Play Therapy in Menlo Park, CA
I use a strength-based modality, play therapy, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and other techniques when working with my clients.
Stressful encounters, complex life experience, academic stressors and more, can often cause college students, teens, and children to struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, inadequacy, body image issues, and negative self-talk. In my career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have had the opportunity to work closely with clients struggling with these kinds of challenges both at school and at home. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients thrive and flourish by equipping them with the tools and guidance they need to navigate daily stressors, grow their self care, and improve coping skills.
I use a strength-based modality, play therapy, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and other techniques when working with my clients.
Stressful encounters, complex life experience, academic stressors and more, can often cause college students, teens, and children to struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, inadequacy, body image issues, and negative self-talk. In my career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have had the opportunity to work closely with clients struggling with these kinds of challenges both at school and at home. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients thrive and flourish by equipping them with the tools and guidance they need to navigate daily stressors, grow their self care, and improve coping skills.
My name is Stacey Ruiz and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California. I work with children and adolescents to help navigate feelings of anxiety, stress, and grief and loss, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play-based interventions to help them begin feeling better. My approach to therapy starts with creating a safe and supportive space to identify each client's needs. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play-based interventions to help my clients develop healthy thinking patterns and coping strategies.
My name is Stacey Ruiz and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California. I work with children and adolescents to help navigate feelings of anxiety, stress, and grief and loss, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play-based interventions to help them begin feeling better. My approach to therapy starts with creating a safe and supportive space to identify each client's needs. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play-based interventions to help my clients develop healthy thinking patterns and coping strategies.
I have experience integrating many styles of therapy, including psychodynamic, CBT, positive psychology, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, and trauma-focused, to help clients manage difficult feelings and symptoms.
Are you looking for a therapist who is warm and engaging, flexible and practical? I believe that developing a strong working relationship between therapist and client is the basis for growth and change. I listen to your needs first, and will work collaboratively to identify and work toward your goals. My specialties: Helping young children and their families understand development, work through challenging behaviors, anxiety, depression, anger and other mood concerns. Supporting adolescents as they strive for independence and maturity. Managing parenting stress for individuals and couples. Healing from trauma.
I have experience integrating many styles of therapy, including psychodynamic, CBT, positive psychology, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, and trauma-focused, to help clients manage difficult feelings and symptoms.
Are you looking for a therapist who is warm and engaging, flexible and practical? I believe that developing a strong working relationship between therapist and client is the basis for growth and change. I listen to your needs first, and will work collaboratively to identify and work toward your goals. My specialties: Helping young children and their families understand development, work through challenging behaviors, anxiety, depression, anger and other mood concerns. Supporting adolescents as they strive for independence and maturity. Managing parenting stress for individuals and couples. Healing from trauma.
For the younger ones, I am passionate about play and sand tray therapy.
Being neurodivergent can be difficult in this society, whether you are on the spectrum, have ADHD, identify as HSP, or other traits. And feeling unseen, unaccepted, or stagnant can often be overwhelming. If you're grappling with emotional challenges, or find yourself stuck in life, know that you're not alone. Whether you’re wanting to better understand yourself, looking to improve your experiences with others, or wanting help with a new diagnosis, we can navigate these waters together. You've demonstrated resilience and introspection by seeking help, now let's create the path towards healing and transformation—together.
For the younger ones, I am passionate about play and sand tray therapy.
Being neurodivergent can be difficult in this society, whether you are on the spectrum, have ADHD, identify as HSP, or other traits. And feeling unseen, unaccepted, or stagnant can often be overwhelming. If you're grappling with emotional challenges, or find yourself stuck in life, know that you're not alone. Whether you’re wanting to better understand yourself, looking to improve your experiences with others, or wanting help with a new diagnosis, we can navigate these waters together. You've demonstrated resilience and introspection by seeking help, now let's create the path towards healing and transformation—together.
Nina Keebler Frank - Centered Wisdom
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Life is a journey full of ups and downs. It doesn't come with a roadmap, and at times we all find ourselves in difficult situations. As your therapist, I will guide you and support you through these rough times by illuminating the path to healing and wholeness. In the face of life's challenges, our tendency is to cope, adapt and get by. Unfortunately some of these coping mechanisms are outdated and no longer serve us, so we go about life just "getting by". Rather than merely "surviving" you could be thriving.
Life is a journey full of ups and downs. It doesn't come with a roadmap, and at times we all find ourselves in difficult situations. As your therapist, I will guide you and support you through these rough times by illuminating the path to healing and wholeness. In the face of life's challenges, our tendency is to cope, adapt and get by. Unfortunately some of these coping mechanisms are outdated and no longer serve us, so we go about life just "getting by". Rather than merely "surviving" you could be thriving.
For more than 15 years, I am practicing in the field and guided by the goal to help people gain hope and relief in their lives. Life can present us with challenges; we sometime struggles with stress, difficulties in relationships and overwhelming life events. If you are interested in productive and meaningful change in your life I would like to invite you to work with me.
For more than 15 years, I am practicing in the field and guided by the goal to help people gain hope and relief in their lives. Life can present us with challenges; we sometime struggles with stress, difficulties in relationships and overwhelming life events. If you are interested in productive and meaningful change in your life I would like to invite you to work with me.
