Big Announcement- Sand Castle Counseling Is Retiring 09/01/2024
Welcome to Sand Castle Counseling
Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy
Diane Bates-Sier, LCSW
Call Us Today : (717)-525-0558
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT SAND CASTLE COUNSELING IS RETIRING 9/1/24
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the families, children, and community partners who have been with us through this journey. Your trust in us to support the growth and wellbeing of your children has been the cornerstone of our mission.
As we say good bye, several new practices are opening. Details below.
Adam Miller, LPC
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Adam Miller can now be found at Open Door Counseling
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Nikki Bricker can be found at:
Emerald Therapy and Consulting
1801 Oberlin Road
Middletown, PA
Phone : (717)-200-4583
Katie Warner, LCSW
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Katie Warner can be found at:
Treehouse Counseling
48 S. Market St. Suite 203
Elizabethtown, PA, 17022
Phone : (717)-740-3739
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Karin Laszakovits can be found at:
Building Blocks Counseling
48 S. Market St. Suite 205
Elizabethtown, PA, 17022
Phone : (717)-229-7191
Abigail Hanson, LCSW
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Abigail Hanson, LCSW
Abigail Hanson can be found at:
Linden Blossom Counseling
48 S. Market St. Suite 200/201
Elizabethtown, PA, 17022
Phone : (223)-241-8261
Rachel Clark, LCSW
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Abigail Hanson, LCSW
Rachel Clark can be found at:
Emerald Therapy and Consulting
1801 Oberlin Rd
Middletown, PA, 17057
Phone : (717)-902-9811
Who We Are
About Sand Castle
About Sand Castle
About Sand Castle
Sand Castle Counseling is a private practice located in Elizabethtown,PA, providing counseling and mental health services to children, teens, and families in the Middletown, Hummelstown, Elizabethtown, Hershey, Harrisburg and Lancaster areas. Our play therapists are specifically trained in the play and child therapy models which are rese
Sand Castle Counseling is a private practice located in Elizabethtown,PA, providing counseling and mental health services to children, teens, and families in the Middletown, Hummelstown, Elizabethtown, Hershey, Harrisburg and Lancaster areas. Our play therapists are specifically trained in the play and child therapy models which are research based. Respect for the whole family is the pinnacle of our treatment. We understand that change only happens when people are ready to consider something different.
Most major insurances accepted
We will contact any insurance and many times a special agreement can be made with your insurance provider to cover all or part of the cost. Other payment options can be considered also to work with your particular situation.
Why Sand Castle
About Sand Castle
About Sand Castle
Sand Castle Counseling is a very specialized service, primarily treating children as young as two years through early adulthood. Sand Castle Counseling uses primarily a play therapy model in working with children, adolescents and families.
Children's behavior can signal problems in the family. The entire family may become distressed beca
Sand Castle Counseling is a very specialized service, primarily treating children as young as two years through early adulthood. Sand Castle Counseling uses primarily a play therapy model in working with children, adolescents and families.
Children's behavior can signal problems in the family. The entire family may become distressed because the child's problems are so disruptive. Children and families heal faster when they work together.
Sand Castle works in conjunction with Pediatricians, Guidance Counselors, teachers and Psychiatrists in an integrated team model. This extra effort can lead to a more successful result
Why Play Therapy
Why Play Therapy
Why Play Therapy
Play therapy is used as an intervention of multiple conditions and concerns, such as anger management, grief, loss, family dissolution, trauma and modification of behavioral disorders including anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), autism or pervasive development, academic and social development, physical and learni
Play therapy is used as an intervention of multiple conditions and concerns, such as anger management, grief, loss, family dissolution, trauma and modification of behavioral disorders including anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), autism or pervasive development, academic and social development, physical and learning disabilities and conduct disorders. Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy with children whose problems are related to life stressors such as divorce, death, relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, stressful experiences, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence and natural disasters.
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation" - Plato
Learn more about Play Therapy here.
