Photo of Ella M Duncan, PhD, BCD, LCSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ella M Duncan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, BCD, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
O Fallon, IL 62269
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in healthy couples, child, and family relationships; separation/divorce; parenting/behavioral issues; anxiety and depression; and trauma/PTSD. I am a Registered Play Therapist with a fully-equipped play therapy room. I also have extensive Sandtray therapy training which I utilize with school-age children, teens, adults, and families. Additionally, I have 27 years of experience working with military members, retirees, and their families. My approach is collaborative, client-centered, strengths-oriented, and solution-focused as I strive to assist you in making the journey toward achieving your goals to improve your life, marriage, and/or family.
I specialize in healthy couples, child, and family relationships; separation/divorce; parenting/behavioral issues; anxiety and depression; and trauma/PTSD. I am a Registered Play Therapist with a fully-equipped play therapy room. I also have extensive Sandtray therapy training which I utilize with school-age children, teens, adults, and families. Additionally, I have 27 years of experience working with military members, retirees, and their families. My approach is collaborative, client-centered, strengths-oriented, and solution-focused as I strive to assist you in making the journey toward achieving your goals to improve your life, marriage, and/or family.
(618) 421-4025 View (618) 421-4025
Sandplay Therapists

What problems are best treated with sandplay therapy?

Research has examined this therapy’s utility in young people and found positive results. It has been shown to be useful for those who suffer from autism, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and or aggressive behavior. Children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or trauma have also seen improvement through this therapy. Abused children are often fearful and anxious about their safety, making verbal communication more difficult.

Is sandplay therapy suitable for children and teenagers?

Children and adolescents are good candidates for sandplay therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts, let alone the emotions they are experiencing. Through this play therapy, they will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.

Is sandplay suitable for adults?

This type of therapy can be useful for adults who have difficulties expressing themselves. People who have suffered neurological changes after a brain injury or because of a traumatic event might be good candidates for this therapy. In fact, anything that has had an effect on the brain, such as substance abuse, can make non-verbal sandplay a valuable option.

Does sandplay therapy work?

There have been studies on the effectiveness of sandplay therapy, and it appears to improve difficult behaviors in children. It may also enhance self-esteem and lessen feelings of physical anxiety as well as hypersensitivity. This type of therapy is based on non-verbal communication and may feel less threatening to the individual.