Play Therapy in Mountain View, CA
I commonly utilize therapy modalities such as Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Gianna Merriam, LCSW. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. My areas of practice include working with children and families, individuals (all ages), and groups. I enjoy promoting use of self-compassion practices, functional communication and empathy to impact individual needs and relationships. Clients I typically work with can range from age 5-60. I have extensive experience working with school-aged children that receive IEP services; I am educated and able to support parents in navigating the school system as well as community based resources.
I commonly utilize therapy modalities such as Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Gianna Merriam, LCSW. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. My areas of practice include working with children and families, individuals (all ages), and groups. I enjoy promoting use of self-compassion practices, functional communication and empathy to impact individual needs and relationships. Clients I typically work with can range from age 5-60. I have extensive experience working with school-aged children that receive IEP services; I am educated and able to support parents in navigating the school system as well as community based resources.
Nicole Nien Kuo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94043
I help child clients in play therapy sessions in which specialized mediums and techniques are used in a safe and trusted environment to achieve therapeutic effects.
I'd like to support you going through the difficult moment you might be experiencing now. Life is no doubt challenging but a better and quality life should never be too much to ask. In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, individuals, couples, and families. I have years of experience working with children and teens from ages 3 to 17 with different kinds/levels of issues and challenges. In the process, parent-child or family relational issues sometimes reveal and could be addressed through additional work or referrals. I also help couples to manage disagreements, de-escalate conflicts, and rebuild trust.
I help child clients in play therapy sessions in which specialized mediums and techniques are used in a safe and trusted environment to achieve therapeutic effects.
I'd like to support you going through the difficult moment you might be experiencing now. Life is no doubt challenging but a better and quality life should never be too much to ask. In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, individuals, couples, and families. I have years of experience working with children and teens from ages 3 to 17 with different kinds/levels of issues and challenges. In the process, parent-child or family relational issues sometimes reveal and could be addressed through additional work or referrals. I also help couples to manage disagreements, de-escalate conflicts, and rebuild trust.
Carrie O'Leary
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94040
Once parents and children are working well together, the child continues to play in session while I coach newly confident parents in how to issue directions and set limits in a calm, neutral manner.
It’s easy for parents to be overwhelmed with the non-stop demands of parenting. When a child displays behaviors such as defiance, temper tantrums, aggression, impulsivity, etc, it can feel unbelievably stressful. My approach is to partner with parents to guide them in, first, developing the skills to enhance their bond with their child. During therapeutic coaching sessions, the parent has the opportunity to develop mastery of skills in a calm, non-threatening format while the child plays with toys, with my guidance and support. This approach is well researched and successful.
Once parents and children are working well together, the child continues to play in session while I coach newly confident parents in how to issue directions and set limits in a calm, neutral manner.
It’s easy for parents to be overwhelmed with the non-stop demands of parenting. When a child displays behaviors such as defiance, temper tantrums, aggression, impulsivity, etc, it can feel unbelievably stressful. My approach is to partner with parents to guide them in, first, developing the skills to enhance their bond with their child. During therapeutic coaching sessions, the parent has the opportunity to develop mastery of skills in a calm, non-threatening format while the child plays with toys, with my guidance and support. This approach is well researched and successful.
Cely M Queiroz
Marriage & Family Therapist, PAC, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94040
My therapy approaches are Narrative, Somatic and sensorimotor, Brain Spotting, CBT, Play and Sand Tray therapy, and others as applicable to yours, or your child's situation.
Life sometimes presents us with challenges, and therapy is an opportunity to evaluate what is working, what needs change, and how to redirect our energy . As a licensed therapist, I am here to support you through our therapeutic relationship. I provide a safe, non judgmental and unconditional environment to explore. Together, we gain insight into troubling issues on cognitive, emotional and experiential levels. I can partner with you helping you move from contemplation to action. I can collaborate with you individually, as a couple, as parents, or as a family. View more at my site celytherapy.com
My therapy approaches are Narrative, Somatic and sensorimotor, Brain Spotting, CBT, Play and Sand Tray therapy, and others as applicable to yours, or your child's situation.
Life sometimes presents us with challenges, and therapy is an opportunity to evaluate what is working, what needs change, and how to redirect our energy . As a licensed therapist, I am here to support you through our therapeutic relationship. I provide a safe, non judgmental and unconditional environment to explore. Together, we gain insight into troubling issues on cognitive, emotional and experiential levels. I can partner with you helping you move from contemplation to action. I can collaborate with you individually, as a couple, as parents, or as a family. View more at my site celytherapy.com
Sophie Marchand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94035
To address your specific needs and goals, I utilize a variety of techniques and modalities such as mindfulness, guided visualization, art therapy, and play therapy.
