Play Therapy in Lake Hughes, CA
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in California below.Online Therapists
Twyla Brown-Barbosa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Valencia, CA 91355
I utilize mindfulness based relaxation, art as therapy, play therapy, bibliotherapy, psycho-education and humor through a narrative lens to connect, help and support your child.
Are you looking for a local therapist who specializes in children and teens? Does your son or daughter seem anxious, sad/depressed or withdrawn? Has your child been struggling in school or with social relationships? I would love to help. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and families. I believe that effective therapy is based on a trusting relationship that empowers and makes space for positive change. My experience includes academic/school problems, behavioral issues, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, and social skills deficits. My approach is strength-based and non-pathologizing while highlighting your child's natural assets.
I utilize mindfulness based relaxation, art as therapy, play therapy, bibliotherapy, psycho-education and humor through a narrative lens to connect, help and support your child.
Are you looking for a local therapist who specializes in children and teens? Does your son or daughter seem anxious, sad/depressed or withdrawn? Has your child been struggling in school or with social relationships? I would love to help. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and families. I believe that effective therapy is based on a trusting relationship that empowers and makes space for positive change. My experience includes academic/school problems, behavioral issues, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, and social skills deficits. My approach is strength-based and non-pathologizing while highlighting your child's natural assets.
Rachael Ranney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Claremont, CA 91711
Play therapy provides children with a safe place in which to express their thoughts and feelings.
Parenting is HARD! My mission is to help you and your child live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives. I specialize in adoption and foster placements where attachments were not formed in an organic manner as they are with birth children. Whether it is an infant or teenager, the need for secure attachments is key. I offer services that help foster these attachments.
Play therapy provides children with a safe place in which to express their thoughts and feelings.
Parenting is HARD! My mission is to help you and your child live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives. I specialize in adoption and foster placements where attachments were not formed in an organic manner as they are with birth children. Whether it is an infant or teenager, the need for secure attachments is key. I offer services that help foster these attachments.
Shadab Jannati
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I also provide play therapy and parent consultations.
I believe that all behavior is communicative and that typically, children are not willfully misbehaving, but rather, are expressing what they are struggling with on the inside. Children often have difficulty identifying their feelings and knowing how to express them or deal with them. Instead, they may exhibit behaviors such as verbal/physical aggression, throwing tantrums, or being noncompliant, or they may retreat and withdraw, have difficulty concentrating or completing school work, or they avoid certain situations/people/tasks.
I also provide play therapy and parent consultations.
I believe that all behavior is communicative and that typically, children are not willfully misbehaving, but rather, are expressing what they are struggling with on the inside. Children often have difficulty identifying their feelings and knowing how to express them or deal with them. Instead, they may exhibit behaviors such as verbal/physical aggression, throwing tantrums, or being noncompliant, or they may retreat and withdraw, have difficulty concentrating or completing school work, or they avoid certain situations/people/tasks.
Emily Ferro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
These include: Attachment Theory, ACT, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Theory, EcoTherapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma & Resiliency Informed Care.
Therapy is for YOU. It is a space to explore your needs, emotions, beliefs, relationships, values, goals, and so much more. It is also a place to process how personal, intergenerational, and societal history has shaped your way of life. Therapy can support you in challenging yourself to make important life changes by developing skills and techniques to break habits and patterns that are no longer useful.
These include: Attachment Theory, ACT, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Theory, EcoTherapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma & Resiliency Informed Care.
Therapy is for YOU. It is a space to explore your needs, emotions, beliefs, relationships, values, goals, and so much more. It is also a place to process how personal, intergenerational, and societal history has shaped your way of life. Therapy can support you in challenging yourself to make important life changes by developing skills and techniques to break habits and patterns that are no longer useful.
Debbie Ciulla
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93063
I am dedicated to facilitating healing and restoration for my clients, utilizing Somatic Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and play therapy.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy to individuals and families who are navigating the complexities of trauma within the framework of their Christian faith. I believe in the power of integrating psychological principles with spiritual guidance to promote healing, growth, and restoration. Having witnessed firsthand the profound impact that trauma can have on individuals and their relationships, I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, process their emotions and find hope in the midst of pain.
