Play Therapy in Cornelius, NC
Maddy Kostur
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
When working with children, I use play therapy.
Every child deserves to be a child - to feel safe, loved, and to experience the world through a lens filled with wonder, joy and curiosity. When trauma occurs, it can affect every fiber of a child’s being causing chaos and disruption to their childhood. It can often feel impossible to know where to begin to start the healing process. That is why I am here - to help your child untangle and process the jumbled and complicated emotions that trauma can cause.
When working with children, I use play therapy.
Every child deserves to be a child - to feel safe, loved, and to experience the world through a lens filled with wonder, joy and curiosity. When trauma occurs, it can affect every fiber of a child’s being causing chaos and disruption to their childhood. It can often feel impossible to know where to begin to start the healing process. That is why I am here - to help your child untangle and process the jumbled and complicated emotions that trauma can cause.
Nicole Sales
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
I have a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a concentration in Play Therapy.
I think one of the greatest honors and privileges I have as a counselor is walking alongside my clients throughout their journeys – through some of their darkest and most challenging moments. If you are struggling, you do not have to struggle alone. I am here for you! I aim to provide a safe, welcoming and compassionate environment for my clients, so that each person who enters my office feels comfortable. Therapy is a collaborative process, so together we can explore whatever it may be that is causing you or your child distress.
I have a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a concentration in Play Therapy.
I think one of the greatest honors and privileges I have as a counselor is walking alongside my clients throughout their journeys – through some of their darkest and most challenging moments. If you are struggling, you do not have to struggle alone. I am here for you! I aim to provide a safe, welcoming and compassionate environment for my clients, so that each person who enters my office feels comfortable. Therapy is a collaborative process, so together we can explore whatever it may be that is causing you or your child distress.
Mindful Beginnings of Lake Norman
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
We offer Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR in addition to many other treatment modalities.
We are so glad you're here! At Mindful Beginnings of Lake Norman we offer therapy services to the greater Lake Norman area's individuals, couples, teens, children, and families. Through our collaborative of independent providers, we are able to work with individuals across the life span to support healing, connection and personal growth.
We offer Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR in addition to many other treatment modalities.
We are so glad you're here! At Mindful Beginnings of Lake Norman we offer therapy services to the greater Lake Norman area's individuals, couples, teens, children, and families. Through our collaborative of independent providers, we are able to work with individuals across the life span to support healing, connection and personal growth.
Samantha King
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
Waitlist for new clients
I use Experiential methods such as EMDR, Gestalt, Play and sand tray in the office.
I offer therapeutic wellness interventions through a trauma informed/ trauma focused lens. I enjoy working with pre-teens and adolescents (age 12-18) and young adults through age 65 who are seeking support and facilitation in their healing and growth toward "self- actualizing" potential. I am most helpful for clients who are willing to be active participants and personally responsible for their growth process inherent to experiencing wellness. Together we approach treatment goals to overcome or manage life issues stemming from problems with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, behaviors and emotions, grief, and relationships.
I use Experiential methods such as EMDR, Gestalt, Play and sand tray in the office.
I offer therapeutic wellness interventions through a trauma informed/ trauma focused lens. I enjoy working with pre-teens and adolescents (age 12-18) and young adults through age 65 who are seeking support and facilitation in their healing and growth toward "self- actualizing" potential. I am most helpful for clients who are willing to be active participants and personally responsible for their growth process inherent to experiencing wellness. Together we approach treatment goals to overcome or manage life issues stemming from problems with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, behaviors and emotions, grief, and relationships.
Anna Taylor Boulware
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina, an Associate Partner Trauma Therapist, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. I am also trained as a child-centered play therapist. I work with children who struggle with anxiety, difficulty in family or school situations, depression, behavioral concerns, trauma, or grief and loss. With adults, I have extensive background in betrayal, anxiety, trauma, and depression. My priority is to help you find a sense of safety within yourself & relationships. I also specialize in couples therapy working on communication skills, trust, infidelity, and conflict.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina, an Associate Partner Trauma Therapist, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. I am also trained as a child-centered play therapist. I work with children who struggle with anxiety, difficulty in family or school situations, depression, behavioral concerns, trauma, or grief and loss. With adults, I have extensive background in betrayal, anxiety, trauma, and depression. My priority is to help you find a sense of safety within yourself & relationships. I also specialize in couples therapy working on communication skills, trust, infidelity, and conflict.
Sarah Beth Maier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am also a Registered Play Therapist and have extensive experience and training working with children as young as 3 years old.
