ABOUT US
Michelle Walker, LCSW, RPT-S
Recognized as the Virginia Play Therapist of the Year in 2022
Pronouns: she/her
Email: connect@integratedplayconnections.com
Phone: 703-249-6878
My Background: I graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Then went on to obtain a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in clinical mental health from the University of Southern California in 2014.
Populations Served: I am grounded in humanistic theory and specialize in working with early childhood and elementary school-aged children (ages 0-12) utilizing both Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy. I believe that when children are given the opportunity, a safe therapeutic environment and an authentic relationship, they will move towards positive self-direction and ultimately increase self-concept, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and emotional vocabulary.
Consultation/Supervision Services: LCSW/RPT Individual Supervision ($150/hr); RPT Individual Supervision ($120/hr); Individual Consultation ($75/hr $50/30 mins); Group Supervision ($75/hr)
Early childhood & elementary school-aged children
Humanistic theoretical orientation; Child-centered play therapy
Emotional and behavioral issues
Grief and loss
Separation anxiety
Attachment
Low self-esteem
Military family life issues
Trainings: Prior to co-creating Integrated Play Connections, I have developed numerous play therapy trainings and have presented on various early childhood mental health topics throughout the community.
Child-Centered Play Therapy: Overview and Advanced Skill Development (6 Week Course)
Using Play Therapy to Assist Military Children and Families Through the Emotional Cycle of Deployment
Please Don’t Leave Me! The Use of Play Therapy to Support Separation Anxiety
Guiding Play Therapists: Effectively Explaining Play Therapy Concepts to Parents
It’s All About the Intention! Using Play Themes and Intention to Develop Thematic Responses in Play Therapy
Leadership: I am the co-regional leader for the Norther Virginia region of the Virginia Association for Play Therapy and have served on committees with VAPT. In 2021, I had the honor to serve as Secretary on the Executive Board of Directors of a local non-profit, The Heart Leaf Center, in Fairfax, VA.
As a supervisor, I believe the supervision journey is parallel to the therapeutic process, it is a relational space that will support the exploration of your authentic self as a therapist so that you will be able to lean into a genuine therapeutic relationship with your clients. Supervision sessions will be process oriented and person-centered. I will meet you where you are at in your play therapy journey and with the child-centered principles in mind, will guide you as you develop your own way as a play therapist.
Samantha Long, PhD, LPC (VA), RPT, NCC, Co-Owner
Recognized as the Virginia Play Therapist of the Year in 2024
Pronouns: she/her
Email: connect@integratedplayconnections.com
Phone: 571-677-3611
My Background: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in children and families, and a Doctorate degree in Counseling.
Populations Served: I have had the opportunity to work with clients across the lifespan (3 years old to 65+) over the past 6 years. I have worked with a range of presenting issues: adjustment, anxiety and stress, depression, behavioral struggles, and trauma. In recent years, I have began to focus my attention working with children (4-12 years old) and their families specific to adjustment, anxiety and stress, behavioral struggles, and trauma through the lens of play therapy and expressive mediums.
Leadership and Service Roles: I have participated in APT’s Leadership Academy, held a student representative role for VAPT, co-chair/co-regional leader role for VAPT, and now hold the Vice President position on the executive committee board for VAPT. In addition to VAPT, I engaged in ACAC’s emerging leaders program and now hold a co-chair position on the social media committee.
I am deeply committed to serving children and promoting play therapy and have a strong desire to support all professionals who work with children.
Consultation Services: Individual Rates ($75/hour; $50/30 minutes)
anxiety
stress and trauma
behavioral concerns
parent/caregiver support
Child-centered play therapy
Adlerian play therapy
sand tray & expressive mediums
Theraplay & attachment
cultural considerations
Recent Publications:
Anderson, K., Long, S.C., & Parker, M. (2023). Promoting psychosocial wellbeing through the power of play unlocking children’s full potential for learning and life. Right to Play.
Parker, M., Darcy-Mahoney, A., & Long, S.C. (2023). Engaging in cross-discipline collaborative training for school counselors and school nurses: meeting the mental health crisis in schools. Teaching Practice Briefs.
