Play Therapy in Pittsburg, CA
Hope Springs Psychotherapy and Consulting
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburg, CA 94565
We are a mental health practice focused on tailoring therapy to your needs, while providing an environment to promote healing and wellness. We believe in "Building resilience, one life experience at a time". There are many options when it comes to seeking therapy. We believe that trust, and a willingness to be vulnerable is not something that should be taken lightly. We believe a therapeutic relationship in a safe environment can be healing. Regardless of what has caused you to consider therapy, know that our passion to help others means that we are committed to helping you.
We are a mental health practice focused on tailoring therapy to your needs, while providing an environment to promote healing and wellness. We believe in "Building resilience, one life experience at a time". There are many options when it comes to seeking therapy. We believe that trust, and a willingness to be vulnerable is not something that should be taken lightly. We believe a therapeutic relationship in a safe environment can be healing. Regardless of what has caused you to consider therapy, know that our passion to help others means that we are committed to helping you.
Hello, my name is Nicole Stiving. I am an LCSW. I approach therapy by meeting clients where they are at. I believe clients are seeking mental health services for personal reasons so services should be focused on clients' voices and choices regarding what you hope to get from therapy services. Common theoretical approaches that I use are the person-centered approach, systems approach, and using concepts of cognitive behavioral therapy. Most of my experience has been in working with children and families. Therefore, I am comfortable with working with children, youth, transitional-age youth, and/or their caregivers.
Hello, my name is Nicole Stiving. I am an LCSW. I approach therapy by meeting clients where they are at. I believe clients are seeking mental health services for personal reasons so services should be focused on clients' voices and choices regarding what you hope to get from therapy services. Common theoretical approaches that I use are the person-centered approach, systems approach, and using concepts of cognitive behavioral therapy. Most of my experience has been in working with children and families. Therefore, I am comfortable with working with children, youth, transitional-age youth, and/or their caregivers.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
Relationships can be frustrating and challenging among couples, family members, and friends. Disappointments can lead to anger, resentment, and stressful disconnections. I can help you resolve these issues through the use of treatment modalities, feedback, communications, and coping skills. Working with me, you can learn to communicate effectively, identify roles and behaviors, and understand one another.
Relationships can be frustrating and challenging among couples, family members, and friends. Disappointments can lead to anger, resentment, and stressful disconnections. I can help you resolve these issues through the use of treatment modalities, feedback, communications, and coping skills. Working with me, you can learn to communicate effectively, identify roles and behaviors, and understand one another.
More Therapists Nearby
Angela Hernandez LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
A child’s language is through play and it is for this reason that I utilize play and art therapy to access the child’s internal world.
I specialize in children, adolescents, and adults, using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness, as well as other treatment modalities to address needs and facilitate growth. Setting goals and planning treatment is a collaborative process with the client (and parents) and I aim to cultivate an open and non-judgmental relationship during the therapy process. My years of experience include supporting clients through a myriad of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and/or loss, relational issues, self-esteem and adjustments to changes.
A child’s language is through play and it is for this reason that I utilize play and art therapy to access the child’s internal world.
I specialize in children, adolescents, and adults, using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness, as well as other treatment modalities to address needs and facilitate growth. Setting goals and planning treatment is a collaborative process with the client (and parents) and I aim to cultivate an open and non-judgmental relationship during the therapy process. My years of experience include supporting clients through a myriad of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and/or loss, relational issues, self-esteem and adjustments to changes.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy, hypnotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy.
My goal is to work with my clients to increase self-empowerment and learn new tools to overcome life challenges. I enjoy getting to know my clients, then working together to create a reasonable treatment plan where my client can feel confident moving forward with changes in their life. I specialize in trauma informed mental health therapy, which I realize is at the forefront of most of our life problems. I am looking forward to offering compassion, validation, and encouragement to my clients. Change can be challenging but not impossible, especially with extra support.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy, hypnotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy.
My goal is to work with my clients to increase self-empowerment and learn new tools to overcome life challenges. I enjoy getting to know my clients, then working together to create a reasonable treatment plan where my client can feel confident moving forward with changes in their life. I specialize in trauma informed mental health therapy, which I realize is at the forefront of most of our life problems. I am looking forward to offering compassion, validation, and encouragement to my clients. Change can be challenging but not impossible, especially with extra support.
