Play Therapy in Shelton, WA
Sometimes we just need someone who will listen. Clients that do well with me are hoping to change and are willing to try something new. The same is true for children who do well.Trust your gut. Research shows that when the client feels "good" about the counselor, that feeling is a strong indicators that a counselor will be helpful for the client. I do my best to honor the courage and vulnerability it takes to seek help.
Sometimes we just need someone who will listen. Clients that do well with me are hoping to change and are willing to try something new. The same is true for children who do well.Trust your gut. Research shows that when the client feels "good" about the counselor, that feeling is a strong indicators that a counselor will be helpful for the client. I do my best to honor the courage and vulnerability it takes to seek help.
Krista Green’s Counseling
Counselor, LMHCA , MHP, CMHS, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shelton, WA 98584
I believe in being culturally aware of the different experiences we all go through in work, school, relationships, or other areas in life. My therapitic style is authentic, resourceful, and strengths-based.
I believe in being culturally aware of the different experiences we all go through in work, school, relationships, or other areas in life. My therapitic style is authentic, resourceful, and strengths-based.
More Therapists Nearby
Come play! .
I am passionate about helping clients heal and transform through an eco-art therapeutic approach that combines art, nature and play. Working and playing in a natural setting, I offer a variety of mediums to encourage growth, both indoors and out. This allows an emergent and imaginative approach to therapy that adapts to fit the unique needs of each individual, couple, family and group. Moving from sand tray to clay, collage to art journaling, clients can walk outdoors on paths that meander past waterways and through old growth forests. With labyrinths, meditative walks and an enormous sound chamber, I offer many creative outlets.
Come play! .
I am passionate about helping clients heal and transform through an eco-art therapeutic approach that combines art, nature and play. Working and playing in a natural setting, I offer a variety of mediums to encourage growth, both indoors and out. This allows an emergent and imaginative approach to therapy that adapts to fit the unique needs of each individual, couple, family and group. Moving from sand tray to clay, collage to art journaling, clients can walk outdoors on paths that meander past waterways and through old growth forests. With labyrinths, meditative walks and an enormous sound chamber, I offer many creative outlets.
I am driven to help you lead the life you are yearning for. Many of us can feel stuck and overwhelmed with life’s challenges but you are not alone in your journey to making a healthy change. I have over 7 years of experience working with children, teens, families, couples, and adult individuals in reaching their mental health goals. I help people overcome their fears, manage anxiety, cope with depression, and improve their relationships with others. I am a strengths-based therapist who believes in meeting each client where they are and individualizing treatment to meet everyone’s unique needs.
I am driven to help you lead the life you are yearning for. Many of us can feel stuck and overwhelmed with life’s challenges but you are not alone in your journey to making a healthy change. I have over 7 years of experience working with children, teens, families, couples, and adult individuals in reaching their mental health goals. I help people overcome their fears, manage anxiety, cope with depression, and improve their relationships with others. I am a strengths-based therapist who believes in meeting each client where they are and individualizing treatment to meet everyone’s unique needs.
Online Therapists
Stephanie M Mustopich
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MHP, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vashon, WA 98070 (Online Only)
I consider myself strengths-focused and often use humor, art and play as tools for healing.
Welcome! You've already taken the first step of searching for a therapist for yourself or a loved one. I want to acknowledge how difficult that can be and am here to help support you through the rest of the journey. I see adolescents, adults and couples for a variety of issues such as family or relational conflict, anxiety, depression, self-compassion, codependency, and boundaries. I find it deeply rewarding to provide therapy to those who identify anywhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Building a trusting relationship is my first priority. We will create a safe, non-judgmental space together where you can meet your goals.
I consider myself strengths-focused and often use humor, art and play as tools for healing.
Welcome! You've already taken the first step of searching for a therapist for yourself or a loved one. I want to acknowledge how difficult that can be and am here to help support you through the rest of the journey. I see adolescents, adults and couples for a variety of issues such as family or relational conflict, anxiety, depression, self-compassion, codependency, and boundaries. I find it deeply rewarding to provide therapy to those who identify anywhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Building a trusting relationship is my first priority. We will create a safe, non-judgmental space together where you can meet your goals.
I admire the courage it takes to seek help and make change, and believe everyone has the capacity for healing. I bring compassion and curiosity to my person centered work with clients. My approach is collaborative, feedback driven, strengths based, and often infused with play, art, and nature therapy techniques. While the work we do will be as unique as each client, I am most inspired by internal family systems, emotionally focused therapy, solution focused brief therapy, and AEDP.
