Play Therapy in East Brunswick, NJ
Michelle Kessous
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Psychotherapy and Psychological Testing: Therapy (play therapy for youngsters) follows cognitive-behavioral framework; goals involve bolstering independence/self-esteem.
I am a firm believer in encouraging positivity, bolstering self-efficacy, and cultivating independence in others. My typical client is a child, adolescent, or young adult (age 3 to 29) who may be struggling academically, socially, or with developing effective emotional coping skills. Often, the individuals I see have difficulty with attention, concentration, organization, and with meeting the daily demands required of them at school. I also offer much support to parents who may be frustrated with their attempts at connecting with their kids and who are in need of guidance relating to discipline techniques and behavior management.
Psychotherapy and Psychological Testing: Therapy (play therapy for youngsters) follows cognitive-behavioral framework; goals involve bolstering independence/self-esteem.
I am a firm believer in encouraging positivity, bolstering self-efficacy, and cultivating independence in others. My typical client is a child, adolescent, or young adult (age 3 to 29) who may be struggling academically, socially, or with developing effective emotional coping skills. Often, the individuals I see have difficulty with attention, concentration, organization, and with meeting the daily demands required of them at school. I also offer much support to parents who may be frustrated with their attempts at connecting with their kids and who are in need of guidance relating to discipline techniques and behavior management.
Jennifer Rerngsamai
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with patients from ages 7 & up, I use a strengths based approach, incorporate play therapy with children, and provide support & education to parents.
Each person possesses the power to make changes to be able to lead a more fulfilling life. At some point in our lives, most people will experience anxiety, depression, loss, relationship issues, or difficulty adjusting to life transitions. It is important to have a safe and nonjudgmental place to express yourself. Therapy can help you see your situation from different perspectives and help you to evaluate which path is the best one for you as your own unique person. I work with patients with various problems including depression, anxiety, behavioral disturbances, bullying, school issues, relationship problems, and self-esteem.
I have extensive experience working with patients from ages 7 & up, I use a strengths based approach, incorporate play therapy with children, and provide support & education to parents.
Each person possesses the power to make changes to be able to lead a more fulfilling life. At some point in our lives, most people will experience anxiety, depression, loss, relationship issues, or difficulty adjusting to life transitions. It is important to have a safe and nonjudgmental place to express yourself. Therapy can help you see your situation from different perspectives and help you to evaluate which path is the best one for you as your own unique person. I work with patients with various problems including depression, anxiety, behavioral disturbances, bullying, school issues, relationship problems, and self-esteem.
Yvelisse Velasquez-Ortiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Online Only)
This includes solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and for my younger clients, play therapy.
Within my years of experience, I’ve been genuinely invested in working alongside clients assisting them in having better self-understanding, acknowledging strengths, and exercising weaknesses. I specialize in anxiety, depression, family dynamics resolution, assisting families with special needs challenges, couples and marriage counseling, parenting skills, and psychoeducation. I have an optimistic approach to working with individuals, couples, and families and an energetic, engaging approach with young children through teletherapy, focusing on also empowering parents and caregivers. Let me help support you on your journey.
This includes solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and for my younger clients, play therapy.
Within my years of experience, I’ve been genuinely invested in working alongside clients assisting them in having better self-understanding, acknowledging strengths, and exercising weaknesses. I specialize in anxiety, depression, family dynamics resolution, assisting families with special needs challenges, couples and marriage counseling, parenting skills, and psychoeducation. I have an optimistic approach to working with individuals, couples, and families and an energetic, engaging approach with young children through teletherapy, focusing on also empowering parents and caregivers. Let me help support you on your journey.
Amy DeLuca Litkey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Through the use of art/play therapy, I work with children to help them express their feelings in healthy ways and provide skills to reduce anxiety, depression, social difficulties, and conflict.
Feeling understood is an important aspect of personal development and life satisfaction at any age. As a Columbia University trained therapist, I provide a warm and nurturing environment where children, adolescents, and adults feel supported and are better able to understand and manage their emotions and behavior. I offer a safe place for individuals to process and cope with transition and challenges such as relationship concerns, divorce, grief, and traumatic experiences. My passion is helping women, young adults and children meet their individualized therapeutic goals and live their lives to the fullest potential.
Through the use of art/play therapy, I work with children to help them express their feelings in healthy ways and provide skills to reduce anxiety, depression, social difficulties, and conflict.
Feeling understood is an important aspect of personal development and life satisfaction at any age. As a Columbia University trained therapist, I provide a warm and nurturing environment where children, adolescents, and adults feel supported and are better able to understand and manage their emotions and behavior. I offer a safe place for individuals to process and cope with transition and challenges such as relationship concerns, divorce, grief, and traumatic experiences. My passion is helping women, young adults and children meet their individualized therapeutic goals and live their lives to the fullest potential.