Do you wonder why the same problems show up over and over? Do you struggle to make the right decisions and then blame yourself for failing? Do you feel overwhelmed, unhappy, or stuck? If you respond positively to these questions, hope and help are at your fingertips. To support your needs, I provide a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment that help you deal with your personal challenges. I have a special interest in working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, parenting, co-parenting, and life transitions such as divorce or job loss.
To address your specific needs and goals, I utilize a variety of techniques and modalities such as mindfulness, guided visualization, art therapy, and play therapy.
Do you wonder why the same problems show up over and over? Do you struggle to make the right decisions and then blame yourself for failing? Do you feel overwhelmed, unhappy, or stuck? If you respond positively to these questions, hope and help are at your fingertips. To support your needs, I provide a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment that help you deal with your personal challenges. I have a special interest in working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, parenting, co-parenting, and life transitions such as divorce or job loss.
Patricia Palmer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Mountain View, CA 94040
I use Art and Play therapy techniques with children because this is their language, and with adolescents or adults for creative reflection.
I believe that each person knows themselves best, and creating a safe, welcoming space allows for exploration and growth. My greatest tool is a curiosity about your life's journey, your struggles and accomplishments, your passions and fears. I use a person-centered approach so you or your child can build confidence and grow in the ability to meet life's challenges. I support parents through family sessions designed to build stronger family connections.
I use Art and Play therapy techniques with children because this is their language, and with adolescents or adults for creative reflection.
I believe that each person knows themselves best, and creating a safe, welcoming space allows for exploration and growth. My greatest tool is a curiosity about your life's journey, your struggles and accomplishments, your passions and fears. I use a person-centered approach so you or your child can build confidence and grow in the ability to meet life's challenges. I support parents through family sessions designed to build stronger family connections.
Doris Chienyu Lin LeBoeuf
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Mountain View, CA 94043
To achieve that, I draw from a wide range of therapy models, including mindfulness, insight building, self-compassion, communication, play, art, and other strength-based techniques.
Counseling service is like having a personal trainer in the gym for our mind muscle; individually tailored guidance doesn’t hurt. We all have ups and downs in our life, work, family, relationships, and I'm here to support you through the things that are messy, challenging, and confusing with a safe space for you to just be yourself with no judgements. Let me join your journey of figuring-out, growing, healing, shining and thriving, and make the full access to life experiences with joy of living come true.
To achieve that, I draw from a wide range of therapy models, including mindfulness, insight building, self-compassion, communication, play, art, and other strength-based techniques.
Counseling service is like having a personal trainer in the gym for our mind muscle; individually tailored guidance doesn’t hurt. We all have ups and downs in our life, work, family, relationships, and I'm here to support you through the things that are messy, challenging, and confusing with a safe space for you to just be yourself with no judgements. Let me join your journey of figuring-out, growing, healing, shining and thriving, and make the full access to life experiences with joy of living come true.
Hannah Ly - Therapist for Children and Teens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94035
Through the power of play, children can explore their feelings, develop problem-solving skills, and build emotional resilience in a safe and supportive environment.
I am a child therapist that specializes in helping children and teen with anxiety and trauma heal and thrive. If your child struggles with anxiety, shutting down, or tantrums, I get it. I understand how parenting children with anxiety is draining, and tiring. You want to help your child but you feel like you don’t have the proper tools or support. Here, I can help your child heal and grow through the power of play. As a Play Therapist, I use a child-centered approach that allows children to express themselves in their own unique way, using the language of play.
Through the power of play, children can explore their feelings, develop problem-solving skills, and build emotional resilience in a safe and supportive environment.
I am a child therapist that specializes in helping children and teen with anxiety and trauma heal and thrive. If your child struggles with anxiety, shutting down, or tantrums, I get it. I understand how parenting children with anxiety is draining, and tiring. You want to help your child but you feel like you don’t have the proper tools or support. Here, I can help your child heal and grow through the power of play. As a Play Therapist, I use a child-centered approach that allows children to express themselves in their own unique way, using the language of play.
When possible, I love to use play, sensory based experiences, and art in my work.
I believe children and teens can learn, grow, and thrive when they have coping skills, feel empowered, and practice self-care. My goal is to encourage youth to learn who they are and how to advocate for their unique needs. I specialize in working with neurodiverse, gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) youth and their families. I encourage youth to use their strengths and interests in order to grow, heal, and cope. Building self-awareness, such as understanding their own sensory processing and asynchronous development, is an important part of my work with youth.
When possible, I love to use play, sensory based experiences, and art in my work.
I believe children and teens can learn, grow, and thrive when they have coping skills, feel empowered, and practice self-care. My goal is to encourage youth to learn who they are and how to advocate for their unique needs. I specialize in working with neurodiverse, gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) youth and their families. I encourage youth to use their strengths and interests in order to grow, heal, and cope. Building self-awareness, such as understanding their own sensory processing and asynchronous development, is an important part of my work with youth.
