Toddler Therapists in Manhattan Beach, CA

Photo of Marissa J Dominguez, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Marissa J Dominguez
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Being a parent can be very challenging, make you feel vulnerable, and even overwhelmed at times. My goal as a therapist is to begin the healing process with you. Whether you are a parent that is seeking support for your infant, toddler, or child due to behavioral or emotional problems, family conflict, recent separation, divorce, death, or trauma. I specialize in providing Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Behavioral Modification for children, teens & families.
Being a parent can be very challenging, make you feel vulnerable, and even overwhelmed at times. My goal as a therapist is to begin the healing process with you. Whether you are a parent that is seeking support for your infant, toddler, or child due to behavioral or emotional problems, family conflict, recent separation, divorce, death, or trauma. I specialize in providing Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Behavioral Modification for children, teens & families.
(209) 643-4545 View (209) 643-4545
Photo of Cynthia M Braden - Cynthia M. Braden Marriage and Family Therapy, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia M. Braden Marriage and Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I specialize in helping couples, families, teens and children solve concerns that are important to them. Often, people come in because of excessive conflicts with a partner or family member, affairs and big decisions. New clients are frequently looking for skills and/or knowledge to deal with challenging or traumatic situations. Nowadays especially, people are seeking help to manage powerful and confusing feelings, at last visiting a therapist when other potential solutions aren't working. They just want to feel better. If the issues you are facing are straining your normal coping mechanisms, it's time to reach out for assistance.
I specialize in helping couples, families, teens and children solve concerns that are important to them. Often, people come in because of excessive conflicts with a partner or family member, affairs and big decisions. New clients are frequently looking for skills and/or knowledge to deal with challenging or traumatic situations. Nowadays especially, people are seeking help to manage powerful and confusing feelings, at last visiting a therapist when other potential solutions aren't working. They just want to feel better. If the issues you are facing are straining your normal coping mechanisms, it's time to reach out for assistance.
(310) 905-8036 View (310) 905-8036
CBT Treatment Center, A Psychological Corporation
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Seeing your child struggle is such a helpless feeling. You wish you could find the right words that would fix it all, but nothing that you say, and no amount of logic that you use seems to help. Perhaps you have even tried therapy before, with little progress or success, and you're not sure if this is even a fixable problem. Your child's struggles have become the focus of the entire family. You just want your happy little boy or girl back and to have normalcy restored at home.
Seeing your child struggle is such a helpless feeling. You wish you could find the right words that would fix it all, but nothing that you say, and no amount of logic that you use seems to help. Perhaps you have even tried therapy before, with little progress or success, and you're not sure if this is even a fixable problem. Your child's struggles have become the focus of the entire family. You just want your happy little boy or girl back and to have normalcy restored at home.
(424) 835-7372 View (424) 835-7372
Bruna Paulo Soares Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
As a mother of two children myself, I understand the barriers and fears that parents can face before, during, and after seeking treatment for their kids. Since my clients are primarily children, my philosophy is to work closely with their parents. I have learned that collaborating with the parents and the family as a whole can greatly improve a child’s quality of life.
As a mother of two children myself, I understand the barriers and fears that parents can face before, during, and after seeking treatment for their kids. Since my clients are primarily children, my philosophy is to work closely with their parents. I have learned that collaborating with the parents and the family as a whole can greatly improve a child’s quality of life.
(310) 601-4688 View (310) 601-4688
Photo of Christina Matso, PhD, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Matso
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I enjoyed very much my post licensure work at a family institute. Whether working with a child, an adolescent, an adult, a dyad or the whole family, I will initially focus on the person suffering the most. Based on the presenting symptom, I may do brief crisis intervention to stabilize a situation until an individual's underlying issue has been crystallized. The life issue causing depression, anxiety, and fears will then be addressed in more depth. My approach is to assist people in their own healing, maximizing on their own strengths and resources.
I enjoyed very much my post licensure work at a family institute. Whether working with a child, an adolescent, an adult, a dyad or the whole family, I will initially focus on the person suffering the most. Based on the presenting symptom, I may do brief crisis intervention to stabilize a situation until an individual's underlying issue has been crystallized. The life issue causing depression, anxiety, and fears will then be addressed in more depth. My approach is to assist people in their own healing, maximizing on their own strengths and resources.
(424) 235-1758 View (424) 235-1758
Photo of Christina King - Child And Teen Therapist, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina King - Child And Teen Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Waitlist for new clients
Does it feel like your emotions are holding you back? It can be frustrating when it feels like our emotions are getting in the way of our goals and relationships. I am passionate about serving children, teens, and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, relationships, and emotion regulation. Whether your parents are getting a divorce, going through a breakup, or struggling in school, my goal is help you build a strong sense of self to navigate stressors. I recognize that growing up in the age of social media and covid-19 has had a great impact on us all. Together, we can navigate this complex environment.
