Play Therapy in Longview, WA
I hold license as a LICSW, SUDP and am trained to provide services in CBT/DBT, Lifespan Integration and Play therapy.
Hi, I’m Kelsey. I know reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating, so my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself from the start. I work with teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I draw from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and Lifespan Integration to meet your unique needs. Therapy with me is about real conversations, practical support, and meaningful growth at a pace that feels right for you.
I hold license as a LICSW, SUDP and am trained to provide services in CBT/DBT, Lifespan Integration and Play therapy.
Hi, I’m Kelsey. I know reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating, so my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself from the start. I work with teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I draw from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and Lifespan Integration to meet your unique needs. Therapy with me is about real conversations, practical support, and meaningful growth at a pace that feels right for you.
I use an integrative approach with multiple modalities such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy, CBT, Family Systems, Mindfulness and Play Therapy.
I am so glad you are here. Beginning therapy is a brave decision, and no matter what you are going through, my priority is to create a space for you to feel supported, accepted, and safe. I want to meet people where they are and help them address hurts, achieve balance and learn new skills to help navigate struggles.
I use an integrative approach with multiple modalities such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy, CBT, Family Systems, Mindfulness and Play Therapy.
I am so glad you are here. Beginning therapy is a brave decision, and no matter what you are going through, my priority is to create a space for you to feel supported, accepted, and safe. I want to meet people where they are and help them address hurts, achieve balance and learn new skills to help navigate struggles.
“The fundamental principle in care of the soul is that the soul needs tending. If we do not tend to things in their suffering, and decay, we risk living the life of the walking dead.” ~Thomas Moore. As I acquire experience as a therapist, it has become apparent that the therapeutic relationship between the counselor and the client is crucial to the success of the client. Counseling is based on trust and the professional connection, and through that connection, the counseling session becomes a co-creation that can unlock the client’s barriers to a fulfilling life.
“The fundamental principle in care of the soul is that the soul needs tending. If we do not tend to things in their suffering, and decay, we risk living the life of the walking dead.” ~Thomas Moore. As I acquire experience as a therapist, it has become apparent that the therapeutic relationship between the counselor and the client is crucial to the success of the client. Counseling is based on trust and the professional connection, and through that connection, the counseling session becomes a co-creation that can unlock the client’s barriers to a fulfilling life.
Hello and welcome! You have made a very brave choice to invest in yourself by coming to therapy. Whatever it is you hope to receive from our time together, my mission is to provide a safe, caring, challenging environment in which you can grow, come to know yourself more deeply and find ways to cope and heal. I became a therapist because I enjoy walking alongside people as they grow and discover the tools of change within themselves. I find that change comes best within relationship and feeling safe, validated and heard. Thrive Therapy LLC is designed with each person in mind. Therapy is uniquelly tailored to you as an individual.
Hello and welcome! You have made a very brave choice to invest in yourself by coming to therapy. Whatever it is you hope to receive from our time together, my mission is to provide a safe, caring, challenging environment in which you can grow, come to know yourself more deeply and find ways to cope and heal. I became a therapist because I enjoy walking alongside people as they grow and discover the tools of change within themselves. I find that change comes best within relationship and feeling safe, validated and heard. Thrive Therapy LLC is designed with each person in mind. Therapy is uniquelly tailored to you as an individual.
I am an experienced Marriage and Family therapist who has worked in mental health for over 20 years. I have worked with patients who have displayed ADD, ADHD, ODD and GAD symptoms and adults who have been dealing with severe major depressive and anxiety disorders, at this time I work exclusively with adults.
I am an experienced Marriage and Family therapist who has worked in mental health for over 20 years. I have worked with patients who have displayed ADD, ADHD, ODD and GAD symptoms and adults who have been dealing with severe major depressive and anxiety disorders, at this time I work exclusively with adults.
My practice serves youth, families, and adults navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, life transitions, behavioral concerns, and relationship challenges. Many clients come in feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to start. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard, build on their strengths, and develop practical tools to create meaningful and lasting change.
My practice serves youth, families, and adults navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, life transitions, behavioral concerns, and relationship challenges. Many clients come in feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to start. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard, build on their strengths, and develop practical tools to create meaningful and lasting change.
I use non-directive and directive play therapy techniques to support greater integration and strengthen relationships.
