Play Therapy in Los Gatos, CA
Children/teens: self-esteem, anxiety, depression, navigating relationships, gifted/empathic/HSP, divorce, chronic illness, teletherapy for college, art/play therapy.
I bring empathy, compassion and 30 years of experience to my holistic work with adults, children and teens. You are unique and my intent is to listen for your strengths and build on the positive as we gently remove blocks, trauma, thoughts, stressors and old relationship patterns that are holding you back. My style is warm and interactive and I incorporate my own intuition and creativity as I help people to make meaningful life changes.
Children/teens: self-esteem, anxiety, depression, navigating relationships, gifted/empathic/HSP, divorce, chronic illness, teletherapy for college, art/play therapy.
I bring empathy, compassion and 30 years of experience to my holistic work with adults, children and teens. You are unique and my intent is to listen for your strengths and build on the positive as we gently remove blocks, trauma, thoughts, stressors and old relationship patterns that are holding you back. My style is warm and interactive and I incorporate my own intuition and creativity as I help people to make meaningful life changes.
Peter Cellarius
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Are you in distress? Does anxiety, sadness, shame or suffering play too big a role in your life? If you’re feeling stuck, you’ve come to the right place.
Are you having the same painful arguments, again and again? Does it feel like nothing will ever change? I specialize in couples counseling, and in working with trauma. If things have gotten hard I can help. Let's talk.
Are you in distress? Does anxiety, sadness, shame or suffering play too big a role in your life? If you’re feeling stuck, you’ve come to the right place.
Are you having the same painful arguments, again and again? Does it feel like nothing will ever change? I specialize in couples counseling, and in working with trauma. If things have gotten hard I can help. Let's talk.
Victoria Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Children have a lot to say, and I use a variety of tools including play therapy to help them express themselves and make sense of their world.
I love helping children, adolescents and adults achieve a healthy and thriving life. Whether you are looking for support for your child, your teen, or yourself, I can help.
Children have a lot to say, and I use a variety of tools including play therapy to help them express themselves and make sense of their world.
I love helping children, adolescents and adults achieve a healthy and thriving life. Whether you are looking for support for your child, your teen, or yourself, I can help.
I specialize and offer services in integrative somatic psychotherapy, play therapy & family therapy, and attachment-based guidance for co-parents, solo parents, or partnered parents.
Therapy for all of You. We all need to learn to manage our emotions and navigate the ups and downs including depression, and anxiety, among others. This is true whether you need help with your sense of self, and your self-esteem as an adult woman, navigating life at home and work. We offer a holistic therapy approach for women like you through expert somatic therapy and support in navigating specific parenting challenges through family therapy, child therapy, and parent therapy in Oakland and Los Gatos, or online therapy anywhere in California.
I specialize and offer services in integrative somatic psychotherapy, play therapy & family therapy, and attachment-based guidance for co-parents, solo parents, or partnered parents.
Therapy for all of You. We all need to learn to manage our emotions and navigate the ups and downs including depression, and anxiety, among others. This is true whether you need help with your sense of self, and your self-esteem as an adult woman, navigating life at home and work. We offer a holistic therapy approach for women like you through expert somatic therapy and support in navigating specific parenting challenges through family therapy, child therapy, and parent therapy in Oakland and Los Gatos, or online therapy anywhere in California.
With children, I also use play therapy and art as tools to enter the child's world.
In many ways good psychotherapy is like a successful remodel, frequently resulting in a stronger and more spacious sense of one's self, lovely new rooms, remarkable views and better access to the world outside (and in). The journey of self-discovery takes courage, but increasing one's awareness of old limitations and obstacles, and developing the ability to gently and carefully dismantle and rebuild where necessary is incredibly rewarding -- often beyond what we can imagine.
I believe that it's a collaborative journey on which we embark, moving together towards creating a more fulfilling and rewarding life for you.
With children, I also use play therapy and art as tools to enter the child's world.
In many ways good psychotherapy is like a successful remodel, frequently resulting in a stronger and more spacious sense of one's self, lovely new rooms, remarkable views and better access to the world outside (and in). The journey of self-discovery takes courage, but increasing one's awareness of old limitations and obstacles, and developing the ability to gently and carefully dismantle and rebuild where necessary is incredibly rewarding -- often beyond what we can imagine.
I believe that it's a collaborative journey on which we embark, moving together towards creating a more fulfilling and rewarding life for you.
There is a separate playroom for both play therapy and sand tray therapy.
