Toddler Therapists in La Jolla, CA
![Photo of Laura Christofferson Celnar - Laura Celnar, Child and Parent Therapist, LCSW, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62a55b19-bc16-43a6-ac56-8cb7b2abdfde/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Celnar, Child and Parent Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
Raising humans (and being one!) is challenging beyond measure. You plan to parent differently than how you were parented and that seems simple enough...if it weren't for the fact that your baby was up all night, your toddler is screaming at the top of his lungs while decorating his body with the oatmeal you just made him, and your big kid is crying about how none of her clothes feel right on her body and she needs all new clothes, NOW. You told yourself you wouldn't yell today, but it is barely sunrise, and the sun has already set on that goal!
Raising humans (and being one!) is challenging beyond measure. You plan to parent differently than how you were parented and that seems simple enough...if it weren't for the fact that your baby was up all night, your toddler is screaming at the top of his lungs while decorating his body with the oatmeal you just made him, and your big kid is crying about how none of her clothes feel right on her body and she needs all new clothes, NOW. You told yourself you wouldn't yell today, but it is barely sunrise, and the sun has already set on that goal!
![Photo of Phyllis Tyson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/518032f5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! I am a licensed psychologist with over 40 years of experience. I work with preschoolers, children, adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger management, and identity issues whether they be around sexuality, gender, religion or culture. My years of experience have led me to believe that there is nothing more precious than our emotional and physical health, and the emotional and physical health of those we love.
Hello and welcome! I am a licensed psychologist with over 40 years of experience. I work with preschoolers, children, adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger management, and identity issues whether they be around sexuality, gender, religion or culture. My years of experience have led me to believe that there is nothing more precious than our emotional and physical health, and the emotional and physical health of those we love.
![Photo of Julia Allen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e302e45-0d41-4aac-ac85-9f03be0209e7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you living a life you love, or are you stuck in the familiar “one step forward, two steps back” dance? Life can be colorfully painful, beautifully complicated, and completely overwhelming—and none of us were given a how-to guide. We all experience complicated twists and unexpected turns that cause sadness, worry, anger, and destructive patterns with food, drugs, alcohol, and within our closest relationships. Our lives are too short to lose precious time to unhappiness, feeling hopeless, and being stuck in the same vicious cycles. Therapy can give you a personalized roadmap to help you design a life you love.
Are you living a life you love, or are you stuck in the familiar “one step forward, two steps back” dance? Life can be colorfully painful, beautifully complicated, and completely overwhelming—and none of us were given a how-to guide. We all experience complicated twists and unexpected turns that cause sadness, worry, anger, and destructive patterns with food, drugs, alcohol, and within our closest relationships. Our lives are too short to lose precious time to unhappiness, feeling hopeless, and being stuck in the same vicious cycles. Therapy can give you a personalized roadmap to help you design a life you love.
![Photo of Kaitlyn Torres, APCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce19f217-68a5-4dc5-a932-d402d1d31a71/1/320x400.png)
Every parent has their own hopes and expectations for life with their child. You have probably imagined a life full of fun-filled memories. However, when unexpected anxiety or ADHD becomes a part of your family dynamic, you might be left feeling overwhelmed and confused on how to connect with and support your child.
Every parent has their own hopes and expectations for life with their child. You have probably imagined a life full of fun-filled memories. However, when unexpected anxiety or ADHD becomes a part of your family dynamic, you might be left feeling overwhelmed and confused on how to connect with and support your child.
![Photo of Deisy Cristina Boscán, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfb2ca4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychoanalyst I believe that an individual's feelings and behaviors are motivated by a variety of unconscious factors often resulting in people feeling stuck. Psychoanalysis helps individuals finally break these habits by understanding their root causes and enable significant changes at the very core of one's emotional responses. Using these experiences, the analyst helps the patient work on a deeply unconscious level to eliminate unproductive and destructive patterns. This opens the patient to new, fresh and genuine experiences and solutions in their lives. This process is achievable through empathy and respect.
As a psychoanalyst I believe that an individual's feelings and behaviors are motivated by a variety of unconscious factors often resulting in people feeling stuck. Psychoanalysis helps individuals finally break these habits by understanding their root causes and enable significant changes at the very core of one's emotional responses. Using these experiences, the analyst helps the patient work on a deeply unconscious level to eliminate unproductive and destructive patterns. This opens the patient to new, fresh and genuine experiences and solutions in their lives. This process is achievable through empathy and respect.