Does it feel like your emotions are holding you back? It can be frustrating when it feels like our emotions are getting in the way of our goals and relationships. I am passionate about serving children, teens, and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, relationships, and emotion regulation. Whether your parents are getting a divorce, going through a breakup, or struggling in school, my goal is help you build a strong sense of self to navigate stressors. I recognize that growing up in the age of social media and covid-19 has had a great impact on us all. Together, we can navigate this complex environment.
(424) 286-7617 View (424) 286-7617
Photo of Buffy Trupp, MA, LMFT, RCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Buffy Trupp
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RCC
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266  (Online Only)
Individual Somatic Psychotherapy: While I incorporate a variety of modalities into my work as a somatic psychotherapist, I tend to focus on present-moment states of being. This means that I pay close attention to what’s happening in the room, in your body, and between you and me, during our sessions. You may be curious and yet hesitant; hopeful and yet afraid. I help you embody the resilience you need to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.
Individual Somatic Psychotherapy: While I incorporate a variety of modalities into my work as a somatic psychotherapist, I tend to focus on present-moment states of being. This means that I pay close attention to what’s happening in the room, in your body, and between you and me, during our sessions. You may be curious and yet hesitant; hopeful and yet afraid. I help you embody the resilience you need to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.
(424) 401-7279 View (424) 401-7279
Photo of Veronica Calkins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Veronica Calkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
(310) 905-5816 View (310) 905-5816
Photo of Dr. Elana Jablon, PhD
Dr. Elana Jablon
Registered Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
As of 5/24, no in-person spots available. At Q Psychology Group, Dr. Jablon utilizes a variety of tools, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for couples, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She also teaches relevant behavioral techniques to parents and utilizes psychodynamic techniques focused on increasing clients’ self-awareness and recognizing their behavioral patterns. She specializes in mood disorders, personality disorders, specific phobias, romantic relational problems, parent-child relational problems, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
As of 5/24, no in-person spots available. At Q Psychology Group, Dr. Jablon utilizes a variety of tools, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for couples, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She also teaches relevant behavioral techniques to parents and utilizes psychodynamic techniques focused on increasing clients’ self-awareness and recognizing their behavioral patterns. She specializes in mood disorders, personality disorders, specific phobias, romantic relational problems, parent-child relational problems, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
(310) 742-0683 View (310) 742-0683
Photo of Cristy Pareti, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cristy Pareti
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I am passionate about helping clients raise their level of self-awareness and transform themselves and their relationships into the level they have always wanted. Whether anxiety, depression, past traumas or failed relationships are currently making you or your relationships feel stuck, I am dedicated to helping you discover new ways of challenging old patterns of thoughts and behaviors. You can create a renewed sense of empowerment and increase your overall sense of well-being.
I am passionate about helping clients raise their level of self-awareness and transform themselves and their relationships into the level they have always wanted. Whether anxiety, depression, past traumas or failed relationships are currently making you or your relationships feel stuck, I am dedicated to helping you discover new ways of challenging old patterns of thoughts and behaviors. You can create a renewed sense of empowerment and increase your overall sense of well-being.
(714) 752-0864 View (714) 752-0864
Photo of Nicole Pickering, PsyD, Psychologist
Nicole Pickering
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Seeing your child struggle with anxiety is such a helpless feeling. Your daughter is paralyzed with fear about what others may think of her, and nothing that you say can comfort her. Your son freezes on homework and tests, feeling that everything must be perfect, and you feel guilty, as you wonder if you've passed these anxious thoughts down to him. Sunday night comes and they're preoccupied with the thought of the impending school week, and no matter how rational you are with them, they can't shake the dread that comes with going to school.
Seeing your child struggle with anxiety is such a helpless feeling. Your daughter is paralyzed with fear about what others may think of her, and nothing that you say can comfort her. Your son freezes on homework and tests, feeling that everything must be perfect, and you feel guilty, as you wonder if you've passed these anxious thoughts down to him. Sunday night comes and they're preoccupied with the thought of the impending school week, and no matter how rational you are with them, they can't shake the dread that comes with going to school.
(424) 292-6925 View (424) 292-6925
Photo of Jennifer Trombley, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Trombley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I specialize in working with parents, children, and teens on a variety of presenting issues ranging from anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, crisis management and general relational issues. I prescribe to the belief that in most cases involving children, therapy should be brief and time limited. I have provided counseling services in various settings including local schools, a community mental health center, and now in my private practice. I work from a family systems and humanistic lens to meet the individual needs of my clients. I also utilize evidence-based treatments such as CBT.
