Play Therapy in Pleasanton, CA
My therapeutic approach is strongly integrative (tailored to meet the needs of every individual client) and includes a blend of Play Therapy, Humanistic, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy within a multicultural framework of being.
Change comes from within, my role as a therapist is to join with clients on their journey to discovering and utilizing their own resources of strength to achieve overall emotional well-being. Serving as a compassionate other, I apply myself from a mindful, strengths-based and trauma-informed lens to work with clients on developing a meaningful process of being and healing. With a passion for and dedication to fostering authentic relationships with clients and a strong belief in the powers of human resiliency, I provide a safe, open, non-judgmental space of healing.
My therapeutic approach is strongly integrative (tailored to meet the needs of every individual client) and includes a blend of Play Therapy, Humanistic, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy within a multicultural framework of being.
Change comes from within, my role as a therapist is to join with clients on their journey to discovering and utilizing their own resources of strength to achieve overall emotional well-being. Serving as a compassionate other, I apply myself from a mindful, strengths-based and trauma-informed lens to work with clients on developing a meaningful process of being and healing. With a passion for and dedication to fostering authentic relationships with clients and a strong belief in the powers of human resiliency, I provide a safe, open, non-judgmental space of healing.
I offer play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive arts therapy, and family therapy.
I'm here to support you in connecting with your true, authentic self. Across the lifespan, we face struggles that make it difficult to understand ourselves and communicate honestly with our loved ones. I help children, adolescents, adults, and families learn what they need and how to meet those needs. We all need to feel a sense of groundedness, safety, and home within ourselves and our relationships. For those of you who feel lost or like you have fallen behind, I support you in lovingly finding your way.
I offer play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive arts therapy, and family therapy.
I'm here to support you in connecting with your true, authentic self. Across the lifespan, we face struggles that make it difficult to understand ourselves and communicate honestly with our loved ones. I help children, adolescents, adults, and families learn what they need and how to meet those needs. We all need to feel a sense of groundedness, safety, and home within ourselves and our relationships. For those of you who feel lost or like you have fallen behind, I support you in lovingly finding your way.
Therapy2Thrive
Marriage & Family Therapist, NCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
We utilize evidenced based methods including Gottman method couples therapy, CBT, DBT, Play Therapy & Expressive Therapies to assist client's toward relief with their symptoms.
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed & lacking hope in your life? Are you just making it through the day....staying in your marriage, tolerating your teens or hiding in your work and wondering "How did I get here?" Therapy2Thrive Ruby Hill Counseling Center, Inc. is here to help. We provide clients with a therapeutic relationship that provides thoughtful, caring counseling building trust and hope for healing. We work with our clients with practical research based counseling skills and interventions to assist you in making choices that lead to more joy and less distress.
We utilize evidenced based methods including Gottman method couples therapy, CBT, DBT, Play Therapy & Expressive Therapies to assist client's toward relief with their symptoms.
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed & lacking hope in your life? Are you just making it through the day....staying in your marriage, tolerating your teens or hiding in your work and wondering "How did I get here?" Therapy2Thrive Ruby Hill Counseling Center, Inc. is here to help. We provide clients with a therapeutic relationship that provides thoughtful, caring counseling building trust and hope for healing. We work with our clients with practical research based counseling skills and interventions to assist you in making choices that lead to more joy and less distress.
I utilize play therapy to address a variety of childhood issues including behavior problems, sadness,anger, anxiety, ADHD/ADD and school difficulties.
Hello and welcome, I'm so glad you are searching for help for yourself. I specialize in working with people experiencing depression and anxiety. I have sucessfully treated adults and children with these issues for over 20 years. Whether it's day to day issues or trauma you've experienced that brings you to therapy, I work with you to decrease negative thoughts and behaviors. My focus is to put you back in charge of your life. In addition to treating depression and anxiety, I also work with special needs parents. I have significant experience with EMDR which has been very successful in reducing negative memories and flashbacks.
I utilize play therapy to address a variety of childhood issues including behavior problems, sadness,anger, anxiety, ADHD/ADD and school difficulties.
Hello and welcome, I'm so glad you are searching for help for yourself. I specialize in working with people experiencing depression and anxiety. I have sucessfully treated adults and children with these issues for over 20 years. Whether it's day to day issues or trauma you've experienced that brings you to therapy, I work with you to decrease negative thoughts and behaviors. My focus is to put you back in charge of your life. In addition to treating depression and anxiety, I also work with special needs parents. I have significant experience with EMDR which has been very successful in reducing negative memories and flashbacks.