Mor Frenkiel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94040
Do you ever feel like there should be more to life? When faced with another challenging event, you find yourself yearning for change, thinking, "I don't want to continue like this... I'm ready for a positive turn". Life can be different and better than it is now. There are places we can discover together that may be difficult to find alone. Fortunately, there is a path, a way to help you achieve your goals. I've worked with kids and adults, providing support for anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and cancer-related challenges, among others. I'm here, ready to begin our journey. Let's take the first step together.
Do you ever feel like there should be more to life? When faced with another challenging event, you find yourself yearning for change, thinking, "I don't want to continue like this... I'm ready for a positive turn". Life can be different and better than it is now. There are places we can discover together that may be difficult to find alone. Fortunately, there is a path, a way to help you achieve your goals. I've worked with kids and adults, providing support for anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and cancer-related challenges, among others. I'm here, ready to begin our journey. Let's take the first step together.
Heather Kilgore
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94040 (Online Only)
As a member of Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates Inc., Heather specializes in PTSD, families and children. Heather works with people struggling with anxiety, depression and family relations. Heather also helps military personnel & first responders with PTSD, trauma, stress, anxiety, vicarious trauma.
As a member of Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates Inc., Heather specializes in PTSD, families and children. Heather works with people struggling with anxiety, depression and family relations. Heather also helps military personnel & first responders with PTSD, trauma, stress, anxiety, vicarious trauma.
15 Second Videos
Toni Ratzburg
Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates, Inc
Chen Bentov-Hamam
Lauren Timmerman
Katherine Warner
Jen Clayman
ADHD Coach - Christina Coravos
Jaclyn Kelly Long
Amanda Noroña-Zhou
Kent Campbell
Leah Adrian-Briggs
Sakeenah Hakim, LCSW utilizes a strength based and holistic approach that emphasizes mindfulness and recognizes the effects of trauma on behavior and development. She prioritizes the client’s needs and encourages a partnership dynamic when establishing, implementing, and meeting the client’s treatment goals. I have a nonjudgmental client centered humanistic approach. I’m patient and respect the process it takes to build a rapport. I also believe words are power and assist clients with ways on how to minimize the use of words that feed negative thinking patterns.
Sakeenah Hakim, LCSW utilizes a strength based and holistic approach that emphasizes mindfulness and recognizes the effects of trauma on behavior and development. She prioritizes the client’s needs and encourages a partnership dynamic when establishing, implementing, and meeting the client’s treatment goals. I have a nonjudgmental client centered humanistic approach. I’m patient and respect the process it takes to build a rapport. I also believe words are power and assist clients with ways on how to minimize the use of words that feed negative thinking patterns.
Samantha Medeiros
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Mountain View, CA 94043
I'm an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and I support individuals, couples, families and groups from a variety of backgrounds and communities. I offer individual and relationship sessions for people of all sexual backgrounds and alternative-style relationships. As a trauma-informed and kink-aware mental health professional, I use an integrative approach to treatment modalities to tailor your therapeutic experience and growth process.
I'm an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and I support individuals, couples, families and groups from a variety of backgrounds and communities. I offer individual and relationship sessions for people of all sexual backgrounds and alternative-style relationships. As a trauma-informed and kink-aware mental health professional, I use an integrative approach to treatment modalities to tailor your therapeutic experience and growth process.
Nicholas Watkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, CA LMFT, WI LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94040 (Online Only)
As a member of Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates Nick specialize in PTSD, addictions, & life transitions. Nick work with clients struggling with hardships such self-harm & various forms of trauma. Nick also help military personnel & first responders with PTSD, with PTSD, trauma, stress, anxiety, vicarious trauma, and the transition back to civilian life using his own experience as a veteran who served 10 years enlisted in the Air Force and 1 deployment in a combat zone.
As a member of Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates Nick specialize in PTSD, addictions, & life transitions. Nick work with clients struggling with hardships such self-harm & various forms of trauma. Nick also help military personnel & first responders with PTSD, with PTSD, trauma, stress, anxiety, vicarious trauma, and the transition back to civilian life using his own experience as a veteran who served 10 years enlisted in the Air Force and 1 deployment in a combat zone.
