Play Therapy in Camas, WA
We meet clients wherever they are on their healing journey from young children, navigating growth and transitioning through play therapy to adolescence building personal identity to adults and couples seeking deeper fulfillment and relationship harmony.
Our collaborative training consist of using internal family systems approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure, response prevention, play therapy, and art therapy
We meet clients wherever they are on their healing journey from young children, navigating growth and transitioning through play therapy to adolescence building personal identity to adults and couples seeking deeper fulfillment and relationship harmony.
Our collaborative training consist of using internal family systems approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure, response prevention, play therapy, and art therapy
These include play-based strategies, sand tray therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques.
Hello! I am a licensed mental health counselor based in Washington, offering both in-person counseling in Camas, WA, and virtual sessions across Washington and Oregon. With over five years of experience, I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families. I am passionate about providing a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered.
These include play-based strategies, sand tray therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques.
Hello! I am a licensed mental health counselor based in Washington, offering both in-person counseling in Camas, WA, and virtual sessions across Washington and Oregon. With over five years of experience, I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families. I am passionate about providing a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards healthier relationships, personal growth, and improved mental well-being! As a person-centered therapist, I am here to support you on your journey by tailoring our interactions to meet your unique personal needs. My holistic and creative approach encourages you to explore the things that no longer serve you, helping you move toward your most authentic self. Together, we will create a safe and nurturing environment where you can openly express yourself and engage in meaningful exploration. I look forward to partnering with you as you embark on this transformative journey.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards healthier relationships, personal growth, and improved mental well-being! As a person-centered therapist, I am here to support you on your journey by tailoring our interactions to meet your unique personal needs. My holistic and creative approach encourages you to explore the things that no longer serve you, helping you move toward your most authentic self. Together, we will create a safe and nurturing environment where you can openly express yourself and engage in meaningful exploration. I look forward to partnering with you as you embark on this transformative journey.
I use varying modalities such as narrative therapy, play, sand, and art within therapy sessions.
Do you feel like you can't get away from spiraling thoughts and never ending emotional turmoil? You may feel confused, anxious, tired and disappointed with life. Whether you are a child, adolescent or young adult struggling to find connection, grieving a loss, facing isolation, or bombarded by thoughts of anxiousness, I am here to help. These feelings and thoughts may show up in various areas in life including academia, relationships, physical symptoms, and emotional distress.
I use varying modalities such as narrative therapy, play, sand, and art within therapy sessions.
Do you feel like you can't get away from spiraling thoughts and never ending emotional turmoil? You may feel confused, anxious, tired and disappointed with life. Whether you are a child, adolescent or young adult struggling to find connection, grieving a loss, facing isolation, or bombarded by thoughts of anxiousness, I am here to help. These feelings and thoughts may show up in various areas in life including academia, relationships, physical symptoms, and emotional distress.
I have experience working with children, youth and families. As a Child Mental Health Specialist, I specialize in clinical social work with clients that are struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidality and trauma. I use a creative strength based approach utilizing evidence based practice with solution focused brief counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy. My focus is to promote safe and healthy individuals and families in our community. I believe everyone has something to offer to our community. Helping others to connect and live their life to the fullest is my hope for each individual and family.
I have experience working with children, youth and families. As a Child Mental Health Specialist, I specialize in clinical social work with clients that are struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidality and trauma. I use a creative strength based approach utilizing evidence based practice with solution focused brief counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy. My focus is to promote safe and healthy individuals and families in our community. I believe everyone has something to offer to our community. Helping others to connect and live their life to the fullest is my hope for each individual and family.
Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions or struggle to make sense of past experiences? Perhaps fear, anger, or grief are showing up in your relationships, making it harder to connect. You may be dealing with painful reminders of trauma—such as flashbacks, emotional outbursts, or trouble sleeping. Or you might be struggling with anxiety and sadness that could be linked to life changes, relationship challenges, or the loss of a loved one. Are you looking for a counselor who listens with compassion and responds with respect, professionalism, and care?
Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions or struggle to make sense of past experiences? Perhaps fear, anger, or grief are showing up in your relationships, making it harder to connect. You may be dealing with painful reminders of trauma—such as flashbacks, emotional outbursts, or trouble sleeping. Or you might be struggling with anxiety and sadness that could be linked to life changes, relationship challenges, or the loss of a loved one. Are you looking for a counselor who listens with compassion and responds with respect, professionalism, and care?
Hi, I am glad you are here. It is an honor to walk this journey with you in becoming your most authentic self. This significant step you are undertaking may initially feel overwhelming, but please know that we will progress at your own pace. Your well-being and healing are my utmost priority.
Mental health profoundly influences every aspect of our lives, and I have personally witnessed the transformative power of having someone accompany you during the healing process. I am committed to providing unwavering support and encouragement as you embark on this transformative journey.
Hi, I am glad you are here. It is an honor to walk this journey with you in becoming your most authentic self. This significant step you are undertaking may initially feel overwhelming, but please know that we will progress at your own pace. Your well-being and healing are my utmost priority.
Mental health profoundly influences every aspect of our lives, and I have personally witnessed the transformative power of having someone accompany you during the healing process. I am committed to providing unwavering support and encouragement as you embark on this transformative journey.
Modalities might include DBT, IFS, EMDR, Play Therapy, and/or Integrative Attachment Family Therapy.
I strive to support and affirm each client on their individual path toward emotional healing. My counseling approach stems from deep compassion and lived experience. My role is to accompany and guide you to process experiences, both past and present, without judgment. I will hold space for you to recognize and discover your own unique strengths and inner wisdom. To better understand your life narrative, and shape your future with intention. My office is in a private and quiet setting, offering a soothing space away from the busy world.
Modalities might include DBT, IFS, EMDR, Play Therapy, and/or Integrative Attachment Family Therapy.
I strive to support and affirm each client on their individual path toward emotional healing. My counseling approach stems from deep compassion and lived experience. My role is to accompany and guide you to process experiences, both past and present, without judgment. I will hold space for you to recognize and discover your own unique strengths and inner wisdom. To better understand your life narrative, and shape your future with intention. My office is in a private and quiet setting, offering a soothing space away from the busy world.
Learn the skills to grow your capacity for joy and play, strive for goals and practice thriving!
Amanda treats mental health conditions with an understanding of neurophysiology. She treats ADHD, OCD, PTSD and mental health aspects of autism spectrum and sensory processing concerns. She is a trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and a Yoga Instructor, helping clients heal through engaging with the wisdom of movement.
Learn the skills to grow your capacity for joy and play, strive for goals and practice thriving!
Amanda treats mental health conditions with an understanding of neurophysiology. She treats ADHD, OCD, PTSD and mental health aspects of autism spectrum and sensory processing concerns. She is a trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and a Yoga Instructor, helping clients heal through engaging with the wisdom of movement.
I am eclectic and creative, and incorporate elements of art and play therapy into my sessions.
I believe that each person carries an innate ability to heal and grow, and so I take a holistic, ‘whole-person’ approach. In sessions, I actively engage with clients to create experiences of emotional and somatic healing which deepen their connection to their body and intuition. This approach can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
I am eclectic and creative, and incorporate elements of art and play therapy into my sessions.
I believe that each person carries an innate ability to heal and grow, and so I take a holistic, ‘whole-person’ approach. In sessions, I actively engage with clients to create experiences of emotional and somatic healing which deepen their connection to their body and intuition. This approach can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
My education background includes master's level courses in play, dance movement, and sand tray therapy.
Words can be hard! Finding the "right" ones or knowing where to start can be a struggle. My goal is to provide a therapeutic experience that goes beyond words. My approach to therapy is grounded in meeting people where they are, without judgment or preconceptions. I understand that every client is unique, with their own set of experiences, challenges, and strengths. I prioritize tailoring counseling sessions to meet my clients' developmental, emotional, and communication needs. Incorporating playful and creative activities into therapy can enhance the therapeutic experience and offer new avenues for self-expression and growth.
My education background includes master's level courses in play, dance movement, and sand tray therapy.
