We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Altvater a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rachel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Risk-taking has been an intrinsic part of my career and life — a journey defined by continuous growth, creative challenges, and a drive to push the boundaries of what is possible in the mental health field. Every major decision I’ve made has carried a level of uncertainty, but each has shaped my path toward advancing the field of play therapy and fostering mental well-being.

One of the most defining risks of my career was my decision, nearly a decade ago, to explore and advocate for the integration of digital tools into play therapy. Several years before the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of virtual services and digital interventions, I was already engaging in conversations and exploring methodologies to incorporate technology in developmentally appropriate ways for children. This wasn’t an easy path, as it was met with skepticism from many traditionalists in the field. Nevertheless, I persisted, believing that bridging traditional therapeutic approaches with the evolving technological landscape would become critical for accessibility and innovation.

During the pandemic, my early work in digital mental health proved vital. As the world shifted to virtual platforms, I was able to not only adapt but become an integral leader. I trained therapists internationally on how to reimagine therapy in a digital space, authored scholarly articles, and co-created programs that are now cornerstones in digital play therapy. This leap, years in the making, allowed me to help countless clinicians and clients navigate the challenges of an unprecedented time.

Looking back, this journey underscores an essential truth: risks are not just professional necessities but opportunities for transformation. From dedicating over a decade to academic achievements, to building a thriving multi-location psychotherapy practice, to publishing my award-winning book Perspective, and leading initiatives on national and international boards, I have learned that perceived failures are simply lessons. They are the stepping stones to progress and resilience.

Ultimately, I view risks as an imperative venture to advance human understanding and connection. Whether knocking on doors of opportunity or building my own when needed, the act of courageously taking risks has not only shaped my career but also contributed to advancing the mental health field in meaningful and innovative ways.

Rachel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Dr. Rachel Altvater, a licensed psychologist, Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, author, and innovator in the mental health field. My journey into this discipline was fueled by a deep passion for understanding human behavior, promoting healing, and creating meaningful connections. Over the course of a decade, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology, two master’s degrees in counseling and clinical psychology, and my doctorate in clinical psychology, all of which laid the foundation for the work I do today.

I am the proud owner of Creative Psychological Health Services, a thriving group psychotherapy practice with three physical locations in Catonsville, Frederick, and Columbia (Maryland), and a virtual presence across the United States. Our team provides humanistic and integrative therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. We specialize in play, art, drama, and other expressive-based therapies, trauma recovery, and general mental health support for our youngest minds. In addition to clinical work, we train early-career clinicians and graduate students, preparing them to excel in the field.

One of the unique aspects of my work is my willingness to embrace innovation and step outside the traditional boundaries of therapy. From authoring my multi-award-winning book, Perspective: Contemplating the Complexities of Our Realities, to contributing chapters in scholarly texts on modern approaches to therapy, I am deeply invested in exploring how we can better meet the evolving needs of those we serve. My research and advocacy for blending technology and therapy have created new opportunities for connection and care, particularly for children and adolescents.

Beyond my clinical practice, I strive to expand the mental health conversation globally. I have served on national and international advisory boards, contributed to cutting-edge resources for therapists, and delivered trainings worldwide, all while maintaining a client-centered focus. This balance between innovation and heart sets my work apart.

What I’m most proud of is the impact of my work — not just in advancing the field but in touching lives directly. Whether it’s helping a child find their voice through play, empowering a clinician to hone their craft, or offering insights that shift how people see themselves and the world, everything I do is driven by a deep commitment to fostering healing, empathy, and understanding. At the core of all I do is a belief in the transformative power of perspective. Through therapy, writing, and training, I aim to help others reframe their viewpoints, deepen their understanding of themselves and others, and cultivate lives filled with balance, empathy, and purpose.

For potential clients, I want you to know that our practice is rooted in creativity, inclusivity, and evidence-based care. We meet you where you are — whether in person or virtually — and walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. For fellow professionals, I hope my story inspires you to embrace innovation, take risks, and view challenges as opportunities to create meaningful change.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most profound lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that everything I was taught and knew was an absolute truth. Growing up in an environment steeped in toxic positivity, I wore rose-colored glasses that shielded me from the harsh realities others faced. My perspective was overly optimistic, rooted in privilege, and resistant to challenges that could have broadened my understanding of the world. It wasn’t until I actively began questioning the narratives I had internalized that I recognized the necessity of unlearning to see life more clearly.

In my book, Perspective: Contemplating the Complexities of Our Realities, I explore how our perceptions are often shaped by external influences — culture, upbringing, and social constructs — that we rarely challenge. I liken this realization to the scene in The Wizard of Oz where the fearsome wizard is revealed to be just a man behind a curtain, manipulating what others perceive. Much like Dorothy and her companions, I discovered that uncovering the truth required me to question the illusions I had accepted as reality.

This shift didn’t come easily. It was met with resistance because it required me to confront the biases I held and the discomfort of not having all the answers. But through introspection and growth, I realized that the act of unlearning isn’t about negating knowledge; it’s about expanding it. It’s about acknowledging that our perspectives are subjective and incomplete, shaped by our experiences and the limited scope of our understanding.

Unlearning taught me that clarity comes not from rigidly holding onto what we’ve been taught, but from the courage to let go and make space for new, nuanced perspectives. This ongoing process has shaped my mission, which is to help others see beyond their own “curtains,” embrace the complexities of their realities, and find deeper meaning and connection in their lives.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What has truly helped me build my reputation within my field is the foundation of genuine, meaningful relationships. From the very beginning of my career, I’ve prioritized connecting authentically with others — clients, colleagues, and the broader mental health community. I believe people can feel when you show up as your true self, and that authenticity fosters trust and respect.

Compassion has also been a cornerstone of my reputation. I make it a point to see people, not just problems, and to approach each interaction with empathy and a deep understanding of the human experience. Whether working with a person in therapy, mentoring an early-career professional, or presenting at a training, I strive to be fully present and approachable.

Consistency and hard work have played equally important roles. Building a multi-location psychotherapy practice and contributing to the advancement of play therapy have required a steadfast dedication to my vision, even on days when the road felt long. I’ve stayed committed to showing up for my clients and my field in ways that reflect my values, creating a sense of reliability and trustworthiness that others can count on.

And, of course, my playful spirit is part of what makes me unique. As someone who specializes in play therapy, I’ve learned that play isn’t just for children, it’s a universal language that fosters connection, creativity, and healing. Infusing playfulness into my work not only brings joy to others but also reflects my authentic personality and my belief in the transformative power of laughter and lightheartedness.

Ultimately, what has helped me build my reputation is showing up fully, as myself, with the intention to make a genuine difference. Whether through compassion, consistency, or a touch of playfulness, my goal has always been to leave people feeling understood, supported, and inspired.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/docvater
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_vater
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.rachelaltvater
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelaltvater/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RachelAltvater
• Other: https://creativepsychological.com