Play Therapy in Seattle, WA
Ed Aronwald
Counselor, MEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98118
I work with children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief and loss, family changes, challenging peer relationships and the behaviors that can result from these issues. I have training and experience using Play Therapy and Sandplay, which employ children's natural way of communicating and learning, as well as other therapeutic modalities as appropriate to each individual. My approach is client centered and often non-directive, believing that when children experience emotional safety in a non-judgmental relationship, their inner wisdom naturally emerges to guide their learning, healing and growth.
I work with children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief and loss, family changes, challenging peer relationships and the behaviors that can result from these issues. I have training and experience using Play Therapy and Sandplay, which employ children's natural way of communicating and learning, as well as other therapeutic modalities as appropriate to each individual. My approach is client centered and often non-directive, believing that when children experience emotional safety in a non-judgmental relationship, their inner wisdom naturally emerges to guide their learning, healing and growth.
Stephen Plotz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
I specialize in using Play Therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Associate (LMFTA) in WA. I received my Master’s Degree in Couples and Family Therapy & a Play Therapy Certificate from Antioch University Seattle. I currently have limited availability, reach out to me using this form: hipaa.jotform.com/230046103107034
I specialize in using Play Therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Associate (LMFTA) in WA. I received my Master’s Degree in Couples and Family Therapy & a Play Therapy Certificate from Antioch University Seattle. I currently have limited availability, reach out to me using this form: hipaa.jotform.com/230046103107034
Kaitlyn S McGurn
Counselor, MA, LMHC, RPT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
It takes courage to reach out for support during times of struggle and hardship. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment where clients can build self-awareness, a feeling of wellbeing and confidence, and coping skills to face life transitions and obstacles. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities from experiential therapies (play, art, and sand tray) with young clients, to cognitive behavioral, solution focused, and narrative therapy for older clients. I believe in tailoring a therapeutic approach that is specific to the individual needs of each client.
It takes courage to reach out for support during times of struggle and hardship. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment where clients can build self-awareness, a feeling of wellbeing and confidence, and coping skills to face life transitions and obstacles. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities from experiential therapies (play, art, and sand tray) with young clients, to cognitive behavioral, solution focused, and narrative therapy for older clients. I believe in tailoring a therapeutic approach that is specific to the individual needs of each client.
Karla T Mancero
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112
I utilize play and expressive art therapy approaches which meet a child where they are at in their stage of growth and healing.
I enjoy helping children learn to self regulate and express their feelings and experiences through play and the therapeutic relationship. Children in my office will be given a safe space to be themselves and express all the parts of themselves that they bring in the room. I will work with parents on linking goals with growth and attunement for their child. Together we will collaborate on the best way to help your child heal in the areas that they are struggling to process and understand better.
I utilize play and expressive art therapy approaches which meet a child where they are at in their stage of growth and healing.
I enjoy helping children learn to self regulate and express their feelings and experiences through play and the therapeutic relationship. Children in my office will be given a safe space to be themselves and express all the parts of themselves that they bring in the room. I will work with parents on linking goals with growth and attunement for their child. Together we will collaborate on the best way to help your child heal in the areas that they are struggling to process and understand better.
Danielle Gonzales
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98116
I offer Play Therapy for children and parent support.
Are you looking for help with your child’s difficult behaviors, emotional struggles, and support through life changes? Are you a parent that feels uncertain or overwhelmed and needs some support? Do you need space to uncover the insights you hold within and strengthen your relationship with your self, child, or family?
I believe that a safe and accepting therapeutic relationship is necessary to process difficult experiences and rediscover the wisdom held within ourselves—no matter our age. I help children, parents, and women regain joy, uncover confidence, feel seen, and find insights that lead to desired changes.
I offer Play Therapy for children and parent support.
Are you looking for help with your child’s difficult behaviors, emotional struggles, and support through life changes? Are you a parent that feels uncertain or overwhelmed and needs some support? Do you need space to uncover the insights you hold within and strengthen your relationship with your self, child, or family?
I believe that a safe and accepting therapeutic relationship is necessary to process difficult experiences and rediscover the wisdom held within ourselves—no matter our age. I help children, parents, and women regain joy, uncover confidence, feel seen, and find insights that lead to desired changes.
Andi Eberhardt
Counselor, MS, LMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98116 (Online Only)
With young clients, I utilize play therapy.
I currently hold a Washington State Associate License in Mental Health Counseling after receiving my Master’s in Counseling from Central Washington University. Prior to this I received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Western Washington University. My primary work in therapy has been with children and teens, though I have also spent a great deal of time working with adults of all ages in individual and couples counseling. My main areas of focus include adjustment issues/life transitions, mood and anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, attachment issues, family issues, identity issues, family trauma, parenting, and mindfulness.