![Photo of Nina A Stark, PsyD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fdd09f3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
You're here because fully living the life you envision remains out of reach despite your best efforts. You know that something is getting in the way of achieving your passion & purpose. But you haven't yet found a way to get free of those blocks, or you're searching for ways to step fully into peak performance. As a therapist since 1974, I combine the best ingredients of conventional therapies with the speed of the newer "power" therapies (like EMDR & EFT) & an integrative health orientation. The result: you get faster more effective results & better solutions. Free phone consult.
You're here because fully living the life you envision remains out of reach despite your best efforts. You know that something is getting in the way of achieving your passion & purpose. But you haven't yet found a way to get free of those blocks, or you're searching for ways to step fully into peak performance. As a therapist since 1974, I combine the best ingredients of conventional therapies with the speed of the newer "power" therapies (like EMDR & EFT) & an integrative health orientation. The result: you get faster more effective results & better solutions. Free phone consult.
![Photo of James L Shenk - Cognitive Therapy Institute, APC, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e8501da-6e95-4d4c-8dc4-2868fc82a2de/1/320x400.png)
We realize the importance of developing a supportive therapy relationship based in trust, mutual respect, and clear understanding of your unique background, values,and needs. At the Cognitive Therapy Institute, we work with you to identify goals and to develop a plan for reaching your goals in a sensible and effective way. Often our clients experience increased confidence and success in a relatively short time, largely because we offer clear guidance and techniques using the latest Cognitive Behavioral Treatments. You learn skills and strategies to resolve current difficulties and to enjoy a good quality of life in the years ahead.
We realize the importance of developing a supportive therapy relationship based in trust, mutual respect, and clear understanding of your unique background, values,and needs. At the Cognitive Therapy Institute, we work with you to identify goals and to develop a plan for reaching your goals in a sensible and effective way. Often our clients experience increased confidence and success in a relatively short time, largely because we offer clear guidance and techniques using the latest Cognitive Behavioral Treatments. You learn skills and strategies to resolve current difficulties and to enjoy a good quality of life in the years ahead.
![Photo of Lacey Everett, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/286c0c2c-6b3b-40f0-8cd6-13e9332cf671/6/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! My name is Lacey (she/her), and I am a Doctor of Clinical Psychology focusing on working with athletes, professional athletes, and children. As a former professional athlete, I understand the challenges individuals may encounter within the culture of athletics. I have conducted therapy in various settings such as schools, primary care medical doctors' offices, crisis centers, and private practices, focusing on helping children as well as athletes. I am dedicated to serving these populations and excited to be a part of your journey!
Hello! My name is Lacey (she/her), and I am a Doctor of Clinical Psychology focusing on working with athletes, professional athletes, and children. As a former professional athlete, I understand the challenges individuals may encounter within the culture of athletics. I have conducted therapy in various settings such as schools, primary care medical doctors' offices, crisis centers, and private practices, focusing on helping children as well as athletes. I am dedicated to serving these populations and excited to be a part of your journey!
![Photo of Bernadette Heid, PsyD, ABSNP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52619b60-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Aloha! Thank you for considering me to work alongside with you in your journey towards self-discovery and positive well-being. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii and in California. I received a Master of Arts degree in Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis) from Pepperdine University and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Hawaii School of Professional Psychology. My training and clinical experience covers a wide age range from infants/toddlers to adults and includes cognitive and neural developmental research, pediatric neuropsychology, school psychology, clinical psychology, and health psychology.
Aloha! Thank you for considering me to work alongside with you in your journey towards self-discovery and positive well-being. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii and in California. I received a Master of Arts degree in Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis) from Pepperdine University and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Hawaii School of Professional Psychology. My training and clinical experience covers a wide age range from infants/toddlers to adults and includes cognitive and neural developmental research, pediatric neuropsychology, school psychology, clinical psychology, and health psychology.