I also work with children and provide play therapy services, hosting a play area for children in my office.
Welcome to my practice! I work with adults, families, teens, children, and first responders to provide various types of counseling, including but not limited to CBT, EMDR, Trauma focused CBT, behavioral interventions, play therapy, parenting support, etc… Whether you are feeling stuck, frustrated, anxious, or depressed, I can help you cope with these feelings and improve your overall satisfaction in your life and relationships in a safe and confidential environment. No problem is too big, too small, or too shocking. Please reach out via email to minalcsw@gmail.com to schedule a conversation with me.
I also work with children and provide play therapy services, hosting a play area for children in my office.
Welcome to my practice! I work with adults, families, teens, children, and first responders to provide various types of counseling, including but not limited to CBT, EMDR, Trauma focused CBT, behavioral interventions, play therapy, parenting support, etc… Whether you are feeling stuck, frustrated, anxious, or depressed, I can help you cope with these feelings and improve your overall satisfaction in your life and relationships in a safe and confidential environment. No problem is too big, too small, or too shocking. Please reach out via email to minalcsw@gmail.com to schedule a conversation with me.
Natascha Thomson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA, RYT-200
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I provide in-person and online counseling to all humans, starting from the age of 11 years old, including Gottman Couples Counseling, family therapy, sand tray therapy, play therapy, art expression, CBT, psychodynamic therapy, client-centered therapy and self-psychology.
My goal is to help my clients function at their highest level, maximize their potential, and live their best lives. When feeling depressed, anxious, stuck, angry, or otherwise emotionally overwhelmed, it can be difficult to effectively participate in society. Human beings are inherently social and our well-being depends greatly on our ability to relate to others. Psychotherapy can help to improve interpersonal relationships, reveal insights about ourselves, highlight opportunities for cognitive and behavioral growth, and provide the support necessary to take the right steps toward a more satisfying future.
I provide in-person and online counseling to all humans, starting from the age of 11 years old, including Gottman Couples Counseling, family therapy, sand tray therapy, play therapy, art expression, CBT, psychodynamic therapy, client-centered therapy and self-psychology.
My goal is to help my clients function at their highest level, maximize their potential, and live their best lives. When feeling depressed, anxious, stuck, angry, or otherwise emotionally overwhelmed, it can be difficult to effectively participate in society. Human beings are inherently social and our well-being depends greatly on our ability to relate to others. Psychotherapy can help to improve interpersonal relationships, reveal insights about ourselves, highlight opportunities for cognitive and behavioral growth, and provide the support necessary to take the right steps toward a more satisfying future.
Annie Chen - Therapy2Thrive RHCC
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I am also well-trained and experienced in Play Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), Theraplay, and Behavioral Psychotherapy.
With cross-cultural living and working experiences, I enjoy working with children, teens, and their parents to help address developmental challenges, relationship conflicts, emotional struggles, behavioral difficulties, and other mental health issues that they may encounter in daily life. I deeply believes that childhood experiences and parent-child relationships could play an extremely important role in one’s personal development and, by helping to build a secure enough emotional bond among family members, can create a power of healing throughout everyone’s life.
I am also well-trained and experienced in Play Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), Theraplay, and Behavioral Psychotherapy.
With cross-cultural living and working experiences, I enjoy working with children, teens, and their parents to help address developmental challenges, relationship conflicts, emotional struggles, behavioral difficulties, and other mental health issues that they may encounter in daily life. I deeply believes that childhood experiences and parent-child relationships could play an extremely important role in one’s personal development and, by helping to build a secure enough emotional bond among family members, can create a power of healing throughout everyone’s life.
The journey from childhood and through adolescence is complicated. Social, academic and athletic stressors are frequently overwhelming. The result can bring tremendous pain and confusion to an entire family. I have extensive experience clarifying the source of a problem and consequently providing appropriate treatment. Play therapy, individual talking therapy, family and/or group therapy are all possible tools in the healing process. Past work has equipped me with strong knowledge in each of these modalities. My goal is to provide the best treatment solution.
The journey from childhood and through adolescence is complicated. Social, academic and athletic stressors are frequently overwhelming. The result can bring tremendous pain and confusion to an entire family. I have extensive experience clarifying the source of a problem and consequently providing appropriate treatment. Play therapy, individual talking therapy, family and/or group therapy are all possible tools in the healing process. Past work has equipped me with strong knowledge in each of these modalities. My goal is to provide the best treatment solution.