Svetlana Kreimer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Relationships can be hard. Partners struggle with communication, conflicting parenting styles, sexual expressions... Life's challenges, hurtful fights, history of trauma or infidelity make it difficult to sustain trust and closeness. How can you create desired connections, and not lose yourself in the process? How can you be true both to self and to your partnership? I invite you to explore these questions together with empathy and curiosity, letting go of habitual judgments, self-deprecation, and shame. I work with individuals, couples, and families. Both traditional and alternative lifestyles are welcome, and no issue is a taboo.
Relationships can be hard. Partners struggle with communication, conflicting parenting styles, sexual expressions... Life's challenges, hurtful fights, history of trauma or infidelity make it difficult to sustain trust and closeness. How can you create desired connections, and not lose yourself in the process? How can you be true both to self and to your partnership? I invite you to explore these questions together with empathy and curiosity, letting go of habitual judgments, self-deprecation, and shame. I work with individuals, couples, and families. Both traditional and alternative lifestyles are welcome, and no issue is a taboo.
Hi, I'm Laticia Rodriguez (She/Her) and I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist based in Southern California working with clients statewide via Telehealth. If you're feeling stuck in a negative cycle with anxiety, depression, trauma responses, ADHD, or even within your relationship, I'm here to help you experience the change, relief, and lightness you're looking for. I'm a therapist with a passion for change work that makes a real difference in the lives of individuals (adolescents through adults), families, and couples that I see.
Hi, I'm Laticia Rodriguez (She/Her) and I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist based in Southern California working with clients statewide via Telehealth. If you're feeling stuck in a negative cycle with anxiety, depression, trauma responses, ADHD, or even within your relationship, I'm here to help you experience the change, relief, and lightness you're looking for. I'm a therapist with a passion for change work that makes a real difference in the lives of individuals (adolescents through adults), families, and couples that I see.
Alyssa Bianconi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
You’ve been feeling misunderstood, distant, and disconnected from your partner. A sense of hopelessness and fear has crept in from the thought of the relationship ending. There’s been no intimacy or affection for some time, and the feeling of being unwanted is gut-wrenching. You just wish you could have understanding, empathy, and compassion from your partner. Both of you have been questioning your compatibility, but want to do everything possible to save the relationship and fall in love again.
You’ve been feeling misunderstood, distant, and disconnected from your partner. A sense of hopelessness and fear has crept in from the thought of the relationship ending. There’s been no intimacy or affection for some time, and the feeling of being unwanted is gut-wrenching. You just wish you could have understanding, empathy, and compassion from your partner. Both of you have been questioning your compatibility, but want to do everything possible to save the relationship and fall in love again.
My name is Cynthia Carter and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Victorville California working with clients throughout San Bernardino County. I work with small children, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in anxiety, stress management, anger management, and trauma-based disorders, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients with making progress toward their goals.
My name is Cynthia Carter and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Victorville California working with clients throughout San Bernardino County. I work with small children, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in anxiety, stress management, anger management, and trauma-based disorders, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients with making progress toward their goals.
Shawna Cobabe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. I work with couples and families for a variety of reasons. I can help you too.
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. I work with couples and families for a variety of reasons. I can help you too.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
You are worried about your children and teenagers and wish they would listen to you and talk with you. You want a peaceful and happy home. I can help! I believe in a team approach where parents are partners in the process of helping to make the family a happier and better place to grow. I respect kids and teens as they express their thoughts and feelings. My ultimate goal is for each member of the family to feel seen, heard and understood as we work together to solve issues and improve relationships.
You are worried about your children and teenagers and wish they would listen to you and talk with you. You want a peaceful and happy home. I can help! I believe in a team approach where parents are partners in the process of helping to make the family a happier and better place to grow. I respect kids and teens as they express their thoughts and feelings. My ultimate goal is for each member of the family to feel seen, heard and understood as we work together to solve issues and improve relationships.
Margaux Dever
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94026
Maybe you have come to a place in life where "figuring it out" on your own is not working. Maybe you want to develop new skills, a new perspective from someone with experience, non-bias, and without judgement. I am committed to assist individuals, couples, and families navigate life. It can be hard to make that first step to reach out for help, but I will meet you right where you are at!
Maybe you have come to a place in life where "figuring it out" on your own is not working. Maybe you want to develop new skills, a new perspective from someone with experience, non-bias, and without judgement. I am committed to assist individuals, couples, and families navigate life. It can be hard to make that first step to reach out for help, but I will meet you right where you are at!
Does your child struggle with: Anxiety; persistent worrying? Behavioral outbursts?
Difficulty going and staying asleep? Problems at school, falling grades? Feeling sad or crying much of the time? Is stress affecting family relationships? Palo Alto Parenting Solutions is a specialty practice that helps children who are having difficulty with behavior, emotions and socializing. I work with the whole family to find compassionate and caring solutions so you can see your child happy and capable. Specialties, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Adoption, Anxiety, and Depression.
Call for a free phone consultation.
Does your child struggle with: Anxiety; persistent worrying? Behavioral outbursts?