Words can be hard! Finding the "right" ones or knowing where to start can be a struggle. My goal is to provide a therapeutic experience that goes beyond words. My approach to therapy is grounded in meeting people where they are, without judgment or preconceptions. I understand that every client is unique, with their own set of experiences, challenges, and strengths. I prioritize tailoring counseling sessions to meet my clients' developmental, emotional, and communication needs. Incorporating playful and creative activities into therapy can enhance the therapeutic experience and offer new avenues for self-expression and growth.
Real Life Counseling exists to provide dignified mental health services from a strengths-based & client centered posture, utilizing evidence based and best practice approaches in being a support to our community with meeting its mental health related needs. We also desire to be a safe, supportive and collaborative place for our group of 1099 Independent Contracted Clinicians & Interns to learn and grow in their practice, along with our team of administrative staff to also grow in their own career path, skill sets and opportunities.
Real Life Counseling exists to provide dignified mental health services from a strengths-based & client centered posture, utilizing evidence based and best practice approaches in being a support to our community with meeting its mental health related needs. We also desire to be a safe, supportive and collaborative place for our group of 1099 Independent Contracted Clinicians & Interns to learn and grow in their practice, along with our team of administrative staff to also grow in their own career path, skill sets and opportunities.
With children I use CBT, family systems, play/sand tray therapy, emotion recognition & expression and parent skills training.
Hi! There's a lot of reasons that people come to therapy. Typically, the first time is always the most challenging and scary; you don't know what to expect, you aren’t sure if the therapist is going to pry in to your deepest darkest memories, and you don’t know if you will even like the therapist. Whatever your preexisting ideas are about counseling, it’s ok. I invite your fears and hopes alike. My job as a therapist is to provide a welcoming, safe atmosphere in which you feel comfortable, relaxed and free to talk about whatever it is that’s on your mind, as well as help you gain insight and make positive changes in your life.
With children I use CBT, family systems, play/sand tray therapy, emotion recognition & expression and parent skills training.
Hi! There's a lot of reasons that people come to therapy. Typically, the first time is always the most challenging and scary; you don't know what to expect, you aren’t sure if the therapist is going to pry in to your deepest darkest memories, and you don’t know if you will even like the therapist. Whatever your preexisting ideas are about counseling, it’s ok. I invite your fears and hopes alike. My job as a therapist is to provide a welcoming, safe atmosphere in which you feel comfortable, relaxed and free to talk about whatever it is that’s on your mind, as well as help you gain insight and make positive changes in your life.
Here at A Better Way Counseling Services, our mission is to be of service to our Washington community, far and near. We offer quality mental health counseling, training, and classes on a variety of helpful topics. Our philosophy is to work with people from an individualized, needs-driven, and strength-based focus. We are committed to offering quality mental health services to all people, regardless of religious preference, race, sex, income, sexual orientation, or education. A fundamental principle of our service is to treat everyone with respect and dignity.
Here at A Better Way Counseling Services, our mission is to be of service to our Washington community, far and near. We offer quality mental health counseling, training, and classes on a variety of helpful topics. Our philosophy is to work with people from an individualized, needs-driven, and strength-based focus. We are committed to offering quality mental health services to all people, regardless of religious preference, race, sex, income, sexual orientation, or education. A fundamental principle of our service is to treat everyone with respect and dignity.
Client motivation focused;,believing personal change is possible for anyone who desires it. The human spirit is powerful and will persevere if nurtured, empowered & supported. My therapeutic approach: teaching, empower, intervene &support for the therapeutic change process with clients. Combining education + professional & personal experience I provide a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic approach conducive to healthy changes. Perspective of personal strengths vs the medical model of "sickness" clients are empowered with hope and skills for positive change.
Client motivation focused;,believing personal change is possible for anyone who desires it. The human spirit is powerful and will persevere if nurtured, empowered & supported. My therapeutic approach: teaching, empower, intervene &support for the therapeutic change process with clients. Combining education + professional & personal experience I provide a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic approach conducive to healthy changes. Perspective of personal strengths vs the medical model of "sickness" clients are empowered with hope and skills for positive change.
Catherine Haley Epstein
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, MA, NBCC
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in psychodynamic, ACT, DBT, Adlerian therapy, EMDR and play therapies.
Welcome!