I am the daughter of Mexican/Salvadoran parents who raised me with the core values of faith, family and community service. I possess several years of experience working with emotionally distressed youth and their families and can provide various treatment approaches. I can provide trauma-informed treatment and utilize various mediums to engage clients such as; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play therapy, expressive arts and mindfulness. I have witnessed individuals struggle with anxiety, worry and sadness and feel disconnected from the world.
I am the daughter of Mexican/Salvadoran parents who raised me with the core values of faith, family and community service. I possess several years of experience working with emotionally distressed youth and their families and can provide various treatment approaches. I can provide trauma-informed treatment and utilize various mediums to engage clients such as; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play therapy, expressive arts and mindfulness. I have witnessed individuals struggle with anxiety, worry and sadness and feel disconnected from the world.
We PLAY.
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
We PLAY.
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
Kristie Potter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94568
Working from a strength-based and compassionate approach, I use interactive discussions, art and play interventions, humor, mindfulness strategies, and support you in developing new tools and resources.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like life goes quite the way we planned. Family/relationship conflicts, worry about a child’s choices/behaviors, feelings of overwhelm/anxiety, grief/loss or a major life transition are often a part of our lives. And, unfortunately, sometimes these events are compounded by a lack of support or critic voices. Although it may not feel like it, I truly believe we are all doing the best we can in any given moment with the tools & information we have at that time and am passionate about supporting you in discovering your strengths and new strategies to create the changes you seek.
Working from a strength-based and compassionate approach, I use interactive discussions, art and play interventions, humor, mindfulness strategies, and support you in developing new tools and resources.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like life goes quite the way we planned. Family/relationship conflicts, worry about a child’s choices/behaviors, feelings of overwhelm/anxiety, grief/loss or a major life transition are often a part of our lives. And, unfortunately, sometimes these events are compounded by a lack of support or critic voices. Although it may not feel like it, I truly believe we are all doing the best we can in any given moment with the tools & information we have at that time and am passionate about supporting you in discovering your strengths and new strategies to create the changes you seek.
Jennifer Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
I offer an integrative therapeutic approach based on a client's needs and preferences: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to explore thoughts; dreamwork; active imagination; Sandplay; art & play therapy; Motivational Interviewing when clients are considering making changes in their lives; and somatic interventions.
My name is Jennifer Susan Jones and I care deeply about connecting with clients, building rapport, and holding the therapeutic space. I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, wife, mother, nature-lover, and fitness enthusiast. I specialize in kids 9 and up, teens, women's issues, older adults, and patients navigating medical care. I work with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
I offer an integrative therapeutic approach based on a client's needs and preferences: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to explore thoughts; dreamwork; active imagination; Sandplay; art & play therapy; Motivational Interviewing when clients are considering making changes in their lives; and somatic interventions.
My name is Jennifer Susan Jones and I care deeply about connecting with clients, building rapport, and holding the therapeutic space. I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, wife, mother, nature-lover, and fitness enthusiast. I specialize in kids 9 and up, teens, women's issues, older adults, and patients navigating medical care. I work with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Tami Concon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
I also utilize play therapy, especially with children.
Hi! My name is Tami, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am passionate about supporting children and families to grow together and helping individuals through life's challenges. My approach to therapy is client-centered and collaborative. I will always meet you, my clients with kindness, empathy, and openness. You are the expert in your life, and my role is to help you get to your goals or where you want to be. We will work together on identifying treatment and priorities.
I also utilize play therapy, especially with children.
Hi! My name is Tami, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am passionate about supporting children and families to grow together and helping individuals through life's challenges. My approach to therapy is client-centered and collaborative. I will always meet you, my clients with kindness, empathy, and openness. You are the expert in your life, and my role is to help you get to your goals or where you want to be. We will work together on identifying treatment and priorities.
Emily Ruha Keller
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, RPT-S, NCC, RYT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I specialize in play therapy, sand tray, and expressive arts and have post-grad training in working with couples, families, children, & groups, I integrate energy psychotherapy, redecision therapy, gestalt, play therapy, art, yoga, & sand tray.
Does your child need help putting their feelings into words? Are they neurodivergent and don't feel like they fit in? Perhaps they are bright, but they don't quite see their gifts. They may feel isolated, alone, or can't help but make negative meaning out of life. I help children heal, grieve, and grow. I help children develop a healthy sense of self and experience their power cooperatively (rather than competitively). I work with children using play therapy to discover their stories and help them change them.
