Play Therapy in La Mesa, CA
Virgina (Ginny) Powell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
I have intensive training in Gestalt Therapy, Ericksonian Clinical Hypnosis, Play Therapy, EMDR, Lifespan Integration, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
After 30 years of practice, I remain excited about new clients, new treatment approaches, and the joy of a client leaving my office with a smile and thank-you. I believe in being in the moment, being present, creating true and authentic contact, and facilitating opportunities for my clients to develop deeper understandings and practical skills. I work with a wide range of human problems, and enjoy the diversity that my practice has deliberately maintained. I work in an eclectic manner. I think meditation, laughter and play, are great for what ails us.
I have intensive training in Gestalt Therapy, Ericksonian Clinical Hypnosis, Play Therapy, EMDR, Lifespan Integration, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
After 30 years of practice, I remain excited about new clients, new treatment approaches, and the joy of a client leaving my office with a smile and thank-you. I believe in being in the moment, being present, creating true and authentic contact, and facilitating opportunities for my clients to develop deeper understandings and practical skills. I work with a wide range of human problems, and enjoy the diversity that my practice has deliberately maintained. I work in an eclectic manner. I think meditation, laughter and play, are great for what ails us.
Shirla de Magalhães
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S, RSP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
My practice integrates Jungian Psychology, Sandplay Therapy, Play Therapy, IFS, SoulCollage & Therapeutic Art to facilitate unconscious material to come to the surface for processing at a safe pace for you.
Would you like to be your authentic Self? I offer a holistic approach to therapy where we can integrate different kinds of expressive arts therapies to help uncover underlying issues at your pace instead of just treating the surface symptoms. Together we'll explore internal stressors, attachment styles and trauma to help alleviate emotional pain, expand consciousness, access inner wisdom and awaken your creativity. I enjoy doing inner child work, parts work, shadow work, and being a support to those going through any sort of life transitions such as grief and loss, aging, menopause, acculturation, empty nesters & transitional youth
My practice integrates Jungian Psychology, Sandplay Therapy, Play Therapy, IFS, SoulCollage & Therapeutic Art to facilitate unconscious material to come to the surface for processing at a safe pace for you.
Would you like to be your authentic Self? I offer a holistic approach to therapy where we can integrate different kinds of expressive arts therapies to help uncover underlying issues at your pace instead of just treating the surface symptoms. Together we'll explore internal stressors, attachment styles and trauma to help alleviate emotional pain, expand consciousness, access inner wisdom and awaken your creativity. I enjoy doing inner child work, parts work, shadow work, and being a support to those going through any sort of life transitions such as grief and loss, aging, menopause, acculturation, empty nesters & transitional youth
Debbie Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
I utilize creative methods such as games, play, sand trays, and arts and crafts for all ages.
Life, given to us without choice, often delivers challenging experiences. Sometimes, these experiences cripple us by making us feel helpless. However, each of us is created with a remarkable design for renewal. If seeking change, regardless of circumstances, anyone can hope for a better tomorrow. This is my belief, and it guides my approach to every client I meet.
I utilize creative methods such as games, play, sand trays, and arts and crafts for all ages.
Life, given to us without choice, often delivers challenging experiences. Sometimes, these experiences cripple us by making us feel helpless. However, each of us is created with a remarkable design for renewal. If seeking change, regardless of circumstances, anyone can hope for a better tomorrow. This is my belief, and it guides my approach to every client I meet.
I utilize play, creative arts, & sand tray with children and adults to provide a space to explore, express, connect with God and others, & problem solve their situations.
I love to see others be over-comers and feel privileged when I can be a part of that process. I recognize that one of God´s specialties is to "make a way" in the desert. Sometimes the desert is the parent-child relationship, a trauma in the life of the adult or the child, depression and anxiety, a learning or developmental difference, difficulty crossing cultures, etc. Sometimes our own difficulties with self esteem, boundaries, or trauma make day-to-day responsibilities difficult. The kids I worked with in Mexico for many years taught me a lot about overcoming trauma, regulating their emotions, etc. (They also taught me Spanish!)
I utilize play, creative arts, & sand tray with children and adults to provide a space to explore, express, connect with God and others, & problem solve their situations.