Supporting Children, Teens Adults and Families through Healing and Growth
About Me
I work with Children, teens, Adults and families around challenges such as anxiety, depression trauma, grief and loss, and attention difficulties. I understand that the struggles we face can sometimes feel overwhelming and difficult to make sense of, and I believe in creating a safe and supportive space where healing can begin.
I use non-directive and directive play therapy techniques to support greater integration and strengthen relationships.
Supporting Children, Teens Adults and Families through Healing and Growth
About Me
I work with Children, teens, Adults and families around challenges such as anxiety, depression trauma, grief and loss, and attention difficulties. I understand that the struggles we face can sometimes feel overwhelming and difficult to make sense of, and I believe in creating a safe and supportive space where healing can begin.
With over 13 years of dedicated experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I am passionate about supporting children, families, and parents through life’s challenges. My practice is rooted in evidence-based approaches that foster healing, growth, and resilience, with a focus on strengthening relationships and nurturing emotional well-being.
I specialize in addressing a wide range of children, family, and parenting-related issues, including behavioral concerns, anxiety, trauma, family transitions, and parent-child relationship difficulties. My therapeutic approach is creative and collaborative, experiential and informed.
With over 13 years of dedicated experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I am passionate about supporting children, families, and parents through life’s challenges. My practice is rooted in evidence-based approaches that foster healing, growth, and resilience, with a focus on strengthening relationships and nurturing emotional well-being.
I specialize in addressing a wide range of children, family, and parenting-related issues, including behavioral concerns, anxiety, trauma, family transitions, and parent-child relationship difficulties. My therapeutic approach is creative and collaborative, experiential and informed.
Play therapy also informs his work with children, teens, and families.
A native of Spain, Rudy is Spanish-English bilingual and works with adults, teens, children, as well as families and couples. He has a real passion for helping those struggling with issues related to assimilation, acculturation, and racial prejudice.
Play therapy also informs his work with children, teens, and families.
A native of Spain, Rudy is Spanish-English bilingual and works with adults, teens, children, as well as families and couples. He has a real passion for helping those struggling with issues related to assimilation, acculturation, and racial prejudice.
I seek to provide support for healthy change, personal growth, and healing. Together we will identify specific areas to explore and then create a plan to work towards positive lasting change. We will focus on building healthy coping skills to manage current symptoms and future challenges. Specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), working across a variety of mental health symptoms, assisting to increase focus, flexibility, ability to cope with pain, building interpersonal effectiveness, emotional intelligence, and problem solving.
I seek to provide support for healthy change, personal growth, and healing. Together we will identify specific areas to explore and then create a plan to work towards positive lasting change. We will focus on building healthy coping skills to manage current symptoms and future challenges. Specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), working across a variety of mental health symptoms, assisting to increase focus, flexibility, ability to cope with pain, building interpersonal effectiveness, emotional intelligence, and problem solving.
I truly care about what you are facing. Life can be overwhelming, and it's not always easy to navigate the challenges that come our way. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or the aftermath of trauma, know that you don't have to face it alone. I am here to offer you the compassionate support and guidance you deserve. Together, we will explore the depths of your experiences, untangle the complexities, and pave the way for healing and personal growth. You deserve to live a life that is aligned with your values, filled with joy, and enriched by meaningful connections.
I truly care about what you are facing. Life can be overwhelming, and it's not always easy to navigate the challenges that come our way. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or the aftermath of trauma, know that you don't have to face it alone. I am here to offer you the compassionate support and guidance you deserve. Together, we will explore the depths of your experiences, untangle the complexities, and pave the way for healing and personal growth. You deserve to live a life that is aligned with your values, filled with joy, and enriched by meaningful connections.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
Melissa Cantwell
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MA Ed, LHMC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor at A Better Way Counseling. This is a second career for me. I have spent the last 18 years in the world of public education with a master's degree in Special Education. The majority of my career has been spent supporting families and their children through the education system with the resources they need to succeed. I have worked with children ages 3-21 with a wide variety of disabilities such as autism, ADHD, visual impairments, dyslexia, communication disorders, anxiety, depression, and more.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor at A Better Way Counseling. This is a second career for me. I have spent the last 18 years in the world of public education with a master's degree in Special Education. The majority of my career has been spent supporting families and their children through the education system with the resources they need to succeed. I have worked with children ages 3-21 with a wide variety of disabilities such as autism, ADHD, visual impairments, dyslexia, communication disorders, anxiety, depression, and more.
