Play Therapy in Concord, CA

Photo of Sarah McGehee Bunch - Bunch Psychotherapy Services, PsyD, Psychologist
Bunch Psychotherapy Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518
I utilize play, art, movement, and mindfulness in my work with kids, teens, and adults.
I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool to build upon or develop skills to manage life's many twists and trials. Therapeutic work can also be extremely effective in improving and changing our relationships. I strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and respected. I love the work that I do and I believe it is really important to maintain a level of hope that positive change can occur in your life. This hope is especially important for those who've been impacted by trauma and abuse and for new parents struggling to find their way, both populations I have a passion to serve.
I utilize play, art, movement, and mindfulness in my work with kids, teens, and adults.
I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool to build upon or develop skills to manage life's many twists and trials. Therapeutic work can also be extremely effective in improving and changing our relationships. I strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and respected. I love the work that I do and I believe it is really important to maintain a level of hope that positive change can occur in your life. This hope is especially important for those who've been impacted by trauma and abuse and for new parents struggling to find their way, both populations I have a passion to serve.
(415) 663-2880 View (415) 663-2880
Photo of Mary Mullen-Tiras, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary Mullen-Tiras
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
I use traditional talk therapy based in current research, art, sand tray and play therapy.
It's important to me that you feel better as soon as possible. I work with a range of clients from children to elders. I've worked extensively with children and teens who are challenged with depression or anxiety due to school pressures, ADHD, peer problems, divorce, abuse or trauma, as well as loss and grief. I understand that events from the past can negatively impact how you are living today. I've worked a lot with adults abused as children, adult children of alcoholics or drug addicts, and individuals with mentally ill family members.
I use traditional talk therapy based in current research, art, sand tray and play therapy.
It's important to me that you feel better as soon as possible. I work with a range of clients from children to elders. I've worked extensively with children and teens who are challenged with depression or anxiety due to school pressures, ADHD, peer problems, divorce, abuse or trauma, as well as loss and grief. I understand that events from the past can negatively impact how you are living today. I've worked a lot with adults abused as children, adult children of alcoholics or drug addicts, and individuals with mentally ill family members.
(925) 330-7840 View (925) 330-7840
Jenny J Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, CA 94518  (Online Only)
She also facilitates social and play skills group with children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism and Asperger's, and other related disorders.
Know Thyself! Jenny believes that everyone carries a powerful tool inside them that makes everything possible! By learning about the resources and positive inner-tools that you already own, you can better understand yourself, your troubles, and the choices that you can make. Jenny helps you to become aware of your options, while helping you understand how to utilize them with your inner-strengths and tools.
She also facilitates social and play skills group with children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism and Asperger's, and other related disorders.
Know Thyself! Jenny believes that everyone carries a powerful tool inside them that makes everything possible! By learning about the resources and positive inner-tools that you already own, you can better understand yourself, your troubles, and the choices that you can make. Jenny helps you to become aware of your options, while helping you understand how to utilize them with your inner-strengths and tools.
(925) 386-2156 View (925) 386-2156
Photo of Carrie Paulus, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carrie Paulus
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, CA 94518
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.
(925) 267-8571 View (925) 267-8571
Photo of Kayo Sumisaki, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kayo Sumisaki
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518  (Online Only)
With children, I use a combination of art, talk and play therapy.
Is your child exhibiting emotional and/or behavioral problems? Are you having problems with your relationships or at work? Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or struggling with depression? I can help. In the safety of a caring and collaborative relationship, we will work on understanding how difficult life patterns are no longer serving you. My role is to meet my clients where they are and help guide them toward making lasting positive changes. I provide both short-term and long-term therapy. Call for a free consultation today!
With children, I use a combination of art, talk and play therapy.
Is your child exhibiting emotional and/or behavioral problems? Are you having problems with your relationships or at work? Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or struggling with depression? I can help. In the safety of a caring and collaborative relationship, we will work on understanding how difficult life patterns are no longer serving you. My role is to meet my clients where they are and help guide them toward making lasting positive changes. I provide both short-term and long-term therapy. Call for a free consultation today!
