Hidden Gems: Meet Abby Rainey of Common Spring Therapy Group, PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Rainey

Hi Abby, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into social work and my mental health private practice started with a deep passion for helping children, teens, and adults heal through play therapy. Earlier in my career, I worked in various clinical settings, gaining experience with trauma-focused interventions and seeing firsthand how powerful play therapy can be in helping clients express what words often cannot. I was inspired by a colleague at my first job out of grad school to use play with the clients I worked with, and I knew that I needed to pursue my Registered Play Therapy credential. Today I am so proud to be one of only a few Registered Play Therapists in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Then after years of working in non-profit agencies and in other group practices, I realized I wanted the freedom to create a space that truly reflected my therapeutic style and values- especially after having a baby. Starting my practice was both exciting and challenging.
Today, I am so proud to run a practice where I can tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs, offering a safe and supportive environment for healing using play and trauma-informed interventions. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and fulfillment, and I’m grateful to be able to play every day!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey into private practice and play therapy has felt like the right path for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. Taking the leap into full-time self-employment is intimidating, and I spent a lot of time discussing when (or if) it was the right time to make the transition from nonprofit work to private practice. Eventually, I realized there’s no perfect time—just the time that works best for you. For me, that happened to be after maternity leave, which, in hindsight, was the right moment in my journey.

Becoming a Registered Play Therapist was a rigorous and time-intensive process. The requirements include at least 150 hours of specialized training, 350 hours of direct experience, and 35 hours of supervision, all of which must be completed within 2 to 10 years. I’m grateful that during this time, I had colleagues and supervisors who encouraged me to pursue the training and supervision I needed. Their support helped me gain the skills and confidence to integrate play therapy into my work, which ultimately shaped the therapist I am today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Common Spring Therapy Group, PLLC?
Common Spring Therapy Group, PLLC is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and compassionate space for children, teens, and adults to heal and grow. I specialize in play therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), with a strong focus on helping individuals process trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges in a way that feels natural and empowering. I am also a Certified Adlerian Play Therapist which allows for me to individualize treatment to each person’s unique needs and to work with people of all ages in ways to build on each individual person’s assets and interests.
What sets my practice apart is the deep belief that healing doesn’t have to rely solely on words. Through play therapy, children can express their emotions and experiences in ways that feel most natural to them. EMDR and TF-CBT also provide powerful ways to reprocess difficult experiences and develop healthier coping strategies. I also offer supportive services for parents and caregivers through Familial Encouraging Connection Therapy (FECT), helping them strengthen their bond with their child and build confidence in their parenting journey.
My goal is to ensure that every client feels seen, heard, and supported. Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about finding the right approach for each individual, whether through play, EMDR, or other evidence-based interventions. At its core, my practice is about meeting people where they are and guiding them forward in a way that honors their unique journey.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my wonderful family- my dad, mom, sister and husband! I am so grateful for all of their support. I also could not have done this without my mentor in the play therapy world- Kristie Clark. I closely worked with her as a new therapist, and her passion for play therapy inspired me to pursue it, as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.commonspringtherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playtherapistabby/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094333862883