Play Therapy in Merced, CA
I also do play therapy with children.
Counseling can be a rewarding experience. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and children. I have been in private practice and with agencies for foster care and adoption. I love helping & watching people grow in their personal lives and in relationships. Marriages, divorce, blended families, intimacy, & parenting, past abuse issues are also areas of treatment. Pain disorders, grief, anxiety, and depression can have devastating affects on ones life. Getting help in all of these areas can greatly improve one's overall functioning. I believe contentment in life and knowing your life has purpose is of utmost importance.
I also do play therapy with children.
Counseling can be a rewarding experience. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and children. I have been in private practice and with agencies for foster care and adoption. I love helping & watching people grow in their personal lives and in relationships. Marriages, divorce, blended families, intimacy, & parenting, past abuse issues are also areas of treatment. Pain disorders, grief, anxiety, and depression can have devastating affects on ones life. Getting help in all of these areas can greatly improve one's overall functioning. I believe contentment in life and knowing your life has purpose is of utmost importance.
Abalance Counseling (Online Child Therapy)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340 (Online Only)
Our pediatric online program incorporates many Play Therapy techniques to allow the therapist to create an effective child counseling experience.
Children ages 5-9 can experience challenges in their emotional regulation or behavioral stability. When your own parenting skills are not working, you may consider seeing a professional counselor. Abalance Client-Centered Counseling has a new online program offering introductory mental health care for children ages 5-9, for mild/moderate treatment. We are not a clinic but a Group Private Practice dedicated to providing you the best in Mental Health Care. We accept HPSJ or CCAH Medi-Cal.
Our pediatric online program incorporates many Play Therapy techniques to allow the therapist to create an effective child counseling experience.
Children ages 5-9 can experience challenges in their emotional regulation or behavioral stability. When your own parenting skills are not working, you may consider seeing a professional counselor. Abalance Client-Centered Counseling has a new online program offering introductory mental health care for children ages 5-9, for mild/moderate treatment. We are not a clinic but a Group Private Practice dedicated to providing you the best in Mental Health Care. We accept HPSJ or CCAH Medi-Cal.
Amy is a compassionate LCSW utilizing her 10-plus years of experience and keen insight to enlighten and provide self-awareness to challenging life circumstances.
Amy is a compassionate LCSW utilizing her 10-plus years of experience and keen insight to enlighten and provide self-awareness to challenging life circumstances.
Jessica Weisz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340 (Online Only)
During the therapy process, my goal is to aid clients in the discovery of their strengths, increase positive coping skills, build support systems, and develop a healthy lifestyle to set the foundation for life's success. My approach helps to identify negative thought patterns, learn and understand where they come from, and work to change them. I create a non-judgmental, warm, empathic environment, aiming to help you feel comfortable talking honestly about your life. Together we can design a plan for mind, body, and spirit to heal your past, create the future you want, and optimize your overall mental fitness.
During the therapy process, my goal is to aid clients in the discovery of their strengths, increase positive coping skills, build support systems, and develop a healthy lifestyle to set the foundation for life's success. My approach helps to identify negative thought patterns, learn and understand where they come from, and work to change them. I create a non-judgmental, warm, empathic environment, aiming to help you feel comfortable talking honestly about your life. Together we can design a plan for mind, body, and spirit to heal your past, create the future you want, and optimize your overall mental fitness.
My name is Patrick Griffiths. I am currently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I provide telehealth services to anyone living in California. My approach to therapy is that I am your guide on this journey. My focused area of practice is providing services to individuals, couples, and families. I have 18 years of experience as a therapist, working with a variety of clients. The clients I typically see struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-worth, difficulty controlling impulses, lack of purpose and meaning, and job and/or family stress.
My name is Patrick Griffiths. I am currently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I provide telehealth services to anyone living in California. My approach to therapy is that I am your guide on this journey. My focused area of practice is providing services to individuals, couples, and families. I have 18 years of experience as a therapist, working with a variety of clients. The clients I typically see struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-worth, difficulty controlling impulses, lack of purpose and meaning, and job and/or family stress.
Gustavo S. Olvera (Bilingual)
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95341 (Online Only)
My experience as a Mental Health Therapist has developed over the year by providing support to clients who have experienced: Severe Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disregulation Disorders, Phobias, and other diagnosis that often impair a persons's ability to function and achieve goals in life. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is crucial to success, as we often face critical decisions on a daily basis. I firmly believe that by cultivating and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health, we can all reach our desired goals.
My experience as a Mental Health Therapist has developed over the year by providing support to clients who have experienced: Severe Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disregulation Disorders, Phobias, and other diagnosis that often impair a persons's ability to function and achieve goals in life. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is crucial to success, as we often face critical decisions on a daily basis. I firmly believe that by cultivating and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health, we can all reach our desired goals.
Teresa A. Kellstrom, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merced, CA 95340
With 15 years in the counseling profession, I have provided therapeutic services to a number of clients of all ages with issues ranging from peer conflicts in school, to domestic violence in the home. I enjoy working with clients of all demographics to assist in helping them find their strengths and focus on a positive future. I enjoy working with clients through life's transitions and hardships by utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as other modalities tailored to the individual client.
