Play Therapy in Berkeley, CA
Karen Pernet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94703
When treating families with children from 3 to 12, I may suggest Filial Therapy, a highly effective combination of play and family therapy.
When individuals, couples, families or children make the difficult decision to come to therapy they are usually feeling stuck and often scared. Each of us has our own strength and wisdom which we don't see when we are troubled. My goal is for us to work together to rediscover those qualities.
I use a cattail plant as a symbol of how I see therapy. Why? Cattails are found stuck in a marsh and often regarded as weeds. But when looked at carefully they are graceful and strong. Let me help you find your strength and grace.
When treating families with children from 3 to 12, I may suggest Filial Therapy, a highly effective combination of play and family therapy.
When individuals, couples, families or children make the difficult decision to come to therapy they are usually feeling stuck and often scared. Each of us has our own strength and wisdom which we don't see when we are troubled. My goal is for us to work together to rediscover those qualities.
I use a cattail plant as a symbol of how I see therapy. Why? Cattails are found stuck in a marsh and often regarded as weeds. But when looked at carefully they are graceful and strong. Let me help you find your strength and grace.
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.
Play therapy for children.
I believe that understanding and compassion are vital for building trust, mutual respect, and openness, all of which are essential in forming a therapeutic relationship that can encourage change. My style in therapy is a mix of person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic theories. With children I utilize a variety of expressive therapies including play, art, narrative, sand tray and bibliotherapy. In working with children, adolescents and adults, I use a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach.
Play therapy for children.
I believe that understanding and compassion are vital for building trust, mutual respect, and openness, all of which are essential in forming a therapeutic relationship that can encourage change. My style in therapy is a mix of person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic theories. With children I utilize a variety of expressive therapies including play, art, narrative, sand tray and bibliotherapy. In working with children, adolescents and adults, I use a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach.
I am flexible and creative in my approach using art, play, role plays, movie making or anything else that helps a child express themselves.
Are you worried about your child? Are they having trouble in school? Not making friends? Has being a parent become really stressful?
Parenting is always a challenge and can be even harder if your child is having emotional or behavioral difficulties. My goals are to help children reach their maximum potential emotionally, socially, and behaviorally and help parents be empowered and have more effective parenting skills. I specialize in working with children who have emotional, behavioral and academic difficulties including ADHD, anxiety, depression, poor frustration tolerance, loss of a loved one, trauma, family conflict, and interpersonal relationship difficulties.
I am flexible and creative in my approach using art, play, role plays, movie making or anything else that helps a child express themselves.
Are you worried about your child? Are they having trouble in school? Not making friends? Has being a parent become really stressful?
Parenting is always a challenge and can be even harder if your child is having emotional or behavioral difficulties. My goals are to help children reach their maximum potential emotionally, socially, and behaviorally and help parents be empowered and have more effective parenting skills. I specialize in working with children who have emotional, behavioral and academic difficulties including ADHD, anxiety, depression, poor frustration tolerance, loss of a loved one, trauma, family conflict, and interpersonal relationship difficulties.
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.
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, and educational consulting. Our therapists offer a diverse range of specialties, ranging from sensory/ play therapy for children, to individual and couples therapy in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges and school or work related pressures.
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, and educational consulting. Our therapists offer a diverse range of specialties, ranging from sensory/ play therapy for children, to individual and couples therapy in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges and school or work related pressures.
I've trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and Child-Centered Play Therapy for young children.
I'm committed to helping adults explore the roots of their persistent dissatisfaction, enhance their 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 relationship where young clients can build their confidence through conversation, play, and creativity. - As of Oct 2024: I have openings for children/parents in Albany, CA and individual adults and couples in Oakland, CA. -
I've trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and Child-Centered Play Therapy for young children.
I'm committed to helping adults explore the roots of their persistent dissatisfaction, enhance their 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 relationship where young clients can build their confidence through conversation, play, and creativity. - As of Oct 2024: I have openings for children/parents in Albany, CA and individual adults and couples in Oakland, CA. -
As a trauma responsive multicultural expressive arts therapist, I bring in creativity, play, and collaboration to heal past wounds and create new futures.
Are you looking to heal from trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, experiences with abuse and family violence? Or years of navigating systemic oppression? Are you motivated to develop into your most joyful and resilient self? Let me help you metabolize pain into triumph. I’ve been helping individuals, families and groups transcend trauma, abuse and grief for over 10 years in California and Hawai’i. I have a liberatory and integrative approach that is authentic, collaborative, warm, creative and joyful.
As a trauma responsive multicultural expressive arts therapist, I bring in creativity, play, and collaboration to heal past wounds and create new futures.
Are you looking to heal from trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, experiences with abuse and family violence? Or years of navigating systemic oppression? Are you motivated to develop into your most joyful and resilient self? Let me help you metabolize pain into triumph. I’ve been helping individuals, families and groups transcend trauma, abuse and grief for over 10 years in California and Hawai’i. I have a liberatory and integrative approach that is authentic, collaborative, warm, creative and joyful.