We are all faced with a myriad of obstacles, adjustments and stressors throughout our lives. Starting a family and navigating the role of new parent can be one of the biggest. Whether working through the postpartum adjustment, navigating the ever changing role as parent or walking through the many transitions and difficulties of being a child, I work with adults and children to find ways best suited to master these obstacles and surmount life's challenges.
In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am also a Registered Play Therapist and have extensive experience and training working with children as young as 3 years old.
We are all faced with a myriad of obstacles, adjustments and stressors throughout our lives. Starting a family and navigating the role of new parent can be one of the biggest. Whether working through the postpartum adjustment, navigating the ever changing role as parent or walking through the many transitions and difficulties of being a child, I work with adults and children to find ways best suited to master these obstacles and surmount life's challenges.
Jenna Daley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Play Therapy techniques.
I earned my undergraduate degree from University of Southern Maine and went on to receive my Masters of Social Work degree from University of Southern Maine. I have worked in various therapeutic settings such as group homes, a psychiatric hospital, community mental health center and most recently been in private practice for the past 11 years within the Lake Norman community. I opened Peaceful Path Counseling, PLLC in 2021.
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Play Therapy techniques.
I earned my undergraduate degree from University of Southern Maine and went on to receive my Masters of Social Work degree from University of Southern Maine. I have worked in various therapeutic settings such as group homes, a psychiatric hospital, community mental health center and most recently been in private practice for the past 11 years within the Lake Norman community. I opened Peaceful Path Counseling, PLLC in 2021.
Sachi Mehta
Psychological Associate, PsyD, LPA, HSP-PA
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
I have been working with children and adults of all ages in individual therapy / family therapy and play therapy for over 18 years. My expertise is in the areas of working with anxiety, depression, psychosis, grief, suicide, complex trauma, relationship concerns, developmental concerns for all ages, PTSD, and diversity issues, dementias. I specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological and diagnostic assessment for Autism, ADHD, Personality, medical necessity, forensic, fitness for duty, educational, TBI, dementias, etc. I speak several languages and have won several awards for multicultural and diversity focused work.
I have been working with children and adults of all ages in individual therapy / family therapy and play therapy for over 18 years. My expertise is in the areas of working with anxiety, depression, psychosis, grief, suicide, complex trauma, relationship concerns, developmental concerns for all ages, PTSD, and diversity issues, dementias. I specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological and diagnostic assessment for Autism, ADHD, Personality, medical necessity, forensic, fitness for duty, educational, TBI, dementias, etc. I speak several languages and have won several awards for multicultural and diversity focused work.
Ashlan Vincent
Counselor, LCMHC, MA
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
I love to utilize expressive art work, narrative space, play therapy, and collaborative work together to further understand you or to even help you gain clarity on different parts of yourself.
I love to see anyone across the lifespan. If you enjoy creating a space for yourself to heal, grow, and recover from the mental health symptoms you are experiencing in a safe, trusting space, you will fit right in here. Whether you are managing panic attacks, emotional outbursts, past experiences, or feel completely overwhelmed, we can work together to overcome the obstacles in your way. I've spent the past few years working with anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, postpartum health, and stressful life circumstances.
I love to utilize expressive art work, narrative space, play therapy, and collaborative work together to further understand you or to even help you gain clarity on different parts of yourself.
I love to see anyone across the lifespan. If you enjoy creating a space for yourself to heal, grow, and recover from the mental health symptoms you are experiencing in a safe, trusting space, you will fit right in here. Whether you are managing panic attacks, emotional outbursts, past experiences, or feel completely overwhelmed, we can work together to overcome the obstacles in your way. I've spent the past few years working with anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, postpartum health, and stressful life circumstances.
Elizabeth Boyd
Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
I specialize in working with the neurodiverse community (all ages) and draw from a wealth of experience to provide psycho-education, validation, empathy, and strategies. I hold space for processing the challenges while also working to identify strengths. When working with children, I utilize play therapy to focus on building your child’s understanding of their ADHD brain, equip them with skills to both understand and communicate what they are feeling, improve self-control, and increase their confidence. This often helps reduce the intensity of emotions that can be otherwise felt and expressed in BIG ways!
I specialize in working with the neurodiverse community (all ages) and draw from a wealth of experience to provide psycho-education, validation, empathy, and strategies. I hold space for processing the challenges while also working to identify strengths. When working with children, I utilize play therapy to focus on building your child’s understanding of their ADHD brain, equip them with skills to both understand and communicate what they are feeling, improve self-control, and increase their confidence. This often helps reduce the intensity of emotions that can be otherwise felt and expressed in BIG ways!
Bailee Ford
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
My work is rooted in the tenets of Child Centered Play Therapy, with the addition of expressive arts and mindfulness techniques.
