Play Therapy in Austin, TX
I have training in both sandplay therapy and play therapy.
My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space where clients can articulate their inner experience through both words and symbols. Deeper and clearer understanding unfolds as we engage in the therapeutic process with both a playful curiosity and a nonjudgmental attitude. I listen deeply and empathize with clients, while simultaneously encouraging them to confront the unhealthy roles, ineffective patterns and behaviors, and difficult emotions that are keeping them stuck in their lives. I believe that psychotherapeutic work profoundly transforms our inner worlds. It is truly a gift to be witness, partner, and guide on this journey.
I have training in both sandplay therapy and play therapy.
My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space where clients can articulate their inner experience through both words and symbols. Deeper and clearer understanding unfolds as we engage in the therapeutic process with both a playful curiosity and a nonjudgmental attitude. I listen deeply and empathize with clients, while simultaneously encouraging them to confront the unhealthy roles, ineffective patterns and behaviors, and difficult emotions that are keeping them stuck in their lives. I believe that psychotherapeutic work profoundly transforms our inner worlds. It is truly a gift to be witness, partner, and guide on this journey.
For very young ones (3-6), a play therapy approach is used.
My therapy approach is tailored to each unique individual. It is typically a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, talk-therapy and mindfulness components.I use a gentle approach to build rapport, I believe that mutual trust is essential to growth and healing in a therapeutic relationship.
For very young ones (3-6), a play therapy approach is used.
My therapy approach is tailored to each unique individual. It is typically a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, talk-therapy and mindfulness components.I use a gentle approach to build rapport, I believe that mutual trust is essential to growth and healing in a therapeutic relationship.
Hello, I'm Chrissy Anderson, MA, a Licensed Professional Counselor. I'm passionate about and experienced in working with children, teens, and adults. I know it's not easy to realize you may need help. However, you are not alone. Everyone has struggles, and I believe that everyone needs support from time to time. As your counselor, I focus on developing the counseling relationship first, and then we will work together to make positive changes in your life.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that a strong, trusting relationship between counselor and client is the foundation for meaningful change.
Hello, I'm Chrissy Anderson, MA, a Licensed Professional Counselor. I'm passionate about and experienced in working with children, teens, and adults. I know it's not easy to realize you may need help. However, you are not alone. Everyone has struggles, and I believe that everyone needs support from time to time. As your counselor, I focus on developing the counseling relationship first, and then we will work together to make positive changes in your life.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that a strong, trusting relationship between counselor and client is the foundation for meaningful change.
I provide a safe, trusting environment for my clients to open up and share their experiences without feeling judged or shamed. I take a warm, client-centered approach to psychotherapy, based on the work of Carl Rogers. I believe that one of the most valuable aspect of therapy is for the therapist to have unconditional positive regard toward the client. As my client, I will think the best of you, and truly believe that you are capable of great things. I am positive, non-judgmental and compassionate, and when you enter my office it will be a safe environment for you to be vulnerable and be yourself.
I provide a safe, trusting environment for my clients to open up and share their experiences without feeling judged or shamed. I take a warm, client-centered approach to psychotherapy, based on the work of Carl Rogers. I believe that one of the most valuable aspect of therapy is for the therapist to have unconditional positive regard toward the client. As my client, I will think the best of you, and truly believe that you are capable of great things. I am positive, non-judgmental and compassionate, and when you enter my office it will be a safe environment for you to be vulnerable and be yourself.
Hi there, I'm a fully licensed therapist interested in helping you achieve your goals. I work with kids 10+, teens and adults. Areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, Postpartum Mood Disorders and anxiety, and multicultural issues (I am half-Asian). I love doing sandtray work and EMDR with clients.
Hi there, I'm a fully licensed therapist interested in helping you achieve your goals. I work with kids 10+, teens and adults. Areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, Postpartum Mood Disorders and anxiety, and multicultural issues (I am half-Asian). I love doing sandtray work and EMDR with clients.
Depending on each client's needs, I incorporate evidence-based and client-centered approaches such as CBT, REBT, DBT, solution-focused and person-centered therapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, play therapy, psychoeducation, with a variety of validation, reflection, and cognitive challenging skills.