I specialize in working with parents, children, and teens on a variety of presenting issues ranging from anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, crisis management and general relational issues. I prescribe to the belief that in most cases involving children, therapy should be brief and time limited. I have provided counseling services in various settings including local schools, a community mental health center, and now in my private practice. I work from a family systems and humanistic lens to meet the individual needs of my clients. I also utilize evidence-based treatments such as CBT.
(424) 999-0811 View (424) 999-0811
Photo of Andrea Mendoza, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrea Mendoza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing for over 17 years. Specializing in working with children, adolescents, and families from primarily a solution-focused, cognitive behavioral approach, I offer a variety of interventions best matched to fit my client's individual needs. Adept in working with childhood disorders, trauma experiences, grief and loss, anger management, and parenting issues, I strive to look at the "whole picture" and incorporate collaterals and family members, as needed.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing for over 17 years. Specializing in working with children, adolescents, and families from primarily a solution-focused, cognitive behavioral approach, I offer a variety of interventions best matched to fit my client's individual needs. Adept in working with childhood disorders, trauma experiences, grief and loss, anger management, and parenting issues, I strive to look at the "whole picture" and incorporate collaterals and family members, as needed.
(424) 347-6621 View (424) 347-6621
Photo of Alexxis Nankervis, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alexxis Nankervis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, or life's twists and turns? Navigating life with a chronic illness or other layers of complexity? You don't have to do it alone! Let's work together to find ways to cope, thrive, and live fully despite these challenges. Whether you're a parent of a child struggling and trying to make sense of it all, or a teen or adult feeling overwhelmed, I'm here for you. Together, we'll untangle those knots, finding new ways to manage emotions, gain focus and control, boost self-esteem, and build healthier relationships.
Feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, or life's twists and turns? Navigating life with a chronic illness or other layers of complexity? You don't have to do it alone! Let's work together to find ways to cope, thrive, and live fully despite these challenges. Whether you're a parent of a child struggling and trying to make sense of it all, or a teen or adult feeling overwhelmed, I'm here for you. Together, we'll untangle those knots, finding new ways to manage emotions, gain focus and control, boost self-esteem, and build healthier relationships.
(562) 501-4977 View (562) 501-4977
Photo of Carol Ann Francis, PsyD, MA, MFTT, CHT, Psychologist
Carol Ann Francis
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, MFTT, CHT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Relief from anxiety, depression, fears or angers gives you room to live your life fully. Self-improvement (your mind, body, self-esteem, capacity for satisfying/exciting relationships and powerful career advances) can move you leaps and bounds toward a richer, lively life. Eliminating habits (smoking, over-eating, lack of exercise, substances, etc) frees you to be you. Creating new paths after divorce, death, traumatic disruptions, leads toward a self-directed future. Through many different therapeutic approaches--well researched and tested-- you can attain your goals & dreams for your fuller, peaceful life. www.drcarolfrancis.com or call 310-543-1824.
Relief from anxiety, depression, fears or angers gives you room to live your life fully. Self-improvement (your mind, body, self-esteem, capacity for satisfying/exciting relationships and powerful career advances) can move you leaps and bounds toward a richer, lively life. Eliminating habits (smoking, over-eating, lack of exercise, substances, etc) frees you to be you. Creating new paths after divorce, death, traumatic disruptions, leads toward a self-directed future. Through many different therapeutic approaches--well researched and tested-- you can attain your goals & dreams for your fuller, peaceful life. www.drcarolfrancis.com or call 310-543-1824.