I admire the courage it takes to seek help and make change, and believe everyone has the capacity for healing. I bring compassion and curiosity to my person centered work with clients. My approach is collaborative, feedback driven, strengths based, and often infused with play, art, and nature therapy techniques. While the work we do will be as unique as each client, I am most inspired by internal family systems, emotionally focused therapy, solution focused brief therapy, and AEDP.
During counseling sessions, I may draw from techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialetical Behavior Therapy, ACT Therapy, and Play and Art therapy.
Welcome! Taking the brave step to seek counseling can be overwhelming and it can also be rewarding and transformational. I strive to provide a supportive space that is open and safe for you to explore what is most important to you. I work with children, teens, parents, and individual adults. I have completed Level I Gottman Method Couples Therapy training.
During counseling sessions, I may draw from techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialetical Behavior Therapy, ACT Therapy, and Play and Art therapy.
Welcome! Taking the brave step to seek counseling can be overwhelming and it can also be rewarding and transformational. I strive to provide a supportive space that is open and safe for you to explore what is most important to you. I work with children, teens, parents, and individual adults. I have completed Level I Gottman Method Couples Therapy training.
Licensed Mental Health Counseling Intern with 5 years of social work experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Treatment specialties include trauma, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. I have practiced behavioral health using evidence-based strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy interventions. Children learn through play, Play therapy interventions provide children a way to express their feelings and overcome trauma through a natural self healing process. I assist adolescents and adults in learning healthy coping skills and recognizing restrictive habits and patterns.
Licensed Mental Health Counseling Intern with 5 years of social work experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Treatment specialties include trauma, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. I have practiced behavioral health using evidence-based strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy interventions. Children learn through play, Play therapy interventions provide children a way to express their feelings and overcome trauma through a natural self healing process. I assist adolescents and adults in learning healthy coping skills and recognizing restrictive habits and patterns.
Suenia Villagerardo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEAP, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98122 (Online Only)
I use clay, drawing, writing, movement, dance and sand play to access deep feelings.
Virtual Sessions Only. I work well with anyone who seeks therapy and is ready to work on themselves. I have worked with about every population, culture and age group. Issues that I am best suited to treating include a wide variety of disorders, childhood trauma, addictions, domestic violence, parenting/bonding/interpersonal relationships. I certified in EMDR and expressive arts therapy. I like to offer different forms of expression to my clients in the healing arts. I also give plenty of skill building tools and homework so clients can maximize their progress outside of the weekly sessions. I speak Spanish fluently.
I use clay, drawing, writing, movement, dance and sand play to access deep feelings.
Virtual Sessions Only. I work well with anyone who seeks therapy and is ready to work on themselves. I have worked with about every population, culture and age group. Issues that I am best suited to treating include a wide variety of disorders, childhood trauma, addictions, domestic violence, parenting/bonding/interpersonal relationships. I certified in EMDR and expressive arts therapy. I like to offer different forms of expression to my clients in the healing arts. I also give plenty of skill building tools and homework so clients can maximize their progress outside of the weekly sessions. I speak Spanish fluently.
I am also certified as a Mental Health Counselor in Taiwan (Certification# 002153), specializing in emotional distress, family conflicts, trauma, stress, self-exploration, adapting to life, personal relationships, etc., and provide services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Through various medium, such as Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Play Therapy, clients are assisted to understand and express their inner thoughts, hence manage and improve perplexity triggered by emotions and life.
I am also certified as a Mental Health Counselor in Taiwan (Certification# 002153), specializing in emotional distress, family conflicts, trauma, stress, self-exploration, adapting to life, personal relationships, etc., and provide services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Through various medium, such as Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Play Therapy, clients are assisted to understand and express their inner thoughts, hence manage and improve perplexity triggered by emotions and life.
I have received Certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT+) for anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavior, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, as well as certification as an Aut play Therapy provider.
I approach therapy from a strengths-based perspective, focusing on assisting individuals and families to find inner strength and make positive life changes. I work with children, teens, adults, and families, utilizing multiple evidence-based approaches. I will support you in creating an environment to help you feel safe and understood, and work with you in setting goals in the areas that are most important to you. I have training and experience in multiple therapy modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Sand Tray, and other Play therapy Techniques.
I have received Certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT+) for anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavior, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, as well as certification as an Aut play Therapy provider.
I approach therapy from a strengths-based perspective, focusing on assisting individuals and families to find inner strength and make positive life changes. I work with children, teens, adults, and families, utilizing multiple evidence-based approaches. I will support you in creating an environment to help you feel safe and understood, and work with you in setting goals in the areas that are most important to you. I have training and experience in multiple therapy modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Sand Tray, and other Play therapy Techniques.
Madeleine Bloch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
When working with children, I utilize art therapy, play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion focused therapy, mindfulness, and emotional regulation techniques.
