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, RPT™, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, She/Her
Owner and Clinical Therapist, Chelsea Welch, LICSW has over 17 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.
Chelsea Willis, LMHC, RPT™, 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 have also completed the 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, LICSW
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 LICSW. 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.
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.
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Valerie Fisher (Val), Master’s Mental Health Counselor, She/Her
Valerie Fisher (Val) is a graduate of the University Florida’s dual degree Counselor Education Program with a Masters of Education in Mental Health Counseling and an Education Specialist Degree. Val’s work experiences have included working in both private practice settings and community mental health services.Val has experience working with children and adolescents, and young adults from a multitude of different backgrounds, and with various presenting concerns. Val’s areas of interest include anxiety, life transitions/changes, interpersonal relationship dynamics, behavioral challenges, self-advocacy and boundary setting, and any other stressors life may bring.
As a counselor, Val is passionate about creating a safe environment which fosters healthy vulnerability and honesty, so that clients can feel empowered to take ownership of their individual life goals and journeys. Val works primarily from a person-centered, systemic, and existential approach. She considers clients as a part of the broader life systems, and hopes to help clients gain and exercise self-advocacy tools to use throughout their daily lives. Val uses non-judgemental listening skills, humor, candor, and empathy to drive meaningful change within her clients throughout their time in therapy.
In her free time, Val enjoys time outdoors camping, hiking, and exploring local attractions. When she is inside, Val spends time with her 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.
Bri Hyvarinen, LCSW, she/her
Grounded in a child-led approach, I have a deep respect for children’s innate desire to move toward healing and transformation, and I support children in processing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play. I work from an attachment lens that prioritizes connection and relational security, empowering children to feel safe exploring their inner and outer worlds. I view parents and caregivers as essential partners in a child’s growth. I value collaboration as you navigate supporting your child, and I am here to help you strengthen your unique relationship.
I have a Master of Social Work degree from Boston University and a BA in Developmental Psychology. I also currently work in a community mental health setting. I have experience providing family and play-based therapies in school, home, and clinic-based settings. I am trained in and often integrate SMARTmoves, a sensory, regulation, and attachment-based treatment, into my work. I foster an affirming space for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent children and families, and bring my authentic self into every session, striving to help children and families feel they can do the same.