Our Mission
At Newton Play Therapy, we are passionate about supporting the mental health of children, teens, and young adults. Our mission is to provide developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions tailored to each stage of growth and need. We specialize in using evidence-based approaches to help clients navigate emotional, social, and behavioral challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
We recognize that adolescence and young adulthood bring unique challenges, and we are dedicated to meeting those with proven methods grounded in current psychological research. Our team combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to empower young people and their families toward healing and growth.
Each clinician at our practice brings their own unique perspective, specialized training, and deep passion for working with young people. This diversity of experience enriches the care we provide and allows us to match each client with a clinician best suited to their individual needs.
Chelsea Welch, LICSW, Registered Play Therapist, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, She/Her
Owner and Clinical Therapist, Chelsea Welch, LICSW has over 16 years of experience providing therapy to children. Chelsea specializes in Play Therapy with children of all ages. She takes great care in creating a warm, welcoming environment for all of her clients to explore their feelings and behaviors through play.
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Chelsea Willis, LMHC, Compassionate Bereavement Care Provider She/Her
A little about me: I savor moments outdoors, basking in nature through running, hiking, gardening, or time with animals. Reading, jigsaw puzzles (I've completed puzzles with 3,000 pieces!), board and card games, creative projects, and vegan cooking are also lifegiving for me.
I gained my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling along with a Graduate Certificate in Trauma Studies at Lesley University. I have also completed a certification for Compassionate Bereavement Care (CBC) offered by the Center for Loss and Trauma in partnership with the MISS Foundation and the Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Family Trust to be able to support those experiencing the effects of traumatic grief due to the death of a loved one. I am also currently working toward my Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential with the Association for Play Therapy.
Want to know more about Play Therapy? The Association for Play Therapy website has a few helpful FAQs and resources for caregivers and parents: Parents Corner - Association for Play Therapy (a4pt.org).
Mollie McEvoy, LCSW
As a therapist for children, I recognize the importance of creating a welcoming and safe environment for children of all different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. I received my Master of Social Work at Simmons University and currently hold my LCSW. I have a background working within the school system with children ranging from age two to age fifteen.
As a queer clinician, I have a passion for working with LGBT children and teens. I also have a background working with gender non-conforming teens and queer adults. I would love to work collaboratively with you and your family throughout the therapeutic process.
Maddy Kaufman, LCSW She/Her
As a therapist, I believe in supporting children and families through life experiences and navigating resources and relationships. Through my work in a clinical setting, I find passion in working with neurodiverse individuals and families.
I graduated from Salem State University in 2020 with my Masters in Social Work and have worked in the field since primarily with children and families who have experienced trauma.
“Toys are used like words for children and Play is their language.” Gary Landreth
Emily Goodwin, LICSW
Emily earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Roger Williams University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Connecticut (UCONN). She has experience working with children and families in Outpatient, Intensive Outpatient, and school settings. While working with clients, Emily utilizes various modalities, including Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Therapy is a very personal journey for children and their families and she takes a non-judgmental, empowering, and culturally and LGBTQ competent approach to provide a safe space for this incredibly important and life-changing work.
Valerie Fisher (Val), Master’s Mental Health Counselor, She/Her
I earned my Master’s and Specialist degrees in Mental Health Counseling in December of 2024 at the University of Florida. I work primarily from a person-centered, systemic, and existential approach. I consider clients as a part of the broader life systems, and hope to help clients gain and exercise self-advocacy tools to use throughout their daily lives. I use non-judgemental listening skills, humor, candor, and empathy to drive meaningful change within my clients throughout their time in therapy. I have experience working with children and adolescents from a multitude of different backgrounds, and with various presenting concerns. My areas of interest include anxiety, life transitions/changes, interpersonal relationships, behavioral challenges, self-advocacy and boundary setting, and any other stressors life may bring. In my free time, I enjoy time outdoors camping, hiking, and exploring local outdoor attractions. When I am inside, I spend time with my cat Grainger while she reads, watches TV, or tends to her houseplants.
Elizabeth (Liz) Brot, LICSW, She/Her
Liz earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work, specializing in Children, Youth and Families from Boston University and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Throughout her professional career, Liz has worked in a variety of settings which include community mental health, early education programs and family residential treatment. Guided by attachment theory and child development, Liz’s treatment approach is built on early relational health, cultural humility, humor, trust and safety. Liz believes that families are just as important as clients and emphasizes curiosity and a reflective framework when working with caregivers to feel more connected in their caregiver-child relationship. In addition to play-based interventions, Liz is trained in Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART). In her free time, Liz enjoys walks around her neighborhood with her dog Jolene, watching reality television and cooking new recipes.
Welcome to our play space!
At Newton Play Therapy we believe in the healing power of play.
Our practice specializes in providing Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) services to children under age 13. CCPT is an evidence-based approach to working with children that is child-led, focusing on building intrinsic motivation and working through issues that are affecting the child’s functioning.
“Toys are children‘s words and play is their language”, according to pioneer of play therapy Garry Landreth. Children communicate through play in so many ways! Here are a few ways we use toys and play in the playroom…
Process feelings and practice regulation strategies
Build frustration tolerance
Practice social skills