Hello! Welcome to therapy. I’m Madeleine. If you are seeking therapy, you may be struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, family/relationship issues, or perhaps you just need someone to talk to without fear of being judged. I use a collaborative approach and believe that you are the expert in your own life. We will work together to identify any patterns of behavior that you feel are interfering with your life, discuss the ways your family, environment, and society may be reinforcing these, and develop the skills to alter or cope with these patterns more effectively.
When working with children, I utilize art therapy, play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion focused therapy, mindfulness, and emotional regulation techniques.
Hello! Welcome to therapy. I’m Madeleine. If you are seeking therapy, you may be struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, family/relationship issues, or perhaps you just need someone to talk to without fear of being judged. I use a collaborative approach and believe that you are the expert in your own life. We will work together to identify any patterns of behavior that you feel are interfering with your life, discuss the ways your family, environment, and society may be reinforcing these, and develop the skills to alter or cope with these patterns more effectively.
Rion Lee Tisino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CMHS, SUDPT, EMMHS, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
TFS provides group therapy, social groups, protective parenting, father engagement services, anger management assessments, children and teen counseling, individual counseling, and family support services, utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Art- Play Therapy, Triple P framework, Behavior Modification techniques and Solution-focused approaches.
As I thought of the mission for Tisino Family Services, I thought of strength's-based. TFS facilitates children, youth, adults, and families back into the arms of what family means. One important goal of TFS is to reduce recidivism and teach preventative steps for sustaintainability. So often, I see individuals dealing with unmitigated trauma, self-identified barriers, and generational disadvantages without coping skills. This mission implements practical skills with persistence that capture the attention of specialized techniques that provides significant breakthroughs of unstable mental health and increase healthy living.
TFS provides group therapy, social groups, protective parenting, father engagement services, anger management assessments, children and teen counseling, individual counseling, and family support services, utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Art- Play Therapy, Triple P framework, Behavior Modification techniques and Solution-focused approaches.
As I thought of the mission for Tisino Family Services, I thought of strength's-based. TFS facilitates children, youth, adults, and families back into the arms of what family means. One important goal of TFS is to reduce recidivism and teach preventative steps for sustaintainability. So often, I see individuals dealing with unmitigated trauma, self-identified barriers, and generational disadvantages without coping skills. This mission implements practical skills with persistence that capture the attention of specialized techniques that provides significant breakthroughs of unstable mental health and increase healthy living.
For my child clients, I utilize Child-Centered Play Therapy, a non-directive approach to process trauma.
Making the decision to begin therapy is hard. Living with unresolved fear, doubt, anxiety, depression, or trauma is harder! You’re here because you know your life can be better & you’re brave enough to seek help. I’m here because I’ve been where you are, & I know the amazing, transformative power of therapy! My approach to therapy is warm, person-centered, inclusive, & non-judgmental. I believe YOU are the expert on your life. I believe you already have everything you need to live the happy, authentic life you dream of. Sometimes, we need help seeing things a new way. I would be honored to join you in your journey toward healing.
For my child clients, I utilize Child-Centered Play Therapy, a non-directive approach to process trauma.
Making the decision to begin therapy is hard. Living with unresolved fear, doubt, anxiety, depression, or trauma is harder! You’re here because you know your life can be better & you’re brave enough to seek help. I’m here because I’ve been where you are, & I know the amazing, transformative power of therapy! My approach to therapy is warm, person-centered, inclusive, & non-judgmental. I believe YOU are the expert on your life. I believe you already have everything you need to live the happy, authentic life you dream of. Sometimes, we need help seeing things a new way. I would be honored to join you in your journey toward healing.
Chessie Rebecca Snider
Counselor, MEd-MHP, LMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98108
I use Parent Coaching, somatic approaches, Internal Family Systems, the Neurorelational Framework, Child-Centered Play, Multimodal, ND Affirming DBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, & Narrative Therapy.
I’m an individual & family therapist with a background based in research and evidence based practice. I provide support for kids, adults & caregivers in transition & needing support with life’s many challenges. I specialize in skill building for friendships, trans affirming treatment, emotional dysregulation, confidence, general anxiety & grief. My goal is to provide a space for adults, parents & children to engage in therapy to promote strong bonds within themselves & community, and become a self-sufficient unit outside of my care. I look forward to connecting with you and/or your family!
I use Parent Coaching, somatic approaches, Internal Family Systems, the Neurorelational Framework, Child-Centered Play, Multimodal, ND Affirming DBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, & Narrative Therapy.
