Play Therapy in Emeryville, CA
Are you feeling heartbroken or utterly confused by a romantic relationship? Are you a parent who is endlessly stirred up by your child's behavior? I offer an opportunity to utilize heartbreak in service of growth and to begin to untangle the reality of your current relationships from the residue of your history. I challenge parents to advocate for their own needs while also strongly considering the needs of their children. I teach them how to facilitate the full expression of emotion in children. In light of a great deal of training and personal experience I bring a deep respect for the unknown and a willingness to land in mystery.
Are you feeling heartbroken or utterly confused by a romantic relationship? Are you a parent who is endlessly stirred up by your child's behavior? I offer an opportunity to utilize heartbreak in service of growth and to begin to untangle the reality of your current relationships from the residue of your history. I challenge parents to advocate for their own needs while also strongly considering the needs of their children. I teach them how to facilitate the full expression of emotion in children. In light of a great deal of training and personal experience I bring a deep respect for the unknown and a willingness to land in mystery.
Liz Diaz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608 (Online Only)
Maybe you are experiencing overwhelming thoughts and emotions, enduring a traumatic experience, or looking for ways to cope with life stressors. Maybe you are feeling out of balance with yourself, or simply seeking inner transformation and change, and could use guidance and support. Hola and welcome! As a bilingual, bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my goal is to create a safe and nurturing space for healing and exploration. Through this process, my hope is to build on your strengths and help you navigate some of life’s challenges, creating the life you deserve.
Maybe you are experiencing overwhelming thoughts and emotions, enduring a traumatic experience, or looking for ways to cope with life stressors. Maybe you are feeling out of balance with yourself, or simply seeking inner transformation and change, and could use guidance and support. Hola and welcome! As a bilingual, bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my goal is to create a safe and nurturing space for healing and exploration. Through this process, my hope is to build on your strengths and help you navigate some of life’s challenges, creating the life you deserve.
Armand Volkas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFA, MFT, RDT, BCT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Emeryville, CA 94608
I believe that a supportive therapeutic relationship can be the springboard from which many life issues can be addressed and healed. I am warm and gentle, yet firm when appropriate. I am encouraging, nurturing and have a deep capacity for empathy. I am committed to your growth and the changes you want to make in your life. Issues I treat include anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, and relationships. I treat children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have special expertise in working with personal and collective trauma, deepening intimacy in couples, cross-cultural relationships, grief and mourning and healing friendships.
I believe that a supportive therapeutic relationship can be the springboard from which many life issues can be addressed and healed. I am warm and gentle, yet firm when appropriate. I am encouraging, nurturing and have a deep capacity for empathy. I am committed to your growth and the changes you want to make in your life. Issues I treat include anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, and relationships. I treat children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have special expertise in working with personal and collective trauma, deepening intimacy in couples, cross-cultural relationships, grief and mourning and healing friendships.
James Pritchett
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Emeryville, CA 94662 (Online Only)
You are immersed in the fast-paced world of tech, where the pressure for innovation and the fear of falling behind can be overwhelming. You find yourself constantly worried about job security and career prospects, leading to sleepless nights, strained relationships, and a diminishing sense of enjoyment in life. The drive to stay ahead has become a source of anxiety, making it challenging to find peace even outside of work. You need accessible resources and practical tools that address these feelings as they arise, whether you're at home, in the office, or out socializing. What you're needing is more than just to manage your stress.
You are immersed in the fast-paced world of tech, where the pressure for innovation and the fear of falling behind can be overwhelming. You find yourself constantly worried about job security and career prospects, leading to sleepless nights, strained relationships, and a diminishing sense of enjoyment in life. The drive to stay ahead has become a source of anxiety, making it challenging to find peace even outside of work. You need accessible resources and practical tools that address these feelings as they arise, whether you're at home, in the office, or out socializing. What you're needing is more than just to manage your stress.
Clark Hsu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Emeryville, CA 94608 (Online Only)
I provide a warm and understanding atmosphere without judgment and pressure. Our work together is going to be about you and for you. I am not here to tell you what to do but allow you to become the owner of your life and regain the power of choice. You will be invited to explore through using traditional means of therapy(talk therapy) or more creative ways such as drama and expressive arts therapy. The choice will be yours and completely based on your level of comfort. I will be here to set up the creative stage for you to shine, cry, laugh, change and grow.
I provide a warm and understanding atmosphere without judgment and pressure. Our work together is going to be about you and for you. I am not here to tell you what to do but allow you to become the owner of your life and regain the power of choice. You will be invited to explore through using traditional means of therapy(talk therapy) or more creative ways such as drama and expressive arts therapy. The choice will be yours and completely based on your level of comfort. I will be here to set up the creative stage for you to shine, cry, laugh, change and grow.
Fiona C. Lundy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Emeryville, CA 94608
Not accepting new clients
Feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious? These are really tough times we’re living in. There’s the impending climate crisis, conflict abroad, and an increasingly polarizing political climate. Mass shootings may make you fear going to the grocery school or sending your kids to school. And even before the pandemic, there were reasons to be alert and anxious - whether microgressions at work, being told “you’re too ”- fill in the blank, or trying to figure out who you are and how to meet the expectations you and others hold for you. Life can be overwhelming; seeking help shouldn’t be.
Feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious? These are really tough times we’re living in. There’s the impending climate crisis, conflict abroad, and an increasingly polarizing political climate. Mass shootings may make you fear going to the grocery school or sending your kids to school. And even before the pandemic, there were reasons to be alert and anxious - whether microgressions at work, being told “you’re too ”- fill in the blank, or trying to figure out who you are and how to meet the expectations you and others hold for you. Life can be overwhelming; seeking help shouldn’t be.
More Therapists Nearby
Hi, my name is Bec, and I work as an Associate Clinical Social Worker in Oakland, as well as remotely. I provide individual play therapy for children, individual therapy for adults, and family therapy. My therapeutic approach is eclectic; drawing from social work systems theory, critical race theory, and human development. As a Clinician, I strive to bring authenticity, boundaries and consistency to sessions, providing a space where people can process their emotions freely and safely.
Hi, my name is Bec, and I work as an Associate Clinical Social Worker in Oakland, as well as remotely. I provide individual play therapy for children, individual therapy for adults, and family therapy. My therapeutic approach is eclectic; drawing from social work systems theory, critical race theory, and human development. As a Clinician, I strive to bring authenticity, boundaries and consistency to sessions, providing a space where people can process their emotions freely and safely.
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.
Sf Bay Play Therapy By Karen Wolfe Lmft
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
We are a group of Marriage and Family Therapists with locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and Orinda. We offer child and family play therapy, Hand in Hand Parenting coaching, individual and couples therapy, Brainspotting and trainings. Whether you are a child, parent, or teacher, we want to empower you to connect deeply with yourself and to help you create meaningful and satisfying relationships. Through the tools of play therapy, hand in hand parenting coaching, and relational psychotherapy we help children and adults reflect, build stronger bonds, and find the inner resources to create the family life you are longing for.
We are a group of Marriage and Family Therapists with locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and Orinda. We offer child and family play therapy, Hand in Hand Parenting coaching, individual and couples therapy, Brainspotting and trainings. Whether you are a child, parent, or teacher, we want to empower you to connect deeply with yourself and to help you create meaningful and satisfying relationships. Through the tools of play therapy, hand in hand parenting coaching, and relational psychotherapy we help children and adults reflect, build stronger bonds, and find the inner resources to create the family life you are longing for.
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.
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.
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.
Play therapy helps children communicate and connect, understand and gain of control of situations and their emotions.
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I work with children and parents to help them make meaning of life’s challenges and work with children and parents, both individually and together. I bring more than twenty years of experience providing therapy, consultation, and assessments with children and their families to my clinical practice. I have experience working with children and families around many issues including, loss, attachment, adoption, anxiety, depression, atypical development, learning differences and trauma.
Play therapy helps children communicate and connect, understand and gain of control of situations and their emotions.
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I work with children and parents to help them make meaning of life’s challenges and work with children and parents, both individually and together. I bring more than twenty years of experience providing therapy, consultation, and assessments with children and their families to my clinical practice. I have experience working with children and families around many issues including, loss, attachment, adoption, anxiety, depression, atypical development, learning differences and trauma.
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.
Patricia Banchik Rothschild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
My expertise is working with trauma, grief & sexual abuse of children, teens and adults using trauma focused CBT, EMDR, Brain Spotting &play therapy.
My experience comes from 31 years of helping children, adults, couples and families in both Community Mental Health and Private Practice. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each individual's needs to facilitate healing and growth. Through my years of experience I have witnessed over and over again people coming into therapy with great pain, discomfort and despair but with time, (sometimes within a very short time) their symptoms diminish and a whole new person emerges. Crisis times can be extremely painful and distressful but they can also be opportunities for growth and healing through therapy.
My expertise is working with trauma, grief & sexual abuse of children, teens and adults using trauma focused CBT, EMDR, Brain Spotting &play therapy.
My experience comes from 31 years of helping children, adults, couples and families in both Community Mental Health and Private Practice. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each individual's needs to facilitate healing and growth. Through my years of experience I have witnessed over and over again people coming into therapy with great pain, discomfort and despair but with time, (sometimes within a very short time) their symptoms diminish and a whole new person emerges. Crisis times can be extremely painful and distressful but they can also be opportunities for growth and healing through therapy.
Micaela Magazzu-Alaman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 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.
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
My last name furthers holiday vibes, word play, and relationship to the here-and-now.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
My last name furthers holiday vibes, word play, and relationship to the here-and-now.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
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.
Lorraine J Moreci
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I currently work at San Francisco Bay Play Therapy.
I am interested in working with Individuals, couples, and children. My work focuses on clients dealing with PTSD, trauma (complex and single episodes), anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic health issues. Our work together might include mindfully exploring past and present issues and integrating your experience in an inclusive way. We will explore body, mind, and spirit together, all parts of self are welcome.
I currently work at San Francisco Bay Play Therapy.
I am interested in working with Individuals, couples, and children. My work focuses on clients dealing with PTSD, trauma (complex and single episodes), anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic health issues. Our work together might include mindfully exploring past and present issues and integrating your experience in an inclusive way. We will explore body, mind, and spirit together, all parts of self are welcome.
(I also incorporate art and play therapy for my younger clients).
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. Children and adolescents need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my young clients with include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents offering them guidance and support.
(I also incorporate art and play therapy for my younger clients).
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. Children and adolescents need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my young clients with include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents offering them guidance and support.
See more therapy options for Emeryville
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Emeryville
See More Play TherapyPlay 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.