Play Therapy in Brookings, SD
Kelsey Borchard
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Brookings, SD 57006
Drawing from Adlerian theory as well as play therapy techniques, I tend to take a non directive approach to unlock language the child needs feel good about themselves.
My journey has been deeply informed by working daily with children. First as a 3rd grade teacher, and then more recently as a school counselor. Being a part of the public education system for eight years, I learned countless lessons about children and family systems. Most importantly, I have learned that children are able to learn well if their needs are met both physiological needs as well as their feelings of safety, love/belonging, and connection.
Drawing from Adlerian theory as well as play therapy techniques, I tend to take a non directive approach to unlock language the child needs feel good about themselves.
My journey has been deeply informed by working daily with children. First as a 3rd grade teacher, and then more recently as a school counselor. Being a part of the public education system for eight years, I learned countless lessons about children and family systems. Most importantly, I have learned that children are able to learn well if their needs are met both physiological needs as well as their feelings of safety, love/belonging, and connection.
Ian Charnley
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookings, SD 57006
My desire is to assist individuals, couples, and families with developing and maintaining healthy relationships. I attempt to break down the stereotypes of what it means to be in a relationship while helping individuals define personal goals for growth. I believe with open communication, trust, and a shared vision, anyone can have the relationship they've always been looking for. I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. I believe in a holistic approach to wellness in which a healthy mind, body, and soul lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.
My desire is to assist individuals, couples, and families with developing and maintaining healthy relationships. I attempt to break down the stereotypes of what it means to be in a relationship while helping individuals define personal goals for growth. I believe with open communication, trust, and a shared vision, anyone can have the relationship they've always been looking for. I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. I believe in a holistic approach to wellness in which a healthy mind, body, and soul lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.
Michelle Ruesink
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LPC-MH, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookings, SD 57006
My goal as a therapist is to help you find the very best aspects of yourself. I work to help you create healthy and dynamic relationships and to generate meaningful change. I offer specialized mental health services for adults, couples, children, and families. My practice combines a client-centered approach with effective psychotherapy interventions to treat a wide range of issues. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key to each client's therapeutic journey, and I make this a priority to ensure a trusting and warm experience for my clients. My private practice office is located in Brookings, South Dakota.
My goal as a therapist is to help you find the very best aspects of yourself. I work to help you create healthy and dynamic relationships and to generate meaningful change. I offer specialized mental health services for adults, couples, children, and families. My practice combines a client-centered approach with effective psychotherapy interventions to treat a wide range of issues. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key to each client's therapeutic journey, and I make this a priority to ensure a trusting and warm experience for my clients. My private practice office is located in Brookings, South Dakota.
Moore Counseling Group
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC-MH, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookings, SD 57006
I am best at helping people find their purpose, build themselves up from rock bottom, and to help people move from being stuck surviving into someone that is thriving in life's journey. Life circumstances and mental wellness varies when someone walks into my office, but I have witnessed people completely transform. One evidence based and effective approach I use is EMDR in both individual and group settings to move past trauma when feeling stuck in the healing process. When you need emotional healing, I am able to provide direction, understanding, and jump start a person's ability to take on the next life challenge.
I am best at helping people find their purpose, build themselves up from rock bottom, and to help people move from being stuck surviving into someone that is thriving in life's journey. Life circumstances and mental wellness varies when someone walks into my office, but I have witnessed people completely transform. One evidence based and effective approach I use is EMDR in both individual and group settings to move past trauma when feeling stuck in the healing process. When you need emotional healing, I am able to provide direction, understanding, and jump start a person's ability to take on the next life challenge.
Clint Sperle
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-MH, QMHP
Verified Verified
Brookings, SD 57006
I received my degree in Counseling and Psychology in Education and am a Licensed Professional Counselor-MH. I have worked with children and adolescents in individual, group and family settings for the past 24+ years. Special areas of interest include working with children and adolescents in areas related to: abuse issues, trauma, evaluations and therapy for children with sexualized behaviors, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, divorce issues, behavioral issues and adjustment issues. I also work with children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities.
I received my degree in Counseling and Psychology in Education and am a Licensed Professional Counselor-MH. I have worked with children and adolescents in individual, group and family settings for the past 24+ years. Special areas of interest include working with children and adolescents in areas related to: abuse issues, trauma, evaluations and therapy for children with sexualized behaviors, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, divorce issues, behavioral issues and adjustment issues. I also work with children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities.
