Play-Based Therapy
Play-based therapy makes a difference. Play is an enjoyable, fun activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom and, most importantly, helps us express ourselves.
What is Play-Based Therapy?
Play-based therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play-based therapy helps children to address and resolve their own problems and builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them.
The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy as the “systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”
What does Play-Based Therapy help?
Play therapy helps children:
- Become more responsible for their behaviors and develop more successful strategies
- Develop new and creative solutions to problems
- Develop respect and acceptance of self and others
- Learn to experience and express emotion
- Cultivate empathy and respect for the thoughts and feelings of others
- Learn new social skills and relational skills with family
- Develop self-efficacy and a better assuredness about their abilities
Play-based therapy aims to help a child’s growth and development. The practice of play-based therapy requires extensive, specialized education, training, and experience.
Registered Play Therapists
Brandee Bly
MS, LPC-MH, QMHP, RPT
Bailey Metzger
MS, LPC-MH, QMHP, RPT
Molly Hammen
LMHC, RPT
Play-Based Therapy Providers
Patty Jonas
MS, LPC-MH-Supervisee, QMHP
Jae Csongradi
CSW-PIP, QMHP
Lesley Atkins
CSW-PIP, QMHP
Ian McClure
MS, LPC-MH-Supervisee, QMHP
Lisa Davoux
MA, LPC-MH Supervisee
Bailey Schmidt
LPC-MH Supervisee, QMHP
Emma Landstrom
MS, LPC-MH, QMHP
Bailey Zerfoss
MS, LPC-MH, QMHP
Amanda Kirkeby
MS, LMFT-Supervisee
Jaici Schultz
MS, LPC-Supervisee
Afton Winebrinner
MSW, LMSW, QMHP
Atalyssa Myron
LPC-MH-Supervisee
Jolene Ford
MA, LPC-MH, QMHP
Austin Halfpop
MS, LPC-MH-Supervisee, QMHP
Caitlin Allen
MS, LPC-MH, QMHP
Christine Garcia
MS, LPC-Supervisee
Cassandra Kretsch-Guthmiller
MSW, CSW, LAC, QMHP
Whitney Lick
LMFT
Charlie Hartpence
LPC-MH, QMHP
Devan Fox
MS, LPC-Supervisee
Jazmin Mendoza
MSW, CSW, QMHP
Danielle Raveling
LISW, LAC, QMHP
Elizabeth Cope
CSW-PIP, QMHP
Whitney Kroupa
CSW-PIP, QMHP
Emily Holle
LICSW
Grace O'Connor
MSW, CSW, QMHP
Hana Carr
MS, LPC-Supervisee
Heather Spaan
LISW
Holly Richardson
MSW Intern
Janelle Fitzler
MA, LAC, LPC-MH, QMHP
Jennifer Thompson
MS Intern
Jessica Murano
MSW, CSW, QMHP
Morgan Whitmyre
MS, LPC-Supervisee
Tara Espland
MS, LAC, LPC-MH, QMHP
Kari Wagner
MS, LPC-Supervisee
Karrie Barnes
LPC-MH
Kayla Sterling
LCSW
Kelsey Soles
MS, LPC-MH, QMHP
Lane Madsen
MA, LPC
Lisa Yoder
CSW - PIP
Maranda Hardwick
MA, LPC-MH
Sadie Stahl
MSW, CSW
Martha Pace
LGSW
Mary 'Claire' Bauer
MS, LPC-MH
Megan Schaefbauer
MS, LPC-MH-Supervisee, QMHP
Mikayla Larson
LMSW
Miranda Stoll
LIMHP, LADC
Natasha Auch
CSW-PIP, QMHP
Molly Huber
MSW, CSW, QMHP
Rick Satterthwaite
LPC