I love to see others be over-comers and feel privileged when I can be a part of that process. I recognize that one of God´s specialties is to "make a way" in the desert. Sometimes the desert is the parent-child relationship, a trauma in the life of the adult or the child, depression and anxiety, a learning or developmental difference, difficulty crossing cultures, etc. Sometimes our own difficulties with self esteem, boundaries, or trauma make day-to-day responsibilities difficult. The kids I worked with in Mexico for many years taught me a lot about overcoming trauma, regulating their emotions, etc. (They also taught me Spanish!)
My years of clinical training and experience has led me to utilize Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Attachment Therapy, and EMDR.
I have been a practicing clinician for over 20 years. I recently obtained a sport social work certification from University of Michigan and now specialize in working with high-school and collegiate student-athletes on sports performance. I have treated both youth and adults and work towards goals of healing, growth, and wellness. I provide individual and family therapy and have focused on clinical areas such as trauma, depression, anxiety, anger management, divorce and relationship conflict. I utilize a collaborative approach that is both strength-based and solution-focused.
My years of clinical training and experience has led me to utilize Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Attachment Therapy, and EMDR.
I have been a practicing clinician for over 20 years. I recently obtained a sport social work certification from University of Michigan and now specialize in working with high-school and collegiate student-athletes on sports performance. I have treated both youth and adults and work towards goals of healing, growth, and wellness. I provide individual and family therapy and have focused on clinical areas such as trauma, depression, anxiety, anger management, divorce and relationship conflict. I utilize a collaborative approach that is both strength-based and solution-focused.
I provide individual, family and couples counseling as well as therapy for teens and play therapy for children.
Confused? Stressed? Frustrated? Depressed? Need help with your relationship, your kids or other life challenges? Sometimes we all just need a compassionate, caring person to listen and provide informed and appropriate feedback and guidance. I believe that 90% of therapy's effectiveness is in choosing the right person. You either "click" with your therapist, or you don't. If you find a good match, you are half-way there! Please call me for a free telephone consultation, so we can discuss your concerns to see if I am a good fit for your particular needs. I look forward to your call.
I provide individual, family and couples counseling as well as therapy for teens and play therapy for children.
Confused? Stressed? Frustrated? Depressed? Need help with your relationship, your kids or other life challenges? Sometimes we all just need a compassionate, caring person to listen and provide informed and appropriate feedback and guidance. I believe that 90% of therapy's effectiveness is in choosing the right person. You either "click" with your therapist, or you don't. If you find a good match, you are half-way there! Please call me for a free telephone consultation, so we can discuss your concerns to see if I am a good fit for your particular needs. I look forward to your call.
Live Inspired Child & Family Therapy, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
My training in Play Therapy provides me with skills to understand the universal language of play.
Through a holistic approach including: Play Therapy, Expressive Arts, and Integrative Nutrition, I support clients in exploring their unique strengths and individual needs. I am a believer in the extraordinary healing powers of play! "The creation of something new is not powered by the intellect, but by the play instinct arising from inner necessity." ~ Carl Jung.
My training in Play Therapy provides me with skills to understand the universal language of play.
Through a holistic approach including: Play Therapy, Expressive Arts, and Integrative Nutrition, I support clients in exploring their unique strengths and individual needs. I am a believer in the extraordinary healing powers of play! "The creation of something new is not powered by the intellect, but by the play instinct arising from inner necessity." ~ Carl Jung.
Attachment-Focused EMDR & play therapy uses the language of children to resolve underlying attachment/safety issues, increase emotional self-regulation, improve quality of relationships, & help children overcome difficult life experiences that seem to be getting in the way.
Is your child struggling at home, school, or friendships? Does anxiety, anger, tantrums, or sadness seem to disable them? Whether it is huge outbursts of emotions, being overly quiet or shut down, I equip kids & parents to overcome hurdles & live with more confidence. A child's behavior is their way of communicating with you. Together we can work on understanding what your child is "saying". Getting help for your child shows how much you care for them! I'm a bilingual psychotherapist (English-Spanish) with over a decade of experience working with children, teens, & families.
Attachment-Focused EMDR & play therapy uses the language of children to resolve underlying attachment/safety issues, increase emotional self-regulation, improve quality of relationships, & help children overcome difficult life experiences that seem to be getting in the way.
