Play Therapy in Livermore, CA
Susan Kelsey, LMFT, RPT-S
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Livermore, CA 94551 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Susan Kelsey is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor who specializes in treating children and families. Susan is not currently seeing children, however she is available for parenting coaching, peer consultations, play therapy supervision, play therapy workshops and trainings.
Susan Kelsey is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor who specializes in treating children and families. Susan is not currently seeing children, however she is available for parenting coaching, peer consultations, play therapy supervision, play therapy workshops and trainings.
Emily Ruha Keller
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, RPT-S, NCC, RYT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Livermore, CA 94551
I specialize in play therapy, sand tray, and expressive arts and have post-grad training in working with couples, families, children, & groups, I integrate energy psychotherapy, redecision therapy, gestalt, play therapy, art, yoga, & sand tray.
Does your child need help putting their feelings into words? Are they neurodivergent and don't feel like they fit in? Perhaps they are bright, but they don't quite see their gifts. They may feel isolated, alone, or can't help but make negative meaning out of life. I help children heal, grieve, and grow. I help children develop a healthy sense of self and experience their power cooperatively (rather than competitively). I work with children using play therapy to discover their stories and help them change them.
I specialize in play therapy, sand tray, and expressive arts and have post-grad training in working with couples, families, children, & groups, I integrate energy psychotherapy, redecision therapy, gestalt, play therapy, art, yoga, & sand tray.
Does your child need help putting their feelings into words? Are they neurodivergent and don't feel like they fit in? Perhaps they are bright, but they don't quite see their gifts. They may feel isolated, alone, or can't help but make negative meaning out of life. I help children heal, grieve, and grow. I help children develop a healthy sense of self and experience their power cooperatively (rather than competitively). I work with children using play therapy to discover their stories and help them change them.
The journey from childhood and through adolescence is complicated. Social, academic and athletic stressors are frequently overwhelming. The result can bring tremendous pain and confusion to an entire family. I have extensive experience clarifying the source of a problem and consequently providing appropriate treatment. Play therapy, individual talking therapy, family and/or group therapy are all possible tools in the healing process. Past work has equipped me with strong knowledge in each of these modalities. My goal is to provide the best treatment solution.
The journey from childhood and through adolescence is complicated. Social, academic and athletic stressors are frequently overwhelming. The result can bring tremendous pain and confusion to an entire family. I have extensive experience clarifying the source of a problem and consequently providing appropriate treatment. Play therapy, individual talking therapy, family and/or group therapy are all possible tools in the healing process. Past work has equipped me with strong knowledge in each of these modalities. My goal is to provide the best treatment solution.
Therapy2Thrive
Marriage & Family Therapist, NCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Livermore, CA 94550
We utilize evidenced based methods including Gottman method couples therapy, CBT, DBT, Play Therapy & Expressive Therapies to assist client's toward relief with their symptoms.
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed & lacking hope in your life? Are you just making it through the day....staying in your marriage, tolerating your teens or hiding in your work and wondering "How did I get here?" Therapy2Thrive Ruby Hill Counseling Center, Inc. is here to help. We provide clients with a therapeutic relationship that provides thoughtful, caring counseling building trust and hope for healing. We work with our clients with practical research based counseling skills and interventions to assist you in making choices that lead to more joy and less distress.
We utilize evidenced based methods including Gottman method couples therapy, CBT, DBT, Play Therapy & Expressive Therapies to assist client's toward relief with their symptoms.
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed & lacking hope in your life? Are you just making it through the day....staying in your marriage, tolerating your teens or hiding in your work and wondering "How did I get here?" Therapy2Thrive Ruby Hill Counseling Center, Inc. is here to help. We provide clients with a therapeutic relationship that provides thoughtful, caring counseling building trust and hope for healing. We work with our clients with practical research based counseling skills and interventions to assist you in making choices that lead to more joy and less distress.
Annie Chen - Therapy2Thrive RHCC
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Livermore, CA 94551
I am also well-trained and experienced in Play Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), Theraplay, and Behavioral Psychotherapy.