With young clients, I utilize play therapy.
I currently hold a Washington State Associate License in Mental Health Counseling after receiving my Master’s in Counseling from Central Washington University. Prior to this I received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Western Washington University. My primary work in therapy has been with children and teens, though I have also spent a great deal of time working with adults of all ages in individual and couples counseling. My main areas of focus include adjustment issues/life transitions, mood and anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, attachment issues, family issues, identity issues, family trauma, parenting, and mindfulness.
Julia L Fay
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107
I am currently Telehealth only. I use a a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, Play Therapy and EMDR to help rewire the nervous system so that it can experience states of calmness and heartfelt connection with self and others. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, specifically those struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, worry, grief, & loss. I also specialize in helping kids learn emotional regulation, increase frustration tolerance, overcome behavior problems, & develop secure attachment.
I am currently Telehealth only. I use a a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, Play Therapy and EMDR to help rewire the nervous system so that it can experience states of calmness and heartfelt connection with self and others. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, specifically those struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, worry, grief, & loss. I also specialize in helping kids learn emotional regulation, increase frustration tolerance, overcome behavior problems, & develop secure attachment.
Ying Chiao (Livia) Chen
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, IMH-E®
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98188
My specialty: parenting, attachment, social-emotional development, emotional regulation, parent-child relationship, play therapy, infant and early childhood, children, stress, and perinatal mental health.
I love and enjoy working with children and parents! I am an early childhood educator as well as a mental health therapist. I offer therapy services for children and their families. I provide Infant and Early Childhood mental health and development services (ages 0-6), Children mental health (ages 7-12), parents, and perinatal mental health, and Adults (age 18 and above). I have worked with children and families for more than 6 years in a wide variety of settings, including schools, private daycare centers (infant/toddler/preschool/kindergarten), and community mental health clinics.
My specialty: parenting, attachment, social-emotional development, emotional regulation, parent-child relationship, play therapy, infant and early childhood, children, stress, and perinatal mental health.
I love and enjoy working with children and parents! I am an early childhood educator as well as a mental health therapist. I offer therapy services for children and their families. I provide Infant and Early Childhood mental health and development services (ages 0-6), Children mental health (ages 7-12), parents, and perinatal mental health, and Adults (age 18 and above). I have worked with children and families for more than 6 years in a wide variety of settings, including schools, private daycare centers (infant/toddler/preschool/kindergarten), and community mental health clinics.
Alexandria Scalone
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
I am a play therapist who specializes in teens and young adults. I empower parents and children of all ages to resolve relationship conflicts, boosting parental confidence in handling children's emotions, while equipping children with vital emotional skills for independent problem-solving, fostering stronger attachment bonds and healthier relationships. Your child may be experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionist behavior, and stress. Sometimes it's hard to talk about our problems, that's why my therapy sessions are often experiential.
I am a play therapist who specializes in teens and young adults. I empower parents and children of all ages to resolve relationship conflicts, boosting parental confidence in handling children's emotions, while equipping children with vital emotional skills for independent problem-solving, fostering stronger attachment bonds and healthier relationships. Your child may be experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionist behavior, and stress. Sometimes it's hard to talk about our problems, that's why my therapy sessions are often experiential.
Madeleine Bloch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
When working with children, I utilize art therapy, play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion focused therapy, mindfulness, and emotional regulation techniques.
Hello! Welcome to therapy. I’m Madeleine. If you are seeking therapy, you may be struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, family/relationship issues, or perhaps you just need someone to talk to without fear of being judged. I use a collaborative approach and believe that you are the expert in your own life. We will work together to identify any patterns of behavior that you feel are interfering with your life, discuss the ways your family, environment, and society may be reinforcing these, and develop the skills to alter or cope with these patterns more effectively.
When working with children, I utilize art therapy, play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion focused therapy, mindfulness, and emotional regulation techniques.
Hello! Welcome to therapy. I’m Madeleine. If you are seeking therapy, you may be struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, family/relationship issues, or perhaps you just need someone to talk to without fear of being judged. I use a collaborative approach and believe that you are the expert in your own life. We will work together to identify any patterns of behavior that you feel are interfering with your life, discuss the ways your family, environment, and society may be reinforcing these, and develop the skills to alter or cope with these patterns more effectively.
Marisa McCann
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Please email me for a faster response- I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, students and young adults. My approach is to serve client needs through the holistic and innovative services that foster hope and recovery through evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused behavior therapy, play therapy and behavioral activation. I have devoted time to families and have learned to effectively collaborate with them to help my client reach their goals and lead meaningful and purposeful lives.