I believe children have an inherent ability to work toward growth and solve their problems. I strive to create a safe environment where clients can do this work, with the support of the counselor. My desire is for counseling to be a space where children can be authentically themselves and practice new behaviors and perspectives. I also utilize frequent collaboration with caregivers to introduce lasting change outside of the therapeutic environment.
My work is rooted in the tenets of Child Centered Play Therapy, with the addition of expressive arts and mindfulness techniques.
I believe children have an inherent ability to work toward growth and solve their problems. I strive to create a safe environment where clients can do this work, with the support of the counselor. My desire is for counseling to be a space where children can be authentically themselves and practice new behaviors and perspectives. I also utilize frequent collaboration with caregivers to introduce lasting change outside of the therapeutic environment.
Davidson Family Therapy
Counselor, LCMHC, LCMHCA, LCAS, MSW, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
We offer Play Therapy, Equine & Animal Assisted Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy and more.
Congratulations on taking your first step towards growth and wellness! We are proud of you for considering counseling for yourself or a family member. Davidson Family Therapy is strengthening families through compassion & creativity in the Lake Norman community. We are here to help you every step of the way, by promoting healing and personal development. We celebrate and honor the creativity required to heal our deepest pains, which is why we offer an array of services involving animals, art, play, nature, and more.
We offer Play Therapy, Equine & Animal Assisted Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy and more.
Congratulations on taking your first step towards growth and wellness! We are proud of you for considering counseling for yourself or a family member. Davidson Family Therapy is strengthening families through compassion & creativity in the Lake Norman community. We are here to help you every step of the way, by promoting healing and personal development. We celebrate and honor the creativity required to heal our deepest pains, which is why we offer an array of services involving animals, art, play, nature, and more.
Jeanette Diekman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
I approach therapy using methods and techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Play Therapy, and other integrative and eclectic therapies.
I believe that people can better their lives through therapy. Whether you are struggling with stress and anxiety, depression, adjustments to changes in your life, family issues, or unresolved hurt from your past, learning coping skills can make your life more manageable. I understand that counseling is a very personal experience, and stress the importance of feeling comfortable in my office, where you will be free to discuss your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
I approach therapy using methods and techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Play Therapy, and other integrative and eclectic therapies.
I believe that people can better their lives through therapy. Whether you are struggling with stress and anxiety, depression, adjustments to changes in your life, family issues, or unresolved hurt from your past, learning coping skills can make your life more manageable. I understand that counseling is a very personal experience, and stress the importance of feeling comfortable in my office, where you will be free to discuss your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
Joanna Von Staden
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
As a clinical mental health counselor with a concentration in play therapy, I utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches working with children, adolescents, and families who are navigating different learning abilities, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief.
Life is a journey full of transitions that can bring unexpected change and heavy emotions. Children and adolescents often struggle with navigating and regulating such big feelings. Regardless of age, I believe we all have the ability to channel our inner strengths when given the correct tools and proper support.
As a clinical mental health counselor with a concentration in play therapy, I utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches working with children, adolescents, and families who are navigating different learning abilities, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief.
Life is a journey full of transitions that can bring unexpected change and heavy emotions. Children and adolescents often struggle with navigating and regulating such big feelings. Regardless of age, I believe we all have the ability to channel our inner strengths when given the correct tools and proper support.
Summer Mendez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
I provide a person-centered approach that focuses primarily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), although I also offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Play Therapy as appropriate.
Hello! It has been a joy of mine to work with children, teens and young adults dealing with life transitions. My passions include working with clients who are experiencing stress, trauma, and/or behavioral issues. I can assist clients in developing the skills necessary for self-regulation, self-control and increase their self-esteem and self-confidence. I consider myself an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity and sense of humor with a realistic approach to counseling.
I provide a person-centered approach that focuses primarily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), although I also offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Play Therapy as appropriate.
Hello! It has been a joy of mine to work with children, teens and young adults dealing with life transitions. My passions include working with clients who are experiencing stress, trauma, and/or behavioral issues. I can assist clients in developing the skills necessary for self-regulation, self-control and increase their self-esteem and self-confidence. I consider myself an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity and sense of humor with a realistic approach to counseling.
Dazmine O'Neal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Cornelius, NC 28031
Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and respected. It is my honor to have the opportunity to provide that to my clients every day. I deeply believe we all have the power to unlock our answers to build a more happy, peaceful, and fulfilled life. I consider it a privilege to partner with clients along that journey. I work with children, teens and adults in a compassionate, safe and therapeutic space to discover their needs and goals. As a team, we will work together to achieve these goals in the most effective, efficient and clinically sound way. We got this together!
Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and respected. It is my honor to have the opportunity to provide that to my clients every day. I deeply believe we all have the power to unlock our answers to build a more happy, peaceful, and fulfilled life. I consider it a privilege to partner with clients along that journey. I work with children, teens and adults in a compassionate, safe and therapeutic space to discover their needs and goals. As a team, we will work together to achieve these goals in the most effective, efficient and clinically sound way. We got this together!
Andrea Miller
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MS, EdS, LCMHC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
Are you a stressed out mom? Feeling the mental challenges of pregnancy, parenting, and finding time for yourself? Needing someone to help you find hope in the overwhelm? Pregnancy and parenting are hard. I provide perinatal and postpartum counseling to mothers and birthing persons struggling with anxiety, depression, infertility, and grief. Whether you are struggling to become a mom or overwhelmed in motherhood, I offer a compassionate and collaborative approach. I walk alongside you to help you find the hope and healing you are looking for!
Are you a stressed out mom? Feeling the mental challenges of pregnancy, parenting, and finding time for yourself? Needing someone to help you find hope in the overwhelm? Pregnancy and parenting are hard. I provide perinatal and postpartum counseling to mothers and birthing persons struggling with anxiety, depression, infertility, and grief. Whether you are struggling to become a mom or overwhelmed in motherhood, I offer a compassionate and collaborative approach. I walk alongside you to help you find the hope and healing you are looking for!
Andrea Hayward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
**IT IS MORE EFFICIENT TO CONTACT ME BY EMAIL AT THIS TIME.** Many challenges may arise in life. It can be made easier if you have a comfortable atmosphere to share & express yourself. You come to therapy to face hard truths & learn better ways to handle them. Maybe you find yourself repeating the same patterns, having the same interactions, or feeling a certain way about yourself. I balance truth & tact, giving genuine feedback. I listen & support without judgment. I have a passion for helping individuals & families cope with difficulties in their lives. My desire is to help clients experience healing & life change.
**IT IS MORE EFFICIENT TO CONTACT ME BY EMAIL AT THIS TIME.** Many challenges may arise in life. It can be made easier if you have a comfortable atmosphere to share & express yourself. You come to therapy to face hard truths & learn better ways to handle them. Maybe you find yourself repeating the same patterns, having the same interactions, or feeling a certain way about yourself. I balance truth & tact, giving genuine feedback. I listen & support without judgment. I have a passion for helping individuals & families cope with difficulties in their lives. My desire is to help clients experience healing & life change.
Shirley M Curry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA , LCASA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
Are you seeking healing from your past? Do you want to save your family? Do you want others to understand where you are coming from as a young adult? Has life dealt you unexpected and unwanted pressures? Do you need payment options? Are you out of solutions? I can help you heal from your past. I can help you to find a new outlook on life. I can explore solutions with you. Sometimes we know where we want to go; yet we need a road map to get there. I feel it is a privilege to be a therapist. I love my work. I offer a safe and nonjudgmental atmosphere for my clients to talk through their concerns.
Are you seeking healing from your past? Do you want to save your family? Do you want others to understand where you are coming from as a young adult? Has life dealt you unexpected and unwanted pressures? Do you need payment options? Are you out of solutions? I can help you heal from your past. I can help you to find a new outlook on life. I can explore solutions with you. Sometimes we know where we want to go; yet we need a road map to get there. I feel it is a privilege to be a therapist. I love my work. I offer a safe and nonjudgmental atmosphere for my clients to talk through their concerns.
Dr. Sarah Stuchell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
Although you may feel alone in your problem, I guarantee that you are not, and will help you develop individual and relationship skills to overcome your problem(s). I am an avid proponent of examining the systemic nature of problems, which includes taking inventory of the mental, physical, spiritual, societal, and relational aspects that may be effecting you. I will help you deconstruct your life and experiences, and help you reconstruct a healthy psychological paradigm that heals you and brings meaning and purpose to your life. You will ultimately feel more alive, genuine, and hopeful about yourself and your future.
Although you may feel alone in your problem, I guarantee that you are not, and will help you develop individual and relationship skills to overcome your problem(s). I am an avid proponent of examining the systemic nature of problems, which includes taking inventory of the mental, physical, spiritual, societal, and relational aspects that may be effecting you. I will help you deconstruct your life and experiences, and help you reconstruct a healthy psychological paradigm that heals you and brings meaning and purpose to your life. You will ultimately feel more alive, genuine, and hopeful about yourself and your future.
See more therapy options for Cornelius
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Cornelius
- Charlotte
- Concord
- Davidson
- Denver
- Harrisburg
- Huntersville
- Kannapolis
- Mooresville
- Mount Holly
- Newell
- Sherrills Ford
- Troutman
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.