With cross-cultural living and working experiences, I enjoy working with children, teens, and their parents to help address developmental challenges, relationship conflicts, emotional struggles, behavioral difficulties, and other mental health issues that they may encounter in daily life. I deeply believes that childhood experiences and parent-child relationships could play an extremely important role in one’s personal development and, by helping to build a secure enough emotional bond among family members, can create a power of healing throughout everyone’s life.
I am also well-trained and experienced in Play Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), Theraplay, and Behavioral Psychotherapy.
With cross-cultural living and working experiences, I enjoy working with children, teens, and their parents to help address developmental challenges, relationship conflicts, emotional struggles, behavioral difficulties, and other mental health issues that they may encounter in daily life. I deeply believes that childhood experiences and parent-child relationships could play an extremely important role in one’s personal development and, by helping to build a secure enough emotional bond among family members, can create a power of healing throughout everyone’s life.
Natascha Thomson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA, RYT-200
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Livermore, CA 94550
I provide in-person and online counseling to all humans, starting from the age of 11 years old, including Gottman Couples Counseling, family therapy, sand tray therapy, play therapy, art expression, CBT, psychodynamic therapy, client-centered therapy and self-psychology.
My goal is to help my clients function at their highest level, maximize their potential, and live their best lives. When feeling depressed, anxious, stuck, angry, or otherwise emotionally overwhelmed, it can be difficult to effectively participate in society. Human beings are inherently social and our well-being depends greatly on our ability to relate to others. Psychotherapy can help to improve interpersonal relationships, reveal insights about ourselves, highlight opportunities for cognitive and behavioral growth, and provide the support necessary to take the right steps toward a more satisfying future.
I provide in-person and online counseling to all humans, starting from the age of 11 years old, including Gottman Couples Counseling, family therapy, sand tray therapy, play therapy, art expression, CBT, psychodynamic therapy, client-centered therapy and self-psychology.
My goal is to help my clients function at their highest level, maximize their potential, and live their best lives. When feeling depressed, anxious, stuck, angry, or otherwise emotionally overwhelmed, it can be difficult to effectively participate in society. Human beings are inherently social and our well-being depends greatly on our ability to relate to others. Psychotherapy can help to improve interpersonal relationships, reveal insights about ourselves, highlight opportunities for cognitive and behavioral growth, and provide the support necessary to take the right steps toward a more satisfying future.
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.
I offer play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive arts therapy, and family therapy.
I'm here to support you in connecting with your true, authentic self. Across the lifespan, we face struggles that make it difficult to understand ourselves and communicate honestly with our loved ones. I help children, adolescents, adults, and families learn what they need and how to meet those needs. We all need to feel a sense of groundedness, safety, and home within ourselves and our relationships. For those of you who feel lost or like you have fallen behind, I support you in lovingly finding your way.
I offer play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive arts therapy, and family therapy.
I'm here to support you in connecting with your true, authentic self. Across the lifespan, we face struggles that make it difficult to understand ourselves and communicate honestly with our loved ones. I help children, adolescents, adults, and families learn what they need and how to meet those needs. We all need to feel a sense of groundedness, safety, and home within ourselves and our relationships. For those of you who feel lost or like you have fallen behind, I support you in lovingly finding your way.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unmotivated? Life can be challenging and navigating those stuck feelings can seem impossible. I aim to provide a compassionate, honest, and non-judgmental space to help navigate these roadblocks and grow through them. I work with adolescents, teens and adults with concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, life transitions, self-exploration and more. I love a "tough case" and look forward to helping to ease your burden and provide you with support to get through the hard times. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation to see if I am a good fit for you!
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unmotivated? Life can be challenging and navigating those stuck feelings can seem impossible. I aim to provide a compassionate, honest, and non-judgmental space to help navigate these roadblocks and grow through them. I work with adolescents, teens and adults with concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, life transitions, self-exploration and more. I love a "tough case" and look forward to helping to ease your burden and provide you with support to get through the hard times. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation to see if I am a good fit for you!
Hi, I am a Marriage & Family Therapist licensed in California with over 11 years of experience working as a mental health counselor, therapist, mentor to at-risk youth, and life coach. I have worked with clients (ages 4-70+) with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorders, relationship issues, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced anger control issues and eating disorders.