With 15 years in the counseling profession, I have provided therapeutic services to a number of clients of all ages with issues ranging from peer conflicts in school, to domestic violence in the home. I enjoy working with clients of all demographics to assist in helping them find their strengths and focus on a positive future. I enjoy working with clients through life's transitions and hardships by utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as other modalities tailored to the individual client.
Life can get difficult sometimes and leave you feeling vulnerable, anxious or sad. Seeking support can make all the difference. Change does not happen overnight but I am confident that with consistency and motivation, we can get there by collaboratively working together. I strongly believe that each of us have the power to change and create the life that we want. The answers to your problems are already within you, you just need to know how to access them. My goal is to help guide you through your self-discovery, work with you to set goals and teach coping strategies
Life can get difficult sometimes and leave you feeling vulnerable, anxious or sad. Seeking support can make all the difference. Change does not happen overnight but I am confident that with consistency and motivation, we can get there by collaboratively working together. I strongly believe that each of us have the power to change and create the life that we want. The answers to your problems are already within you, you just need to know how to access them. My goal is to help guide you through your self-discovery, work with you to set goals and teach coping strategies
Hi, my name is Trinity Flores, LCSW, and I have a holistic approach with a goal to provide helpful tools and skill-building that can be used beyond the completion of therapy. I aim to provide a safe space for clients to utilize tools to improve the quality of their lives and relationships to reach their fullest potential. I take a client-centered approach to therapy and see therapy as collaborative. The most common theoretical approaches I use are solution-focused, trauma narrative, cognitive behavioral therapy, and managing and adapting practices.
Hi, my name is Trinity Flores, LCSW, and I have a holistic approach with a goal to provide helpful tools and skill-building that can be used beyond the completion of therapy. I aim to provide a safe space for clients to utilize tools to improve the quality of their lives and relationships to reach their fullest potential. I take a client-centered approach to therapy and see therapy as collaborative. The most common theoretical approaches I use are solution-focused, trauma narrative, cognitive behavioral therapy, and managing and adapting practices.
I'm here to help you navigate the ups and downs of life via positive lifestyle choices based on your individual needs and strengths. I generally see adults struggling with life challenges, whether general relationship issues, marital/couples, familial, mid-life, aging, work-related stress, career changes, and overall wellness. My therapeutic perspective is holistic, client-centered, and strength-based, with a systemic and post-modern background. My communication style is an empathic, warm, and relaxed environment where you are free to explore your thoughts and feelings safely.
I'm here to help you navigate the ups and downs of life via positive lifestyle choices based on your individual needs and strengths. I generally see adults struggling with life challenges, whether general relationship issues, marital/couples, familial, mid-life, aging, work-related stress, career changes, and overall wellness. My therapeutic perspective is holistic, client-centered, and strength-based, with a systemic and post-modern background. My communication style is an empathic, warm, and relaxed environment where you are free to explore your thoughts and feelings safely.
Hi! and welcome :) I am Rachel Navarro, a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California with over 15 years of experience in the social services sector. My areas of focus include: addictions, LGBT, grief, intimacy-related issues, career difficulties, depression, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, attachment Issues, blended Family Issues, body image, caregiver issues and stress, communication problems, divorce and separation, family problems, forgiveness, pregnancy and childbirth, self-love, women's issues and workplace challenges.
Hi! and welcome :) I am Rachel Navarro, a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California with over 15 years of experience in the social services sector. My areas of focus include: addictions, LGBT, grief, intimacy-related issues, career difficulties, depression, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, attachment Issues, blended Family Issues, body image, caregiver issues and stress, communication problems, divorce and separation, family problems, forgiveness, pregnancy and childbirth, self-love, women's issues and workplace challenges.
I have always found it fascinating that so much learning can arise from a simple conversation. I believe that as human beings we are constantly evolving and therefore, I thrive on learning from the professionals that surround me as well as my clients. It is the most humbling and rewarding experience to serve an individual that has courageously put their faith in me to guide them in their healing journey. I see growth not only in the client but also in myself because I believe human beings are meant to learn, evolve and grow from educating one another.
I have always found it fascinating that so much learning can arise from a simple conversation. I believe that as human beings we are constantly evolving and therefore, I thrive on learning from the professionals that surround me as well as my clients. It is the most humbling and rewarding experience to serve an individual that has courageously put their faith in me to guide them in their healing journey. I see growth not only in the client but also in myself because I believe human beings are meant to learn, evolve and grow from educating one another.