I am dedicated to facilitating healing and restoration for my clients, utilizing Somatic Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and play therapy.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy to individuals and families who are navigating the complexities of trauma within the framework of their Christian faith. I believe in the power of integrating psychological principles with spiritual guidance to promote healing, growth, and restoration. Having witnessed firsthand the profound impact that trauma can have on individuals and their relationships, I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, process their emotions and find hope in the midst of pain.
Michelle Harwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
18 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90041
You made it here which means a courageous part of you is seeking understanding, meaning, and healing. As a psychoanalyst, I am trained to listen for the soft whispers of desire and hope living beneath the mountain of fears, disappointment and despair accumulated through a lifetime of heartbreak. Through deep listening, exploration, and a little play, we will come to know the various ways your pain story continues to speak. We will examine the unique self-protective behaviors you developed to keep you safe and how these feelings and behaviors may be getting in the way of the intimacy, connection and internal freedom you are seeking.
You made it here which means a courageous part of you is seeking understanding, meaning, and healing. As a psychoanalyst, I am trained to listen for the soft whispers of desire and hope living beneath the mountain of fears, disappointment and despair accumulated through a lifetime of heartbreak. Through deep listening, exploration, and a little play, we will come to know the various ways your pain story continues to speak. We will examine the unique self-protective behaviors you developed to keep you safe and how these feelings and behaviors may be getting in the way of the intimacy, connection and internal freedom you are seeking.
Indira Katan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
With young children, I use play therapy to support self-expression and build resilience.
I help children, teens, and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship struggles by providing supportive and strengths-based services. I specialize in an integrative approach which means we work together to identify what techniques will support you best. I have worked in public education and social work for over 20 years and will bring an array of experience to our work together. My commitment is to provide a comprehensive, holistic space for growth and to support you or your child in overcoming challenges and learning to thrive.
With young children, I use play therapy to support self-expression and build resilience.
I help children, teens, and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship struggles by providing supportive and strengths-based services. I specialize in an integrative approach which means we work together to identify what techniques will support you best. I have worked in public education and social work for over 20 years and will bring an array of experience to our work together. My commitment is to provide a comprehensive, holistic space for growth and to support you or your child in overcoming challenges and learning to thrive.
Negar Afshar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I've always been passionate about working with children and appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in an individual's life from an early age. I hope to provide the space, comfort, and time for children to foster their resilience and thrive to their full potential. I pride myself on being relatable, while also offering the guidance and expertise that parents hope for. I provide child-centered play therapy, art therapy, and conduct assessments focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.
I've always been passionate about working with children and appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in an individual's life from an early age. I hope to provide the space, comfort, and time for children to foster their resilience and thrive to their full potential. I pride myself on being relatable, while also offering the guidance and expertise that parents hope for. I provide child-centered play therapy, art therapy, and conduct assessments focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.
Whyell Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rialto, CA 92376 (Online Only)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Art and Play therapy, among other techniques.
Becoming a therapist was my first choice, a passion I discovered during my sophomore year as an undergrad. Of course, it was not my first major, as I thought I would attend medical school. However, due to a car accident, I had to take a break from classes with laboratory courses, which led me to psychology. The best methods to pique anyone's interest are, in my opinion, abnormal psychology and personality psychology; they started my passion for learning more. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Psychology, I applied for my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialty in Latino Family Studies.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Art and Play therapy, among other techniques.
Becoming a therapist was my first choice, a passion I discovered during my sophomore year as an undergrad. Of course, it was not my first major, as I thought I would attend medical school. However, due to a car accident, I had to take a break from classes with laboratory courses, which led me to psychology. The best methods to pique anyone's interest are, in my opinion, abnormal psychology and personality psychology; they started my passion for learning more. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Psychology, I applied for my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialty in Latino Family Studies.
Bruna Paulo Soares Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I am currently taking Play Therapy classes at UC San Diego and will soon be a licensed.
As a mother of two children myself, I understand the barriers and fears that parents can face before, during, and after seeking treatment for their kids. Since my clients are primarily children, my philosophy is to work closely with their parents. I have learned that collaborating with the parents and the family as a whole can greatly improve a child’s quality of life.
I am currently taking Play Therapy classes at UC San Diego and will soon be a licensed.
