We at Play Therapy Essentially, PLLC believe in each person’s ability to change and improve their situations through the power that comes from recognizing and identifying their positive character traits. We work collaboratively with each client to assist them in reaching their goals and to help them achieve positive outcomes. There are no “cookie-cutter” interventions because each person is different. We want to empower individuals to make choices in their progress and to enhance each person’s strengths and unique abilities that will promote success.
Mission
Utilizing a strength-based approach to incorporate evidenced-based practices such as play therapy across the life span to address such issues as relationship conflict, family stressors, mood disorders and trauma.
Meet The Clincians
Joanne Thomas, MA, LPC, NCC, RPT-S™
EMDRIA Certified Therapist
Perinatal Mental Health Counselor
Joanne Thomas is an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ (RPT-S™), and former Chair of the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Virginia Association for Play Therapy. Building on her extensive experience, Joanne developed an innovative six hour training curriculum that integrates trauma-informed approaches for children and adolescents, which has been presented at various Departments of Social Services in Virginia. In addition to her supervisory roles, she leverages her clinical expertise to train prospective pre-licensed individuals, equipping them with effective interventions to provide play therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults. As an Approved Clinical Supervisor in the State of Virginia, she offers both clinical and play therapy supervision, guiding the next generation of mental health professionals. Joanne is also recognized for her presentations to professional associations, where she shares strategies and perspectives on working with people of color and fostering cultural humility in clinical practice.
Joanne has had additional training and experience working with Veterans and First Responders, providing trauma-focused treatment protocols tailored to those impacted by critical incidents. Committed to supporting individuals of all backgrounds, Joanne organizes annual workshops to promote group work in therapy and collaborates with local organizations to ensure culturally responsive behavioral healthcare.
In addition to her advocacy and trauma work, Joanne has completed all of the required training to obtain her Perinatal Mental Health Counseling Certification (PMH-C). She works closely with perinatal and postpartum clients, addressing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) in her clinical sessions. As she continues to pursue advanced training in supporting women with postpartum diagnoses, Joanne is dedicated to raising awareness about the need for more clinicians with specialized expertise in this area, striving to bridge gaps in mental health care for women and families.
Education:
- B.A. Psychology- San Diego State University
- M.A. Counseling Psychology- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Professional Memberships:
- National Board for Certified Counselors
- EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
- Postpartum Support International
- Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color
- DC Metro Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative
- Association for Play Therapy
Professional Associations:
- National Volunteer Fire Council
- Postpartum Support Virginia
- Star Behavioral Health Providers
Bryanda “Bry” Monge-Vega
Licensed Resident in Counseling
Bry is a first generation Mexican American and is bilingual in Spanish and English. She has provided translation and interpretation services for her family and for about ten years in a professional capacity.
Bry began her career in Colorado at the Adams County Sherriff’s Office where she spent two years as a Victim Service Advocate and four years as a Jail Detention Deputy. She made her transition to Virginia where she worked as a Child and Family Advocate and a Family Resource Specialist providing children and their families with support, resources, and connection to the community. She has a passion for working with children and their families enduring life’s challenges.
Bry has recently obtained her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University and is looking forward to working with adults and couples in addition to children and adolescents.
Education:
- B. S. Criminal Justice and Criminology – Metropolitan State University of Denver
- M. A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Liberty University
Professional Memberships:
- Association for Play Therapy (ACA)
- American Counseling Association (ACA)
- American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
- Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) International Honor Society
- Virginia Counselors Association (VCA)
