Meet a VAPT Playmate

My Name is: Sheri Mitschelen, LCSW, RPT

I Play at: I have a private practice in Fairfax, VA. I like to play with children as young as 3 years old up to adults. I have been in private practice for 12 years.

I Learned to Play at: Many places. While working with Dr. Eliana Gil at Inova Kellar Center she sparked my interest in play therapy. I was able to take some of her trainings, observe her work, get supervision and work in her program. I completed my training at Chesapeake Beach Play Therapy training program and then at the Association for Play Therapy Conference.

One of My Favorite Play Therapy Books is: Group Play Therapy by Daniel S. Sweeney and Linda E. Homeyer. I like to do play therapy groups and social skills groups for ages 5-12. I've found this book to be helpful because it gives many different play therapy approaches and techniques.

One of My Favorite Play Therapy Techniques is: doing the Fish Aquarium which I learned from Dr. Gil. It's great to do with groups and families.

My Favorite Play therapy tool is: The sand tray. I love using the sand tray. It's great to use with all ages-children, adolescents and adults. Even when clients are reluctant to try it, I find that I learn a lot about them -more than I could by talking.