Hi, I am a Marriage & Family Therapist licensed in California with over 11 years of experience working as a mental health counselor, therapist, mentor to at-risk youth, and life coach. I have worked with clients (ages 4-70+) with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorders, relationship issues, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced anger control issues and eating disorders.
Have a child struggling with behavioral problems or a teen not acting like their normal self? Trained in EMDR, my heart and speciality as a therapist is in working with children, pre-teens and teenagers aged 10-17 struggling with Divorce, Blended Families, School, Bullying, and Anxiety/Depression.
Have a child struggling with behavioral problems or a teen not acting like their normal self? Trained in EMDR, my heart and speciality as a therapist is in working with children, pre-teens and teenagers aged 10-17 struggling with Divorce, Blended Families, School, Bullying, and Anxiety/Depression.
15 Second Videos
Emily Ruha Keller
Laurel Vandiver Ben
Olivia Belknap
My true passion is working with children and adolescents. I have found that by being honest and compassionate, even the most resistant teen tends to open up. Most people have a hard time trusting a stranger, kids and teens are no exception. I work to build that trust and provide an environment for people to feel safe enough to open up. I also enjoy working with adults and couples, and have discovered that they appreciate this approach as well.
My true passion is working with children and adolescents. I have found that by being honest and compassionate, even the most resistant teen tends to open up. Most people have a hard time trusting a stranger, kids and teens are no exception. I work to build that trust and provide an environment for people to feel safe enough to open up. I also enjoy working with adults and couples, and have discovered that they appreciate this approach as well.
Welcome! You have taken a big step in creating a better, more fulfilling life for yourself. Seeking psychological services takes courage; I respect and honor this as you embark on your journey. My style is compassionate, interactive, and collaborative. You can expect me to listen supportively at times or ask questions or offer suggestions and homework at other times. Therapy is an active process and I enjoy collaborating with each client as a team to reach the goals we have agreed upon.
Welcome! You have taken a big step in creating a better, more fulfilling life for yourself. Seeking psychological services takes courage; I respect and honor this as you embark on your journey. My style is compassionate, interactive, and collaborative. You can expect me to listen supportively at times or ask questions or offer suggestions and homework at other times. Therapy is an active process and I enjoy collaborating with each client as a team to reach the goals we have agreed upon.
Are you sick of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed…like you are barely keeping your head above water? Is your teen experiencing big emotions, negative behaviors, withdrawing from family and friends, or struggling to meet their responsibilities? Do you feel like you are just trying to survive? I am a licensed therapist, and my work is centered around helping people stop surviving and start thriving. I work with teens and adults to help them know and love themselves better, feel more connected to those who matter the most, and gain control over their lives.
Are you sick of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed…like you are barely keeping your head above water? Is your teen experiencing big emotions, negative behaviors, withdrawing from family and friends, or struggling to meet their responsibilities? Do you feel like you are just trying to survive? I am a licensed therapist, and my work is centered around helping people stop surviving and start thriving. I work with teens and adults to help them know and love themselves better, feel more connected to those who matter the most, and gain control over their lives.
T Volpe-Johnstone
Psychologist, PhD, ACFE, BICM
Verified Verified
Livermore, CA 94550
Waitlist for new clients
Specializing in clinical/developmental issues I can help families and children be successful. I prefer short term evidence-based treatments which means you can feel better quicker. I support people with anxiety, depression, and, underachievement. I am also a proponent of positive psychology to assist you in seeing the brighter side of life. My recent studies in successful ageing has given me new tools to work with the 65 and older crowd to help them enjoy the best years of their life.
Specializing in clinical/developmental issues I can help families and children be successful. I prefer short term evidence-based treatments which means you can feel better quicker. I support people with anxiety, depression, and, underachievement. I am also a proponent of positive psychology to assist you in seeing the brighter side of life. My recent studies in successful ageing has given me new tools to work with the 65 and older crowd to help them enjoy the best years of their life.
Beth Kiersten Ringheim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, MFT, PPS
Verified Verified
Livermore, CA 94550
"Thoughts turn into Words. Words turn into Actions. Actions turn into Character. Character is everything."