Danielle Saporta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94706 (Online Only)
I believe in the power of the arts, humor, connection and play as vehicles for transformation and healing, whether you're a child, teen, or adult. I work with folks who want to improve their communication, have thriving relationships, and just feel a whole lot better! Life is messy and constantly changing! Whether you are experiencing a major life transition, relationship or career change, or simply feeling overwhelmed or lost, I’m here to help you navigate your way through. I'll stand alongside you, your teen, or your child, and help guide toward a healthier, happier self and family. Increased fulfillment and meaning are possible.
I believe in the power of the arts, humor, connection and play as vehicles for transformation and healing, whether you're a child, teen, or adult. I work with folks who want to improve their communication, have thriving relationships, and just feel a whole lot better! Life is messy and constantly changing! Whether you are experiencing a major life transition, relationship or career change, or simply feeling overwhelmed or lost, I’m here to help you navigate your way through. I'll stand alongside you, your teen, or your child, and help guide toward a healthier, happier self and family. Increased fulfillment and meaning are possible.
Katrina Brashares
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94702
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.
Jess Wynn-Grant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, M Ed
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720
I specialize in whole-bodied therapy to heal anxiety and trauma for children, teens, and adults. I offer attachment-based, trauma-healing, body-oriented approaches (EMDR, Havening & Somatics), play therapy, integrative talk therapy, & nature-oriented outdoor therapy. I also provide therapy for hopeful, awaiting, and new parents who are navigating the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey. I provide therapy online across CA and outdoors if you are local to the East Bay. In-home therapy is also available for children and families.
I specialize in whole-bodied therapy to heal anxiety and trauma for children, teens, and adults. I offer attachment-based, trauma-healing, body-oriented approaches (EMDR, Havening & Somatics), play therapy, integrative talk therapy, & nature-oriented outdoor therapy. I also provide therapy for hopeful, awaiting, and new parents who are navigating the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey. I provide therapy online across CA and outdoors if you are local to the East Bay. In-home therapy is also available for children and families.
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I do play therapy in-person and help coparents cooperate and communicate.
Most people come to see me because they are experiencing some sort of distress that they want help with. What they come to discover is that therapy can be about so much more than relieving pain. I facilitate a process of reflection and self-discovery that can help you connect to your inner creativity and capacity to grow. I focus on helping you expand your relationships, your ability to love and receive love. And together we search for your sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.
I do play therapy in-person and help coparents cooperate and communicate.
Most people come to see me because they are experiencing some sort of distress that they want help with. What they come to discover is that therapy can be about so much more than relieving pain. I facilitate a process of reflection and self-discovery that can help you connect to your inner creativity and capacity to grow. I focus on helping you expand your relationships, your ability to love and receive love. And together we search for your sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.
I provide: Individual Therapy for Adults & Teens / Play Therapy for Children / Couples Therapy / Family Therapy / FBT for Eating Disorders / Psychological Assessment & Testing.
I currently have openings for children, adults, couples, and families at my Oakland office.
I provide: Individual Therapy for Adults & Teens / Play Therapy for Children / Couples Therapy / Family Therapy / FBT for Eating Disorders / Psychological Assessment & Testing.
I currently have openings for children, adults, couples, and families at my Oakland office.
With play therapy techniques I create an engaging environment for children to safely explore their full range of feelings.
Your child is struggling with anxious or sad feelings. Irritability, defiance and outsized anger are prevalent in many of your interactions. Children often "hold it together," at school and then fall apart at home. As a parent, you feel triggered and at the same time hopeless when your attempts to understand or comfort fail. Feeling seen, understood and validated are imperatives for healthy development and self esteem. Parents struggling with patience and reactivity to challenging behaviors will find difficulty providing consistent communication and empathy. You seek for your child positive coping skills so that they flourish.
With play therapy techniques I create an engaging environment for children to safely explore their full range of feelings.
Your child is struggling with anxious or sad feelings. Irritability, defiance and outsized anger are prevalent in many of your interactions. Children often "hold it together," at school and then fall apart at home. As a parent, you feel triggered and at the same time hopeless when your attempts to understand or comfort fail. Feeling seen, understood and validated are imperatives for healthy development and self esteem. Parents struggling with patience and reactivity to challenging behaviors will find difficulty providing consistent communication and empathy. You seek for your child positive coping skills so that they flourish.
I offer psychotherapy for adults and couples, infant/child-parent psychotherapy, play therapy, and parent guidance.
I approach therapy by building a relationship where you feel able to explore all aspects of yourself, and your concerns, through experiencing me as warm, curious, empathic and authentic. Our life experiences, together with our neurobiology, cultural background, identities and life stage, all lead us to become who we are, but may not lead us to become who we wish to be. We may be in pain, experiencing anxiety; life may feel unsatisfying or stuck, and more. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to make changes in our lives and relationships, so we can feel relief from pain, and so we feel more alive.
