Play Therapy in Albany, CA
I have training and experience in a variety of therapeutic approaches--play therapy, Filial Therapy, expressive arts, sand tray, EMDR, and mindfulness, as well as "talk" therapy.
Sometimes, the stress of daily life can exhaust our ability to cope. A child struggling in school, family conflicts, traumatic events, major life transitions, the loss of a loved one, friend, or pet, financial and/or medical issues, pregnancy and the birth of a child—all of these experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. From experience and research, we know that stressful experiences--sudden or chronic--can lead to feelings of disconnection, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and conflict within ourselves and with our friends and loved ones.
I have training and experience in a variety of therapeutic approaches--play therapy, Filial Therapy, expressive arts, sand tray, EMDR, and mindfulness, as well as "talk" therapy.
Sometimes, the stress of daily life can exhaust our ability to cope. A child struggling in school, family conflicts, traumatic events, major life transitions, the loss of a loved one, friend, or pet, financial and/or medical issues, pregnancy and the birth of a child—all of these experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. From experience and research, we know that stressful experiences--sudden or chronic--can lead to feelings of disconnection, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and conflict within ourselves and with our friends and loved ones.
With younger children, I offer play therapy, which can provide your child an opportunity to express their feelings, fears, anxieties, conflicts and wishes through the metaphorical medium of play.
If you are a parent who is feeling overwhelmed by the needs of a struggling child, confused and frustrated by family discord or at a loss as to how to communicate with your loved ones, I can help you restore the balance, calm and cooperation in your home. I have more than 20 years’ experience working with children and families who are grappling with problems such as divorce, adoption, major transitions, defiant behavior, ADHD, gender/sex/identity issues, grief/loss, learning challenges, drug and alcohol use/abuse, and more.
With younger children, I offer play therapy, which can provide your child an opportunity to express their feelings, fears, anxieties, conflicts and wishes through the metaphorical medium of play.
If you are a parent who is feeling overwhelmed by the needs of a struggling child, confused and frustrated by family discord or at a loss as to how to communicate with your loved ones, I can help you restore the balance, calm and cooperation in your home. I have more than 20 years’ experience working with children and families who are grappling with problems such as divorce, adoption, major transitions, defiant behavior, ADHD, gender/sex/identity issues, grief/loss, learning challenges, drug and alcohol use/abuse, and more.
I've trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and Child-Centered Play Therapy for young children.
I offer compassionate, engaged therapy for adults, children, adolescents, and dyads. I'm committed to helping adults explore the roots of their persistent dissatisfaction, enhance self-awareness, and find more freedom in their work and relationships. With children & teens, I specialize in helping them navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, the impacts of traumatic experiences, and big or overwhelming emotions. I create a nurturing space where young clients can build their confidence through conversation, play, creativity, and relationship.
I've trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and Child-Centered Play Therapy for young children.
I offer compassionate, engaged therapy for adults, children, adolescents, and dyads. I'm committed to helping adults explore the roots of their persistent dissatisfaction, enhance self-awareness, and find more freedom in their work and relationships. With children & teens, I specialize in helping them navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, the impacts of traumatic experiences, and big or overwhelming emotions. I create a nurturing space where young clients can build their confidence through conversation, play, creativity, and relationship.
Holly F. Forman-Patel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706 (Online Only)
I additionally utilize hypnotherapy, ego state therapy, CBT and with children Play Therapy.
Has anxiety and other overwhelming feelings taken control of your life? Did you experience a traumatic event that continues to have impact? Have you spent years in therapy but still feel stuck regarding past events? Are you not performing like you once did in your sport or professional capacity? All of these are common experiences that do not need to continue and can shift to help you lead the life you want.
I additionally utilize hypnotherapy, ego state therapy, CBT and with children Play Therapy.
Has anxiety and other overwhelming feelings taken control of your life? Did you experience a traumatic event that continues to have impact? Have you spent years in therapy but still feel stuck regarding past events? Are you not performing like you once did in your sport or professional capacity? All of these are common experiences that do not need to continue and can shift to help you lead the life you want.