I have been told that I bring hope to situations, experiences and behaviors that often feel hopeless. Specializing in working with families, children, adolescents and parents, I work collaboratively with client/s to identify and develop goals, and a road map of how we will know that these goals are being met as we work together. I work actively with clients using their knowledge and strengths towards reaching their goals.
There is a separate playroom for both play therapy and sand tray therapy.
I have been told that I bring hope to situations, experiences and behaviors that often feel hopeless. Specializing in working with families, children, adolescents and parents, I work collaboratively with client/s to identify and develop goals, and a road map of how we will know that these goals are being met as we work together. I work actively with clients using their knowledge and strengths towards reaching their goals.
Layers of Self
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MPhil
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
so we might sit or walk in nature, draw and paint, play with sand tray toys or move about or dance or get centered through meditation or relax the body systematically or through guided visualization.
I believe therapy is about getting to know yourself on a more intimate level. I listen in a caring, compassionate and non-judgmental way that allows you to see more clearly what your issues are about. i hold space with the awareness that you are a soul with the wisdom and intelligence to deal with whatever life is offering you at the moment. i am highly skilled with working with people looking for self-actualization, therapists in the making and those interested in self-growth and transformation.
so we might sit or walk in nature, draw and paint, play with sand tray toys or move about or dance or get centered through meditation or relax the body systematically or through guided visualization.
I believe therapy is about getting to know yourself on a more intimate level. I listen in a caring, compassionate and non-judgmental way that allows you to see more clearly what your issues are about. i hold space with the awareness that you are a soul with the wisdom and intelligence to deal with whatever life is offering you at the moment. i am highly skilled with working with people looking for self-actualization, therapists in the making and those interested in self-growth and transformation.
Jihan Amer Holistic Counseling & Coaching
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030 (Online Only)
The types of therapeutic techniques I draw from use IFS, mindfulness, ecotherapy, somatic, expressive arts therapy, writing, communication skills, interpersonal development, play therapy, humanistic, dream-work, client-centered, Jungian, humanistic, CBT, transformational life coaching and solution focused.
I integrate all my training in helping clients heal and transform their lives in the direction which honors living one's full potential/purpose. I work with individuals and offer women's expressive arts groups. The areas I have worked with include: mild - moderate anxiety, mild - moderate depression, stress reduction, communication skills, codependency, low self- esteem, relational issues, grief, social skill building, marital/divorce/relationship issues, women's issues, racial/ethnic/cultural concerns, meaning of life, life transitions, life purpose, identity questions, BIPOC issues, spiritual issues, and eco-related issues.
The types of therapeutic techniques I draw from use IFS, mindfulness, ecotherapy, somatic, expressive arts therapy, writing, communication skills, interpersonal development, play therapy, humanistic, dream-work, client-centered, Jungian, humanistic, CBT, transformational life coaching and solution focused.
I integrate all my training in helping clients heal and transform their lives in the direction which honors living one's full potential/purpose. I work with individuals and offer women's expressive arts groups. The areas I have worked with include: mild - moderate anxiety, mild - moderate depression, stress reduction, communication skills, codependency, low self- esteem, relational issues, grief, social skill building, marital/divorce/relationship issues, women's issues, racial/ethnic/cultural concerns, meaning of life, life transitions, life purpose, identity questions, BIPOC issues, spiritual issues, and eco-related issues.
Elisabeth Subega
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CATP, CFTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
I do Child-Centered Play Therapy, the most evidence-based way of working with young children for most issues, for children ages 3-10.
Is your child struggling with anxiety (separation anxiety, selective mutism, school avoidance, OCD, etc.), adjustment to separation/divorce, or experiencing grief/loss? Is your child angry and acting out? Has your child experienced abuse? If your child is suffering, I am here to help support you and your child through these difficult times. There is hope and healing!
I do Child-Centered Play Therapy, the most evidence-based way of working with young children for most issues, for children ages 3-10.
Is your child struggling with anxiety (separation anxiety, selective mutism, school avoidance, OCD, etc.), adjustment to separation/divorce, or experiencing grief/loss? Is your child angry and acting out? Has your child experienced abuse? If your child is suffering, I am here to help support you and your child through these difficult times. There is hope and healing!
I am the daughter of Mexican/Salvadoran parents who raised me with the core values of faith, family and community service. I possess several years of experience working with emotionally distressed youth and their families and can provide various treatment approaches. I can provide trauma-informed treatment and utilize various mediums to engage clients such as; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play therapy, expressive arts and mindfulness. I have witnessed individuals struggle with anxiety, worry and sadness and feel disconnected from the world.