Is your child struggling at home, school, or friendships? Does anxiety, anger, tantrums, or sadness seem to disable them? Whether it is huge outbursts of emotions, being overly quiet or shut down, I equip kids & parents to overcome hurdles & live with more confidence. A child's behavior is their way of communicating with you. Together we can work on understanding what your child is "saying". Getting help for your child shows how much you care for them! I'm a bilingual psychotherapist (English-Spanish) with over a decade of experience working with children, teens, & families.
Hello, my name is Sheyvon Fullwood Turner and I am the founder of Building Strengths Counseling Services. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Navy veteran. I have been working with children, adolescents, and adults, who have been struggling with adjusting to life changes, managing challenging behaviors and thoughts, relationship issues, trauma, and addiction for the past 8 years. I utilize therapeutic modalities such as play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and brief solution-focused therapy, just to name a few.
Hello, my name is Sheyvon Fullwood Turner and I am the founder of Building Strengths Counseling Services. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Navy veteran. I have been working with children, adolescents, and adults, who have been struggling with adjusting to life changes, managing challenging behaviors and thoughts, relationship issues, trauma, and addiction for the past 8 years. I utilize therapeutic modalities such as play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and brief solution-focused therapy, just to name a few.
The most common approaches in my work include Play Therapy, CBT, Systems, and Attachment-based Therapy.
Welcome! My name is Jocelyn Vasquez-Mota, I am a bilingual, English and Spanish-speaking, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Diego, California working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I currently work with children and families using Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, therapy, Integrative Reflective Therapy, and Attachment-based Therapy. Creating secure attachments in childhood strengthens the capacity for secure relationships in the future and our ability to regulate our emotions.
The most common approaches in my work include Play Therapy, CBT, Systems, and Attachment-based Therapy.
Welcome! My name is Jocelyn Vasquez-Mota, I am a bilingual, English and Spanish-speaking, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Diego, California working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I currently work with children and families using Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, therapy, Integrative Reflective Therapy, and Attachment-based Therapy. Creating secure attachments in childhood strengthens the capacity for secure relationships in the future and our ability to regulate our emotions.
I use evidenced based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Gottman, Play Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Hi, my name is Yesenia and I am a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist who has experience working with children and adults. I have 9 years of experience working as a therapist and have worked with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and marital stressors.
I use evidenced based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Gottman, Play Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Hi, my name is Yesenia and I am a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist who has experience working with children and adults. I have 9 years of experience working as a therapist and have worked with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and marital stressors.
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Krystle Joy Briese
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
I do this through play therapy because children (and teens!) often do not have the words to express what is going on with them inside.
It’s getting close to the start of a new school year. Get your child established in therapy before the school year starts. Is your child or teen struggling at home, school, or in their everyday life? Are you trying to figure out how to be the best parent for them? As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist I can help your child or teen work through their struggles and help you, as their parent, help them too.
I do this through play therapy because children (and teens!) often do not have the words to express what is going on with them inside.
It’s getting close to the start of a new school year. Get your child established in therapy before the school year starts. Is your child or teen struggling at home, school, or in their everyday life? Are you trying to figure out how to be the best parent for them? As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist I can help your child or teen work through their struggles and help you, as their parent, help them too.
My training encompasses DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR, and play therapy techniques.
Hi there, I’m excited to connect with you. I have the privilege of working with children, women, families, and mothers. If you or your loved ones are dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, you’re in the right place. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you can explore, learn, and develop the skills to overcome these challenges. Together, we will go on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether seeking peace, building resilience, or strengthening relationships, I’m here to guide you towards a brighter, healthier future. It’s an honor to support you.
My training encompasses DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR, and play therapy techniques.
Hi there, I’m excited to connect with you. I have the privilege of working with children, women, families, and mothers. If you or your loved ones are dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, you’re in the right place. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you can explore, learn, and develop the skills to overcome these challenges. Together, we will go on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether seeking peace, building resilience, or strengthening relationships, I’m here to guide you towards a brighter, healthier future. It’s an honor to support you.