(510) 858-2611 View (510) 858-2611
Photo of Jessica Hernandez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Hernandez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94521
Hi, my name is Jessica Hernandez and I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I utilize a client-centered approach to match client's needs and create an empowering environment. I utilize a client-centered approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I'm comfortable working with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. My goal with every client is to provide a safe environment where they can feel comfortable and supported in sharing their life experiences, trauma, and emotions.
Hi, my name is Jessica Hernandez and I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I utilize a client-centered approach to match client's needs and create an empowering environment. I utilize a client-centered approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I'm comfortable working with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. My goal with every client is to provide a safe environment where they can feel comfortable and supported in sharing their life experiences, trauma, and emotions.
(951) 517-4914 View (951) 517-4914
Photo of Carlynne Cuyson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carlynne Cuyson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Concord, CA 94518
With guided support in a therapeutic setting (primarily utilizing play therapy), your child can navigate life experiences with more confidence.
Are you noticing behavioral/emotional changes with your child? Is your child having difficulty regulating their emotions? Does your child need support with navigating life transitions (e.g. new addition to the family, loss, move to a new area)? Are you concerned about your child's coping skills? Do you feel that your child needs support with building/improving existing coping tools?
With guided support in a therapeutic setting (primarily utilizing play therapy), your child can navigate life experiences with more confidence.
Are you noticing behavioral/emotional changes with your child? Is your child having difficulty regulating their emotions? Does your child need support with navigating life transitions (e.g. new addition to the family, loss, move to a new area)? Are you concerned about your child's coping skills? Do you feel that your child needs support with building/improving existing coping tools?
(925) 255-9762 View (925) 255-9762
Photo of Anna Sasser-Christian, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Sasser-Christian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Concord, CA 94519
I marry the language of children (play) with the wisdom and insight of the parent to help your child heal, grow, and communicate.
I focus in Early Childhood Needs, Adoption/Adoptee Experiences, and Parent Support Needs. Children are not mini-adults, despite their best efforts to convince us otherwise! Children are ever-changing, efficiently growing into their next phase of development every-single-day. Imagine, tripling in size and skills in just a year! To make things more complicated, children learn, grow, and communicate through play. No wonder it can be hard to fully know how to help our children through life's surprises. Throw in curve balls like significant life experiences of adoption, divorce, or a pandemic, and we've got a puzzle!
I marry the language of children (play) with the wisdom and insight of the parent to help your child heal, grow, and communicate.
I focus in Early Childhood Needs, Adoption/Adoptee Experiences, and Parent Support Needs. Children are not mini-adults, despite their best efforts to convince us otherwise! Children are ever-changing, efficiently growing into their next phase of development every-single-day. Imagine, tripling in size and skills in just a year! To make things more complicated, children learn, grow, and communicate through play. No wonder it can be hard to fully know how to help our children through life's surprises. Throw in curve balls like significant life experiences of adoption, divorce, or a pandemic, and we've got a puzzle!
(510) 983-8741 View (510) 983-8741
Photo of Diana L Jones - A Step Forward Inc., Psychologist
A Step Forward Inc.
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94519
About Us - We are an incorporated psychotherapy group practice established in 1985. We specialize in working with children, adults, families who are dealing with issues of sexual abuse and/or other forms of trauma. We also provide co-parenting, custody evaluation, forensic evaluation, family reunification, and general psychotherapy services, including couples counseling.
About Us - We are an incorporated psychotherapy group practice established in 1985. We specialize in working with children, adults, families who are dealing with issues of sexual abuse and/or other forms of trauma. We also provide co-parenting, custody evaluation, forensic evaluation, family reunification, and general psychotherapy services, including couples counseling.
(925) 278-6160 x101 View (925) 278-6160 x101
Photo of Louise Strudwick Morgan, MA, EdM, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Louise Strudwick Morgan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, EdM, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck in the same rut? I can help by guiding you to change just one thing so you can move forward with your life. I am caring and compassionate, but firm when you need me to be firm. I will use a variety of techniques and modalities. I am very partial to meditation, mainly because it works! I like to form a partnership with my clients so we can work towards a shared goal.