Elinor Bashe
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
In addition to consulting with parents, I do play therapy with younger children.
Have you ever said: "No one ever taught me how to be a parent or spouse?" Perhaps navigating the relationships at work is posing a challenge. I help clients look at patterns of communication and behaviors that aren't working and help them understand their origins. Together, we develop an understanding of what is causing the difficulties so that we may address them successfully. I've been a psychologist for 25 years, helping clients enhance their relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. While much of my work is with adults, I am also a child psychologist.
In addition to consulting with parents, I do play therapy with younger children.
Have you ever said: "No one ever taught me how to be a parent or spouse?" Perhaps navigating the relationships at work is posing a challenge. I help clients look at patterns of communication and behaviors that aren't working and help them understand their origins. Together, we develop an understanding of what is causing the difficulties so that we may address them successfully. I've been a psychologist for 25 years, helping clients enhance their relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. While much of my work is with adults, I am also a child psychologist.
Tammy Dorff
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
I have specialized training and experience in play therapy, parenting, working with LGBTQ clients and their families, EMDR, crisis intervention, and feminist therapy.
I have a diverse practice in which I work with adults, children, adolescents and couples who are struggling with a variety of different issues. These include depression, anxiety/panic attacks, relationship problems, school and behavioral issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, low self-esteem, stress, sexual orientation and gender identity concerns, struggles with spirituality, self-injurious behavior, adoption, dealing with medical problems, grief and loss, trauma, and coping with divorce and its aftermath. My ideal client is one who wants help and is feeling ready to do the work necessary to improve and enrich his or her life.
I have specialized training and experience in play therapy, parenting, working with LGBTQ clients and their families, EMDR, crisis intervention, and feminist therapy.
I have a diverse practice in which I work with adults, children, adolescents and couples who are struggling with a variety of different issues. These include depression, anxiety/panic attacks, relationship problems, school and behavioral issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, low self-esteem, stress, sexual orientation and gender identity concerns, struggles with spirituality, self-injurious behavior, adoption, dealing with medical problems, grief and loss, trauma, and coping with divorce and its aftermath. My ideal client is one who wants help and is feeling ready to do the work necessary to improve and enrich his or her life.
Kerrianne Galvin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
My main focus is to partner with you to help you achieve your goals. I obtained my master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University, where I completed an Area of Emphasis in children, youth, and families. Since then, I have worked with clients of all ages facing challenges with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, family issues, and self-harm. You can read my full bio at https://onesteptherapycenter.com/meet-our-therapists.
My main focus is to partner with you to help you achieve your goals. I obtained my master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University, where I completed an Area of Emphasis in children, youth, and families. Since then, I have worked with clients of all ages facing challenges with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, family issues, and self-harm. You can read my full bio at https://onesteptherapycenter.com/meet-our-therapists.
One Step at a Time Therapy Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
One Step at a Time Therapy Center (OST) is a group practice offering quality, tailored psychotherapy to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Our passion is to help all of our clients become the best versions of themselves. We believe in a variety of holistic approaches to self improvement and healing. Visit our website at www.onesteptherapycenter.com to learn more about us!
One Step at a Time Therapy Center (OST) is a group practice offering quality, tailored psychotherapy to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Our passion is to help all of our clients become the best versions of themselves. We believe in a variety of holistic approaches to self improvement and healing. Visit our website at www.onesteptherapycenter.com to learn more about us!
Emily McVey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
I am passionate towards working with you in your journey to wellness! Throughout my career, I have worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings and I have knowledge of mental and emotional health, chronic illness, loss/grief and difficulty coping with life's circumstances. I have extensive experience working in a medical setting helping children and families adjust to various medical diagnoses and navigating the challenges that come with treatment. I also have experience working with children, adolescents and families experiencing anxiety, depression, parent/child conflict and transitional challenges.
I am passionate towards working with you in your journey to wellness! Throughout my career, I have worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings and I have knowledge of mental and emotional health, chronic illness, loss/grief and difficulty coping with life's circumstances. I have extensive experience working in a medical setting helping children and families adjust to various medical diagnoses and navigating the challenges that come with treatment. I also have experience working with children, adolescents and families experiencing anxiety, depression, parent/child conflict and transitional challenges.