I am the daughter of Mexican/Salvadoran parents who raised me with the core values of faith, family and community service. I possess several years of experience working with emotionally distressed youth and their families and can provide various treatment approaches. I can provide trauma-informed treatment and utilize various mediums to engage clients such as; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play therapy, expressive arts and mindfulness. I have witnessed individuals struggle with anxiety, worry and sadness and feel disconnected from the world.
Nicole Symcox: Emdr And Brainspotting For Kids And Teens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032 (Online Only)
Using Expressive Arts, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy I help children externalize feelings, build confidence, improve behavior, and gain problem solving skills.
I am passionate about helping people heal from their past so they can build a better future. I am an EMDR Consultant and Brainspotting practitioner. I am IFS informed and trained in expressive arts therapy. I integrate these modalities into our work together as appropriate. I have a passion for helping families and kids thrive. I specialize in anxiety, trauma and ADHD and love working with neurodiverse individuals. I offer parent-child EMDR which can be extremely effective in repairing the parent-child bond and connection. It’s my joy to see kids and their parents thrive together. Visit nicolesymcox.com for more info.
Using Expressive Arts, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy I help children externalize feelings, build confidence, improve behavior, and gain problem solving skills.
I am passionate about helping people heal from their past so they can build a better future. I am an EMDR Consultant and Brainspotting practitioner. I am IFS informed and trained in expressive arts therapy. I integrate these modalities into our work together as appropriate. I have a passion for helping families and kids thrive. I specialize in anxiety, trauma and ADHD and love working with neurodiverse individuals. I offer parent-child EMDR which can be extremely effective in repairing the parent-child bond and connection. It’s my joy to see kids and their parents thrive together. Visit nicolesymcox.com for more info.
15 Second Videos
ADHD Coach - Christina Coravos
Thedy Veliz
Welcoming Joy Counseling
Lisa Eaton
Janet Huh
Jessica O'Connor
Therapy By Choice
Cristina Rodriguez
Dave King
Liza Smith
As a parent or guardian, you may have concerns about your child’s school performance, learning difficulties, and attention or hyperactivity. Dr. Haupenthal wants to help your child succeed academically and emotionally to the best of his/her abilities. Dr. Haupenthal is bilingual, English/Spanish and provides child, adolescent, and college student testing including concerns with ADHD, intellectual disability, autism, learning and language difficulties, behavior issues at home and/or school, low academic performance, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Haupenthal also provides IQ testing for school entrance and psychotherapy services.
As a parent or guardian, you may have concerns about your child’s school performance, learning difficulties, and attention or hyperactivity. Dr. Haupenthal wants to help your child succeed academically and emotionally to the best of his/her abilities. Dr. Haupenthal is bilingual, English/Spanish and provides child, adolescent, and college student testing including concerns with ADHD, intellectual disability, autism, learning and language difficulties, behavior issues at home and/or school, low academic performance, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Haupenthal also provides IQ testing for school entrance and psychotherapy services.
Do you feel stressed out at home, work or school? Are you struggling to understand your partner or child? Are you tired of having the same argument over and over? Are you experiencing a constant worry that keeps you awake at night? Do you feel difficulty in trying to connect with others? Are you having trouble figuring out the next step in your career? Therapy can help!
Do you feel stressed out at home, work or school? Are you struggling to understand your partner or child? Are you tired of having the same argument over and over? Are you experiencing a constant worry that keeps you awake at night? Do you feel difficulty in trying to connect with others? Are you having trouble figuring out the next step in your career? Therapy can help!
Women with ADHD: it's time for the next step in your successful career, while feeling clear and confident as your authentic self. Without overwhelm or willpower, I’ll help you stay on track toward your most important goals.
Women with ADHD: it's time for the next step in your successful career, while feeling clear and confident as your authentic self. Without overwhelm or willpower, I’ll help you stay on track toward your most important goals.
Jenna Sholl, Cura Integrative Health
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Do you find your current relationship(s) disappointing, have trouble keeping relationships or finding one at all? Our patients have concerns about how trauma impacts their daily life. They often report that food feels overwhelming and confusing. We will track and understand the unsettling and yet important feelings you have about yourself, your past, your food intake and your relationships with others. Common topics addressed in session include anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulty, feeling out of control with food, concerns about sex and more. Taking the first step to examine this with us isn't always easy but can be life-altering.