Online Therapists
Alicen Hauck
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, RPT, LPC
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT), I'm able to provide individual counseling to children (3+), adolescents, and adults.
Every person deserves a secure, safe space where they can become their most authentic selves. I strive to approach therapy with genuine compassion, warmth, and empathy. I believe that therapy at its core is a creative, non-judgmental space between equals. This creates an environment where you can be yourself and learn to manage the thoughts and emotions getting in your way. I like to incorporate a combination of techniques from Person-Centered, Adlerian, Solution-Focused, Strengths-Based, and Trauma-Focused counseling approaches to fully comprehend your unique experience and how best to help you.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT), I'm able to provide individual counseling to children (3+), adolescents, and adults.
Every person deserves a secure, safe space where they can become their most authentic selves. I strive to approach therapy with genuine compassion, warmth, and empathy. I believe that therapy at its core is a creative, non-judgmental space between equals. This creates an environment where you can be yourself and learn to manage the thoughts and emotions getting in your way. I like to incorporate a combination of techniques from Person-Centered, Adlerian, Solution-Focused, Strengths-Based, and Trauma-Focused counseling approaches to fully comprehend your unique experience and how best to help you.
Caitlin Borges
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CSW-PIP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate and committed to serving children ages 4-12 experiencing a variety of mental health needs. My goal is to help children and their parents make connections between difficult behaviors and their underlying causes, and help them implement interventions that fit and work well for the family. I work from a person centered approach, providing strength-based care to help children and families address challenges in a way that meets each person’s unique needs. I also believe that play is the language of children, and use both directive and non-directive play therapy techniques to address struggles and difficult topics.
I am passionate and committed to serving children ages 4-12 experiencing a variety of mental health needs. My goal is to help children and their parents make connections between difficult behaviors and their underlying causes, and help them implement interventions that fit and work well for the family. I work from a person centered approach, providing strength-based care to help children and families address challenges in a way that meets each person’s unique needs. I also believe that play is the language of children, and use both directive and non-directive play therapy techniques to address struggles and difficult topics.
True Reflections Counseling & Play Therapy
Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Huron, SD 57350
I work with individuals across the lifespan, however, I specialize in working with children ages 4-11 using the evidence-based practice of Play Therapy.
In a small community, seeking help can be hard, embarrassing, and even shameful whether it's for you, your spouse, or your children. Do not let the stigma of asking for help hinder you from getting back to the person you want to be. This professional, comfortable, laid-back and private environment focuses on quality connection to support moving you from where you are, to the place you want to be. Life transitions, divorce, trauma, betrayal, personal challenges, loss, or sometimes a strong feeling or worry or sadness that just does not go away can all be reasons that counseling can be helpful.
I work with individuals across the lifespan, however, I specialize in working with children ages 4-11 using the evidence-based practice of Play Therapy.
In a small community, seeking help can be hard, embarrassing, and even shameful whether it's for you, your spouse, or your children. Do not let the stigma of asking for help hinder you from getting back to the person you want to be. This professional, comfortable, laid-back and private environment focuses on quality connection to support moving you from where you are, to the place you want to be. Life transitions, divorce, trauma, betrayal, personal challenges, loss, or sometimes a strong feeling or worry or sadness that just does not go away can all be reasons that counseling can be helpful.
Stacey Hauck
Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC-MH, QMHP
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
As a client-centered, compassionate and collaborative therapist, my treatment approach focuses on the individual needs of my clients to help them reach their goals. I help adolescents, adults and families discover their strengths, gain perspective, and address their current challenges and long-standing issues. I use a selection of styles and techniques to incorporate what is most helpful for each client. Play therapy is the approach I use when working with early adolescents.
As a client-centered, compassionate and collaborative therapist, my treatment approach focuses on the individual needs of my clients to help them reach their goals. I help adolescents, adults and families discover their strengths, gain perspective, and address their current challenges and long-standing issues. I use a selection of styles and techniques to incorporate what is most helpful for each client. Play therapy is the approach I use when working with early adolescents.
Emily A Learing
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
I am passionate about helping women and children to experience a better life! In my practice, I focus on providing play therapy to children up to age 10, with a special emphasis on the early childhood population. I also provide mental health treatment to parents and other caregivers who are having difficulties in these caregiving roles. I provide counseling for women who are struggling with relationships, stress and other life difficulties who are looking to find more balance in life.