![Photo of Bernadette M. Di Toro, PsyD, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/498fa573-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I bring together the heart and science of psychology to my practice and 25 years experience in the field of mental health. I have worked as a researcher and clinician in inpatient and outpatient settings (including UCSD and the VA) and focused on trauma, grief, depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and forensics. I received a B.A. from Lehigh University in Psychology and Health & Human Development, an M.S.Degree from SDSU in Gerontology (the study of aging), and an M.A. Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
I bring together the heart and science of psychology to my practice and 25 years experience in the field of mental health. I have worked as a researcher and clinician in inpatient and outpatient settings (including UCSD and the VA) and focused on trauma, grief, depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and forensics. I received a B.A. from Lehigh University in Psychology and Health & Human Development, an M.S.Degree from SDSU in Gerontology (the study of aging), and an M.A. Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
![Photo of Erin Alcantara, LMFT, RPT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4722ec70-fccd-4a60-b019-9eb3f9cf6e64/3/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Alcantara
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Are you tired of things being so tough with your kids? You can see that your child or teen is struggling, but you're not sure what to do to help. They may be having difficulties at school or with friends. Or it may be that things feel out of control at home. You try so hard to help things get better, but it feels like things are just stuck. Maybe you've noticed that your reactions are way bigger than you want them to be. Something happens to trigger you and you lose your temper, and then you feel so guilty. Or it seems overwhelming because you listen to so many parenting professionals, but still don't have a clear path forward.
Are you tired of things being so tough with your kids? You can see that your child or teen is struggling, but you're not sure what to do to help. They may be having difficulties at school or with friends. Or it may be that things feel out of control at home. You try so hard to help things get better, but it feels like things are just stuck. Maybe you've noticed that your reactions are way bigger than you want them to be. Something happens to trigger you and you lose your temper, and then you feel so guilty. Or it seems overwhelming because you listen to so many parenting professionals, but still don't have a clear path forward.
15 Second Videos
Laura Celnar, Child and Parent Therapist
Julia Allen
Kaitlyn Torres
Cognitive Therapy Institute, APC
Stacy Judah
Shawna Cobabe
Laura J Guyn
![Photo of Ian Schere, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98629b7b-e41c-4884-bb4a-0f26b5b565cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
One of the most important things for parents of pre-teens to remember, is that the biggest motivation for your child's behaviors is attention from you. Your child will try all sorts of things to get and keep your attention, and those behaviors that work will increase while those behaviors that don't will typically go away. Children love and thrive on praise from their parents, but in many cases, those behaviors that yield negative attention from you (such as yelling or punishing) will often reinforce those unappreciated behaviors, as well.
One of the most important things for parents of pre-teens to remember, is that the biggest motivation for your child's behaviors is attention from you. Your child will try all sorts of things to get and keep your attention, and those behaviors that work will increase while those behaviors that don't will typically go away. Children love and thrive on praise from their parents, but in many cases, those behaviors that yield negative attention from you (such as yelling or punishing) will often reinforce those unappreciated behaviors, as well.
![Photo of Dr. Pontea Dianati, MAT, PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5fee110-5deb-4cfc-a105-167d9d14833e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pontea Dianati PhD is a spiritual doctor of psychology in San Diego who works with the Angelic Realm and God. She has experience as a trauma informed master of bio-energtic medicine. She is the founder of Soul Radiance Healing which bridges ancient healing practices with cutting edge science.
Pontea Dianati PhD is a spiritual doctor of psychology in San Diego who works with the Angelic Realm and God. She has experience as a trauma informed master of bio-energtic medicine. She is the founder of Soul Radiance Healing which bridges ancient healing practices with cutting edge science.
![Photo of Annette Conway - Help Therapy | Mental Health Services, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT, NP, PNP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb8a48a5-dc58-4e91-b2a9-aa93a9f6f23b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Help Therapy | Mental Health Services
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT, NP, PNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Help Therapy boasts a network of more than 150 licensed clinical psychologists, LCSWs, LMFTs, and NPs, spanning over 100 specialties and treatment areas. Services we provide including psychotherapy, psychological evaluations and psychiatric services. By completing an intake form on HelpTherapy.com, you'll be paired with a therapist tailored to your specific treatment requirements, insurance coverage, and location preferences. You have the flexibility to choose how you'd like to connect with your provider—whether in-person, online, or via phone.
Help Therapy boasts a network of more than 150 licensed clinical psychologists, LCSWs, LMFTs, and NPs, spanning over 100 specialties and treatment areas. Services we provide including psychotherapy, psychological evaluations and psychiatric services. By completing an intake form on HelpTherapy.com, you'll be paired with a therapist tailored to your specific treatment requirements, insurance coverage, and location preferences. You have the flexibility to choose how you'd like to connect with your provider—whether in-person, online, or via phone.
![Photo of Suzanne Simpson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8362df91-6341-45c6-bba7-e4aba07cc556/2/320x400.jpeg)
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for individuals of all ages from infancy to the late stages of life including couples and families to become the best that they can be. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor everyone’s beliefs and cultural values.