Please email me for a faster response- I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, students and young adults. My approach is to serve client needs through the holistic and innovative services that foster hope and recovery through evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused behavior therapy, play therapy and behavioral activation. I have devoted time to families and have learned to effectively collaborate with them to help my client reach their goals and lead meaningful and purposeful lives.
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Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112
Waitlist for new clients
I also include pieces from additional evidence-based psychotherapies as well as creative and play therapy as structures that help facilitate connection and growth.
I offer a holistic, humanistic, and youth-centered approach to help young people who are impacted by mental and behavioral health concerns. I begin work with each youth by seeking to understand their personality and identities, their skills and challenges, the systems and environments they are embedded in, and the way mental health symptoms are impacting them.
I also include pieces from additional evidence-based psychotherapies as well as creative and play therapy as structures that help facilitate connection and growth.
I offer a holistic, humanistic, and youth-centered approach to help young people who are impacted by mental and behavioral health concerns. I begin work with each youth by seeking to understand their personality and identities, their skills and challenges, the systems and environments they are embedded in, and the way mental health symptoms are impacting them.
Karen E. Clark
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115
Waitlist for new clients
With children ages 2 through 18, I employ a combined approach, using individual art and play therapy, meetings with parents, and family therapy.
Welcome. In my practice I see individual adults as well as children and families. The essential elements of therapy are compassion and deep understanding. As your therapist, my intention is to meet you where you are and go with you on your journey. My hope is that you will feel safe to express all of what you're feeling, that we can explore these feelings with compassion, and discover what can be understood. I will use my knowledge, training, and all that I've learned from my patients to help you negotiate the crossroads and crisis points in your life.
With children ages 2 through 18, I employ a combined approach, using individual art and play therapy, meetings with parents, and family therapy.
Welcome. In my practice I see individual adults as well as children and families. The essential elements of therapy are compassion and deep understanding. As your therapist, my intention is to meet you where you are and go with you on your journey. My hope is that you will feel safe to express all of what you're feeling, that we can explore these feelings with compassion, and discover what can be understood. I will use my knowledge, training, and all that I've learned from my patients to help you negotiate the crossroads and crisis points in your life.
Michelle Schneider
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CMHS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107
Welcome. As a family therapist, I am passionate about coming alongside families to support them through the the more difficult moments of life. I work with children of all ages and their families to improve issues of anxiety, depression, family conflict, trauma, attachment, tantrums and more. I also work with parents to help support finding their confidence in parenting and self, as often parenting can feel like your entire identity, we work to find balance to give space to all the pieces of you. I help create change through play, art, conversation, and connection with caregivers.
Welcome. As a family therapist, I am passionate about coming alongside families to support them through the the more difficult moments of life. I work with children of all ages and their families to improve issues of anxiety, depression, family conflict, trauma, attachment, tantrums and more. I also work with parents to help support finding their confidence in parenting and self, as often parenting can feel like your entire identity, we work to find balance to give space to all the pieces of you. I help create change through play, art, conversation, and connection with caregivers.
Erika Falit-Baiamonte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115
In my work with children, I utilize play therapy, as children usually do not express their feelings directly but do so figuratively though their play.
I have over 20 years of experience providing therapy and support to those who struggle with depression, anxiety, interpersonal and family conflicts, job related stress, behavioral issues in children, parenting concerns and the impact of trauma, illness and life transitions. I am particularly interested in supporting families in their relationships with one another and I believe in encouraging choices that are nurturing to all family members.
In my work with children, I utilize play therapy, as children usually do not express their feelings directly but do so figuratively though their play.
I have over 20 years of experience providing therapy and support to those who struggle with depression, anxiety, interpersonal and family conflicts, job related stress, behavioral issues in children, parenting concerns and the impact of trauma, illness and life transitions. I am particularly interested in supporting families in their relationships with one another and I believe in encouraging choices that are nurturing to all family members.
Jill A Forsberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, CMHS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98106
I incorporate play and art to enhance the therapy experience and provide a comfortable atmosphere for growth and change.
I believe Success in therapy is built on the strengths you have within. Whether you are a young child, a teen an adult or a family, I will work with you to find those strengths and use them to find the change you are looking for.
I work with individuals and families on issues ranging from depression and anxiety, behavior problems, school problems, and family conflict. I work with families with children of all ages. Whether working individually or with a family, I approach clinical issues from a systemic point of view.
I incorporate play and art to enhance the therapy experience and provide a comfortable atmosphere for growth and change.