Difficulty going and staying asleep? Problems at school, falling grades? Feeling sad or crying much of the time? Is stress affecting family relationships? Palo Alto Parenting Solutions is a specialty practice that helps children who are having difficulty with behavior, emotions and socializing. I work with the whole family to find compassionate and caring solutions so you can see your child happy and capable. Specialties, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Adoption, Anxiety, and Depression.
Call for a free phone consultation.
Kathryn Hedjasi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself struggling? Hurting? I can help you feel better! You have the ability to THRIVE regardless of your circumstances armed with my support & many new tools in your arsenal. I can help you tap into your own resilience & ability to heal. Wherever you are at in life, whether satisfied but looking to improve, struggling daily & feeling as if the floor is about to fall out, in crisis-mode, on a journey of self-discovery, or simply looking for support from a fully present empathetic skilled partner in your personal, interpersonal & professional goals. I AM HERE FOR YOU!
Do you find yourself struggling? Hurting? I can help you feel better! You have the ability to THRIVE regardless of your circumstances armed with my support & many new tools in your arsenal. I can help you tap into your own resilience & ability to heal. Wherever you are at in life, whether satisfied but looking to improve, struggling daily & feeling as if the floor is about to fall out, in crisis-mode, on a journey of self-discovery, or simply looking for support from a fully present empathetic skilled partner in your personal, interpersonal & professional goals. I AM HERE FOR YOU!
I am a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of clinical practice. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families on multiple issues from anxiety, depression, difficulty adjusting to transitions, and trauma work, to name a few. I place much emphasis in helping families and individuals develop the series of skills that are necessary for real success - collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity.
I am a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of clinical practice. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families on multiple issues from anxiety, depression, difficulty adjusting to transitions, and trauma work, to name a few. I place much emphasis in helping families and individuals develop the series of skills that are necessary for real success - collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity.
Sheryl is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is dedicated to helping adults, adolescents and families recover from trauma, loss and thrive while coping with chronic medical conditions. Trained in transpersonal psychology, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, she uses a holistic approach and is skilled in individualizing the care she offers. Serving in local nonprofit agencies and private practice, Sheryl has offered extensive support to foster and adoptive families and to individuals ready to deepen their personal relationships. Sheryl is able to help individuals reduce anxiety, improve their mood, restore hope, and reconnect with their community.
Sheryl is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is dedicated to helping adults, adolescents and families recover from trauma, loss and thrive while coping with chronic medical conditions. Trained in transpersonal psychology, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, she uses a holistic approach and is skilled in individualizing the care she offers. Serving in local nonprofit agencies and private practice, Sheryl has offered extensive support to foster and adoptive families and to individuals ready to deepen their personal relationships. Sheryl is able to help individuals reduce anxiety, improve their mood, restore hope, and reconnect with their community.
Goolrukh Adi Vakil
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, MA, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Contemplating therapy is a brave first step. I first want to emphasize my two-session parent-child conflict model, and my expertise in immigrant/cultural issues in Indian and Asian extended families. I am the rare therapist experienced in and value working with people manifesting psychosis and schizophrenia. As an Assistant Professor, I am up-to-date in the latest research and treatment methods. With 20 years of Bay Area experience, I would be honored to support you in your journey to flourish in life and relationships. Teletherapy or in-person.
Contemplating therapy is a brave first step. I first want to emphasize my two-session parent-child conflict model, and my expertise in immigrant/cultural issues in Indian and Asian extended families. I am the rare therapist experienced in and value working with people manifesting psychosis and schizophrenia. As an Assistant Professor, I am up-to-date in the latest research and treatment methods. With 20 years of Bay Area experience, I would be honored to support you in your journey to flourish in life and relationships. Teletherapy or in-person.
I am passionate about helping families find balance and maintain connection despite the constant demands and pressures of modern life in the Bay Area. I have been providing therapeutic services to children, teens, adults, and families since 2009. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT 98916) and specialize in providing therapeutic services to children and families affected by neurodevelopmental disorders. I also provide individual and family counseling to those experiencing a range of clinical and non-clinical issues.
I am passionate about helping families find balance and maintain connection despite the constant demands and pressures of modern life in the Bay Area. I have been providing therapeutic services to children, teens, adults, and families since 2009. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT 98916) and specialize in providing therapeutic services to children and families affected by neurodevelopmental disorders. I also provide individual and family counseling to those experiencing a range of clinical and non-clinical issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive training and experience in a wide range of treatment concerns. I work with young adults, adolescents, children, and adults who are experiencing various types of depression and mood difficulties, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, addictions, and relationship or peer-related problems. My approach draws from cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapies supported by research, and is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. I also incorporate mindfulness and positive psychology approaches focused on enhancing happiness, resilience, satisfaction, and meaning.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive training and experience in a wide range of treatment concerns. I work with young adults, adolescents, children, and adults who are experiencing various types of depression and mood difficulties, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, addictions, and relationship or peer-related problems. My approach draws from cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapies supported by research, and is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. I also incorporate mindfulness and positive psychology approaches focused on enhancing happiness, resilience, satisfaction, and meaning.
See more therapy options for Menlo Park
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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.