Are you wanting to become the best version of yourself? Allow me to help you get there! I approach therapy with optimism, openness, empathy, and compassion. I place an emphasis on active listening and collaboration, allowing clients to feel deeply heard while we work together to explore their experiences and build meaningful change. I will walk beside you through tough transitions. Ensuring comfort and safety is always a priority, and I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for growth.
Depending on each client's needs, I incorporate evidence-based and client-centered approaches such as CBT, REBT, DBT, solution-focused and person-centered therapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, play therapy, psychoeducation, with a variety of validation, reflection, and cognitive challenging skills.
Are you wanting to become the best version of yourself? Allow me to help you get there! I approach therapy with optimism, openness, empathy, and compassion. I place an emphasis on active listening and collaboration, allowing clients to feel deeply heard while we work together to explore their experiences and build meaningful change. I will walk beside you through tough transitions. Ensuring comfort and safety is always a priority, and I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for growth.
Welcome to my practice. I thoroughly enjoy my work and thrive in helping people develop healthy, productive, and satisfying lives and relationships. I strive to create a welcoming environment where children, adolescents and adults feel comfortable exploring ways to achieve their goals. Research has shown that one of the most important aspects of change in therapy lies within the therapeutic relationship, so the benefits received from therapy are directly related to feelings of comfort and connection with a therapist. I consider my role as a therapist to be a privilege and will work to ensure you receive services best suited for you.
Welcome to my practice. I thoroughly enjoy my work and thrive in helping people develop healthy, productive, and satisfying lives and relationships. I strive to create a welcoming environment where children, adolescents and adults feel comfortable exploring ways to achieve their goals. Research has shown that one of the most important aspects of change in therapy lies within the therapeutic relationship, so the benefits received from therapy are directly related to feelings of comfort and connection with a therapist. I consider my role as a therapist to be a privilege and will work to ensure you receive services best suited for you.
At the heart of my work is a deep belief that healing is a relational process. I approach therapy from a psychodynamic perspective, where the therapeutic relationship itself becomes a powerful catalyst for growth and transformation. I integrate modern neurobiology with holistic somatic healing, creating a safe and nurturing space where body, mind, and emotions can awaken and reconnect. I specialize in a somatic-centered approach, recognizing that the body holds the key to our stories, experiences, and unprocessed emotions. I work with you to explore and release these patterns, helping you to reconnect with your true self.
At the heart of my work is a deep belief that healing is a relational process. I approach therapy from a psychodynamic perspective, where the therapeutic relationship itself becomes a powerful catalyst for growth and transformation. I integrate modern neurobiology with holistic somatic healing, creating a safe and nurturing space where body, mind, and emotions can awaken and reconnect. I specialize in a somatic-centered approach, recognizing that the body holds the key to our stories, experiences, and unprocessed emotions. I work with you to explore and release these patterns, helping you to reconnect with your true self.
Blue Note Psychotherapy is Austin’s premier counseling center for individuals, couples, and families navigating cancer & medical diagnoses, grief & loss, and significant life transitions. Our approach to therapy is grounded in respect for your experience, deep expertise in the issues we support, and a belief that there is no single way to journey through this—it comes down to what is right and true and authentic for you. Our team of highly trained and specialized therapists is committed to meeting you right where you are today and supporting you as an active, engaged, and reliable companion on your path forward.
Blue Note Psychotherapy is Austin’s premier counseling center for individuals, couples, and families navigating cancer & medical diagnoses, grief & loss, and significant life transitions. Our approach to therapy is grounded in respect for your experience, deep expertise in the issues we support, and a belief that there is no single way to journey through this—it comes down to what is right and true and authentic for you. Our team of highly trained and specialized therapists is committed to meeting you right where you are today and supporting you as an active, engaged, and reliable companion on your path forward.