Do you find your current relationship(s) disappointing, have trouble keeping relationships or finding one at all? Our patients have concerns about how trauma impacts their daily life. They often report that food feels overwhelming and confusing. We will track and understand the unsettling and yet important feelings you have about yourself, your past, your food intake and your relationships with others. Common topics addressed in session include anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulty, feeling out of control with food, concerns about sex and more. Taking the first step to examine this with us isn't always easy but can be life-altering.
Many times in life we find ourselves struggling with change. We feel burdened by changes that are out of our control, or discouraged by unsuccessful attempts at creating change. Ideas of who we should be and all of the ways we fall short can so easily conceal our path to contentment and self-love.
Many times in life we find ourselves struggling with change. We feel burdened by changes that are out of our control, or discouraged by unsuccessful attempts at creating change. Ideas of who we should be and all of the ways we fall short can so easily conceal our path to contentment and self-love.
A positive therapeutic experience consists of rapport building and establishing a strong connection with your therapist. Kate is passionate about providing honest and open therapy that helps clients explore their lives and move towards change. As a systems based therapist, Kate likes to process a person’s upbringing and childhood experiences to understand how they affect their current relationships today.
A positive therapeutic experience consists of rapport building and establishing a strong connection with your therapist. Kate is passionate about providing honest and open therapy that helps clients explore their lives and move towards change. As a systems based therapist, Kate likes to process a person’s upbringing and childhood experiences to understand how they affect their current relationships today.
Doreen Maxwell, MFT and Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
If you've been feeling sad, stuck, and stressed for too long, don't hesitate to reach out. I can help you find clarity and contentment. Our therapeutic relationship combined with mindfulness and experiential methods of psychotherapy, lead to real and lasting changes. Patterns which you once took on to cope with your family or stressors may not serve you anymore. Together we can access these old patterns of feeling and thinking that hold you back, and create new ways to be in your world. You can discover that life and relationships can have meaning and ease.
If you've been feeling sad, stuck, and stressed for too long, don't hesitate to reach out. I can help you find clarity and contentment. Our therapeutic relationship combined with mindfulness and experiential methods of psychotherapy, lead to real and lasting changes. Patterns which you once took on to cope with your family or stressors may not serve you anymore. Together we can access these old patterns of feeling and thinking that hold you back, and create new ways to be in your world. You can discover that life and relationships can have meaning and ease.
Tengfei Li
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030 (Online Only)
With my experience throughout my therapist career life, I find people are able to get in touch with their own voice, motivation, and wisdom when they feel heard, seen, and understood. I provide therapy with love and care to clients and help them see and change their pattern in the here-and-now moment in the therapeutic relationship. Besides providing psychoeducation and coping skills to help clients manage their symptoms, I devote my work to helping clients explore their ways of transformation and getting closer to their True Self.
With my experience throughout my therapist career life, I find people are able to get in touch with their own voice, motivation, and wisdom when they feel heard, seen, and understood. I provide therapy with love and care to clients and help them see and change their pattern in the here-and-now moment in the therapeutic relationship. Besides providing psychoeducation and coping skills to help clients manage their symptoms, I devote my work to helping clients explore their ways of transformation and getting closer to their True Self.
Stephanie Salas Gonzales
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032 (Online Only)
Welcome! I am here to support you on this journey to wellness. My passion for helping people is rooted in my desire to be a source of hope for others who may be struggling with their mental health. I understand that when you feel lost or stuck in life, it can be difficult to get back on track—but I believe that you can find your way again. My approach is collaborative and non-judgmental. I believe that change is possible when we have the right support system in place.I have extensive experience working with a variety of populations, including individuals, adolescents, families, domestic violence survivors, and the LGBTQ+ population.
Welcome! I am here to support you on this journey to wellness. My passion for helping people is rooted in my desire to be a source of hope for others who may be struggling with their mental health. I understand that when you feel lost or stuck in life, it can be difficult to get back on track—but I believe that you can find your way again. My approach is collaborative and non-judgmental. I believe that change is possible when we have the right support system in place.I have extensive experience working with a variety of populations, including individuals, adolescents, families, domestic violence survivors, and the LGBTQ+ population.
See more therapy options for Los Gatos
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Los Gatos
- Campbell
- Cupertino
- Felton
- Los Altos
- Los Altos Hills
- Milpitas
- Mountain View
- San Jose
- Santa Clara
- Saratoga
- Soquel
- Sunnyvale
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.