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for individuals of all ages from infancy to the late stages of life including couples and families to become the best that they can be. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor everyone’s beliefs and cultural values.
![Photo of Tonya Meeks, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c337207-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience with dual diagnosis, addiction, & complex trauma. I have worked in private practice & residential and primary psychological treatment centers. I work as a drama therapist combining my clinical & performance background. I specialize in family working entire family system. I have direct and empathetic approach. Since becoming a mother I also, work on those areas specifically. In addition, I love working with artists, creative, and those wishing to explore or develop those areas. I know we are all creative and meant to be creating. I have a very intuitive nature with depth psychotherapist training.
I have extensive experience with dual diagnosis, addiction, & complex trauma. I have worked in private practice & residential and primary psychological treatment centers. I work as a drama therapist combining my clinical & performance background. I specialize in family working entire family system. I have direct and empathetic approach. Since becoming a mother I also, work on those areas specifically. In addition, I love working with artists, creative, and those wishing to explore or develop those areas. I know we are all creative and meant to be creating. I have a very intuitive nature with depth psychotherapist training.
![Photo of Athena Taj - UpThink Personal Solutions, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/452b8be8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Working two decades as a therapist, clinical supervisor and business owner, I've developed expertise in marriage, family, individual and child counseling, conflict resolution, anger management, personal development, men's and women's issues. I have 25 years of experience in theater, art and improvisation. This background enables me to incorporate creativity into therapeutic settings. Living in different countries and traveling extensively, I've gained knowledge of different cultures. Experience in business, psychology, the arts and cultural diversity gives me a unique, multi-dimensional perspective for effecting therapeutic change.
Working two decades as a therapist, clinical supervisor and business owner, I've developed expertise in marriage, family, individual and child counseling, conflict resolution, anger management, personal development, men's and women's issues. I have 25 years of experience in theater, art and improvisation. This background enables me to incorporate creativity into therapeutic settings. Living in different countries and traveling extensively, I've gained knowledge of different cultures. Experience in business, psychology, the arts and cultural diversity gives me a unique, multi-dimensional perspective for effecting therapeutic change.
![Photo of Donica Dohrenwend, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03bcd3b9-e37d-4b50-818c-72bb79231acf/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Donica Dohrenwend, PhD and her team at Psychology 360, specialize in assessments and evaluations to help clarify diagnoses and identify the best supports and interventions for children, adolescents, and adults. Evaluations can assist with diagnosing ADHD, Learning Disorders (Dyslexia/Dyscalculia), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders etc). Psychology 360 also offers brief individual therapy, parent consultation, medication management and brain scans.
Dr. Donica Dohrenwend, PhD and her team at Psychology 360, specialize in assessments and evaluations to help clarify diagnoses and identify the best supports and interventions for children, adolescents, and adults. Evaluations can assist with diagnosing ADHD, Learning Disorders (Dyslexia/Dyscalculia), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders etc). Psychology 360 also offers brief individual therapy, parent consultation, medication management and brain scans.
![Photo of Janelle B Pineda Farias, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3cc80e6-feb7-4e01-b72c-e3506fc94257/3/320x400.jpeg)
Janelle B Pineda Farias
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92038 (Online Only)
From time to time we may need support during a challenging time in our life. I look forward to meeting with you and working with you to reach the power of acceptance and be on your journey when reaching your goals. I hope to work with you to enhance your strengths and empower you to live a happier life and to look forward to the future.
From time to time we may need support during a challenging time in our life. I look forward to meeting with you and working with you to reach the power of acceptance and be on your journey when reaching your goals. I hope to work with you to enhance your strengths and empower you to live a happier life and to look forward to the future.
![Photo of Marcia Garceau, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65204854-5804-4558-9ac8-833708d4334e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Marcia Garceau
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, PhD, LMFT with over 16 years of clinical experience helping individuals and couples acquire strategies and tools to overcome general anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, panic, PTSD, phobias, depression, relationship problems, other self-sabotaging behavior, career and life transitions, grief, and parenting/family issues.
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, PhD, LMFT with over 16 years of clinical experience helping individuals and couples acquire strategies and tools to overcome general anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, panic, PTSD, phobias, depression, relationship problems, other self-sabotaging behavior, career and life transitions, grief, and parenting/family issues.
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Toddler Therapists
What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?
Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.
Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?
Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.
What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.
What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?
What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.