Play Therapy in Cardiff By The Sea, CA
Feeling overwhelmed with managing in this fast paced world? Life is complex and it's often hard to handle the situations we face each day. Whether figuring out what to do about challenging children, issues in a close relationship, or which way to go as you move forward in life, uncertainties can stop anyone in their tracks. Few things are worse than feeling stuck and struggling when it seems like everyone else has it all figured out. It doesn't have to be that way. Things change, children mature, and if we're watching we find opportunities to heal, learn, and grow.
Feeling overwhelmed with managing in this fast paced world? Life is complex and it's often hard to handle the situations we face each day. Whether figuring out what to do about challenging children, issues in a close relationship, or which way to go as you move forward in life, uncertainties can stop anyone in their tracks. Few things are worse than feeling stuck and struggling when it seems like everyone else has it all figured out. It doesn't have to be that way. Things change, children mature, and if we're watching we find opportunities to heal, learn, and grow.
Whitney McLennan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007 (Online Only)
Working through difficult experiences and emotions can be challenging. It can be even harder to make desired changes in ones life when certain patterns have been established for so long. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and supported throughout this process. By creating a comfortable and lighthearted environment, individuals, families, and couples are able to gain some reprieve from the difficulties they are experiencing. This allows change to begin to occur in the lives of my clients.
Working through difficult experiences and emotions can be challenging. It can be even harder to make desired changes in ones life when certain patterns have been established for so long. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and supported throughout this process. By creating a comfortable and lighthearted environment, individuals, families, and couples are able to gain some reprieve from the difficulties they are experiencing. This allows change to begin to occur in the lives of my clients.
More Therapists Nearby
Emily Wilson-Nguyen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Encinitas, CA 92024
I see play as the language of children, and as a portal for healing in childhood.
Seeking out support for yourself or for your child is a courageous act, and one that is full of hope. Childhood and parenting can be tremendously challenging, and you do not need to figure out all of the pieces alone. I would be honored to work alongside you, providing a safe environment to share your story, gently face and move through challenges, and develop solutions that will bring you and your child relief and allow you both to thrive.
I see play as the language of children, and as a portal for healing in childhood.
Seeking out support for yourself or for your child is a courageous act, and one that is full of hope. Childhood and parenting can be tremendously challenging, and you do not need to figure out all of the pieces alone. I would be honored to work alongside you, providing a safe environment to share your story, gently face and move through challenges, and develop solutions that will bring you and your child relief and allow you both to thrive.
Herb Schnabel 134453
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Solana Beach, CA 92075
I also use other methods such as mindfulness, play therapy, and art therapy to help clients access insight and vulnerability.
I find myself very honored to be working as a therapist and helping those who have taken the brave and vulnerable step to engage in therapy. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I have a special passion for providing affirmative care for those in this community. I additionally love working with couples, families, and those experiencing difficult life transitions such as trauma, grief, and gender transition.
I also use other methods such as mindfulness, play therapy, and art therapy to help clients access insight and vulnerability.
I find myself very honored to be working as a therapist and helping those who have taken the brave and vulnerable step to engage in therapy. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I have a special passion for providing affirmative care for those in this community. I additionally love working with couples, families, and those experiencing difficult life transitions such as trauma, grief, and gender transition.
Ani Sargsyan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Solana Beach, CA 92075 (Online Only)
I have experience providing individual, family and play therapy, assessing individual and family needs for support services and case management.
You may choose to seek therapy during times of emotional pain or when you wish to merely grow. Whatever your reasoning is, I can provide ways for you to work through various issues, learn about feelings, understand the different patterns of thinking by gaining perspective on past/current events in your life, provide support with relationships, processing past/current trauma and learning positive coping tools to meet your needs by providing the highest quality care.
I have experience providing individual, family and play therapy, assessing individual and family needs for support services and case management.
You may choose to seek therapy during times of emotional pain or when you wish to merely grow. Whatever your reasoning is, I can provide ways for you to work through various issues, learn about feelings, understand the different patterns of thinking by gaining perspective on past/current events in your life, provide support with relationships, processing past/current trauma and learning positive coping tools to meet your needs by providing the highest quality care.
Shannon Lerach, Ph.D., Inc., A Psychological Corp
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Solana Beach, CA 92075
I am a Play Therapist working with children ages 2-18 using a variety of play therapy approaches.