As a mother of two children myself, I understand the barriers and fears that parents can face before, during, and after seeking treatment for their kids. Since my clients are primarily children, my philosophy is to work closely with their parents. I have learned that collaborating with the parents and the family as a whole can greatly improve a child’s quality of life.
Tamara Nerdrum
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93003
Through play and music therapy, we can devise plans, which help one find their calm, and recognize worn patterns, allowing one to initiate positive change. Play and music therapy works whether you are young, transitional age, or a mature adult finding your way through changes in life. Music therapy has positive impacts reconnecting our mind, and emotions to our body through the discovery of underlying patterns and deeper psychology. These patterns sometimes cause negativity or depressive behaviors. Individuals who become aware of these patterns are better able to free their self from well-worn paths no longer serving positive ways.
Through play and music therapy, we can devise plans, which help one find their calm, and recognize worn patterns, allowing one to initiate positive change. Play and music therapy works whether you are young, transitional age, or a mature adult finding your way through changes in life. Music therapy has positive impacts reconnecting our mind, and emotions to our body through the discovery of underlying patterns and deeper psychology. These patterns sometimes cause negativity or depressive behaviors. Individuals who become aware of these patterns are better able to free their self from well-worn paths no longer serving positive ways.
Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Our Play Therapy room is state of art.
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
Our Play Therapy room is state of art.
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
Rachel Goldstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I specialize in working with parents and providing play therapy for children.
Are you struggling to figure out how to best support your child? The early childhood years can be trying for parents who don’t want to repeat family patterns, and yet question their own intuition. When the answers can’t be found in the parenting books, you may benefit from guidance specific to your family’s needs. Finding someone to connect with and help deepen your understanding of your child’s inner-experiences can strengthen your relationship with your child, and also provide the empathy and support you need to feel less overwhelmed.
I specialize in working with parents and providing play therapy for children.
Are you struggling to figure out how to best support your child? The early childhood years can be trying for parents who don’t want to repeat family patterns, and yet question their own intuition. When the answers can’t be found in the parenting books, you may benefit from guidance specific to your family’s needs. Finding someone to connect with and help deepen your understanding of your child’s inner-experiences can strengthen your relationship with your child, and also provide the empathy and support you need to feel less overwhelmed.
Ginny Liwanpo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I work closely with parents, and practice non-directive play therapy as an adjunct to parent education.
There will be instances when you feel "stuck" or experience suffering. The time is now to invest in yourself. Guidance from a professional outside of the current situation may provide necessary support to alleviate distress and find your path with a more informed perspective. I offer a warm and safe environment in which to explore areas of concern and strength. With over two decades of experience, I have treated issues not limited to: anxiety, co-dependency, recovery, life transitions, chronic illness, abuse, childhood disorders, divorce, co-parenting, and depression.
I work closely with parents, and practice non-directive play therapy as an adjunct to parent education.
There will be instances when you feel "stuck" or experience suffering. The time is now to invest in yourself. Guidance from a professional outside of the current situation may provide necessary support to alleviate distress and find your path with a more informed perspective. I offer a warm and safe environment in which to explore areas of concern and strength. With over two decades of experience, I have treated issues not limited to: anxiety, co-dependency, recovery, life transitions, chronic illness, abuse, childhood disorders, divorce, co-parenting, and depression.
Jasmine Bell Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
I address issues related to family conflicts, communication style, and family roles, while also integrating aspects of play and talk therapy.
Is your child or teen adjusting to changes in their lives? Have you noticed a difference in their demeanor, attitude, playfulness, and attachment with you? Are you struggling with your own mental health while balancing work and/or family? I am here to support your families needs. I have been providing services for children, teens, and parents for about a decade. I believe in treating the whole family through individual and parent-child family sessions to implement realistic coping skills in the home to improve your connection with your child outside of therapy.
I address issues related to family conflicts, communication style, and family roles, while also integrating aspects of play and talk therapy.
Is your child or teen adjusting to changes in their lives? Have you noticed a difference in their demeanor, attitude, playfulness, and attachment with you? Are you struggling with your own mental health while balancing work and/or family? I am here to support your families needs. I have been providing services for children, teens, and parents for about a decade. I believe in treating the whole family through individual and parent-child family sessions to implement realistic coping skills in the home to improve your connection with your child outside of therapy.