I am passionate about helping women and children to experience a better life! In my practice, I focus on providing play therapy to children up to age 10, with a special emphasis on the early childhood population. I also provide mental health treatment to parents and other caregivers who are having difficulties in these caregiving roles. I provide counseling for women who are struggling with relationships, stress and other life difficulties who are looking to find more balance in life.
Emily Gislason
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-MH, RPT-S™, QMHP, NCC
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Are you looking for a Registered Play Therapist? One of my greatest passions in life is to help children reach their full potential. As a Registered Play Therapist, I offer individual, sibling and family therapy services. I have worked with women, teens and children impacted by physical abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse and secondary victimization. In addition, I have experience with a variety of child related difficulties including anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, family disruptions, foster care involvement, adjustment difficulties, self esteem difficulties and cognitive delays. Please let me know how I can best support your child, yourself or your family.
Are you looking for a Registered Play Therapist? One of my greatest passions in life is to help children reach their full potential. As a Registered Play Therapist, I offer individual, sibling and family therapy services. I have worked with women, teens and children impacted by physical abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse and secondary victimization. In addition, I have experience with a variety of child related difficulties including anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, family disruptions, foster care involvement, adjustment difficulties, self esteem difficulties and cognitive delays. Please let me know how I can best support your child, yourself or your family.
Danielle McCormick
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
I strive to create a strong therapeutic relationship with children and families to improve overall functioning with the use of play therapy techniques. As a supervisee actively pursuing licensure for LMFT and RPT, I am passionate about utilizing play therapy techniques to promote growth for all children. I have completed training for EMDR therapy in which I can utilize with children who have traumatic experiences. I enjoy providing opportunities for parent and sibling involvement to enhance the family system as a whole. I strive to help children reach their full potential through fostering courage to face life’s various challenges.
I strive to create a strong therapeutic relationship with children and families to improve overall functioning with the use of play therapy techniques. As a supervisee actively pursuing licensure for LMFT and RPT, I am passionate about utilizing play therapy techniques to promote growth for all children. I have completed training for EMDR therapy in which I can utilize with children who have traumatic experiences. I enjoy providing opportunities for parent and sibling involvement to enhance the family system as a whole. I strive to help children reach their full potential through fostering courage to face life’s various challenges.
Kahthrina (Trina) Ruud
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, QMHP
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Has your child started behaving out of character leading you to wonder what they are going through? Perhaps they are struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger. As a supervisee actively pursuing licensure for my PIP and RPT, I am passionate about utilizing play-based techniques and art therapies to promote growth for children ages 3-11. Play and creativity is the way a child communicates and processes the world around them. My goal is to offer a safe space for children to be themselves so they can navigate experiences through their own lenses.
Has your child started behaving out of character leading you to wonder what they are going through? Perhaps they are struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger. As a supervisee actively pursuing licensure for my PIP and RPT, I am passionate about utilizing play-based techniques and art therapies to promote growth for children ages 3-11. Play and creativity is the way a child communicates and processes the world around them. My goal is to offer a safe space for children to be themselves so they can navigate experiences through their own lenses.
Pamala Topp
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, C-PD, CCTP-II, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Watertown, SD 57201
I primarily utilize CBT, DBT-informed, EMDR, Play Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy.
My aim is to work with clients who struggle with feeling disconnected from themselves, others, are anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage all the aspects of their lives. When we push our needs aside to without taking time for yourself, this can lead to frustration, resentment, anxiety, depression and stress. I work with you to be able to resolve the barriers that are keeping you from living a full and meaningful life.
I primarily utilize CBT, DBT-informed, EMDR, Play Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy.
My aim is to work with clients who struggle with feeling disconnected from themselves, others, are anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage all the aspects of their lives. When we push our needs aside to without taking time for yourself, this can lead to frustration, resentment, anxiety, depression and stress. I work with you to be able to resolve the barriers that are keeping you from living a full and meaningful life.
Jordan Craig
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
It is my belief that the client most often needs to be heard and supported in a non judgemental and gracious environment. The majority of the population has problems in some shape or form, but what the majority does not have is a safe space to resolve them. Whether it is something traumatic or something thats been bothering you in a relationship, there is no problem too big or small for the connection between myself and the client. The goal is to use this safe and benevolent space to take back control over the difficulties that life throws at you.