I am a trauma-specialist working with a range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, family counseling and beyond. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs. Working in a wide variety of settings has allowed me to cultivate my clinical skills and versatility in the following areas. Treatment specialization includes: Abuse & Trauma Recovery, EMDR (EMDRIA Certified), EMDR with Children & Adolescents, Registered Play Therapist, Therapy for Depression, Anxiety & Mood disorders, Grief & Loss Counseling, Blended Families & Divorce, Child Custody Evaluations, Parent Mediation, Co-parenting Facilitation & Reunification Therapy.
I am a Play Therapist working with children ages 2-18 using a variety of play therapy approaches.
I am a trauma-specialist working with a range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, family counseling and beyond. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs. Working in a wide variety of settings has allowed me to cultivate my clinical skills and versatility in the following areas. Treatment specialization includes: Abuse & Trauma Recovery, EMDR (EMDRIA Certified), EMDR with Children & Adolescents, Registered Play Therapist, Therapy for Depression, Anxiety & Mood disorders, Grief & Loss Counseling, Blended Families & Divorce, Child Custody Evaluations, Parent Mediation, Co-parenting Facilitation & Reunification Therapy.
Certifications include EMDR specialist, trainings include play/sand tray therapy and somatic experiencing.
Our overall mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family, and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!
Certifications include EMDR specialist, trainings include play/sand tray therapy and somatic experiencing.
Our overall mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family, and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!
Soudabeh Rahmankhah
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, M-RAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
There is an undeniable urge toward growth, wholeness and healing within each individual. The journey of healing and growth is unique process for every individual. My approach to psychotherapy is holistic, creative, and embodied within a framework of Jungian psychology. It is tailored to meet the unique needs of individual and build on existing strengths. I implement evidence based treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, and ACT as well as creative approach. I tailor my approach for each client using a variety of tools including play therapy, sand tray, expressive art, active imagination and dream work.
There is an undeniable urge toward growth, wholeness and healing within each individual. The journey of healing and growth is unique process for every individual. My approach to psychotherapy is holistic, creative, and embodied within a framework of Jungian psychology. It is tailored to meet the unique needs of individual and build on existing strengths. I implement evidence based treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, and ACT as well as creative approach. I tailor my approach for each client using a variety of tools including play therapy, sand tray, expressive art, active imagination and dream work.
Our exceptionally well-trained team offers compassionate, evidence-based, and effective approaches including CBT, Family Therapy, DBT, Play Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy, Equine Assisted Therapy, Neurofeedback, Groups, and Medical and Psychiatric services.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My team of expert clinicians provide evidence-based and compassionate therapies from a range of approaches, state-of-the art testing, in-school/in-home services, medical services, and neurofeedback. We offer multiple treatment options to reduce symptoms, cope with stressors, resolve conflicts, and restore your daily life to health and wellness. We strive to provide exceptional and holistic collaborative care to educate, support, and empower individuals and families.
Our exceptionally well-trained team offers compassionate, evidence-based, and effective approaches including CBT, Family Therapy, DBT, Play Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy, Equine Assisted Therapy, Neurofeedback, Groups, and Medical and Psychiatric services.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My team of expert clinicians provide evidence-based and compassionate therapies from a range of approaches, state-of-the art testing, in-school/in-home services, medical services, and neurofeedback. We offer multiple treatment options to reduce symptoms, cope with stressors, resolve conflicts, and restore your daily life to health and wellness. We strive to provide exceptional and holistic collaborative care to educate, support, and empower individuals and families.
Julie Dahlhauser Gruber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Solana Beach, CA 92075
I use art therapy, play therapy, and sand-tray therapy.
Hello there. If you are at this site, I am guessing that you or someone that you know is having a difficult time. Congratulations to you for being brave enough to be able to reach out for help. People think that being happy comes naturally, but in my experience, that is not the case. It takes hard work for many of us and that generally includes therapy. We go to school to learn many different topics, but how to handle our emotions is not one of them. It should be though, as it is woven into every aspect of our life. That is what I am here to do, help you or a loved one, work through your emotions. It would be an honor.
I use art therapy, play therapy, and sand-tray therapy.
Hello there. If you are at this site, I am guessing that you or someone that you know is having a difficult time. Congratulations to you for being brave enough to be able to reach out for help. People think that being happy comes naturally, but in my experience, that is not the case. It takes hard work for many of us and that generally includes therapy. We go to school to learn many different topics, but how to handle our emotions is not one of them. It should be though, as it is woven into every aspect of our life. That is what I am here to do, help you or a loved one, work through your emotions. It would be an honor.
Rebecca Murphy
Registered Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
I work from a psychodynamic and feminist therapy framework while incorporating approaches like ACT, mindfulness, and play therapy when appropriate.