I specialize in play therapy, sand tray, and expressive arts and have post-grad training in working with couples, families, children, & groups, I integrate energy psychotherapy, redecision therapy, gestalt, play therapy, art, yoga, & sand tray.
Does your child need help putting their feelings into words? Are they neurodivergent and don't feel like they fit in? Perhaps they are bright, but they don't quite see their gifts. They may feel isolated, alone, or can't help but make negative meaning out of life. I help children heal, grieve, and grow. I help children develop a healthy sense of self and experience their power cooperatively (rather than competitively). I work with children using play therapy to discover their stories and help them change them.
Hello and welcome. I have been a dedicated psychotherapist for the past 14 years. I am originally from the Central Valley of California and have worked with severely mentally ill and dual-diagnosed clients in mental health agencies. Through my experience, I gained various therapeutic insights and applied different therapeutic approaches (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy, Play Therapy, and Rogerian Therapy). I have experience working with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families.
Hello and welcome. I have been a dedicated psychotherapist for the past 14 years. I am originally from the Central Valley of California and have worked with severely mentally ill and dual-diagnosed clients in mental health agencies. Through my experience, I gained various therapeutic insights and applied different therapeutic approaches (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy, Play Therapy, and Rogerian Therapy). I have experience working with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families.
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 goal is for us to work together short-term based on needs and goals we identify at our first session. My clients learn skills immediately and reduce their symptoms quickly. I have 26 years of experience using Biofeedback and teaching a variety of coping skills that can be used for life. I have experience with many different disorders, cultures, and individuals (adults/kids) & families. I believe and have seen people improve the quality of their life and reduce conflict and suffering. My office is located within a center that uses a variety of holistic solutions so you can move forward and improve your mind and body.
My goal is for us to work together short-term based on needs and goals we identify at our first session. My clients learn skills immediately and reduce their symptoms quickly. I have 26 years of experience using Biofeedback and teaching a variety of coping skills that can be used for life. I have experience with many different disorders, cultures, and individuals (adults/kids) & families. I believe and have seen people improve the quality of their life and reduce conflict and suffering. My office is located within a center that uses a variety of holistic solutions so you can move forward and improve your mind and body.
I work with individuals, couples, families and children. I work in an empathetic, collaborative, and thoughtful way with each individual or family unit. I start with understanding where you are now and help put a plan in place to help you. I offer a custom approach for each of my clients because I believe everyone is different. I believe being a good listener is important and I want to help everyone achieve their goals. It is important to work together so we can achieve your goals. I also worked years in schools so I have in depth experience working with children of all ages.
I work with individuals, couples, families and children. I work in an empathetic, collaborative, and thoughtful way with each individual or family unit. I start with understanding where you are now and help put a plan in place to help you. I offer a custom approach for each of my clients because I believe everyone is different. I believe being a good listener is important and I want to help everyone achieve their goals. It is important to work together so we can achieve your goals. I also worked years in schools so I have in depth experience working with children of all ages.
At times we can feel overwhelmed with fear and anxiety or stuck in life patterns that do not allow us to access the life we had hoped for. Part of the "stuckness" can come from past experiences and perspectives we learned from an early age. Part of it can come from current experiences that leave us feeling lost, afraid, or like we have no control.
At times we can feel overwhelmed with fear and anxiety or stuck in life patterns that do not allow us to access the life we had hoped for. Part of the "stuckness" can come from past experiences and perspectives we learned from an early age. Part of it can come from current experiences that leave us feeling lost, afraid, or like we have no control.
Being a first generation Chinese-American immigrant, I am fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, and I have passion, experience, and unique cultural understanding in resolving marriage and parenting issues. If you are considering filing for divorce or are wondering whether your marriage was the right choice, it is time to seek help. I will help you reevaluate your marriage, clarify your problems, release you from the constant quarreling wars, and guide you along the path of reconstruction and healing.
Being a first generation Chinese-American immigrant, I am fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, and I have passion, experience, and unique cultural understanding in resolving marriage and parenting issues. If you are considering filing for divorce or are wondering whether your marriage was the right choice, it is time to seek help. I will help you reevaluate your marriage, clarify your problems, release you from the constant quarreling wars, and guide you along the path of reconstruction and healing.
See more therapy options for Pleasanton
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Pleasanton
See More Play TherapyPlay 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.