Amanda Uhrig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT200
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Congratulations on taking the first step towards a healthier, happier life! I am a believer that the goal of therapy is to not need it any longer - so we'll begin talking about what you want your life to look like at the end of treatment on day one. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. I often use humor in my sessions - a little bit of laughter can be necessary to balance the heavy topics we'll cover together. I believe in targeting the root causes instead of treating just the symptoms so that you can enjoy long lasting improvements.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards a healthier, happier life! I am a believer that the goal of therapy is to not need it any longer - so we'll begin talking about what you want your life to look like at the end of treatment on day one. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. I often use humor in my sessions - a little bit of laughter can be necessary to balance the heavy topics we'll cover together. I believe in targeting the root causes instead of treating just the symptoms so that you can enjoy long lasting improvements.
Araceli Fernandez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Life is full of obstacles that at times feel impossible to overcome. In therapy, we will work together to equip you with coping skills that best suit you to make tackling these obstacles possible. Depression, anxiety, grief, and low self-esteem are common hindrances that therapy can help find long term solutions enabling you to live to your fullest potential.
Life is full of obstacles that at times feel impossible to overcome. In therapy, we will work together to equip you with coping skills that best suit you to make tackling these obstacles possible. Depression, anxiety, grief, and low self-esteem are common hindrances that therapy can help find long term solutions enabling you to live to your fullest potential.
Cathi Fischer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Deciding to come for counseling can be a difficult decision. A supportive and nurturing environment is waiting when you come into the office. Together, we will create an atmosphere of trust and comfort that will allow you to explore your needs while I support you in finding solutions. My 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults dealing with issues of anxiety, depression and grief, to name a few, will help me to tailor treatment to what works best for each individual or family. My knowledge also expands to working with children, adolescents and families going through chronic and terminal medical illness.
Deciding to come for counseling can be a difficult decision. A supportive and nurturing environment is waiting when you come into the office. Together, we will create an atmosphere of trust and comfort that will allow you to explore your needs while I support you in finding solutions. My 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults dealing with issues of anxiety, depression and grief, to name a few, will help me to tailor treatment to what works best for each individual or family. My knowledge also expands to working with children, adolescents and families going through chronic and terminal medical illness.
Ruth Churak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, DSW
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Online Only)
Tired of being unhappy? Having difficulty in your relationships or watching members of your family struggle? Don't suffer from worry, depression, anxiety and uncertainty alone. You can take charge of your situation or guide your children to a better start in life. Sometimes we become overwhelmed and unsure of which direction to go. I can help you clarify your goals using different techniques and tools to help you make the small steps that lead to big progress. I foster an accepting, safe, caring, environment utilizing a variety of therapeutic methods to tailor therapy to fit your needs and situation.
Tired of being unhappy? Having difficulty in your relationships or watching members of your family struggle? Don't suffer from worry, depression, anxiety and uncertainty alone. You can take charge of your situation or guide your children to a better start in life. Sometimes we become overwhelmed and unsure of which direction to go. I can help you clarify your goals using different techniques and tools to help you make the small steps that lead to big progress. I foster an accepting, safe, caring, environment utilizing a variety of therapeutic methods to tailor therapy to fit your needs and situation.
Melanie Carrión
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
I first want to congratulate you for deciding to take this huge step! Looking for a therapist is not as easy as you would expect it to be. Sometimes the connection is missing or the vibe does not feel right, which often leads to an unsuccessful experience with therapy. Whether you are experiencing grief, or anxiety, or have been feeling in a funk lately, therapy may be the perfect outlet for you to be able to voice these worries and concerns.
I first want to congratulate you for deciding to take this huge step! Looking for a therapist is not as easy as you would expect it to be. Sometimes the connection is missing or the vibe does not feel right, which often leads to an unsuccessful experience with therapy. Whether you are experiencing grief, or anxiety, or have been feeling in a funk lately, therapy may be the perfect outlet for you to be able to voice these worries and concerns.
Dr. Rakhee Krishna
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Online Only)
If you think that your quality of life is marred by anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting challenges, grief and pain from personnel or material losses or chronic physical conditions or if you see yourself getting into a pattern of making self- sabotaging choices in your life , give yourself the chance to experience life differently. Allow me to guide you make a break through. I work with children, teens, adults, couples and families who are facing behavioral & emotional regulation issues, stress while navigating difficult relationships or life's challenges in general.
If you think that your quality of life is marred by anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting challenges, grief and pain from personnel or material losses or chronic physical conditions or if you see yourself getting into a pattern of making self- sabotaging choices in your life , give yourself the chance to experience life differently. Allow me to guide you make a break through. I work with children, teens, adults, couples and families who are facing behavioral & emotional regulation issues, stress while navigating difficult relationships or life's challenges in general.