There can be so much pressure to know who you are at a young age, but most people don’t! Therapy can be a place to explore who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to get there. As a therapist I care about empowering you to find your voice and engage in value-congruent action. I strive to work collaboratively, be mindful of power and privilege, and always seek to understand the world as you see and experience it so we can better find your path forward.
I work from a psychodynamic and feminist therapy framework while incorporating approaches like ACT, mindfulness, and play therapy when appropriate.
There can be so much pressure to know who you are at a young age, but most people don’t! Therapy can be a place to explore who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to get there. As a therapist I care about empowering you to find your voice and engage in value-congruent action. I strive to work collaboratively, be mindful of power and privilege, and always seek to understand the world as you see and experience it so we can better find your path forward.
Belinda Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
Waitlist for new clients
Play is the natural language of children, and, as Mr.
I am passionate about empowering children of all ages to make more thoughtful, informed choices in their life. I work with clients navigating grief/loss, anxiety, depression, anger, family changes, cultural and ethnic identity, medical traumas, and other challenges. Through therapy, children are provided with a nonjudgmental, safe space to process their experiences and develop skills and the opportunity to strengthen their psychological fortitude, self identity, and resilience through therapeutic interventions. All of this helps them to more effectively communicate their needs to supportive adults around them.
Play is the natural language of children, and, as Mr.
I am passionate about empowering children of all ages to make more thoughtful, informed choices in their life. I work with clients navigating grief/loss, anxiety, depression, anger, family changes, cultural and ethnic identity, medical traumas, and other challenges. Through therapy, children are provided with a nonjudgmental, safe space to process their experiences and develop skills and the opportunity to strengthen their psychological fortitude, self identity, and resilience through therapeutic interventions. All of this helps them to more effectively communicate their needs to supportive adults around them.
Sean Berkshire
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Encinitas, CA 92024 (Online Only)
I utilize a combination of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Humanistic approaches.
Each and every one of us possess the inherent ability to create positive change within ourselves. Whether you’re looking to alter patterns of behavior, strengthen relationships, or foster healthy development within your children, I would love the opportunity to work with you as you explore, understand, and grow. Therapy is a different journey for each individual and this is why I believe an integrated therapeutic approach tailored to YOU is essential in effective therapy. Based on your strengths, we will work together to create a personal and unique treatment plan, allowing you time to heal, grow, and reach your fullest potential.
I utilize a combination of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Humanistic approaches.
Each and every one of us possess the inherent ability to create positive change within ourselves. Whether you’re looking to alter patterns of behavior, strengthen relationships, or foster healthy development within your children, I would love the opportunity to work with you as you explore, understand, and grow. Therapy is a different journey for each individual and this is why I believe an integrated therapeutic approach tailored to YOU is essential in effective therapy. Based on your strengths, we will work together to create a personal and unique treatment plan, allowing you time to heal, grow, and reach your fullest potential.
I AM CURRENTLY ONLY AVAILABLE FOR TELEHEALTH. My training goes beyond traditional talk therapy and encompasses Play Therapy for children; Somatic Experiencing Training and the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) for teens and adults that enables people to get to the root of their disconnection so that they can feel more alive and connected to themselves. I utilize these specialized trainings in both play therapy and trauma resolution to resolve concerns such as: family stress, divorce, relational trauma, discipline and behavioral problems, and anxiety.
I AM CURRENTLY ONLY AVAILABLE FOR TELEHEALTH. My training goes beyond traditional talk therapy and encompasses Play Therapy for children; Somatic Experiencing Training and the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) for teens and adults that enables people to get to the root of their disconnection so that they can feel more alive and connected to themselves. I utilize these specialized trainings in both play therapy and trauma resolution to resolve concerns such as: family stress, divorce, relational trauma, discipline and behavioral problems, and anxiety.
In my sessions, I like to utilize art, play, games, as well as various other techniques as we work together to accomplish your goals.
I’m glad to see you here! Taking this step to pursue the tools you need for a more fulfilling life is a brave choice, and it is my hope that I can provide you support for this journey. My approach to counseling focuses on collaboration so that we can explore your strengths, identify the skills you already possess, and develop additional supports to enhance your life and relationships. I particularly enjoy working with children, youth, and families as they seek to change dynamics and find healing.
In my sessions, I like to utilize art, play, games, as well as various other techniques as we work together to accomplish your goals.