Anna Sasser-Christian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Concord, CA 94519
I marry the language of children ( play) with the wisdom and insight of the parent to help your child heal, grow, and communicate.
I focus in Early Childhood Needs, Adoption/Adoptee Experiences, and Parent Support Needs. Children are not mini-adults, despite their best efforts to convince us otherwise! Children are ever-changing, efficiently growing into their next phase of development every-single-day. Imagine, tripling in size and skills in just a year! To make things more complicated, children learn, grow, and communicate through play. No wonder it can be hard to fully know how to help our children through life's surprises. Throw in curve balls like significant life experiences of adoption, divorce, or a pandemic, and we've got a puzzle!
I marry the language of children ( play) with the wisdom and insight of the parent to help your child heal, grow, and communicate.
I focus in Early Childhood Needs, Adoption/Adoptee Experiences, and Parent Support Needs. Children are not mini-adults, despite their best efforts to convince us otherwise! Children are ever-changing, efficiently growing into their next phase of development every-single-day. Imagine, tripling in size and skills in just a year! To make things more complicated, children learn, grow, and communicate through play. No wonder it can be hard to fully know how to help our children through life's surprises. Throw in curve balls like significant life experiences of adoption, divorce, or a pandemic, and we've got a puzzle!
I utilize play, art, movement, and mindfulness in my work with kids, teens, and adults.
I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool to build upon or develop skills to manage life's many twists and trials. Therapeutic work can also be extremely effective in improving and changing our relationships. I strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and respected. I love the work that I do and I believe it is really important to maintain a level of hope that positive change can occur in your life. This hope is especially important for those who've been impacted by trauma and abuse and for new parents struggling to find their way, both populations I have a passion to serve.
I utilize play, art, movement, and mindfulness in my work with kids, teens, and adults.
I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool to build upon or develop skills to manage life's many twists and trials. Therapeutic work can also be extremely effective in improving and changing our relationships. I strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and respected. I love the work that I do and I believe it is really important to maintain a level of hope that positive change can occur in your life. This hope is especially important for those who've been impacted by trauma and abuse and for new parents struggling to find their way, both populations I have a passion to serve.
Dana Goldstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I work with clients of all ages, including adults, couples, families, and children from preschool through the teen years. For adults and adolescents, I tailor therapy using a combination of art therapy, mindfulness techniques, sand tray, IFS-informed parts work, EMDR, and traditional talk therapy to explore and transform challenges. With younger children, who often express their emotions through behavior, I incorporate art and play therapy, sand tray techniques, play-infused EMDR, and a warm, positive connection to to understand and process their inner world. I also collaborate with the family to support growth and healing at home.
I work with clients of all ages, including adults, couples, families, and children from preschool through the teen years. For adults and adolescents, I tailor therapy using a combination of art therapy, mindfulness techniques, sand tray, IFS-informed parts work, EMDR, and traditional talk therapy to explore and transform challenges. With younger children, who often express their emotions through behavior, I incorporate art and play therapy, sand tray techniques, play-infused EMDR, and a warm, positive connection to to understand and process their inner world. I also collaborate with the family to support growth and healing at home.
Hi, my name is Jessica Hernandez and I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I utilize a client-centered approach to match client's needs and create an empowering environment. I utilize a client-centered approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I'm comfortable working with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. My goal with every client is to provide a safe environment where they can feel comfortable and supported in sharing their life experiences, trauma, and emotions.
Hi, my name is Jessica Hernandez and I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I utilize a client-centered approach to match client's needs and create an empowering environment. I utilize a client-centered approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I'm comfortable working with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. My goal with every client is to provide a safe environment where they can feel comfortable and supported in sharing their life experiences, trauma, and emotions.
Individual (adult and teen) Therapy, Play Therapy, Couples Therapy, Parenting Groups, and Anger Management.
C.O.P.E. Family Support Center creates space where children, youth, and families of all backgrounds can gain access to quality counseling programs and therapy services in a supportive and safe environment, free from stigma or judgement.
Individual (adult and teen) Therapy, Play Therapy, Couples Therapy, Parenting Groups, and Anger Management.