Natasha N Cerrillo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95341 (Online Only)
Natasha’s educational background consists of an Associates Degree in Child Development, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences (consisting of psychology, sociology and gender studies), and a Master’s Degree in Science for Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapies, and Behavioral Analysis from California State University, Stanislaus. Natasha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) with an 10-year background in behavioral analysis. Natasha’s clinical experience includes individual therapy for children, adults, couples and family therapy,
Natasha’s educational background consists of an Associates Degree in Child Development, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences (consisting of psychology, sociology and gender studies), and a Master’s Degree in Science for Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapies, and Behavioral Analysis from California State University, Stanislaus. Natasha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) with an 10-year background in behavioral analysis. Natasha’s clinical experience includes individual therapy for children, adults, couples and family therapy,
Megan Hoff is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who takes a compassionate and client-centered approach to counseling. Megan has extensive experience working with youth, adults, and families from various cultures and addressing diverse needs. Megan has a strong background in community mental health, working alongside youth and families. She has experience in treating depression, anxiety, school and work stress, family conflict, self-esteem, and relational challenges but is open to addressing a wide range of topics in therapy.
Megan Hoff is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who takes a compassionate and client-centered approach to counseling. Megan has extensive experience working with youth, adults, and families from various cultures and addressing diverse needs. Megan has a strong background in community mental health, working alongside youth and families. She has experience in treating depression, anxiety, school and work stress, family conflict, self-esteem, and relational challenges but is open to addressing a wide range of topics in therapy.
Heather Gumm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340 (Online Only)
Welcome! I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to navigate life's challenges and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. My goal is to meet you where you are and provide a comfortable space to be yourself and work through life challenges. I am trained in EMDR and utilize a strength based & person-centered approach as well as other modalities such as mindfulness. I enjoy working with children, teens and adults experiencing anxiety, stress, and trauma, military families including spouses and children and with women’s health issues. I enjoy including pets in the therapy process too!
Welcome! I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to navigate life's challenges and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. My goal is to meet you where you are and provide a comfortable space to be yourself and work through life challenges. I am trained in EMDR and utilize a strength based & person-centered approach as well as other modalities such as mindfulness. I enjoy working with children, teens and adults experiencing anxiety, stress, and trauma, military families including spouses and children and with women’s health issues. I enjoy including pets in the therapy process too!
Haleh Rambod
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merced, CA 95340
We all face challenges in our relationships and in our lives. While many of these challenges can be dealt with on our own, there are times when we need the professional assistance of a guide, a counselor, or a coach to help us learn the skills and tools necessary to overcome the challenges we face and move forward in life with confidence and optimism. As a professional counselor and guide, I believe in your potential for self-discovery. As you consciously make an effort to experience what makes you unique, you'll become aware of your personal power and learn to create the positive, life-altering transformations you seek!
We all face challenges in our relationships and in our lives. While many of these challenges can be dealt with on our own, there are times when we need the professional assistance of a guide, a counselor, or a coach to help us learn the skills and tools necessary to overcome the challenges we face and move forward in life with confidence and optimism. As a professional counselor and guide, I believe in your potential for self-discovery. As you consciously make an effort to experience what makes you unique, you'll become aware of your personal power and learn to create the positive, life-altering transformations you seek!
Christin Montoya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340
Not accepting new clients
Hello! My name is Christin and I have been in the business of helping others for over 15 years. I have provided counseling in an outpatient setting and have significant experience working with individuals navigating life with anxiety, depression, and a history of trauma. I have worked primarily with adolescents, adults, and couples. I am passionate about providing an individualized, strength-based care, empowering individuals to lead their treatment and change their life. I enjoy what I do: planting seeds of hope and cultivating change.
Hello! My name is Christin and I have been in the business of helping others for over 15 years. I have provided counseling in an outpatient setting and have significant experience working with individuals navigating life with anxiety, depression, and a history of trauma. I have worked primarily with adolescents, adults, and couples. I am passionate about providing an individualized, strength-based care, empowering individuals to lead their treatment and change their life. I enjoy what I do: planting seeds of hope and cultivating change.
Mirian Cardenas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merced, CA 95341
Not accepting new clients
Life can get complicated and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let me help guide you through this journey!
Life can get complicated and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let me help guide you through this journey!
More Therapists Nearby
Dr. Lyssabeth Mattoon
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atwater, CA 95301 (Online Only)
Whether a traumatic experience has turned your world upside down or anxiety, depression, bipolar or grief are making it difficult for you to function at your best, therapy can help. I can teach you to tap into your inner strength in times of crisis while helping you work through your challenges in order to heal. My focus is on getting you results and decreasing your symptoms as soon as possible. Treating you as a whole person by addressing the connections between your mental, physical and spiritual health is one way that I am able to achieve this.
Whether a traumatic experience has turned your world upside down or anxiety, depression, bipolar or grief are making it difficult for you to function at your best, therapy can help. I can teach you to tap into your inner strength in times of crisis while helping you work through your challenges in order to heal. My focus is on getting you results and decreasing your symptoms as soon as possible. Treating you as a whole person by addressing the connections between your mental, physical and spiritual health is one way that I am able to achieve this.
My name is April Jones and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have been licensed since 2005 and I work with adults and adolescents specializing in anxiety, stress, trauma, and racial trauma from a culturally sensitive perspective, using an eclectic approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and TFCBT.
My name is April Jones and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have been licensed since 2005 and I work with adults and adolescents specializing in anxiety, stress, trauma, and racial trauma from a culturally sensitive perspective, using an eclectic approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and TFCBT.
See more therapy options for Merced
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.