I’m glad to see you here! Taking this step to pursue the tools you need for a more fulfilling life is a brave choice, and it is my hope that I can provide you support for this journey. My approach to counseling focuses on collaboration so that we can explore your strengths, identify the skills you already possess, and develop additional supports to enhance your life and relationships. I particularly enjoy working with children, youth, and families as they seek to change dynamics and find healing.
As your family therapist I will work with you and your child to process and thrive after difficult life events. I additionally support exhausted parents and children with developing real life strategies to manage big baffling behaviors, explosive outburst, fears, and relationship hardships. Through the use of evidence base interventions such as Theraplay and EMDR I strive to engage parents as "co-therapist" to restore trust and improve connections to the most important people in their lives. These approaches are strongly grounded in foundational aspects of attachment and play providing families with powerful experiential change.
As your family therapist I will work with you and your child to process and thrive after difficult life events. I additionally support exhausted parents and children with developing real life strategies to manage big baffling behaviors, explosive outburst, fears, and relationship hardships. Through the use of evidence base interventions such as Theraplay and EMDR I strive to engage parents as "co-therapist" to restore trust and improve connections to the most important people in their lives. These approaches are strongly grounded in foundational aspects of attachment and play providing families with powerful experiential change.
While therapy can be challenging, my hope is to also bring in moments of joy and playfulness within our sessions, drawing from play therapy and expressive arts modalities.
Life gets messy and painful sometimes. We can get stuck—feeling overwhelmed with trauma, depression, anxiety, undesirable circumstances, and disconnection. Having someone to share these experiences with can help us to get out of our heads and begin living deep within our hearts. I aim to create a space to help you find meaning out of the heaviness and feel empowered by the strengths you already have. You are truly the expert of your story, and I hope to walk with you in your journey towards self-acceptance and self-compassion.
While therapy can be challenging, my hope is to also bring in moments of joy and playfulness within our sessions, drawing from play therapy and expressive arts modalities.
Life gets messy and painful sometimes. We can get stuck—feeling overwhelmed with trauma, depression, anxiety, undesirable circumstances, and disconnection. Having someone to share these experiences with can help us to get out of our heads and begin living deep within our hearts. I aim to create a space to help you find meaning out of the heaviness and feel empowered by the strengths you already have. You are truly the expert of your story, and I hope to walk with you in your journey towards self-acceptance and self-compassion.
Bernadette Gurney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Solana Beach, CA 92075 (Online Only)
Bernadette has had training in Trauma Focused CBT, CBT, Play therapy, Solution Focused and working with different cultures and cultural identities.
Bernadette Gurney is a Spanish bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who received her Bachelors' in Clinical Psychology from Mount. St. Mary’s University, and her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Bernadette has worked with unaccompanied minors in shelters, families in the DCFS system, and children, adolescents and families who have experienced deep and painful trauma in their lives.
Bernadette has had training in Trauma Focused CBT, CBT, Play therapy, Solution Focused and working with different cultures and cultural identities.
Bernadette Gurney is a Spanish bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who received her Bachelors' in Clinical Psychology from Mount. St. Mary’s University, and her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Bernadette has worked with unaccompanied minors in shelters, families in the DCFS system, and children, adolescents and families who have experienced deep and painful trauma in their lives.
Mary Puntenney Mou
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
In the same way adults communicate through talking, children communicate through play.
Does your child or teen seem sad or irritable? Do you feel like he has difficulty following through when given instructions? Does she whine or frequently ask you to do things that she can do herself? Is your child or teen having trouble in school or with a life adjustment? Parents and children alike can feel stuck and overwhelmed with their struggles. I am passionate about helping families heal, find solutions, and live well together. My focus is providing developmentally appropriate services to children (any age!), teens, and their families.
In the same way adults communicate through talking, children communicate through play.
Does your child or teen seem sad or irritable? Do you feel like he has difficulty following through when given instructions? Does she whine or frequently ask you to do things that she can do herself? Is your child or teen having trouble in school or with a life adjustment? Parents and children alike can feel stuck and overwhelmed with their struggles. I am passionate about helping families heal, find solutions, and live well together. My focus is providing developmentally appropriate services to children (any age!), teens, and their families.
Are you seeking support for your child or adolescent facing challenges like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, autism, or PTSD? I specialize in providing a safe and nurturing environment where young individuals can express themselves, become attuned to their emotions, and develop effective coping strategies.
Are you seeking support for your child or adolescent facing challenges like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, autism, or PTSD? I specialize in providing a safe and nurturing environment where young individuals can express themselves, become attuned to their emotions, and develop effective coping strategies.
See more therapy options for Cardiff By The Sea
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Vista
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.