Maddie Bonner

MSW, LCSW, Synergetic Play Therapist® (SPT)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hi! I’m Maddie Bonner, Owner of Tide Pool Counseling and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I enjoy working with children, teens, and families with a variety of mental and behavioral health concerns. I have hundreds of hours of continuing education and years of experience working with diverse clients.

My work specializes in Play Therapy working with children struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, behavioral concerns, and more. Additionally, I incorporate a family systems approach which includes working with parents to help them gain tools and insights alongside their children.

I have completed the 6 month and 10-month certification courses on Synergetic Play Therapy® (SPT). SPT is a way of incorporating one’s own regulatory nervous system into the process of play therapy with children to assist in emotional regulation. This evidence-based technique incorporates interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, nervous system regulation and mindfulness into the play therapy process.

With my adult clients I frequently use body-based/somatic, experiential, mindfulness, and attachment-based techniques. I will frequently teach about the neuroscience of dysregulation and co-regulation to help integrate difficult experiences. I also teach about parenting, interpersonal neurobiology, and the brain to empower you in your journey of self-discovery and growth. Some days we may make art, go for a walk, play, make a sand tray, or more in session!

I am committed to providing culturally informed services that promote equity and social justice. I am an ally for LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, and other marginalized groups and have experience working with transgender individuals and individuals struggling with gender identity.

In 2023, I started Tide Pool Counseling PLLC and have enjoyed seeing it’s growth and where we will go!

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, minor in Spanish, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Joint Master of Social Work, University of North Carolina Greensboro and North Carolina A&T University

Licenses, Certifications and Awards:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, 2021
Licensed Clinical Social Worker-2023
Intro to Synergetic Play Therapy®-2022
Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification-2024

Professional Activities and Memberships:

Association for Play Therapy
National Association of Social Workers
International Baccalaureate Graduate