(424) 570-2143 View (424) 570-2143
Photo of Fritz Lynn Hershey, PsyD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Fritz Lynn Hershey
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I can remember lying in bed, looking up at the ceiling, worried about the everything. It didn’t matter what was going on in my life - I was constantly worried. Anxiety had a grip on my life, slowly tightening more and more every day. When my friends would call, I could hear the disappointment in their voice as I made up another lame excuse about why I couldn’t go out time and time again. I could feel myself slipping further and further away from the things that truly mattered to me - friends, family, and fun. I watched everyone else happily living their lives but I was stuck on the sidelines of my own. Why couldn’t I be more like them? Happy… Carefree… Unafraid… Relaxed… Why was I trapped in a vicious cycle of anxiety, worry, doubt, and fear? I knew it was taking my life from me and finally, I got to the point where I said - NO MORE. I worked 1-1 with my own therapist. Ultimately, I got my life back. No more fear… No more saying “no” when I wanted to say “yes”... No more watching my life slip by without me really living it…
I can remember lying in bed, looking up at the ceiling, worried about the everything. It didn’t matter what was going on in my life - I was constantly worried. Anxiety had a grip on my life, slowly tightening more and more every day. When my friends would call, I could hear the disappointment in their voice as I made up another lame excuse about why I couldn’t go out time and time again. I could feel myself slipping further and further away from the things that truly mattered to me - friends, family, and fun. I watched everyone else happily living their lives but I was stuck on the sidelines of my own. Why couldn’t I be more like them? Happy… Carefree… Unafraid… Relaxed… Why was I trapped in a vicious cycle of anxiety, worry, doubt, and fear? I knew it was taking my life from me and finally, I got to the point where I said - NO MORE. I worked 1-1 with my own therapist. Ultimately, I got my life back. No more fear… No more saying “no” when I wanted to say “yes”... No more watching my life slip by without me really living it…
(424) 383-8413 View (424) 383-8413
Photo of Albert A Knapp Jr, PsyD, BCBA-D, RPT-S, Psychologist
Albert A Knapp Jr
Psychologist, PsyD, BCBA-D, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I enjoy working with children, tweens, teenagers, and young adults, from a Play Therapy and CBT perspective.
I enjoy working with children, tweens, teenagers, and young adults, from a Play Therapy and CBT perspective.
(310) 340-7289 View (310) 340-7289
Photo of Traci Critton, PhD, Psychologist
Traci Critton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
As a psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I seek to provide a nonjudgmental and nurturing environment in which you can explore your current struggles. I believe that the therapist client relationship is critical to help you effect the positive change you are looking for. Together we can explore the patterns in your life that are preventing you from living the life you want and we can work to set realistic goals. Although I am trained using a psychodynamic approach, I also utilize DBT and mindfulness to help clients cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns.
As a psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I seek to provide a nonjudgmental and nurturing environment in which you can explore your current struggles. I believe that the therapist client relationship is critical to help you effect the positive change you are looking for. Together we can explore the patterns in your life that are preventing you from living the life you want and we can work to set realistic goals. Although I am trained using a psychodynamic approach, I also utilize DBT and mindfulness to help clients cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns.
(424) 625-3228 View (424) 625-3228
Photo of Shari Giti, PsyD, MM, MA, Psychologist
Shari Giti
Psychologist, PsyD, MM, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Dr. Shari Giti is a child & adolescent psychologist and the Clinical Director of South Bay Child and Family Therapy--a comprehensive psychological practice in Hermosa Beach and Torrance/Palos Verdes. At SBCFT, Dr. Giti provides child, teen, and family therapy. She also specializes in psychological, educational, and AD/HD, assessment services. In addition to training and experience in child therapy, Dr. Giti completed a prestigious fellowship in Child/Adolescent Assessment and Diagnostics. She works hand-in-hand with educators, physicians and other treatment team members to ensure the highest quality care for her patients.
Dr. Shari Giti is a child & adolescent psychologist and the Clinical Director of South Bay Child and Family Therapy--a comprehensive psychological practice in Hermosa Beach and Torrance/Palos Verdes. At SBCFT, Dr. Giti provides child, teen, and family therapy. She also specializes in psychological, educational, and AD/HD, assessment services. In addition to training and experience in child therapy, Dr. Giti completed a prestigious fellowship in Child/Adolescent Assessment and Diagnostics. She works hand-in-hand with educators, physicians and other treatment team members to ensure the highest quality care for her patients.
(424) 321-6796 View (424) 321-6796
Photo of Janet A Vivero, PhD, Psychologist
Janet A Vivero
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Waitlist for new clients
I'm a bilingual/bicultural (Spanish speaking) psychologist with an extensive history working with diverse, multicultural populations. I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological testing for young children, adolescents, and adults and provide psychotherapy for relationship issues, family functioning, parenting, sexuality, trauma, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. As a psychologist I believe in forming a trusting partnership and establishing a safe and comfortable space for self-exploration. Your involvement in therapy can be a means for exploring ways to improve the quality of your life and of your relationships. I believe transformation is possible through understanding, healing, support, and connectedness."
I'm a bilingual/bicultural (Spanish speaking) psychologist with an extensive history working with diverse, multicultural populations. I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological testing for young children, adolescents, and adults and provide psychotherapy for relationship issues, family functioning, parenting, sexuality, trauma, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. As a psychologist I believe in forming a trusting partnership and establishing a safe and comfortable space for self-exploration. Your involvement in therapy can be a means for exploring ways to improve the quality of your life and of your relationships. I believe transformation is possible through understanding, healing, support, and connectedness."
(562) 282-9651 View (562) 282-9651
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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.