C.O.P.E. Family Support Center creates space where children, youth, and families of all backgrounds can gain access to quality counseling programs and therapy services in a supportive and safe environment, free from stigma or judgement.
My approach blends the healing properties of an affirming therapeutic relationship with the use of practical skills to empower clients to manage life's challenges. I focus on building upon clients' inherent strengths while aligning with their goals and values. The therapy model I use involves a combination of creative and play-based interventions for children and collaborative conversations with caregivers to support growth and progress. I hope to be a part of your family's path to wellness.
My approach blends the healing properties of an affirming therapeutic relationship with the use of practical skills to empower clients to manage life's challenges. I focus on building upon clients' inherent strengths while aligning with their goals and values. The therapy model I use involves a combination of creative and play-based interventions for children and collaborative conversations with caregivers to support growth and progress. I hope to be a part of your family's path to wellness.
My work with them follows a play therapy framework, allowing them to "work", in a natural way.
At any age, there are developmental, transitional and often unexpected circumstances that challenge us in life.
Be it aspects of parenting, the social or emotional challenges of being a child or teenager, or concerns about life transitions as an adult, my approach is safe and comfortable. I work from a place of patience, sincerity, humor and nonjudgement. I want the counseling experience for my clients to feel helpful, worthwhile and to be a journey to better understanding and personal growth.
My work with them follows a play therapy framework, allowing them to "work", in a natural way.
At any age, there are developmental, transitional and often unexpected circumstances that challenge us in life.
Be it aspects of parenting, the social or emotional challenges of being a child or teenager, or concerns about life transitions as an adult, my approach is safe and comfortable. I work from a place of patience, sincerity, humor and nonjudgement. I want the counseling experience for my clients to feel helpful, worthwhile and to be a journey to better understanding and personal growth.
I use traditional talk therapy based in current research, art, sand tray and play therapy.
It's important to me that you feel better as soon as possible. I work with a range of clients from children to elders. I've worked extensively with children and teens who are challenged with depression or anxiety due to school pressures, ADHD, peer problems, divorce, abuse or trauma, as well as loss and grief. I understand that events from the past can negatively impact how you are living today. I've worked a lot with adults abused as children, adult children of alcoholics or drug addicts, and individuals with mentally ill family members.
I use traditional talk therapy based in current research, art, sand tray and play therapy.
It's important to me that you feel better as soon as possible. I work with a range of clients from children to elders. I've worked extensively with children and teens who are challenged with depression or anxiety due to school pressures, ADHD, peer problems, divorce, abuse or trauma, as well as loss and grief. I understand that events from the past can negatively impact how you are living today. I've worked a lot with adults abused as children, adult children of alcoholics or drug addicts, and individuals with mentally ill family members.
Kayo Sumisaki
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518 (Online Only)
With children, I use a combination of art, talk and play therapy.
Is your child exhibiting emotional and/or behavioral problems? Are you having problems with your relationships or at work? Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or struggling with depression? I can help. In the safety of a caring and collaborative relationship, we will work on understanding how difficult life patterns are no longer serving you. My role is to meet my clients where they are and help guide them toward making lasting positive changes. I provide both short-term and long-term therapy. Call for a free consultation today!
With children, I use a combination of art, talk and play therapy.
Is your child exhibiting emotional and/or behavioral problems? Are you having problems with your relationships or at work? Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or struggling with depression? I can help. In the safety of a caring and collaborative relationship, we will work on understanding how difficult life patterns are no longer serving you. My role is to meet my clients where they are and help guide them toward making lasting positive changes. I provide both short-term and long-term therapy. Call for a free consultation today!
Jenny J Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, CA 94518 (Online Only)
She also facilitates social and play skills group with children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism and Asperger's, and other related disorders.
Know Thyself! Jenny believes that everyone carries a powerful tool inside them that makes everything possible! By learning about the resources and positive inner-tools that you already own, you can better understand yourself, your troubles, and the choices that you can make. Jenny helps you to become aware of your options, while helping you understand how to utilize them with your inner-strengths and tools.
She also facilitates social and play skills group with children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism and Asperger's, and other related disorders.
Know Thyself! Jenny believes that everyone carries a powerful tool inside them that makes everything possible! By learning about the resources and positive inner-tools that you already own, you can better understand yourself, your troubles, and the choices that you can make. Jenny helps you to become aware of your options, while helping you understand how to utilize them with your inner-strengths and tools.