Jacqueline Small
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
I have over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 20 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
I have over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 20 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
Michelle Van Aken Certified Brainspotting Practitioner
Counselor, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
As a compassionate and attuned therapist and Brainspotting practitioner, my mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore and transform the challenges you face. Together, we will unlock the power of your brain's natural healing abilities, leading you towards a more fulfilling and authentic life. I am a dedicated and empathic therapist with a passion for helping navigate emotional landscapes. With specialized training in Brainspotting, a cutting-edge approach in trauma and stress resolution, as well as other modalities, I offer you a unique therapeutic experience tailored to your specific needs.
As a compassionate and attuned therapist and Brainspotting practitioner, my mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore and transform the challenges you face. Together, we will unlock the power of your brain's natural healing abilities, leading you towards a more fulfilling and authentic life. I am a dedicated and empathic therapist with a passion for helping navigate emotional landscapes. With specialized training in Brainspotting, a cutting-edge approach in trauma and stress resolution, as well as other modalities, I offer you a unique therapeutic experience tailored to your specific needs.
Kelsey Barillas, LMFT, #133292
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
How’s life? Want to talk about it? It can be hard to take the first step in finding a psychotherapist who is a good fit for you but, you’ve already gotten closer by exploring the web. Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and other Mental Health matters can be hard to manage and get in the way of having a peaceful and fulfilling life. If you or your teen/young adult are struggling with your emotional wellbeing, thoughts, feelings, or adjustments to life experiences, we can work together to look at how to make progress and the changes that you need to process some of the current matters you are facing.
How’s life? Want to talk about it? It can be hard to take the first step in finding a psychotherapist who is a good fit for you but, you’ve already gotten closer by exploring the web. Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and other Mental Health matters can be hard to manage and get in the way of having a peaceful and fulfilling life. If you or your teen/young adult are struggling with your emotional wellbeing, thoughts, feelings, or adjustments to life experiences, we can work together to look at how to make progress and the changes that you need to process some of the current matters you are facing.
Seeking therapy and parent coaching services can be an anxiety provoking process and I'm here to help make it as easy and possible. I would love to speak with you further to answer any questions you have to ensure that our relationship will be the right one for your and your loved ones. I pride myself in my ability to connect with children instantly and make children and families feel comfortable in seeking support, guidance care to improve relationships with their loved ones.
Seeking therapy and parent coaching services can be an anxiety provoking process and I'm here to help make it as easy and possible. I would love to speak with you further to answer any questions you have to ensure that our relationship will be the right one for your and your loved ones. I pride myself in my ability to connect with children instantly and make children and families feel comfortable in seeking support, guidance care to improve relationships with their loved ones.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in San Diego, California who has been working in the field of psychology since 2013. I have experience working in residential, schools, outpatient, and crisis settings as well as work now in my own private practice with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, addiction, relationship issues, parenting problems, social concerns, life transitions, grief/loss, trauma, abuse, crisis situations, and general adjustment issues. I have diagnosed and helped clients work through most of the disorders listed in the DSM-5.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in San Diego, California who has been working in the field of psychology since 2013. I have experience working in residential, schools, outpatient, and crisis settings as well as work now in my own private practice with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, addiction, relationship issues, parenting problems, social concerns, life transitions, grief/loss, trauma, abuse, crisis situations, and general adjustment issues. I have diagnosed and helped clients work through most of the disorders listed in the DSM-5.
New Vision Counseling Center is a nonprofit organization offering low fee therapy to those who cannot afford traditional therapy costs. The prelicensed therapists are under the direct supervision and guidance of experienced therapists.
New Vision Counseling Center is a nonprofit organization offering low fee therapy to those who cannot afford traditional therapy costs. The prelicensed therapists are under the direct supervision and guidance of experienced therapists.
My name is Bannia Gomez. I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. Hablo Español. Individuals, Couples, and Family Therapy. Adults only. Experience in the areas of depression, PTSD, anxiety, cultural stressors, domestic violence, stress, anger management, and so many other mental health stressors. I use a narrative approach where the client is allowed to tell their stories without feeling ashamed or judge.
My name is Bannia Gomez. I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. Hablo Español. Individuals, Couples, and Family Therapy. Adults only. Experience in the areas of depression, PTSD, anxiety, cultural stressors, domestic violence, stress, anger management, and so many other mental health stressors. I use a narrative approach where the client is allowed to tell their stories without feeling ashamed or judge.
See more therapy options for La Mesa
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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.