Are you feeling stuck in the same rut? I can help by guiding you to change just one thing so you can move forward with your life. I am caring and compassionate, but firm when you need me to be firm. I will use a variety of techniques and modalities. I am very partial to meditation, mainly because it works! I like to form a partnership with my clients so we can work towards a shared goal.
(925) 574-5276 View (925) 574-5276
Photo of Amanda C Blatchford, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda C Blatchford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
Welcome! My therapy practice offers services to families, adults, teens and children looking for guidance and support. I provide a blend of psycho-education, skill-building, deep listening and analyzation, client-centered reflection, and creative arts healing opportunities. I utilize evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EFT. I also bring in elements of more traditional psychodynamic practices, and existential, spiritual & meaning-making inquiries. I believe that each client deserves a customized approach, based on their needs and desires.
Welcome! My therapy practice offers services to families, adults, teens and children looking for guidance and support. I provide a blend of psycho-education, skill-building, deep listening and analyzation, client-centered reflection, and creative arts healing opportunities. I utilize evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EFT. I also bring in elements of more traditional psychodynamic practices, and existential, spiritual & meaning-making inquiries. I believe that each client deserves a customized approach, based on their needs and desires.
(925) 886-0512 View (925) 886-0512
Photo of Sarah Kim - Collaborative Counseling Services, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Collaborative Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94519  (Online Only)
One way that people can cope with trauma, anxiety and depression is to distract ourselves with work. While this is a functional way to survive, it can also lead to feelings of isolation, numbness, extreme stress and burnout. Future goals and dreams may feel hopeless, you may be feeling like it is getting harder and harder just to move through your day. It may become challenging to connect with others and perhaps impossible to connect with any joy. In these times of uncertainty, it makes sense that we would be reaching out for support, reevaluating what is important and talking through ideas on how to move forward.
One way that people can cope with trauma, anxiety and depression is to distract ourselves with work. While this is a functional way to survive, it can also lead to feelings of isolation, numbness, extreme stress and burnout. Future goals and dreams may feel hopeless, you may be feeling like it is getting harder and harder just to move through your day. It may become challenging to connect with others and perhaps impossible to connect with any joy. In these times of uncertainty, it makes sense that we would be reaching out for support, reevaluating what is important and talking through ideas on how to move forward.
(925) 477-2885 View (925) 477-2885
Photo of Shennen Pugh - Shennen N. Pugh, LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shennen N. Pugh, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520  (Online Only)
I provide customized therapeutic services to people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, with a focus on empowering individuals to be their best self, as they embark on a transformative path towards living a genuine and satisfying life. Building a strong and trustworthy therapeutic relationship with my clients is my priority and strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for their healing and growth.
I provide customized therapeutic services to people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, with a focus on empowering individuals to be their best self, as they embark on a transformative path towards living a genuine and satisfying life. Building a strong and trustworthy therapeutic relationship with my clients is my priority and strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for their healing and growth.
(925) 701-9614 View (925) 701-9614
Photo of Jill Jackson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill Jackson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
Hi! My name is Jill Jackson. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a therapist, I try to hold a person’s experience and how that experience has been impacted by their context, be it related to culture, age, language, gender, sexuality, religion, and/or other factors. I also support people to think about how they make meaning out of the things they have experienced and then use that meaning to move through and create the life they are living or want to live. As partners in the therapeutic process, we will hopefully dive into understanding your story and making meaning of that story over time.
Hi! My name is Jill Jackson. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a therapist, I try to hold a person’s experience and how that experience has been impacted by their context, be it related to culture, age, language, gender, sexuality, religion, and/or other factors. I also support people to think about how they make meaning out of the things they have experienced and then use that meaning to move through and create the life they are living or want to live. As partners in the therapeutic process, we will hopefully dive into understanding your story and making meaning of that story over time.
(760) 239-5298 View (760) 239-5298
Photo of Michael J Rubino III, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael J Rubino III
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94519
I specialize in numerous issues but especially children and teens. I believe in working with my patients. When you come to my office you are trusting me with your life or your child's life. I want to work as a team and for you to ask questions as needed. Most people are coming to therapy for stressful reasons and I am ready to help I treat everyone I work with like a family member. But I am kind and get the job done because that is why you came to me. I look forward to working with you.