Congratulations on your journey towards healing and a full life. I invite you to learn a bit more about my practice and the path I have taken to join you. I strive to provide a safe environment for clients to become in touch with their agency, while experiencing the challenges of being human. Most of my work is done in the context of the parent/child relationship, when working with young children and families. With individuals and couples, I allow clients to identify their inner strength and insight to foster personal growth, or develop deep meaningful relationships.
Congratulations on your journey towards healing and a full life. I invite you to learn a bit more about my practice and the path I have taken to join you. I strive to provide a safe environment for clients to become in touch with their agency, while experiencing the challenges of being human. Most of my work is done in the context of the parent/child relationship, when working with young children and families. With individuals and couples, I allow clients to identify their inner strength and insight to foster personal growth, or develop deep meaningful relationships.
I specialize in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) which is an evidenced based form of non-directive play therapy that addresses social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in kids.
Is your child or teen struggling to express themselves and regulate their emotions? Do they have difficulty communicating their feelings? Are they experiencing intense tantrums or engage in aggressive or defiant behavior? Do little things seem to bother them and you’re wondering if they are highly-sensitive or may be neurodivergent? Are they getting into trouble at school? Have they recently experienced a traumatic event and you’re worried about how they will cope? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you have come to the right place!
I specialize in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) which is an evidenced based form of non-directive play therapy that addresses social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in kids.
Is your child or teen struggling to express themselves and regulate their emotions? Do they have difficulty communicating their feelings? Are they experiencing intense tantrums or engage in aggressive or defiant behavior? Do little things seem to bother them and you’re wondering if they are highly-sensitive or may be neurodivergent? Are they getting into trouble at school? Have they recently experienced a traumatic event and you’re worried about how they will cope? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you have come to the right place!
I believe that in the seeking is where we have the finding. I love working with people who want their life to be better, who want to become happy, joyous and free. The road to self-discovery is a life-long journey, and I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they uncover who they truly are.
I believe that in the seeking is where we have the finding. I love working with people who want their life to be better, who want to become happy, joyous and free. The road to self-discovery is a life-long journey, and I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they uncover who they truly are.
Now I’ve built a life of belonging, play, nature, meaningful work and social connection.
Are you neuroqueer? You are, or think you might be, gifted, trans, ADHD, gay, autistic, poly, or a highly sensitive person. These identities begin on the inside, in how we relate to and experience the world. In turn, they shape how the world treats us. Because they start within us, they often go unnoticed, by ourselves or others, for at least a while. But we’ve always felt them, somehow. We know we are different; we feel we don’t belong or can’t fit in. It seems like everyone else got a copy of a script or rulebook that we didn’t. It’s a struggle to know who or how to be.
Now I’ve built a life of belonging, play, nature, meaningful work and social connection.
Are you neuroqueer? You are, or think you might be, gifted, trans, ADHD, gay, autistic, poly, or a highly sensitive person. These identities begin on the inside, in how we relate to and experience the world. In turn, they shape how the world treats us. Because they start within us, they often go unnoticed, by ourselves or others, for at least a while. But we’ve always felt them, somehow. We know we are different; we feel we don’t belong or can’t fit in. It seems like everyone else got a copy of a script or rulebook that we didn’t. It’s a struggle to know who or how to be.
Hello, I'm Dr. Leona. I am licensed in Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. Over the years, I've had the privilege of helping clients navigate through stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, and coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I strive to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients.
Hello, I'm Dr. Leona. I am licensed in Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. Over the years, I've had the privilege of helping clients navigate through stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, and coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I strive to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients.
Barnhart Therapy & Consultation Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78705
I welcome both adults and adolescents to my practice. I work by creating a safe, affirming and warm environment for people to work on the issues they identify. I would like to work with people that want to explore why they are finding trouble in relationships or productivity to achieve an improved version of themselves.
I welcome both adults and adolescents to my practice. I work by creating a safe, affirming and warm environment for people to work on the issues they identify. I would like to work with people that want to explore why they are finding trouble in relationships or productivity to achieve an improved version of themselves.