As a licensed therapist, I have the privilege of working with individuals across the lifespan, from children to adults. My approach is grounded in the belief that every person is unique, with their own strengths, experiences, and challenges. I use a holistic approach in my practice, understanding that the mind and body are deeply interconnected. I believe true healing comes when we look at the whole person and work to create balance and well-being in all areas of life. As a therapist with lived experience of ADHD, I have a distinct lens in understanding how ADHD affects our relationships and how we experience the world.
I am trained in psychodynamic, ACT, DBT, Adlerian therapy, EMDR and play therapies.
Welcome!
As a licensed therapist, I have the privilege of working with individuals across the lifespan, from children to adults. My approach is grounded in the belief that every person is unique, with their own strengths, experiences, and challenges. I use a holistic approach in my practice, understanding that the mind and body are deeply interconnected. I believe true healing comes when we look at the whole person and work to create balance and well-being in all areas of life. As a therapist with lived experience of ADHD, I have a distinct lens in understanding how ADHD affects our relationships and how we experience the world.
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** I specialize in working with children and parents. Using an integrative approach to meet your needs, we may include family therapy, parent coaching, directive and non-directive client-centered counseling methods. I hear from parents all the time about their struggle to know how to support their child during difficult times. Let's face it, what works for one child may not work for another. I'm passionate about cracking the code using playful strategies to help kids/families who are struggling with anxiety, depression, life events, and relationship challenges.
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** I specialize in working with children and parents. Using an integrative approach to meet your needs, we may include family therapy, parent coaching, directive and non-directive client-centered counseling methods. I hear from parents all the time about their struggle to know how to support their child during difficult times. Let's face it, what works for one child may not work for another. I'm passionate about cracking the code using playful strategies to help kids/families who are struggling with anxiety, depression, life events, and relationship challenges.
Accepting Clients in our Vancouver & Greater Olympia WA office! Wanderlust is a group practice that offers independently licensed clinicians, conditional licensed professionals, and clinical students that treat a wide array of mental health disorders. Our staff provide individual counseling to children, adolescents and adults. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will address your strengths and needs. We accept most major health plans. Each counselor has their own expertise and treatment approach.
Accepting Clients in our Vancouver & Greater Olympia WA office! Wanderlust is a group practice that offers independently licensed clinicians, conditional licensed professionals, and clinical students that treat a wide array of mental health disorders. Our staff provide individual counseling to children, adolescents and adults. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will address your strengths and needs. We accept most major health plans. Each counselor has their own expertise and treatment approach.
We are a group of dynamic therapists, in multiple Washington state locations. Our goal was to create a place for you to settle in and tell your story. Everybody has one, and we want to hear yours. Counseling is a process that encourages you to examine your choices, your thoughts, your dreams, your barriers and your pain in an effort to create the positive change you are seeking in your life. We believe that successful counseling is a collaborative experience between you and your therapist; that finding the right fit is vital to that success.
We are a group of dynamic therapists, in multiple Washington state locations. Our goal was to create a place for you to settle in and tell your story. Everybody has one, and we want to hear yours. Counseling is a process that encourages you to examine your choices, your thoughts, your dreams, your barriers and your pain in an effort to create the positive change you are seeking in your life. We believe that successful counseling is a collaborative experience between you and your therapist; that finding the right fit is vital to that success.
I employ an integrative approach with a strong reliance on cognitive-behavioral aspects, emotion focused therapy, solution focused therapy, as well as some Jungian methods, such as sand tray therapy, and child centered play therapy.
Many are unable to vocalize their emotional state as a result of trauma, neglect or abuse. Incorporating the sand, allows an individual to achieve comfort and security. Play therapy - children aged 3 through 11 provides a way for them to express their experiences and feelings through a natural process.
I employ an integrative approach with a strong reliance on cognitive-behavioral aspects, emotion focused therapy, solution focused therapy, as well as some Jungian methods, such as sand tray therapy, and child centered play therapy.
Many are unable to vocalize their emotional state as a result of trauma, neglect or abuse. Incorporating the sand, allows an individual to achieve comfort and security. Play therapy - children aged 3 through 11 provides a way for them to express their experiences and feelings through a natural process.
See more therapy options for Camas
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.