Shiveta Gandotra Phd.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94040
In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing mental health is essential. I believe that, while challenges are inevitable, overcoming them is possible with the right support. I offer compassionate and effective therapy for children, adults, and couples, focusing on healing, growth, and resilience. Together, we can navigate life's difficulties and enhance your mental wellness. Let's embark on this journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing mental health is essential. I believe that, while challenges are inevitable, overcoming them is possible with the right support. I offer compassionate and effective therapy for children, adults, and couples, focusing on healing, growth, and resilience. Together, we can navigate life's difficulties and enhance your mental wellness. Let's embark on this journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Sonica Thakur
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Mountain View, CA 94043 (Online Only)
"What one person has to offer to another, is their own being, nothing more, nothing less" - Ram Dass. My therapeutic approach is a strength-based perspective that focuses on a person's innate potential rather than pathologies and shortfalls. Consistent with this approach, my role as a therapist lies not in solving problems but in helping clients examine inhibited issues and biases, identify practical solutions to their problems and progress towards deeper wisdom. I have worked with clients of various ethnicities, addressing a range of mental health issues, relationship problems, and life transitions.
"What one person has to offer to another, is their own being, nothing more, nothing less" - Ram Dass. My therapeutic approach is a strength-based perspective that focuses on a person's innate potential rather than pathologies and shortfalls. Consistent with this approach, my role as a therapist lies not in solving problems but in helping clients examine inhibited issues and biases, identify practical solutions to their problems and progress towards deeper wisdom. I have worked with clients of various ethnicities, addressing a range of mental health issues, relationship problems, and life transitions.
Nicole Dhamnaskar (Teen Specialist)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mountain View, CA 94043
Does your child or Teen seem distant, depressed or anxious? Are you struggling with how to navigate how social media affects your child? I know what it feels like both as a parent and as a young person when the world gets overwhelming and anxiety and/or depression seem to take over. I am here to help child and Teens address the changing and challenging world and family relationships of today. Working together, I am hopeful that we can help both you and/or your child relieve symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral challenges.
Does your child or Teen seem distant, depressed or anxious? Are you struggling with how to navigate how social media affects your child? I know what it feels like both as a parent and as a young person when the world gets overwhelming and anxiety and/or depression seem to take over. I am here to help child and Teens address the changing and challenging world and family relationships of today. Working together, I am hopeful that we can help both you and/or your child relieve symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral challenges.
Hi there, I'm Deanna, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As an Asian American woman of immigrant parents, I am passionate about helping diverse marginalized populations, young adults, and teens because I believe these populations are often unseen and struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Asian Americans from immigrant families hit close to home! I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am solution-focused and may address intergenerational/historical trauma if needed. I also use Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques.
Hi there, I'm Deanna, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As an Asian American woman of immigrant parents, I am passionate about helping diverse marginalized populations, young adults, and teens because I believe these populations are often unseen and struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Asian Americans from immigrant families hit close to home! I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am solution-focused and may address intergenerational/historical trauma if needed. I also use Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques.
Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates, Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, MAEd, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94040
Joelle’s passion is helping clients develop through self discovery and Post Trauma Growth. She is proactive, dynamic, and compassionate while addressing their individual needs. By offering a safe space, Joelle works with a diverse clientele that includes C-suite executives, active and retired military personnel, first responders, and those experiencing trauma, PTSD and complex-PTSD. Joelle uses reflective listening, strategic uses reflective listening, strategic inquiry, & encouragement to provide feedback & interaction that allows clients to make informed, healthy and compassionate decisions.
Joelle’s passion is helping clients develop through self discovery and Post Trauma Growth. She is proactive, dynamic, and compassionate while addressing their individual needs. By offering a safe space, Joelle works with a diverse clientele that includes C-suite executives, active and retired military personnel, first responders, and those experiencing trauma, PTSD and complex-PTSD. Joelle uses reflective listening, strategic uses reflective listening, strategic inquiry, & encouragement to provide feedback & interaction that allows clients to make informed, healthy and compassionate decisions.
In the TV show "Sex and City" there is a line: " in this city ( New York) everyone is looking for something, a job, an apartment, or a partner. " Underline this, you can feel the anxiety and the need for certainty, comfort and connection. These are human existial needs and I can help you with: stress, anxiety, depression that are related to work, personal/intimate relationship, relationship with children, and developmental trauma. I believe in therapy is to help people to return to normal life, work and develop more enjoyable things.
In the TV show "Sex and City" there is a line: " in this city ( New York) everyone is looking for something, a job, an apartment, or a partner. " Underline this, you can feel the anxiety and the need for certainty, comfort and connection. These are human existial needs and I can help you with: stress, anxiety, depression that are related to work, personal/intimate relationship, relationship with children, and developmental trauma. I believe in therapy is to help people to return to normal life, work and develop more enjoyable things.
See more therapy options for Mountain View
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Mountain View
- Atherton
- Cupertino
- Los Altos
- Los Altos Hills
- Menlo Park
- Milpitas
- Newark
- Palo Alto
- Redwood City
- Santa Clara
- Saratoga
- 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.