Shelly Ray Crossland
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A
7 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
I specialize in helping individuals and couples who are ready to break free from patterns that are holding them back around dating, relationships, and intimacy. Many of my clients find themselves stuck in patterns of anxious attachment, people pleasing, or feeling disconnected from their own needs and desires, and see these patterns negatively impacting their romantic relationships and sexual intimacy. I guide my clients through a process of reconnecting with their deeper desires, needs, and boundaries, so they can connect on a deeper level with themselves, their body, and their partner.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples who are ready to break free from patterns that are holding them back around dating, relationships, and intimacy. Many of my clients find themselves stuck in patterns of anxious attachment, people pleasing, or feeling disconnected from their own needs and desires, and see these patterns negatively impacting their romantic relationships and sexual intimacy. I guide my clients through a process of reconnecting with their deeper desires, needs, and boundaries, so they can connect on a deeper level with themselves, their body, and their partner.
I utilize interpersonal neurobiology, play therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy principles to help guide your child to a more regulated self!
I specialize in working with youth and families who have experienced trauma, attachment issues, and family of origin issues. By working together to heal we can move towards building healthy relationships, both with ourselves and others and develop the tools that are needed to sustain lasting change.
I utilize interpersonal neurobiology, play therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy principles to help guide your child to a more regulated self!
I specialize in working with youth and families who have experienced trauma, attachment issues, and family of origin issues. By working together to heal we can move towards building healthy relationships, both with ourselves and others and develop the tools that are needed to sustain lasting change.
Are you navigating a relationship where anxiety speaks louder than love and belonging? I help individuals, couples, partners, and families with issues and topics related to infidelity, jealousy, sex and kink, grief and loss, and relational/spiritual trauma, especially if those issues intersect with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC identities and/or non-traditional relational dynamics including polyamory, non-monogamy, single parent, and blended families. My therapeutic approach to relationships is centered on liberation and the nurturing of a mutual interdependence that respects the autonomy and divinity of each person.
Are you navigating a relationship where anxiety speaks louder than love and belonging? I help individuals, couples, partners, and families with issues and topics related to infidelity, jealousy, sex and kink, grief and loss, and relational/spiritual trauma, especially if those issues intersect with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC identities and/or non-traditional relational dynamics including polyamory, non-monogamy, single parent, and blended families. My therapeutic approach to relationships is centered on liberation and the nurturing of a mutual interdependence that respects the autonomy and divinity of each person.
My ideal client is one who is ready to begin the journey towards a better functioning family, and/or a happier life. That person wishes to move through their past experiences and begin the healing process. Healing may require a level of discomfort, but my ideal client has likely been uncomfortable before. That person is ready to feel safe and find the strength and comfort to provide connection with this clinician needed for goals like improved intimacy, decreased sadness or motivation, work-life balance, couples, family of origin issues, and trauma. I enjoy working with the LGBTQAI+ community.
My ideal client is one who is ready to begin the journey towards a better functioning family, and/or a happier life. That person wishes to move through their past experiences and begin the healing process. Healing may require a level of discomfort, but my ideal client has likely been uncomfortable before. That person is ready to feel safe and find the strength and comfort to provide connection with this clinician needed for goals like improved intimacy, decreased sadness or motivation, work-life balance, couples, family of origin issues, and trauma. I enjoy working with the LGBTQAI+ community.
It can be miserable in this life. You could benefit from speaking with someone who has education and experience navigating obstacles. I have 20 years of experience and specialize in guiding people to review what is going on with them and what to do about it. I am not your “typical” mental health professional. I have been through the forest with limited tools, and I want better for you. The Therapy dogs will be near you also, if you want them to be!
It can be miserable in this life. You could benefit from speaking with someone who has education and experience navigating obstacles. I have 20 years of experience and specialize in guiding people to review what is going on with them and what to do about it. I am not your “typical” mental health professional. I have been through the forest with limited tools, and I want better for you. The Therapy dogs will be near you also, if you want them to be!
See more therapy options for Austin
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Austin
- Bee Cave
- Buda
- Cedar Park
- Del Valle
- Hutto
- Lakeway
- Leander
- Pflugerville
- Rollingwood
- Round Rock
- Sunset Valley
- West Lake Hills
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.