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.
You’ve seen enough videos, listened to enough podcasts, and read enough articles to know what you should do to fix your problems. Yet, you always seem to find yourself back in the same patterns you wanted out of. Whether it’s porn, substance use, procrastination, stress, or anger, you can’t shake the feeling that you're stuck with them. You may have even started to wonder if change is possible. Often, we feel this way because we are so focused on the symptoms, that we cannot address the deeper pain that is causing them.
You’ve seen enough videos, listened to enough podcasts, and read enough articles to know what you should do to fix your problems. Yet, you always seem to find yourself back in the same patterns you wanted out of. Whether it’s porn, substance use, procrastination, stress, or anger, you can’t shake the feeling that you're stuck with them. You may have even started to wonder if change is possible. Often, we feel this way because we are so focused on the symptoms, that we cannot address the deeper pain that is causing them.
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.
I draw on somatic, play, art, sand, bibliotherapy, and narrative therapies, as well as TF-CBT and TBRI, to help clients heal in ways that go beyond just talking about their problems.
I work with adults and teens 16+ who have spent years doing everything right but still feel stuck in anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing, or burnout. Many of my clients carry trauma they have never fully addressed, or feel misunderstood because of neurodivergent wiring like ADHD or Autism. I also support parents who are wanting to understand and connect with their children on a deeper level as well as helping professionals who are running on empty. I help clients move past surviving into thriving in a life that feels genuinely peaceful and their own.
I draw on somatic, play, art, sand, bibliotherapy, and narrative therapies, as well as TF-CBT and TBRI, to help clients heal in ways that go beyond just talking about their problems.
I work with adults and teens 16+ who have spent years doing everything right but still feel stuck in anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing, or burnout. Many of my clients carry trauma they have never fully addressed, or feel misunderstood because of neurodivergent wiring like ADHD or Autism. I also support parents who are wanting to understand and connect with their children on a deeper level as well as helping professionals who are running on empty. I help clients move past surviving into thriving in a life that feels genuinely peaceful and their own.
Times of overwhelm and discomfort often draw our attention to our fears and anxieties, but they also illuminate the things that are most important to us. Whether you’re wanting to learn more about yourself; worrying about your child’s well-being; suffering the loss of a loved one; processing abuse or trauma; experiencing a major life transition; feeling unsatisfied in your relationships; or are just wanting more out of life, therapy may be a great place to start. My work with individuals and families focuses on supporting your journey toward wellness, balance, and intentionality.
Times of overwhelm and discomfort often draw our attention to our fears and anxieties, but they also illuminate the things that are most important to us. Whether you’re wanting to learn more about yourself; worrying about your child’s well-being; suffering the loss of a loved one; processing abuse or trauma; experiencing a major life transition; feeling unsatisfied in your relationships; or are just wanting more out of life, therapy may be a great place to start. My work with individuals and families focuses on supporting your journey toward wellness, balance, and intentionality.
Our mission at Achieving Balance Counseling is to foster an environment that empowers an individual or family’s ability to resolve, change and achieve balance in order to attain happiness, hope and harmony in life.
Our mission at Achieving Balance Counseling is to foster an environment that empowers an individual or family’s ability to resolve, change and achieve balance in order to attain happiness, hope and harmony in life.
As both an entrepreneur and clinician, I maintain a caseload of in-person and telehealth clients while training clinicians and managing a multi-state mental health practice. I’ve worked with diverse clients and challenges, with a current focus on women navigating transitions, anxiety, depression, perinatal/postpartum issues, and OCD; children and teens facing emotional, social, or developmental stress; and families—including LDS couples—seeking support. My background includes medical family therapy and collaborative pediatric diagnostics.
As both an entrepreneur and clinician, I maintain a caseload of in-person and telehealth clients while training clinicians and managing a multi-state mental health practice. I’ve worked with diverse clients and challenges, with a current focus on women navigating transitions, anxiety, depression, perinatal/postpartum issues, and OCD; children and teens facing emotional, social, or developmental stress; and families—including LDS couples—seeking support. My background includes medical family therapy and collaborative pediatric diagnostics.
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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.