Teletherapy
Why Play Therapy
Why Play Therapy
In an effort to bring quality mental health care to all who need it, Sand Castle Counseling is partnering with Open Door Counseling to provide teletherapy for adults and college students.
Teletherapy is becoming a popular option for individuals seeking mental health counseling who may not have the ability or time to drive to an office to m
In an effort to bring quality mental health care to all who need it, Sand Castle Counseling is partnering with Open Door Counseling to provide teletherapy for adults and college students.
Teletherapy is becoming a popular option for individuals seeking mental health counseling who may not have the ability or time to drive to an office to meet with a therapist. Teletherapy relies on secure HIPAA compliant audio/visual platform to allow for real time communication with your therapist from anywhere and without leaving the comfort of your home.
Teletherapy is a popular choice for parents who may not be able to arrange for childcare in the evenings preventing them from getting the support they deserve, or for individuals who may not be able to drive to an office to meet with a therapist.
If you think teletherapy might be right for you, or if you have questions related to this service, call Ashley at 717-991-8391 to learn more.
Learn more about teletherapy here.
Our Therapists
Diane Bates-Sier, LCSW
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Diane Bates-Sier, LCSW
Diane Bates-Sier is the owner of Sand Castle Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania and has been practicing clinical social work for over 20 years. Since beginning her career Diane has provided care to those in need, in a variety of settings including hospital, adoption agencies, schools, residential treatment facilities, community mental health agencies, and private practice. Diane specializes in working with children, teen, and families.
Diane acted as a board member for the Pennsylvania Association for Play Therapy for 8 years including presenting numerous times at the Association's annual conference. Diane has also provided training on Play Therapy and clinical work with children and teens to graduate-level counseling students at local colleges and provides clinical supervision to social workers looking to improve their knowledge of therapy with children, adolescents and families.
Adam Miller, LPC
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Diane Bates-Sier, LCSW
Adam Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. He has been working with children, teens, families, and adults in a variety of settings since 2005 including: Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS), In-patient hospital, Community Mental Health programs, and private practice. Adam uses a mix of approaches but fundamentally believes that the relationships that children have with the adults in their live is paramount to their success. To that end, Adam uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills (CBT), Developmental Attachment Theory, Structural Family Therapy skills and Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) to teach skills and work with individuals and families. Adam has experience working with individuals and families dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, Self-harm behaviors, Co-parenting needs and family therapy.
In addition to his clinical work, Adam has presented at local and national conferences on topics such as: Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a variety of parenting topics and Self Harm Behaviors. Adam also provides individual and group LPC supervision for clinicians seeking LPC licensure in the state of Pennsylvania.
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
On our journey to gain knowledge, we research, read, and experience new things. Through this process we shift our thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. As a clinician, Nikki aims to meet her clients where they are in this journey, develop strong therapeutic relationships, and build upon their existing strengths and supports.
Nikki works with individuals across the lifespan to address a variety of concerns. When working with children, she focuses on connection before correction, encouraging understanding and communication, while creating and consistently maintaining boundaries. As part of her work with child clients, Nikki hopes to work with other support systems already in place. When working with adolescents and adults, she focuses on identifying the concern, teaching appropriate coping skills and practice self-care.
When Nikki started in the counseling field in 2004, her primary focus in treatment was behavior modification. She has since shifted to an approach that focuses on attachment with a trauma-focused lens. Nikki holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences from Penn State University and Master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Nikki is also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200). She has additional training in: Levels 1 and 2 Animal Assisted Play Therapy ®, Theraplay ® Level 1 and 2, and a certificate in working with Veterans and their Families. Additionally, Nikki provides supervision to professionals seeking licensure. Nikki is currently on the School Safety and Security Committee and a former board member of the Pennsylvania Association for Play Therapy.
Nikki implements holistic methods within treatment whenever possible. She uses interventions from modalities such as Child-centered Play Therapy, Directive Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. Nikki likes to use a prescriptive approach, where she creates a plan for each individual or family to meet their specific needs.