Therapy is a deeply personal experience and there are as many reasons to seek therapy as there are people who seek it. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or shame. You may have suffered traumas or losses and are wondering how these shape your thoughts, feelings and relationships. Maybe you simply have a sense that aspects of your life are not coming together in the ways you desire. Therapy is a space to explore these curiosities, to develop insight into your self, and, ultimately, to find greater fulfillment in your work, relationships, and play.
Therapy is a deeply personal experience and there are as many reasons to seek therapy as there are people who seek it. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or shame. You may have suffered traumas or losses and are wondering how these shape your thoughts, feelings and relationships. Maybe you simply have a sense that aspects of your life are not coming together in the ways you desire. Therapy is a space to explore these curiosities, to develop insight into your self, and, ultimately, to find greater fulfillment in your work, relationships, and play.
I use play therapy, art therapy & eco therapy with children and teens.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads or yearning for more? You may be at a breaking point or you may want to make some changes and you don't know where to start. I will ensure a safe and warm environment for exploration. We will move at a pace comfortable for you. Taking the leap of faith into therapy takes courage. We will engage in a process of empowerment to help you feel more centered & grounded in yourself. I work with individuals, couples, children, & families. I am here to listen, empathize & deepen your self-understanding . We will take a look at your inner longings and the parts of your life which may not be serving you.
I use play therapy, art therapy & eco therapy with children and teens.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads or yearning for more? You may be at a breaking point or you may want to make some changes and you don't know where to start. I will ensure a safe and warm environment for exploration. We will move at a pace comfortable for you. Taking the leap of faith into therapy takes courage. We will engage in a process of empowerment to help you feel more centered & grounded in yourself. I work with individuals, couples, children, & families. I am here to listen, empathize & deepen your self-understanding . We will take a look at your inner longings and the parts of your life which may not be serving you.
Katrina Brashares
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
I use Child-Centered Play Therapy with children under 10, and a strengths-based, insight-oriented approach with teens and adults.
I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.
I use Child-Centered Play Therapy with children under 10, and a strengths-based, insight-oriented approach with teens and adults.
I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.
I am a bicultural/bilingual, latinx psychologist with extensive experience working with youth of all ages who are struggling with mood, anxiety, and impulse control, and families who have experienced trauma. Key to this work is the relationship we build together. My goal is to help your family better understand what is happening for your child based on what research has taught us about how our brains work, while honoring your child’s unique experience and normalizing that we all have struggles. I use a strengths-based collaborative approach to get to know your family and identify and practice skills to help your child cope.
I am a bicultural/bilingual, latinx psychologist with extensive experience working with youth of all ages who are struggling with mood, anxiety, and impulse control, and families who have experienced trauma. Key to this work is the relationship we build together. My goal is to help your family better understand what is happening for your child based on what research has taught us about how our brains work, while honoring your child’s unique experience and normalizing that we all have struggles. I use a strengths-based collaborative approach to get to know your family and identify and practice skills to help your child cope.
I strongly believe in people's resiliency and motivation to live a full life despite difficult experiences. I'm dedicated to helping my clients achieve desirable and lasting change. We will look closely at what holds you back and what feels painful in your life. Whether it is a cycle of difficult emotions, unwanted behaviors, or relational difficulties, I believe it is crucial to discover the meaning in these experiences. Through our work together we will develop new tools to transform your life and make it more satisfying.
I strongly believe in people's resiliency and motivation to live a full life despite difficult experiences. I'm dedicated to helping my clients achieve desirable and lasting change. We will look closely at what holds you back and what feels painful in your life. Whether it is a cycle of difficult emotions, unwanted behaviors, or relational difficulties, I believe it is crucial to discover the meaning in these experiences. Through our work together we will develop new tools to transform your life and make it more satisfying.
"Are you worrying that you are stuck in old patterns of thinking and behaving regarding yourself and others that make you unhappy, depressed, anxious, or irritable? Are you trying to connect and communicate with a partner, friends, or co-workers, but find youself misunderstood, angry, or lonely? Are you longing to be happier yet unable to figure out how to change? I have helped hundreds of people with similar concerns to experience more joy and success in their lives. Together we can examine your concerns from new perspectives and overcome the obstacles preventing you from achieving your innermost goals.