I believe Success in therapy is built on the strengths you have within. Whether you are a young child, a teen an adult or a family, I will work with you to find those strengths and use them to find the change you are looking for.
I work with individuals and families on issues ranging from depression and anxiety, behavior problems, school problems, and family conflict. I work with families with children of all ages. Whether working individually or with a family, I approach clinical issues from a systemic point of view.
Stephanie M Mustopich
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MHP, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98106 (Online Only)
I consider myself strengths-focused and often use humor, art and play as tools for healing.
Welcome! You've already taken the first step of searching for a therapist for yourself or a loved one. I want to acknowledge how difficult that can be and am here to help support you through the rest of the journey. I see adolescents and adults for a variety of issues such as family conflict, depression, anxiety or peer relationships. I find it deeply rewarding to provide therapy to those who identify anywhere on the LGBT spectrum. Building a trusting relationship is my first priority. We will create a safe, non-judgmental space together where you can meet your goals.
I consider myself strengths-focused and often use humor, art and play as tools for healing.
Welcome! You've already taken the first step of searching for a therapist for yourself or a loved one. I want to acknowledge how difficult that can be and am here to help support you through the rest of the journey. I see adolescents and adults for a variety of issues such as family conflict, depression, anxiety or peer relationships. I find it deeply rewarding to provide therapy to those who identify anywhere on the LGBT spectrum. Building a trusting relationship is my first priority. We will create a safe, non-judgmental space together where you can meet your goals.
Jen Mccormick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115
My job is to provide a safe space for them to play and express themselves in a creative manner.
Hello- I am not taking new clients until September 2023. Thank you for taking a look at my profile. Choosing to engage in therapy is an opportunity for growth and change. In my practice, I strive to meet you where you are and help illuminate your path a bit. The focus of my therapeutic work is within the relationship and the belief in your autonomy and ability to empower yourself. With trust and respect, we can work together to explore areas of your life that may need a fresh perspective. Speciality areas include traumatic loss, transition, depression, and family relationship struggles with children, adolescents, and adults.
My job is to provide a safe space for them to play and express themselves in a creative manner.
Hello- I am not taking new clients until September 2023. Thank you for taking a look at my profile. Choosing to engage in therapy is an opportunity for growth and change. In my practice, I strive to meet you where you are and help illuminate your path a bit. The focus of my therapeutic work is within the relationship and the belief in your autonomy and ability to empower yourself. With trust and respect, we can work together to explore areas of your life that may need a fresh perspective. Speciality areas include traumatic loss, transition, depression, and family relationship struggles with children, adolescents, and adults.
Abbie Spear
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
I use CBT informed play therapy, supportive therapy and skill building.
Every life is a series of transitions, some of which can feel impossible to navigate. People and families can often feel ‘stuck’ in their current struggles and unable to overcome the challenges and changes they are experiencing. Whether the tough moments are navigating issues in daily life or processing landmark events such as pregnancy or parenthood, the need for support is valid and you don’t have to push through alone. Therapy helps you develop the tools and knowledge needed to bring out your unique strengths and abilities. No matter what age or life stage you are in, healing is possible.
I use CBT informed play therapy, supportive therapy and skill building.
Every life is a series of transitions, some of which can feel impossible to navigate. People and families can often feel ‘stuck’ in their current struggles and unable to overcome the challenges and changes they are experiencing. Whether the tough moments are navigating issues in daily life or processing landmark events such as pregnancy or parenthood, the need for support is valid and you don’t have to push through alone. Therapy helps you develop the tools and knowledge needed to bring out your unique strengths and abilities. No matter what age or life stage you are in, healing is possible.
Seattle Counseling and Wellness
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98105
Sometimes life poses challenges, and we need some extra support to get us through. Are you wanting to make improvements in your relationship? Or maybe with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Depressed? Stuck? Therapists at SCAW bring a diverse range of academic and clinical training to their work with adults, teens, and children (ages 2+). We provide individual and couples counseling, psychological testing, parent training, PCIT, and play therapy.
Sometimes life poses challenges, and we need some extra support to get us through. Are you wanting to make improvements in your relationship? Or maybe with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Depressed? Stuck? Therapists at SCAW bring a diverse range of academic and clinical training to their work with adults, teens, and children (ages 2+). We provide individual and couples counseling, psychological testing, parent training, PCIT, and play therapy.
See more therapy options for Seattle
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Seattle
- Bainbridge Island
- Bellevue
- Bothell
- Burien
- Kenmore
- Kirkland
- Lake Forest Park
- Lynnwood
- Medina
- Mercer Island
- Shoreline
- Tukwila
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.