones overall wellbeing. I believe that effective communication is the key to building healthy relationships, rebuilding severed relationships, & strengthening present ones.
I am committed to effect change through the process of psychotherapy using a direct, reality based approach. Although I draw from many different therapeutic modalities, my theoretical orientation is consistent with cognitive-behavioral theories. I believe social learning, modeling, and reinforcement all play a significant role in how ones personality developes, how one thinks, behaves, & feels as they get older. I believe refuting negative and irrational thinking will likely increase healthy feelings and behaviors that will greatly impact ones overall wellbeing. I believe that effective communication is the key to building healthy relationships, rebuilding severed relationships, & strengthening present ones.
Renee Kondos
Counselor, LCMHC, MA
Verified Verified
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Welcome to Hobbyhorse Counseling, LLC! My practice focuses on treating children and families that have experienced trauma, as well as working with those who experience trauma due to being marginalized by our society. I believe in focusing on strengths, spending time engaged in play, and building a team of supports to help achieve goals.
Welcome to Hobbyhorse Counseling, LLC! My practice focuses on treating children and families that have experienced trauma, as well as working with those who experience trauma due to being marginalized by our society. I believe in focusing on strengths, spending time engaged in play, and building a team of supports to help achieve goals.
Morgan Leichter-Saxby
PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Bellows Falls, VT 05101
Trauma-informed play support is incredibly impactful at all ages.
I work primarily with children, and people who care for children while struggling with issues of self-regulation, motivation and burn-out. Whether activated by issues from your own childhood, or navigating complexities of practice, I can help you reflect and transform how you show up at work and in your creative life. Reconnect with what you love, and have more available for others!
Trauma-informed play support is incredibly impactful at all ages.
I work primarily with children, and people who care for children while struggling with issues of self-regulation, motivation and burn-out. Whether activated by issues from your own childhood, or navigating complexities of practice, I can help you reflect and transform how you show up at work and in your creative life. Reconnect with what you love, and have more available for others!
Corrine Mertz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Burlington, VT 05401
I use trauma-informed methods, and build trust through somatic practices such as play and movement to calm anxiety and lift depression.
Openings 11AM Monday and 2PM Thursday: I work with children, teens, families, and adults who are ready to heal from trauma and build healthy relationships. As a Queer therapist, I'm skilled in supporting marginalized people to build self-worth and live with a greater sense of wellbeing amidst systems that undermine our inherent value. Working with me is what it sounds like: having a guide for you, your child, and partner(s) in building more loving, functional, and liberating relationships with yourself and others. With adults and teens, I utilize an evidence-based modality based in neuroscience called Brainspotting to heal trauma.
I use trauma-informed methods, and build trust through somatic practices such as play and movement to calm anxiety and lift depression.
Openings 11AM Monday and 2PM Thursday: I work with children, teens, families, and adults who are ready to heal from trauma and build healthy relationships. As a Queer therapist, I'm skilled in supporting marginalized people to build self-worth and live with a greater sense of wellbeing amidst systems that undermine our inherent value. Working with me is what it sounds like: having a guide for you, your child, and partner(s) in building more loving, functional, and liberating relationships with yourself and others. With adults and teens, I utilize an evidence-based modality based in neuroscience called Brainspotting to heal trauma.
Jill Creswell
Psychologist, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05602
Waitlist for new clients
With children, I employ expressive art therapies and play therapy.
I believe in everyone's innate capacity to heal. Everyone deserves a safe and supportive therapeutic environment which can allow one to connect to all parts of oneself and lead to a greater capacity for self awareness and self compassion. Creating this space of safety, trust and unconditional regard for my client guides all my interactions and interventions. We will work collaboratively to explore how your family history, life experiences and current stressors contribute to the issues that bring you to therapy so that you can begin to shift unhelpful patterns of thoughts and behavior that are holding you back in life.
With children, I employ expressive art therapies and play therapy.
I believe in everyone's innate capacity to heal. Everyone deserves a safe and supportive therapeutic environment which can allow one to connect to all parts of oneself and lead to a greater capacity for self awareness and self compassion. Creating this space of safety, trust and unconditional regard for my client guides all my interactions and interventions. We will work collaboratively to explore how your family history, life experiences and current stressors contribute to the issues that bring you to therapy so that you can begin to shift unhelpful patterns of thoughts and behavior that are holding you back in life.
Courtney Foley
Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlington, VT 05401
Waitlist for new clients
I often use both non-directive and directive play therapy approaches, as well as CBT & mindfulness.
I can only imagine what growing up in the world today must be like. With so many dynamic challenges present in so many areas of life, it's no wonder to me that young people are struggling. While the feelings and experiences behind these struggles may be completely valid, sometimes the ways in which we cope, communicate or express ourselves may be unpleasant, unhealthy, or downright damaging. As the therapist, I am here to listen deeply to my child, teen and young adult clients (and their caregivers as needed), help them explore and identify what’s going on for them, and support them in making desired changes.
I often use both non-directive and directive play therapy approaches, as well as CBT & mindfulness.
I can only imagine what growing up in the world today must be like. With so many dynamic challenges present in so many areas of life, it's no wonder to me that young people are struggling. While the feelings and experiences behind these struggles may be completely valid, sometimes the ways in which we cope, communicate or express ourselves may be unpleasant, unhealthy, or downright damaging. As the therapist, I am here to listen deeply to my child, teen and young adult clients (and their caregivers as needed), help them explore and identify what’s going on for them, and support them in making desired changes.
Victoria Irwin
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stowe, VT 05672
I offer you - the client of any age, the choice of talk, play or expressive art mediums to share your concerns.
I provide interactive tools to help you resolve personal struggles that commonly manifest as anxiety, panic, confusion, fear, depression, worry or relationship problems. By accompanying you in conversation about your problems, strengths, achievements and values; or through play, drawing or dream recall I help you identify the relationship between your feelings and needs. Understanding this relationship is vital for resolving problems with peaceful and direct communication and cultivates self-compassion. My aim is to provide a therapeutic process that is supportive, relieving, exciting, appropriately challenging, and rewarding.
I offer you - the client of any age, the choice of talk, play or expressive art mediums to share your concerns.
I provide interactive tools to help you resolve personal struggles that commonly manifest as anxiety, panic, confusion, fear, depression, worry or relationship problems. By accompanying you in conversation about your problems, strengths, achievements and values; or through play, drawing or dream recall I help you identify the relationship between your feelings and needs. Understanding this relationship is vital for resolving problems with peaceful and direct communication and cultivates self-compassion. My aim is to provide a therapeutic process that is supportive, relieving, exciting, appropriately challenging, and rewarding.
See more therapy options for Bennington County
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.