Allyson Crawford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
First and foremost, I commend you on making this decision for yourself and your mental health. Therapy is a bridge that is meant to help others achieve emotional peace in their life. This process is never easy, but my belief is that we are all worth the effort in living a life where we feel emotionally grounded, safe, and secure. Your stress and worries are always valid, and therefore you deserve an outlet, just for you.
First and foremost, I commend you on making this decision for yourself and your mental health. Therapy is a bridge that is meant to help others achieve emotional peace in their life. This process is never easy, but my belief is that we are all worth the effort in living a life where we feel emotionally grounded, safe, and secure. Your stress and worries are always valid, and therefore you deserve an outlet, just for you.
Lauren LaSanta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Family and Youth Services. I have over 15 years of experience helping individuals, families and children and can offer a variety of solutions to address your challenges. I have a specialization in family therapy and have experience working with children with behavioral, developmental and intellectual disabilities. I have experience assisting with autism, ADHD, IEP's, special needs and behavioral modification.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Family and Youth Services. I have over 15 years of experience helping individuals, families and children and can offer a variety of solutions to address your challenges. I have a specialization in family therapy and have experience working with children with behavioral, developmental and intellectual disabilities. I have experience assisting with autism, ADHD, IEP's, special needs and behavioral modification.
Leigh Fagerstrom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC, C-DBT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Your therapeutic journey is unique. I look forward to collaborating with you throughout this empowering process. I specialize in the treatment of addiction, trauma and PTSD, family conflicts, difficulty managing stress and emotions. I hope to offer you a safe and authentic space while we work towards your sustainable wellness and post traumatic growth. The majority of my clinical experience has been practicing with adults seeking treatment for mental health issues, trauma and substance use disorders. I also have extensive experience working with older children, teens and their families from group home to in home settings.
Your therapeutic journey is unique. I look forward to collaborating with you throughout this empowering process. I specialize in the treatment of addiction, trauma and PTSD, family conflicts, difficulty managing stress and emotions. I hope to offer you a safe and authentic space while we work towards your sustainable wellness and post traumatic growth. The majority of my clinical experience has been practicing with adults seeking treatment for mental health issues, trauma and substance use disorders. I also have extensive experience working with older children, teens and their families from group home to in home settings.
Moshe Fund
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Sometimes we feel alone, misunderstood, scared. Other times we feel anger, turmoil, overwhelmed. It can be a painful past which still gives us no peace, or a fork in the road ahead which confuses us. We may have no way to settle our fears. Children may be challenging us, or we may be observing them struggle in their personal lives. Relationships may be unsettling or disappointing. What we all want is happiness, inner peace. Gratifying relationships. Pride in our parenting. A way to move on from past traumas and allow us to feel free again.
Sometimes we feel alone, misunderstood, scared. Other times we feel anger, turmoil, overwhelmed. It can be a painful past which still gives us no peace, or a fork in the road ahead which confuses us. We may have no way to settle our fears. Children may be challenging us, or we may be observing them struggle in their personal lives. Relationships may be unsettling or disappointing. What we all want is happiness, inner peace. Gratifying relationships. Pride in our parenting. A way to move on from past traumas and allow us to feel free again.
Marsha N. Shapiro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD, LLC
Verified Verified
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Online Only)
I offer respectful, affirmative treatment in a safe, comfortable environment. Establishing a trusting, caring relationship with the people I work with is of the utmost importance to me. I see Children, Adolescents and Adults. Depression and other Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Phobias, PTSD, Relationships, Parenting, Separation/Divorce, Adult Survivors of Incest/Sexual Abuse, Sexuality, Women's and LGBTQ issues, Stress and Anger Management, Loss/ Bereavement, Eating and other Compulsive Disorders, Learning/DevelopmentalChallenges and Acute/Chronic Illness, Life Coaching and Individual Consultation Services are my areas of specialization.
I offer respectful, affirmative treatment in a safe, comfortable environment. Establishing a trusting, caring relationship with the people I work with is of the utmost importance to me. I see Children, Adolescents and Adults. Depression and other Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Phobias, PTSD, Relationships, Parenting, Separation/Divorce, Adult Survivors of Incest/Sexual Abuse, Sexuality, Women's and LGBTQ issues, Stress and Anger Management, Loss/ Bereavement, Eating and other Compulsive Disorders, Learning/DevelopmentalChallenges and Acute/Chronic Illness, Life Coaching and Individual Consultation Services are my areas of specialization.
See more therapy options for East Brunswick
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for East Brunswick
- Edison
- Highland Park
- Jamesburg
- Metuchen
- Monmouth Junction
- Monroe Township
- New Brunswick
- North Brunswick
- Old Bridge
- Piscataway
- Sayreville
- South Brunswick
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.