"Are you worrying that you are stuck in old patterns of thinking and behaving regarding yourself and others that make you unhappy, depressed, anxious, or irritable? Are you trying to connect and communicate with a partner, friends, or co-workers, but find youself misunderstood, angry, or lonely? Are you longing to be happier yet unable to figure out how to change? I have helped hundreds of people with similar concerns to experience more joy and success in their lives. Together we can examine your concerns from new perspectives and overcome the obstacles preventing you from achieving your innermost goals.
If you are experiencing any of the following: anxiety, depression, navigating decisions about your life and relationships, are wanting to change patterns, heal from trauma, explore your identity, work on self esteem, expand your spiritual or creative life, are processing grief, loss and change including coping with a serious illness, injury, Alzheimer’s disease or a family member going through any of the above, I may be the therapist for you. I offer support in coming into greater clarity, connection, self assuredness, ease and peace about the past, where you are now, and who you hope to be as your future self.
If you are experiencing any of the following: anxiety, depression, navigating decisions about your life and relationships, are wanting to change patterns, heal from trauma, explore your identity, work on self esteem, expand your spiritual or creative life, are processing grief, loss and change including coping with a serious illness, injury, Alzheimer’s disease or a family member going through any of the above, I may be the therapist for you. I offer support in coming into greater clarity, connection, self assuredness, ease and peace about the past, where you are now, and who you hope to be as your future self.
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Life is messy. As we all navigate it the best we can, a lot of us find survival strategies that make sense at the time but don’t serve us in the long run. If you or your child are having trouble in relationships, feeling consistently down or anxious, or finding yourself stuck in painful past experiences, therapy can help identify patterns that don’t serve you and build practices that enable you to thrive.
Life is messy. As we all navigate it the best we can, a lot of us find survival strategies that make sense at the time but don’t serve us in the long run. If you or your child are having trouble in relationships, feeling consistently down or anxious, or finding yourself stuck in painful past experiences, therapy can help identify patterns that don’t serve you and build practices that enable you to thrive.
I specialize in working with young children, caregivers, adults, and birthing people. The early relationship between a caregiver and child is central to developing a sense of safety and self esteem. My goal is to strengthen the attachment between the child and their important caregivers, to promote healthy development, and address any issues that may be impacting the child or caregiver well-being. Through this therapeutic approach, the focus is not only on the child's individual experiences but also on the dynamics and interactions within the family unit.
I specialize in working with young children, caregivers, adults, and birthing people. The early relationship between a caregiver and child is central to developing a sense of safety and self esteem. My goal is to strengthen the attachment between the child and their important caregivers, to promote healthy development, and address any issues that may be impacting the child or caregiver well-being. Through this therapeutic approach, the focus is not only on the child's individual experiences but also on the dynamics and interactions within the family unit.
Meleah Chamberlain Terheyden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706 (Online Only)
If you are going through a time in which you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, it is courageous to find the strength to reach out and make an investment in yourself and your future with therapy. I believe in the resiliency of the human spirit, as we all have the potential answers to improving our lives but often need someone to offer us the reflective space to think differently in order to shift our experiences. That may mean exploring the past to understand or accept what has happened, but it is always in service of improving your present & future.
If you are going through a time in which you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, it is courageous to find the strength to reach out and make an investment in yourself and your future with therapy. I believe in the resiliency of the human spirit, as we all have the potential answers to improving our lives but often need someone to offer us the reflective space to think differently in order to shift our experiences. That may mean exploring the past to understand or accept what has happened, but it is always in service of improving your present & future.
Anshu Sharma Prunet
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706 (Online Only)
You may be feeling temporarily overwhelmed by the situation, in your relationship, at work, in the culture you live in or you may have felt emotionally distressed over a long period of time. In both cases, therapy can be the first step to bring relief, self actualization and happiness to you and your loved ones.
You may be feeling temporarily overwhelmed by the situation, in your relationship, at work, in the culture you live in or you may have felt emotionally distressed over a long period of time. In both cases, therapy can be the first step to bring relief, self actualization and happiness to you and your loved ones.