I’m an individual & family therapist with a background based in research and evidence based practice. I provide support for kids, adults & caregivers in transition & needing support with life’s many challenges. I specialize in skill building for friendships, trans affirming treatment, emotional dysregulation, confidence, general anxiety & grief. My goal is to provide a space for adults, parents & children to engage in therapy to promote strong bonds within themselves & community, and become a self-sufficient unit outside of my care. I look forward to connecting with you and/or your family!
I utilize evidence-based practices and am trained in: DBT, Play, Trauma-Informed, Somatic and Humanistic therapies.
I believe in empowering adults and teens in the issues centered around Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, ADHD Masking and Symptom Concerns, Stress, Trauma, Meaning, Grief/Loss, Coping Skills, Relational Issues, or other issues contributing to mental distress. Has counseling not worked in the past? Feeling a lack of motivation? Having issues with relationships? Feeling overwhelmed? Worried about not being understood? Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been struggling for years, I am here to support you in finding your path forward. (Telehealth Only)(9/23/24 Update: Availability)
I utilize evidence-based practices and am trained in: DBT, Play, Trauma-Informed, Somatic and Humanistic therapies.
I believe in empowering adults and teens in the issues centered around Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, ADHD Masking and Symptom Concerns, Stress, Trauma, Meaning, Grief/Loss, Coping Skills, Relational Issues, or other issues contributing to mental distress. Has counseling not worked in the past? Feeling a lack of motivation? Having issues with relationships? Feeling overwhelmed? Worried about not being understood? Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been struggling for years, I am here to support you in finding your path forward. (Telehealth Only)(9/23/24 Update: Availability)
Walter Vyhmeister
Counselor, MDiv, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Anacortes, WA 98221 (Online Only)
I use a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral, Rational-Emotive, Play Therapy and Client-Centered approaches to treatment.
Serving as a minister and earning a PhD in Counseling Psychology equipped me to care for people in crises. Working with vulnerable children and their families or caregivers, also proved to be a valuable foundation for clinical care. In a medical academic setting, training residents in the use of spirituality and psychology as they cared for their patients, deepened my own understanding of just how complex clinical issues can become. This also increased my understanding of the level of stress healthcare providers and victims themselves experience during illness.
I use a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral, Rational-Emotive, Play Therapy and Client-Centered approaches to treatment.
Serving as a minister and earning a PhD in Counseling Psychology equipped me to care for people in crises. Working with vulnerable children and their families or caregivers, also proved to be a valuable foundation for clinical care. In a medical academic setting, training residents in the use of spirituality and psychology as they cared for their patients, deepened my own understanding of just how complex clinical issues can become. This also increased my understanding of the level of stress healthcare providers and victims themselves experience during illness.
Amnah Ali
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Redmond, WA 98052
I am trained in talk therapy, Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, expressive art and TF-CBT to support my clients. My people are children 3+, tweens, teens, adult individuals, and couples. I provide support to people from a variety of cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. My focus is individual first and diagnosis second. I believe every human being deserves compassion, love and respect. I will hold your hand and join you on your journey of self compassion and peace. My motto is 'embrace your elements, attain your peace'.
I am trained in talk therapy, Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, expressive art and TF-CBT to support my clients. My people are children 3+, tweens, teens, adult individuals, and couples. I provide support to people from a variety of cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. My focus is individual first and diagnosis second. I believe every human being deserves compassion, love and respect. I will hold your hand and join you on your journey of self compassion and peace. My motto is 'embrace your elements, attain your peace'.
I hold certifications in art and play therapy, trauma informed care and heart math.
As of 8/1/24 I am currently taking new patients via Zoom. Late afternoon and evening appointments available.
I hold certifications in art and play therapy, trauma informed care and heart math.
As of 8/1/24 I am currently taking new patients via Zoom. Late afternoon and evening appointments available.
Hi, I'm Lisa! I offer counseling for adults, families, teens, and children. Yes, counseling works, and you and your family can change through this process. I am great with kids and teens; it comes naturally to me. Adults appreciate my down-to-earth nature and ability to meet them where they're at. Counseling techniques I like to use: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Lifespan Integration Therapy (LI certified), Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Therapy, and Play Therapy (for children). I provide both traditional counseling and Christian counseling, upon request of the client.
Hi, I'm Lisa! I offer counseling for adults, families, teens, and children. Yes, counseling works, and you and your family can change through this process. I am great with kids and teens; it comes naturally to me. Adults appreciate my down-to-earth nature and ability to meet them where they're at. Counseling techniques I like to use: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Lifespan Integration Therapy (LI certified), Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Therapy, and Play Therapy (for children). I provide both traditional counseling and Christian counseling, upon request of the client.
See more therapy options for Shelton
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Shelton
- Bremerton
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- Fircrest
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- Lakewood
- Olympia
- Port Orchard
- Spanaway
- Tacoma
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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.