I offer psychotherapy for adults and couples, infant/child-parent psychotherapy, play therapy, and parent guidance.
I approach therapy by building a relationship where you feel able to explore all aspects of yourself, and your concerns, through experiencing me as warm, curious, empathic and authentic. Our life experiences, together with our neurobiology, cultural background, identities and life stage, all lead us to become who we are, but may not lead us to become who we wish to be. We may be in pain, experiencing anxiety; life may feel unsatisfying or stuck, and more. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to make changes in our lives and relationships, so we can feel relief from pain, and so we feel more alive.
For the younger ones, I am passionate about play and sand tray therapy.
Being neurodivergent can be difficult in this society, whether you are on the spectrum, have ADHD, identify as HSP, or other traits. And feeling unseen, unaccepted, or stagnant can often be overwhelming. If you're grappling with emotional challenges, or find yourself stuck in life, know that you're not alone. Whether you’re wanting to better understand yourself, looking to improve your experiences with others, or wanting help with a new diagnosis, we can navigate these waters together. You've demonstrated resilience and introspection by seeking help, now let's create the path towards healing and transformation—together.
For the younger ones, I am passionate about play and sand tray therapy.
Being neurodivergent can be difficult in this society, whether you are on the spectrum, have ADHD, identify as HSP, or other traits. And feeling unseen, unaccepted, or stagnant can often be overwhelming. If you're grappling with emotional challenges, or find yourself stuck in life, know that you're not alone. Whether you’re wanting to better understand yourself, looking to improve your experiences with others, or wanting help with a new diagnosis, we can navigate these waters together. You've demonstrated resilience and introspection by seeking help, now let's create the path towards healing and transformation—together.
With children and teens, I use a non-directive play-based approach.
In my practice, I see children, adolescents and adults who are seeking help for a variety of reasons. Common areas of need include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and relationship difficulties. With children, these concerns may express themselves through externalizing behaviors at school and/or at home. I offer an open, non-judgmental, and safe therapeutic relationship. My approach is adapted carefully to individual needs and is inclusive in regard to gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, class, and religious/spiritual orientation. I work with many LGBTQ+ individuals in my practice.
With children and teens, I use a non-directive play-based approach.
In my practice, I see children, adolescents and adults who are seeking help for a variety of reasons. Common areas of need include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and relationship difficulties. With children, these concerns may express themselves through externalizing behaviors at school and/or at home. I offer an open, non-judgmental, and safe therapeutic relationship. My approach is adapted carefully to individual needs and is inclusive in regard to gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, class, and religious/spiritual orientation. I work with many LGBTQ+ individuals in my practice.
my focusing is on understanding the dynamics of each member, and how these dynamics create the cycles that play out within the system.
What brings you here? If you are scrolling through these pages, you are likely looking for support, either for yourself or someone you care about. While it is easier now to find psychological support, finding the right person to work with is as important as ever. While working with me you will be received in a warm, non-judgmental, and curiosity filled environment. While considering what brought you into therapy, we will reflect on the circumstances contributing to where you are today. Our focus will be on integrating what has been in order to develop into what can be.
my focusing is on understanding the dynamics of each member, and how these dynamics create the cycles that play out within the system.
What brings you here? If you are scrolling through these pages, you are likely looking for support, either for yourself or someone you care about. While it is easier now to find psychological support, finding the right person to work with is as important as ever. While working with me you will be received in a warm, non-judgmental, and curiosity filled environment. While considering what brought you into therapy, we will reflect on the circumstances contributing to where you are today. Our focus will be on integrating what has been in order to develop into what can be.
Micaela Magazzu-Alaman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Colorado. I specialize in working with individuals with anxiety and Body-Focused-Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), such as hair-pulling and skin-picking. I help individuals through a variety of life transitions, depression, work/school stress, and relationships. I have experience providing psychotherapy to children, utilizing play therapy approaches, as well as parent skills training.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Colorado. I specialize in working with individuals with anxiety and Body-Focused-Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), such as hair-pulling and skin-picking. I help individuals through a variety of life transitions, depression, work/school stress, and relationships. I have experience providing psychotherapy to children, utilizing play therapy approaches, as well as parent skills training.
I meet people where they are at in their story. My goal is to walk along side people to discover their own resources for healing. I listen deeply. I bring a non judgmental presence that creates a safe place to talk about who they are, where they have been, and where they want to be. I am able to balance empathy with constructive challenge. I work with individuals, couples, and families of all ages that struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, grief/loss and family dynamics.
I meet people where they are at in their story. My goal is to walk along side people to discover their own resources for healing. I listen deeply. I bring a non judgmental presence that creates a safe place to talk about who they are, where they have been, and where they want to be. I am able to balance empathy with constructive challenge. I work with individuals, couples, and families of all ages that struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, grief/loss and family dynamics.
