Play Therapy in Piedmont, CA
With young children, I provide play therapy.
I am well trained as a licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I strive to create a genuine relationship with my clients to allow for collaborative exploration of the areas in their lives that interfere with personal fulfillment. My approach also involves listening actively, building trust, being curious, providing empathy, and making direct comments to help my clients develop greater awareness about themselves and the patterns in their lives that cause emotional distress or relationship difficulties. This allows my clients to grow and to live more meaningful lives.
With young children, I provide play therapy.
I am well trained as a licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I strive to create a genuine relationship with my clients to allow for collaborative exploration of the areas in their lives that interfere with personal fulfillment. My approach also involves listening actively, building trust, being curious, providing empathy, and making direct comments to help my clients develop greater awareness about themselves and the patterns in their lives that cause emotional distress or relationship difficulties. This allows my clients to grow and to live more meaningful lives.
I combine evidence-based practices like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness tools with play, humor, and creativity to help you achieve your goals and break out of whatever rut you may find yourself in.
Mental health challenges can cause us to feel like we are waging a daily, silent war with ourselves. Physical tension and racing thoughts may seem to consume the entirety of your being and yet, deep down, a part of you has a sense that this is not really you. I know it is not you, too. I believe so deeply in your resilience, innate well-being, and ability to thrive beyond your current experience of anxiety and tension. I help individuals experiencing OCD, eating disorders, generalized anxiety, and patterns of addiction to live a life beyond symptom management.
I combine evidence-based practices like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness tools with play, humor, and creativity to help you achieve your goals and break out of whatever rut you may find yourself in.
Mental health challenges can cause us to feel like we are waging a daily, silent war with ourselves. Physical tension and racing thoughts may seem to consume the entirety of your being and yet, deep down, a part of you has a sense that this is not really you. I know it is not you, too. I believe so deeply in your resilience, innate well-being, and ability to thrive beyond your current experience of anxiety and tension. I help individuals experiencing OCD, eating disorders, generalized anxiety, and patterns of addiction to live a life beyond symptom management.
I do play therapy in-person and help coparents cooperate and communicate.
Most people come to see me because they are experiencing some sort of distress that they want help with. What they come to discover is that therapy can be about so much more than relieving pain. I facilitate a process of reflection and self-discovery that can help you connect to your inner creativity and capacity to grow. I focus on helping you expand your relationships, your ability to love and receive love. And together we search for your sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.
I do play therapy in-person and help coparents cooperate and communicate.
Most people come to see me because they are experiencing some sort of distress that they want help with. What they come to discover is that therapy can be about so much more than relieving pain. I facilitate a process of reflection and self-discovery that can help you connect to your inner creativity and capacity to grow. I focus on helping you expand your relationships, your ability to love and receive love. And together we search for your sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.
I've trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples & Child-Centered Play Therapy for young children.
I am committed to helping adults explore the roots of their persistent dissatisfaction, enhance their self-awareness, and find more freedom and joy in their work and relationships. With children & teens, I specialize in helping navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, the impacts of traumatic experiences, and big or overwhelming emotions. I create a nurturing relationship where young clients can build their confidence through conversation, play, and creativity. In addition to individual work with children, I also offer dyadic therapy with very young children (0-5) and their caregivers.
I've trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples & Child-Centered Play Therapy for young children.
I am committed to helping adults explore the roots of their persistent dissatisfaction, enhance their self-awareness, and find more freedom and joy in their work and relationships. With children & teens, I specialize in helping navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, the impacts of traumatic experiences, and big or overwhelming emotions. I create a nurturing relationship where young clients can build their confidence through conversation, play, and creativity. In addition to individual work with children, I also offer dyadic therapy with very young children (0-5) and their caregivers.
Alfredo Laris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Piedmont, CA 94611 (Online Only)
I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.
I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Piedmont, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
“There’s nothing more healing than choosing love.” You want connection and closeness yet you struggle to find it. You feel frustrated that your relationships aren’t fulfilling or aren't right for you. You're reflective and thoughtful, and yet you're having difficulty showing up how you want to in your life, partnership, or family. Perhaps you're struggling with isolation, anxiety, depression, or overwhelm. These are real challenges. Together we can co-create a gentle yet courageous space to explore who you are, what you need, and how to try new things that move you toward what you value most in life and in your relationships.
“There’s nothing more healing than choosing love.” You want connection and closeness yet you struggle to find it. You feel frustrated that your relationships aren’t fulfilling or aren't right for you. You're reflective and thoughtful, and yet you're having difficulty showing up how you want to in your life, partnership, or family. Perhaps you're struggling with isolation, anxiety, depression, or overwhelm. These are real challenges. Together we can co-create a gentle yet courageous space to explore who you are, what you need, and how to try new things that move you toward what you value most in life and in your relationships.
Experience compassion and open-heartedness in everyday life and freedom from patterns of the past. I see individuals, couples and families with issues of integrating trauma, communication/knowing your truth, healing sexuality/deep connection, infidelity, addiction and family concerns. I help clients find a fuller, more alive life, in partnership with the people and family, chosen or from birth, around them.