Linda Sharples
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90063
I have worked extensively with young people transitioning into adulthood and enjoy working with children utilizing play therapy.
Hi, My name is Linda Sharples and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) I am based in Murrieta but provide therapy statewide via telehealth. I work with individuals, couples, and families addressing anxiety, depression, family dysfunction, and the stress associated with life transitions.
I have worked extensively with young people transitioning into adulthood and enjoy working with children utilizing play therapy.
Hi, My name is Linda Sharples and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) I am based in Murrieta but provide therapy statewide via telehealth. I work with individuals, couples, and families addressing anxiety, depression, family dysfunction, and the stress associated with life transitions.
Jessica Battaini
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
When adults and children alike build an understanding of their emotional worlds, they are better equipped to cope with life’s challenges. As your therapist, I will provide an empathic relationship in which we will explore the unique experiences and emotions, both past and present, that bring you to therapy today. Young clients may not yet be able to name their feelings, or have an awareness of what triggers challenging behaviors. Through Play Therapy, I will support your child to process feelings, increase emotional vocabulary, and develop positive coping skills. With older children, I often employ evidence-based CBT/Mindfulness.
When adults and children alike build an understanding of their emotional worlds, they are better equipped to cope with life’s challenges. As your therapist, I will provide an empathic relationship in which we will explore the unique experiences and emotions, both past and present, that bring you to therapy today. Young clients may not yet be able to name their feelings, or have an awareness of what triggers challenging behaviors. Through Play Therapy, I will support your child to process feelings, increase emotional vocabulary, and develop positive coping skills. With older children, I often employ evidence-based CBT/Mindfulness.
Lusine Yeu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612 (Online Only)
At the core of my approach is the belief in your power as an individual. Your unique experiences and feelings are like a compass guiding our work together. I use the Psychodynamic model. We'll explore your thoughts and emotions to find insights and practical solutions that truly resonate with you. As we understand your individual process, we will also highlight the importance of relationships. Meaningful connections are the foundation of our lives, whether with family, friends, or others, all of which play a vital role in nurturing well-being.
At the core of my approach is the belief in your power as an individual. Your unique experiences and feelings are like a compass guiding our work together. I use the Psychodynamic model. We'll explore your thoughts and emotions to find insights and practical solutions that truly resonate with you. As we understand your individual process, we will also highlight the importance of relationships. Meaningful connections are the foundation of our lives, whether with family, friends, or others, all of which play a vital role in nurturing well-being.
Carrie Paulus
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
My work with them follows a play therapy framework, allowing them to "work", in a natural way.
At any age, there are developmental, transitional and often unexpected circumstances that challenge us in life.
Be it aspects of parenting, the social or emotional challenges of being a child or teenager, or concerns about life transitions as an adult, my approach is safe and comfortable. I work from a place of patience, sincerity, humor and nonjudgement. I want the counseling experience for my clients to feel helpful, worthwhile and to be a journey to better understanding and personal growth.
My work with them follows a play therapy framework, allowing them to "work", in a natural way.
At any age, there are developmental, transitional and often unexpected circumstances that challenge us in life.
Be it aspects of parenting, the social or emotional challenges of being a child or teenager, or concerns about life transitions as an adult, my approach is safe and comfortable. I work from a place of patience, sincerity, humor and nonjudgement. I want the counseling experience for my clients to feel helpful, worthwhile and to be a journey to better understanding and personal growth.
Dr. Jonathan Doctorian
Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
I'm a therapist with experience working with a wide range of clients - from play therapy with children to treating depression or anxiety with adults or teens. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process, incorporating the client’s unique life experiences and passions into therapy. I am also intentionally sensitive to diversity topics including ethnicity, culture, religion, and socio-economic status. I aim to form a great connection with every client I work with, focusing on providing an encouraging and accepting space for clients to learn, grow, and heal.
I'm a therapist with experience working with a wide range of clients - from play therapy with children to treating depression or anxiety with adults or teens. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process, incorporating the client’s unique life experiences and passions into therapy. I am also intentionally sensitive to diversity topics including ethnicity, culture, religion, and socio-economic status. I aim to form a great connection with every client I work with, focusing on providing an encouraging and accepting space for clients to learn, grow, and heal.
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.