Therapists


The therapists at JJ Play Therapy are NY state Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Registered Play Therapists who have worked in the field of children’s mental health for over a decade. Jenn and Julia have extensive experience treating children with a variety of challenges, including: attention and hyperactivity disorders, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, anxiety disorders, oppositional defiant disorders, and other behavioral difficulties. They work with children who have experienced trauma, have attachment difficulties, family disruptions, or adjustment issues. Jenn and Julia also have experience running therapy groups with a focus on improving social emotional skills. They have extensive post-graduate training in play therapy, are trained in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, and are members of the Association for Play Therapy. 

Jenn and Julia's work in schools has given them the opportunity to work alongside a variety of developmental specialists, including speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, teachers, and medical professionals. They are very familiar with the CPSE/CSE processes and can offer advice regarding IEP development and school placement. They can also consult with teachers and related service providers to coordinate therapeutic interventions and goals.


 

Julia Jacobson, LCSW, M.S.Ed.

Julia graduated from Connecticut College in 2006 with a BA in human development and a minor in psychology. After graduating, she was a preschool teacher in Washington, DC in connection with the Early Childhood Leadership Institute. Julia received a dual master's degree in early childhood general and special education and social work through the joint program at Bank Street College and Columbia University in 2012. Her concentration was in families, youth and children, and she completed an Integrated Master's Project on utilizing play therapy as treatment for children with autism.

 

Jennifer Johnson, LCSW

Jenn graduated from Clark University in 2004 with a BA in psychology and a minor in communications and culture. There she conducted research on autonomy support and the relationship between self-esteem of mothers and their children. After graduating, she worked for two years as an assistant teacher at a day treatment center in Connecticut for children with emotional and behavioral challenges. She went on to receive a master's degree in social work from Columbia University in 2008, with a concentration in health, mental health, and disabilities.