I specialize in numerous issues but especially children and teens. I believe in working with my patients. When you come to my office you are trusting me with your life or your child's life. I want to work as a team and for you to ask questions as needed. Most people are coming to therapy for stressful reasons and I am ready to help I treat everyone I work with like a family member. But I am kind and get the job done because that is why you came to me. I look forward to working with you.
(925) 267-6505 View (925) 267-6505
Photo of Wendy Brainerd, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wendy Brainerd
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518
"When a door closes, a window opens". I use an optimistic approach to therapy. I try and guide my clients to learn from their difficult life experiences and use it as a growing opportunity.
"When a door closes, a window opens". I use an optimistic approach to therapy. I try and guide my clients to learn from their difficult life experiences and use it as a growing opportunity.
(925) 234-9596 View (925) 234-9596
Photo of Lais Shirgul, PsyD, Psychologist
Lais Shirgul
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94521
Self-awareness, emotional insight, and acceptance of your strengths and areas in need of growth are essential to a healthy and happy life. As a licensed psychologist trained in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapies I create a supportive and trusting environment for those seeking to gain insight and develop coping strategies to foster positive changes at home, work and in social settings. I have treated individuals with Bipolar, depression, and anxiety, PTSD and specialize in children and adolescents and families dealing with ADHD, conduct disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and adjustment issues.
Self-awareness, emotional insight, and acceptance of your strengths and areas in need of growth are essential to a healthy and happy life. As a licensed psychologist trained in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapies I create a supportive and trusting environment for those seeking to gain insight and develop coping strategies to foster positive changes at home, work and in social settings. I have treated individuals with Bipolar, depression, and anxiety, PTSD and specialize in children and adolescents and families dealing with ADHD, conduct disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and adjustment issues.
(925) 400-6836 View (925) 400-6836
Photo of JerriAnn Grant, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
JerriAnn Grant
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518
Waitlist for new clients
I offer therapy for individuals, children, adolescents, and families. I work with my clients from an attachment based framework. Underlying my approach in working with clients is the understanding that what really gives us resilience and emotional health is the experience of being securely connected with other people and particularly those who are closest to us.
I offer therapy for individuals, children, adolescents, and families. I work with my clients from an attachment based framework. Underlying my approach in working with clients is the understanding that what really gives us resilience and emotional health is the experience of being securely connected with other people and particularly those who are closest to us.
(925) 392-4437 View (925) 392-4437
Julia Di Rienzo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
When you make the decision to further your understanding of yourself, you are one step closer to feeling empowered to living the life that you envision. With a compassionate mind, I am looking forward to supporting and guiding you through the changes that lead to positive growth. With a blend of psychodynamic, cognitive, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy approaches, I provide support and practical feedback to help you effectively address personal issues and life challenges.
When you make the decision to further your understanding of yourself, you are one step closer to feeling empowered to living the life that you envision. With a compassionate mind, I am looking forward to supporting and guiding you through the changes that lead to positive growth. With a blend of psychodynamic, cognitive, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy approaches, I provide support and practical feedback to help you effectively address personal issues and life challenges.
(925) 392-3844 View (925) 392-3844
Photo of Dina Castrillo, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dina Castrillo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518
We are constantly growing and changing. Throughout stages in our lives, transitions in our states, or shifts in our relationships we can be overtaken with different emotions. Sometimes these emotions can be hard to make sense of, hard to sift through, or hard to sit with. My intention is to be your support as your work through problematic areas in your life to live a more meaningful and abundant life. Through my humanistic perspective, I offer a relaxed and warm approach to therapy; thusly, I commit to remain present with my clients and customize the therapy that meets your unique needs.
We are constantly growing and changing. Throughout stages in our lives, transitions in our states, or shifts in our relationships we can be overtaken with different emotions. Sometimes these emotions can be hard to make sense of, hard to sift through, or hard to sit with. My intention is to be your support as your work through problematic areas in your life to live a more meaningful and abundant life. Through my humanistic perspective, I offer a relaxed and warm approach to therapy; thusly, I commit to remain present with my clients and customize the therapy that meets your unique needs.
(925) 303-4495 View (925) 303-4495
1
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.