Experience compassion and open-heartedness in everyday life and freedom from patterns of the past. I see individuals, couples and families with issues of integrating trauma, communication/knowing your truth, healing sexuality/deep connection, infidelity, addiction and family concerns. I help clients find a fuller, more alive life, in partnership with the people and family, chosen or from birth, around them.
If you hold yourself back in life, work and relationships, worry too much about things you've done or things you're about to do, are often bummed out, or would like your relationships to be more satisfying, then these are good indications that you may benefit from the type of psychotherapy I offer. I have helped many people through all of these issues, and others. Give me a call, and if I'm not the right fit for you, I promise to help you find the therapist who is. You don't have to keep suffering alone.
If you hold yourself back in life, work and relationships, worry too much about things you've done or things you're about to do, are often bummed out, or would like your relationships to be more satisfying, then these are good indications that you may benefit from the type of psychotherapy I offer. I have helped many people through all of these issues, and others. Give me a call, and if I'm not the right fit for you, I promise to help you find the therapist who is. You don't have to keep suffering alone.
Joan A Pezanoski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Piedmont, CA 94610
I am a warm and caring human being with a clear understanding that therapy is not a "one size fits all" process. I fully appreciate the uniqueness of each individual, couple and family and will work with you to develop a plan that makes sense to you and addresses the realities of your life. Whether your goal is to improve your relationships, alleviate undesirable symptoms, bring more purpose and fulfillment to your life, rid yourself of unwanted behaviors, or experience more joy in your life, I can help you achieve these goals. Experienced in working with the LGBTQ community.
I am a warm and caring human being with a clear understanding that therapy is not a "one size fits all" process. I fully appreciate the uniqueness of each individual, couple and family and will work with you to develop a plan that makes sense to you and addresses the realities of your life. Whether your goal is to improve your relationships, alleviate undesirable symptoms, bring more purpose and fulfillment to your life, rid yourself of unwanted behaviors, or experience more joy in your life, I can help you achieve these goals. Experienced in working with the LGBTQ community.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training conducting psychological assessments of children and adults, identifying and tailoring therapeutic goals to each individual in order to provide compassionate and effective psychotherapy and psychological consultation. I earned my doctorate at UC Berkeley and completed my clinical training, working with children and adults, at the Veterans Administration Healthcare System, UCSF Medical Center and UC Davis Medical Center.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training conducting psychological assessments of children and adults, identifying and tailoring therapeutic goals to each individual in order to provide compassionate and effective psychotherapy and psychological consultation. I earned my doctorate at UC Berkeley and completed my clinical training, working with children and adults, at the Veterans Administration Healthcare System, UCSF Medical Center and UC Davis Medical Center.
Parenting can be a deeply conflictual experience. Sometimes we agree with Bette Davis who said "If you have never been hated by your child, you have never been a parent." Other times we identify with Anne Lamott's notion that "There really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child." The seemingly unpredictable alternation of positive and negative feelings that come with raising a family can be painful and bewildering, and our self-esteem as parents suffers most when it becomes difficult to access the good in our closest relationships.
Parenting can be a deeply conflictual experience. Sometimes we agree with Bette Davis who said "If you have never been hated by your child, you have never been a parent." Other times we identify with Anne Lamott's notion that "There really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child." The seemingly unpredictable alternation of positive and negative feelings that come with raising a family can be painful and bewildering, and our self-esteem as parents suffers most when it becomes difficult to access the good in our closest relationships.
Cheryl Feldman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Piedmont, CA 94610
Children and teens are more aware of their own internal states and the world around them than ever before, while the family unit takes on more stress. This combination can create anxiety, depression, acting out behaviors, confusion, and educational struggles for many. Through a strength-based perspective I focus on communication, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I work with youth (and families) to explore their patterns of interactions with others and encourage self-awareness and growth in these areas. Developing a relationship with a child or teen takes time and care, both of which I have done for nearly twenty years.
Children and teens are more aware of their own internal states and the world around them than ever before, while the family unit takes on more stress. This combination can create anxiety, depression, acting out behaviors, confusion, and educational struggles for many. Through a strength-based perspective I focus on communication, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I work with youth (and families) to explore their patterns of interactions with others and encourage self-awareness and growth in these areas. Developing a relationship with a child or teen takes time and care, both of which I have done for nearly twenty years.
I bring forth a comprehensive and compassionate approach to psychotherapy. My practice is rooted in embodiment and practicality, aiming to foster profound insights and sustainable growth. Through a collaborative journey marked by playfulness and genuine curiosity, you will embark on a transformative exploration of your inner world. Together, we will uncover the intricacies of your psyche, guiding you towards a deeper connection with your core self and a heightened sense of resilience.
I bring forth a comprehensive and compassionate approach to psychotherapy. My practice is rooted in embodiment and practicality, aiming to foster profound insights and sustainable growth. Through a collaborative journey marked by playfulness and genuine curiosity, you will embark on a transformative exploration of your inner world. Together, we will uncover the intricacies of your psyche, guiding you towards a deeper connection with your core self and a heightened sense of resilience.
Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I provide a practical framework that helps individuals, parents, and kids. I also enjoy working with college-aged students and athletes. I believe the relationship we create is crucial in our work. Together we can explore the areas where you are struggling and find ways to help you live more authentically. I provide in-home therapy for postpartum parents. I am trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Please feel free to reach out for a 15 minute consultation call to see if it is a good fit.
Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I provide a practical framework that helps individuals, parents, and kids. I also enjoy working with college-aged students and athletes. I believe the relationship we create is crucial in our work. Together we can explore the areas where you are struggling and find ways to help you live more authentically. I provide in-home therapy for postpartum parents. I am trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Please feel free to reach out for a 15 minute consultation call to see if it is a good fit.
Sophia Green Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Piedmont, CA 94611
You deserve support navigating life's challenges and moving towards your value-aligned life and core self. You may be feeling overwhelm, stuckness, worry, perfectionism, self-doubt, relationship difficulties, grief, or are in transition. Together we will work on what matters to you. We will cultivate a deeper sense of ease, self-acceptance, and meaning.
You deserve support navigating life's challenges and moving towards your value-aligned life and core self. You may be feeling overwhelm, stuckness, worry, perfectionism, self-doubt, relationship difficulties, grief, or are in transition. Together we will work on what matters to you. We will cultivate a deeper sense of ease, self-acceptance, and meaning.
Could your child use some help with managing big feelings and impulses? Are these difficulties interfering with their functioning at school, home, or with friends? Does your child struggle with constant worrying or anxious ruminations? Are their fears getting in the way of their ability to enjoy life? My therapeutic skills groups are designed for kids who could use work on emotional regulation, social skills, and managing anxiety. Confidence Club can help your child master those skills and build confidence for life! Kids' groups are 12 week modules. Teen anxiety support group accepting ongoing referrals.
Could your child use some help with managing big feelings and impulses? Are these difficulties interfering with their functioning at school, home, or with friends? Does your child struggle with constant worrying or anxious ruminations? Are their fears getting in the way of their ability to enjoy life? My therapeutic skills groups are designed for kids who could use work on emotional regulation, social skills, and managing anxiety. Confidence Club can help your child master those skills and build confidence for life! Kids' groups are 12 week modules. Teen anxiety support group accepting ongoing referrals.
Aishwarya Subramanian
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Piedmont, CA 94611 (Online Only)
As human beings, we may desire freedom, fulfillment, or meaning in our lives. But sometimes, the mind can trap us in its false narratives. I work with multicultural expats, global nomads, & children of immigrants struggling to find their place and sense of belonging in the world, artists/creatives of color grappling with creators’ block and self-doubt, and South Asian teens & adults in the diaspora interested in exploring how perfectionism, unrealistic societal/familial expectations, and cultural heritage (including religion, spirituality, sexuality, caste, class, race) impact their emotional well-being and who they are as people.
As human beings, we may desire freedom, fulfillment, or meaning in our lives. But sometimes, the mind can trap us in its false narratives. I work with multicultural expats, global nomads, & children of immigrants struggling to find their place and sense of belonging in the world, artists/creatives of color grappling with creators’ block and self-doubt, and South Asian teens & adults in the diaspora interested in exploring how perfectionism, unrealistic societal/familial expectations, and cultural heritage (including religion, spirituality, sexuality, caste, class, race) impact their emotional well-being and who they are as people.
People seek therapy when they feel unhappy, anxious, stuck in patterns and relationships that don't serve them or acting in ways that are self-destructive. Therapy can address and change outmoded ways of being. The therapeutic relationship is key to this work: It offers the possibility of exploring and understanding more effective and satisfying ways of relating to ourselves and others. I work with children, adolescents and adults in individual therapy, using a collaborative approach that centers on empathy, understanding, curiosity and exploration.
People seek therapy when they feel unhappy, anxious, stuck in patterns and relationships that don't serve them or acting in ways that are self-destructive. Therapy can address and change outmoded ways of being. The therapeutic relationship is key to this work: It offers the possibility of exploring and understanding more effective and satisfying ways of relating to ourselves and others. I work with children, adolescents and adults in individual therapy, using a collaborative approach that centers on empathy, understanding, curiosity and exploration.
Collaborative Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Piedmont, CA 94610 (Online Only)
One way that people can cope with trauma, anxiety and depression is to distract ourselves with work. While this is a functional way to survive, it can also lead to feelings of isolation, numbness, extreme stress and burnout. Future goals and dreams may feel hopeless, you may be feeling like it is getting harder and harder just to move through your day. It may become challenging to connect with others and perhaps impossible to connect with any joy. In these times of uncertainty, it makes sense that we would be reaching out for support, reevaluating what is important and talking through ideas on how to move forward.
One way that people can cope with trauma, anxiety and depression is to distract ourselves with work. While this is a functional way to survive, it can also lead to feelings of isolation, numbness, extreme stress and burnout. Future goals and dreams may feel hopeless, you may be feeling like it is getting harder and harder just to move through your day. It may become challenging to connect with others and perhaps impossible to connect with any joy. In these times of uncertainty, it makes sense that we would be reaching out for support, reevaluating what is important and talking through ideas on how to move forward.
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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.