Abigail Hanson, LCSW
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Nikki Bricker, LCSW, RPT-S, RYT200
Abbee is a licensed clinical social worker and her passion is to help children, teens and families deal with any number of life difficulties. Abbee believes that any effective relationship begins with a trust, compassion, and a safe place to be oneself. Abbee works with individuals to manage life’s obstacles in a healthy and effective manner that allows them to go on to lead joyful and wholesome lives. This includes discovering and learning new tools to conquer all sorts of problems and being able to identify and cope with our strong feelings that can often make life feel out of hand.
Abbee has worked in various settings including in home, hospital, residential, community, and school settings, focusing on issues relating to families, adjustment, adoption, grief, depression, anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and trauma.
Abbee utilizes techniques from a variety of therapies, such as child-centered play therapy, sand play, mindfulness-based therapy, narrative therapy, and expressive/art based therapy. Abbee has had training in motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Saritha Rothermel, LPC
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Saritha is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania. She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings including outpatient, school-based, and inpatient.
Saritha has had training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and collaborative problem solving (CPS). Additionally, she utilizes arts based interventions as well as techniques from attachment theory, behavioral modification, emotions-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy.
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Karin Laszakovits, LCSW
Karin Laszakovits is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania who has been working with children, adolescents and families since 2002. She uses an eclectic approach in therapy to fit the individual needs of the client, but always within a strengths-focused and collaborative framework. Karin believes that the therapeutic relationship is crucial for growth and healing.
Karin has worked in outpatient, clinic and school settings where she has helped clients address a range of issues relating to adjustment, grief, depression and anxiety. She has significant experience working with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Katie Warner, LSW
Rachel Clark, LCSW
Rachel Clark, LCSW
Katie Warner is a Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania with a BA in Pre-Art Therapy from Juniata College and Masters in Social Work from Temple University. She has been working in the field with children and their families since 2007. Katie has extensive experience working in Early Intervention, educational and behavioral support, Child Welfare, and Child Developmental services. Katie’s years of service to children in the community have laid the foundation for her ongoing practice of empowering families and providing kiddos with the connection, engagement, and support for healing and growth.
Parenting isn’t always easy. Being a child in this ever-changing world can be confusing and stressful. But with a collaborative approach and a therapeutic partnership, Katie provides families with the tools to navigate through life’s uncertainties. She utilizes a variety of child-centered techniques including therapeutic play, expressive arts, cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-building, and trauma-informed care.
Rachel Clark, LCSW
Rachel Clark, LCSW
Rachel Clark, LCSW
Rachel Clark is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an undergraduate degree in Social Work from Messiah University and a Masters in Social Work from Temple University. Rachel has been working with children and families since 2013 in a variety of settings including in-home, school, and outpatient settings. Rachel believes authentic, trusting relationships are the most effective way to empower children to face life’s obstacles. Rachel’s clinical approach incorporates strategies from child-centered play therapy, sandtray therapy, filial play therapy, and motivational interviewing. She believes that the play room offers children a safe space to dissect, strategize, and try out solutions to problems in their lives. Rachel has had training in trauma informed therapies and attachment focused therapies between parent and child.
Parenting Skills to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children
Parents interested in learning how to support emotional well-being in their children, should check out this course by one of our collaborators, Ashley Saha, LCSW. This highly-rated course provides parents with a wealth of insight into the inner world's of their children and is easy to understand and apply. Ashley has been working with children and families for nearly 20 years and provides practical skills and a relatable approach.
2020 Guerney Award Winner
Sand Castle Counseling is proud to announce that one of our very own, Nikki Bricker, is the winner of the prestigious Guerney award for 2020.
COVID-19 Measures
As we begin to offer face-to-face sessions again, the following protocols have been put in place for Sand Castle Counseling, to begin immediately:
- The waiting room is closed until further notice
- When you arrive please remain in your car, your therapist will come to your car when it's your appointment time
- The front door only will be used to come and go
- Everyone entering the building will have their temperature taken
- Masks are to be worn by all guests the entire time in the office
- Professional grade hand sanitizer available