To create a more joyful and meaningful life is a passion of mine. I work creatively and collaboratively with adults, teens, and children to explore the heart of the matter. Together we consider (investigate, examine, observe) symptoms and emotional pain; we design realistic goals; we develop skills to alleviate obstacles; and, as we work to achieve your dreams, we discover your increased motivation and self-confidence.
"Thoughts turn into Words. Words turn into Actions. Actions turn into Character. Character is everything."
To create a more joyful and meaningful life is a passion of mine. I work creatively and collaboratively with adults, teens, and children to explore the heart of the matter. Together we consider (investigate, examine, observe) symptoms and emotional pain; we design realistic goals; we develop skills to alleviate obstacles; and, as we work to achieve your dreams, we discover your increased motivation and self-confidence.
I am a licensed marriage & family therapist with a genuine desire to help others.My approach to therapy begins with deep compassion toward each person's unique circumstances and story. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-love, being a highly sensitive person or having difficulty adjusting to change or life events, I strive to provide a non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe and comfortable to express yourself in an honest way. I also believe in a holistic, mind-body approach to treatment and often encourage integrating nutrition, functional medicine and natural approaches in order to optimally heal.
I am a licensed marriage & family therapist with a genuine desire to help others.My approach to therapy begins with deep compassion toward each person's unique circumstances and story. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-love, being a highly sensitive person or having difficulty adjusting to change or life events, I strive to provide a non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe and comfortable to express yourself in an honest way. I also believe in a holistic, mind-body approach to treatment and often encourage integrating nutrition, functional medicine and natural approaches in order to optimally heal.
Julie Garcia, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Livermore, CA 94550
I provide counseling services for all ages in individual, couples, and family therapy. I have extensive experience working with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, couples/marital issues, grief and loss, relationship issues, trauma, and addiction. I believe that the quality of the therapeutic relationship provides an opportunity to help you understand yourself and others better, which can lead to more satisfying relationships and fulfillment in life. In therapy, I work alongside you, at your pace providing a warm, nurturing, and safe space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported in your growth.
I provide counseling services for all ages in individual, couples, and family therapy. I have extensive experience working with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, couples/marital issues, grief and loss, relationship issues, trauma, and addiction. I believe that the quality of the therapeutic relationship provides an opportunity to help you understand yourself and others better, which can lead to more satisfying relationships and fulfillment in life. In therapy, I work alongside you, at your pace providing a warm, nurturing, and safe space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported in your growth.
Laurel Vandiver Ben
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Livermore, CA 94550
Are you feeling low on energy and lacking the motivation to do anything? Do you feel tense or “on edge” throughout your day? Maybe you are feeling hopeless and sad but aren't sure exactly why. Do you feel disconnected in your relationships? These problems don’t have to follow you forever. I support my clients in developing improved relationships in their lives, positive mindsets, increased motivation and more. In my practice, I focus on treating the whole person- not just their symptoms.
Are you feeling low on energy and lacking the motivation to do anything? Do you feel tense or “on edge” throughout your day? Maybe you are feeling hopeless and sad but aren't sure exactly why. Do you feel disconnected in your relationships? These problems don’t have to follow you forever. I support my clients in developing improved relationships in their lives, positive mindsets, increased motivation and more. In my practice, I focus on treating the whole person- not just their symptoms.
Vanessa Muellerleile LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Livermore, CA 94550
My goal as a therapist is to help individuals and families uncover and utilize their personal strengths to overcome their challenges and achieve mental wellness. Through a variety of client-centered approaches I provide a safe space for clients to feel heard, understood, and respected. Using mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies, clients will foster a better understanding of their own thoughts, feelings and behaviors as we forge the path to mental wellness together.
My goal as a therapist is to help individuals and families uncover and utilize their personal strengths to overcome their challenges and achieve mental wellness. Through a variety of client-centered approaches I provide a safe space for clients to feel heard, understood, and respected. Using mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies, clients will foster a better understanding of their own thoughts, feelings and behaviors as we forge the path to mental wellness together.
See more therapy options for Livermore
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Livermore
- Alamo
- Brentwood
- Castro Valley
- Danville
- Discovery Bay
- Dublin
- Fremont
- Hayward
- Newark
- Pleasanton
- San Ramon
- Union City
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.