supervisee in Social Work

Michaela Glowacki


Play-Based Therapy to Help Children and Teens Build Confidence and Emotional Resilience

Michaela Glowacki, play-based child and adolescent therapist at Thrive Counseling for Healing and Connection in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hey, I’m Michaela.

I am a supervisee in Clinical Social Work who specializes in supporting children and adolescents ages 5–15. I offer a warm, calm, and relatable presence that helps kids feel safe, understood, and ready to explore their emotions through developmentally appropriate therapeutic approaches.

I am passionate about helping young people navigate anxiety, big feelings, school stress, social challenges, and the many transitions they experience as they grow. I believe that with the right support, kids can learn to understand themselves, communicate more clearly, and build the lasting emotional skills they need to thrive.

who i help

  • Children ages 5–12 who benefit from play-based, expressive, and experiential therapy

  • Preteens and young teens (10–15) navigating identity, stress, friendships, or emotional regulation

  • Kids experiencing anxiety, school challenges, or behavioral concerns

  • Children going through life transitions such as family changes, moves, or loss

  • Parents seeking support and guidance in understanding and responding to their child’s emotional needs

My work focuses on helping children express themselves, build coping skills, and feel confident in managing their emotions—often before they have the words to fully describe what they’re experiencing.

Background & Approach
I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and have extensive practicum experience as a school-based social worker supporting children with emotional disabilities. I’ve worked in both educational and therapeutic settings, giving me a deep understanding of how social, emotional, and behavioral challenges affect kids at home, in school, and in their relationships.

My therapeutic approach is:

  • Trauma-informed

  • Play-based and developmentally grounded

  • Rooted in cognitive behavioral theory

I use a combination of:

  • Play therapy techniques

  • Sandtray interventions

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Mindfulness practices

  • Emotion identification and regulation skills

I strive to create a space where children feel safe to express themselves, explore their inner world, and practice new ways of coping. I partner closely with parents to ensure that progress in the therapy room can translate into support and positive change at home.

I am also in the process of completing the requirements to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), a credential that reflects my commitment to child-centered, developmentally appropriate therapeutic work.

Connect with me

I offer in-person therapy in Fredericksburg and telehealth sessions for teens and young adults across Virginia. If you’re seeking support for your child or want to better understand how to help them navigate their emotions, I would be honored to work with you and your family.

Please reach out if you’d like to schedule a session or learn more. I look forward to supporting your child’s growth and well-being.

Request to schedule with Michaela