The transition from summer to fall can be challenging, whether due to academic stress, parenting challenges, sadness about seasonal shifts, or feeling disconnected from relationships. I often work with people who notice themselves feeling overwhelmed, numb, or burned out due to life stressors. I have special training and experience working with new parents, students of all ages (college and graduate school included) and people with disabilities. In all stages of life, I hope to offer a supportive space for you to process your experiences and determine next steps.
The transition from summer to fall can be challenging, whether due to academic stress, parenting challenges, sadness about seasonal shifts, or feeling disconnected from relationships. I often work with people who notice themselves feeling overwhelmed, numb, or burned out due to life stressors. I have special training and experience working with new parents, students of all ages (college and graduate school included) and people with disabilities. In all stages of life, I hope to offer a supportive space for you to process your experiences and determine next steps.
If your child is experiencing tantrums or aggression, feels anxious, angry, or sad, has a low tolerance for frustration, or has poor relationships with other children or adults, I can help. I am a therapist specialized in working with young children and their families. I work with parents to help them understand their child's behavior and know how to respond during difficult parenting moments. I work with children to help them build social skills, understand and regulate their emotions, and overcome traumatic experiences (ex.death, illness) or difficult life transitions (ex. birth of a new sibling, divorce, school expulsion).
If your child is experiencing tantrums or aggression, feels anxious, angry, or sad, has a low tolerance for frustration, or has poor relationships with other children or adults, I can help. I am a therapist specialized in working with young children and their families. I work with parents to help them understand their child's behavior and know how to respond during difficult parenting moments. I work with children to help them build social skills, understand and regulate their emotions, and overcome traumatic experiences (ex.death, illness) or difficult life transitions (ex. birth of a new sibling, divorce, school expulsion).
Melany Barr-Patz
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, M Ed, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706 (Online Only)
Are you finding this season of parenthood harder than you expected? Maybe you are trying to find your stride with parenting, experiencing challenges in balancing parenthood with all of your other life roles, or managing the mental load of parenting a kid who needs extra support. In these circumstances, we can find ourselves experiencing fear, shame, and guilt in ways that interfere with our wellbeing as parents. But with support and time, we can find our joy, rhythm and wisdom as parents.
Are you finding this season of parenthood harder than you expected? Maybe you are trying to find your stride with parenting, experiencing challenges in balancing parenthood with all of your other life roles, or managing the mental load of parenting a kid who needs extra support. In these circumstances, we can find ourselves experiencing fear, shame, and guilt in ways that interfere with our wellbeing as parents. But with support and time, we can find our joy, rhythm and wisdom as parents.
I believe that we are shaped, known, and grow in relationships. Therapy can help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and experiences—and find freedom and meaningful connection with yourself and others. With curiosity and openness, I work to create a supportive and collaborative environment. Together, we can explore who you are and the experiences that shape you. We can address your present concerns, and explore how your early experiences impact you.
I believe that we are shaped, known, and grow in relationships. Therapy can help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and experiences—and find freedom and meaningful connection with yourself and others. With curiosity and openness, I work to create a supportive and collaborative environment. Together, we can explore who you are and the experiences that shape you. We can address your present concerns, and explore how your early experiences impact you.
Would you like to feel less anxious, depressed and/or overwhelmed? Do you want to feel more joy, motivation and/or hope? If so, I'd love to support you with compassion, insight & encouragement to live your best life, emphasizing your strengths, needs/desires, as well as acknowledging and minimizing the challenges. Sustainable personal growth and healing is rarely easy, but with experienced support there is hope, lots of it. What I most want for you is to feel much better emotionally, as well as authentically and fully enjoy the life you've been given from the inside out. Let me know if you'd like this too.
Would you like to feel less anxious, depressed and/or overwhelmed? Do you want to feel more joy, motivation and/or hope? If so, I'd love to support you with compassion, insight & encouragement to live your best life, emphasizing your strengths, needs/desires, as well as acknowledging and minimizing the challenges. Sustainable personal growth and healing is rarely easy, but with experienced support there is hope, lots of it. What I most want for you is to feel much better emotionally, as well as authentically and fully enjoy the life you've been given from the inside out. Let me know if you'd like this too.
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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.