It is my belief that the client most often needs to be heard and supported in a non judgemental and gracious environment. The majority of the population has problems in some shape or form, but what the majority does not have is a safe space to resolve them. Whether it is something traumatic or something thats been bothering you in a relationship, there is no problem too big or small for the connection between myself and the client. The goal is to use this safe and benevolent space to take back control over the difficulties that life throws at you.
Tina (Christina) M Gunn (Johnson-Gunn)
Counselor, LIMHP, Mrs, LPC, LMHP, LMHC
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Mission: Specializing in ASD and Neurodiversity, I assist and guide to relieve mental discomfort & improve well-being. I provide support in a safe environment for individuals to gain the skills that allow them to interact in the world surrounding them. I specialize in autism, trauma, sexual behaviors, anxiety, adoption and families affected by these. I want you to succeed. My experience is professional and personal. I understand how frustrating and difficult life gets. I mostly work with adults, assisting them in navigating the daily life. I've helped adults work through anxiety, depression, & trauma.
Mission: Specializing in ASD and Neurodiversity, I assist and guide to relieve mental discomfort & improve well-being. I provide support in a safe environment for individuals to gain the skills that allow them to interact in the world surrounding them. I specialize in autism, trauma, sexual behaviors, anxiety, adoption and families affected by these. I want you to succeed. My experience is professional and personal. I understand how frustrating and difficult life gets. I mostly work with adults, assisting them in navigating the daily life. I've helped adults work through anxiety, depression, & trauma.
Paige Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW-PIP, LICSW, QMHP
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Waitlist for new clients
I care deeply about supporting people through grief/loss, life transitions, mental health challenges, and family conflict. I have had the unique privilege of supporting many individuals in some of their most challenging days. What I've observed in these situations, is the immeasurable benefit of a having a genuine person to lean on.
I care deeply about supporting people through grief/loss, life transitions, mental health challenges, and family conflict. I have had the unique privilege of supporting many individuals in some of their most challenging days. What I've observed in these situations, is the immeasurable benefit of a having a genuine person to lean on.
Carolina Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (Online Only)
Finding the right counselor can often be a daunting task, one that many clients attempt once and never again. Although I'm sure I'm not the right counselor for everyone, I hope to (at the very least) provide you with a positive experience on the benefits of counseling. I promise to create a safe space for you to voice your presenting concerns via active listening, empathy, and encouragement so that the thoughts can stop playing mental tennis in your mind. Together, we will find solutions to your presenting concerns and supply you with the adequate skills for your long-term success.
Finding the right counselor can often be a daunting task, one that many clients attempt once and never again. Although I'm sure I'm not the right counselor for everyone, I hope to (at the very least) provide you with a positive experience on the benefits of counseling. I promise to create a safe space for you to voice your presenting concerns via active listening, empathy, and encouragement so that the thoughts can stop playing mental tennis in your mind. Together, we will find solutions to your presenting concerns and supply you with the adequate skills for your long-term success.
Ondrea Patzlaff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW-PIP, QMHP
Verified Verified
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Everyone is deserving of health and happiness, sometimes we need support along the way. I believe all people have value and purpose. I have 16+ years of experience working with a comprehensive set of tools and interventions to help move toward healing.
Everyone is deserving of health and happiness, sometimes we need support along the way. I believe all people have value and purpose. I have 16+ years of experience working with a comprehensive set of tools and interventions to help move toward healing.
Erin Meyer - Revival Counseling Services
Counselor, MS, LPC-MH, LAC, QMHP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Erin Meyer MS, NCC, LPC-MH, LAC and QMHP provides mental health and chemical dependency counseling services to individuals, couples and families. Erin focuses on providing high-quality counseling services in Sioux Falls, SD and the surrounding area in counseling children, adolescents and adults with a variety of issues. She uses a multitude of interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a positive, solution-focused fashion to help learn to solve their problems. I am also trained in EMDR and am certified in Postpartum mental health.
Erin Meyer MS, NCC, LPC-MH, LAC and QMHP provides mental health and chemical dependency counseling services to individuals, couples and families. Erin focuses on providing high-quality counseling services in Sioux Falls, SD and the surrounding area in counseling children, adolescents and adults with a variety of issues. She uses a multitude of interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a positive, solution-focused fashion to help learn to solve their problems. I am also trained in EMDR and am certified in Postpartum mental health.
See more therapy options for Brookings
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.