I am a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed professional counselor, and registered play therapist that has experience working with adults, adolescents, and children from diverse backgrounds to address various struggles, relationship difficulties, and problematic behaviors. I obtained my MSW from the University of Pittsburgh with an emphasis in Mental Health Counseling. I approach therapy as a collaboration. It is my goal to create a non-judgmental and safe environment that allows for exploration and sharing.

 

A few of the reasons that clients may come to see me with include:

• Improving relationship with siblings, parents, and peers

• Finding new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving communications skills

• Getting “unstuck” from unhealthy patterns

• Improving self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

 

My work with children takes place in the playroom. Play is the language of children and it’s in the playroom that children are able to express themselves. Using a variety of play therapy techniques such as puppet play, storytelling, movement, music, and dollhouse play, I am able to help my clients resolve issues on their own terms.

 

For adolescents, the play is different. It’s more mature and includes more talk therapy. While adolescents are able to express themselves and have the capacity to gain insight from deep processing, play allows them to open up in ways that may not be achievable in a traditional therapy setting. Instead of the adolescent sitting on a stiff couch ruminating on their issues, they have the option to play it out in a safe environment.

 

With young adults, I work with various treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic approaches, mindfulness and Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT). Clients inform the process of therapy and develop their own insights and strategies that lead to lasting change in their lives. Of course, they get to play too! While my young adult clients can choose to partake in any of my play therapy techniques from music to puppet play, sand play is usually the most utilized technique. It is a powerful technique that can help clients resolve their issues on a deep level that many find cathartic.

 

My clinical training has included work in an alternative school setting, substance abuse / forensic setting, college counseling center, and community resource center. My training reflects my long-standing interest in working with underserved populations, including the homeless, juvenile offenders, LGBTQ, and marginalized individuals of all backgrounds.

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- HB Bryant