I am also trained in Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy and Mindfulness.
Is your child struggling with behavior problems, ADHD, depression or anxiety? Are you looking for a therapist with experience working with Autism (and Aspergers) Spectrum Disorders? I specialize in working with children and teens and have over 17 years of experience working with these populations. I have worked as a Behavior Therapist for children on the Autistic spectrum, have taught my own Day Treatment Intensive classroom (for children with extreme behavior challenges) and have worked for Contra Costa County Child and Adolescent Services. I have also worked in the Juvenile Justice department of Los Angeles County with Juvenile offenders.
I am also trained in Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy and Mindfulness.
Is your child struggling with behavior problems, ADHD, depression or anxiety? Are you looking for a therapist with experience working with Autism (and Aspergers) Spectrum Disorders? I specialize in working with children and teens and have over 17 years of experience working with these populations. I have worked as a Behavior Therapist for children on the Autistic spectrum, have taught my own Day Treatment Intensive classroom (for children with extreme behavior challenges) and have worked for Contra Costa County Child and Adolescent Services. I have also worked in the Juvenile Justice department of Los Angeles County with Juvenile offenders.
In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I offer both short-term therapy and longer insight-oriented work. I utilize my years of experience, intuition, compassion, and humor to support my clients in addressing the issues that brought them into therapy. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, anger, abuse/trauma, parenting/divorce/blended family issues, foster care, as well as other social, emotional, and behavioral issues. Through my dynamic approach, I provide a safe and nurturing environment to explore and resolve various issues. I draw from the following theories and techniques: psychodynamic, client-centered, humanistic, play therapy, mindfulness, and somatic psychology.
In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I offer both short-term therapy and longer insight-oriented work. I utilize my years of experience, intuition, compassion, and humor to support my clients in addressing the issues that brought them into therapy. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, anger, abuse/trauma, parenting/divorce/blended family issues, foster care, as well as other social, emotional, and behavioral issues. Through my dynamic approach, I provide a safe and nurturing environment to explore and resolve various issues. I draw from the following theories and techniques: psychodynamic, client-centered, humanistic, play therapy, mindfulness, and somatic psychology.
I use a variety of methods during my work with clients- this includes CBT, narrative therapy, play therapy (for kids), sand tray & art therapy.
As a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orinda, I am passionate about supporting individuals, children, couples and families through life’s challenges. I believe in creating a safe, nurturing space where clients can explore their feelings, develop healthier relationships, and achieve personal growth. I have a special affinity for working with women, particularly mothers and perinatal individuals, as they navigate the unique joys and struggles of motherhood. Whether you’re dealing with the challenges of parenting, facing family conflicts, or seeking support through significant life transitions, I am here to help you.
I use a variety of methods during my work with clients- this includes CBT, narrative therapy, play therapy (for kids), sand tray & art therapy.
As a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orinda, I am passionate about supporting individuals, children, couples and families through life’s challenges. I believe in creating a safe, nurturing space where clients can explore their feelings, develop healthier relationships, and achieve personal growth. I have a special affinity for working with women, particularly mothers and perinatal individuals, as they navigate the unique joys and struggles of motherhood. Whether you’re dealing with the challenges of parenting, facing family conflicts, or seeking support through significant life transitions, I am here to help you.
I offer a range of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, solution-focused therapy, EMDR, motivational interviewing, play therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Catholic faith-based, client-centered care.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or stress? Do you find it difficult to manage relationships, self-esteem, or lingering trauma? I understand how challenging these feelings can be, and you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself your teen, or your relationship, I’m here to help you find relief and develop the tools you need to navigate life’s toughest moments. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve been honored to support individuals and families like yours, and I’m ready to help you, too.
I offer a range of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, solution-focused therapy, EMDR, motivational interviewing, play therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Catholic faith-based, client-centered care.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or stress? Do you find it difficult to manage relationships, self-esteem, or lingering trauma? I understand how challenging these feelings can be, and you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself your teen, or your relationship, I’m here to help you find relief and develop the tools you need to navigate life’s toughest moments. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve been honored to support individuals and families like yours, and I’m ready to help you, too.
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Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Pittsburg
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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.