Play Therapy in Poway, CA
Treatment modalities include: Art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Solution Focused, DBT, Play Therapy and Stages of Change to address and move through life's challenges.
Are you or a family member struggling emotionally, feeling anxious, hurt, angry or depressed? Is this affecting you in one or more areas of your life? We all face challenges at times; having a supportive and caring person to help you through that journey can make all the difference. My role as a therapist is to serve as a guide to help the client identify and express their needs and wants, as well as assist the client in recognizing their strengths and ability to cope, heal and grow.
Treatment modalities include: Art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Solution Focused, DBT, Play Therapy and Stages of Change to address and move through life's challenges.
Are you or a family member struggling emotionally, feeling anxious, hurt, angry or depressed? Is this affecting you in one or more areas of your life? We all face challenges at times; having a supportive and caring person to help you through that journey can make all the difference. My role as a therapist is to serve as a guide to help the client identify and express their needs and wants, as well as assist the client in recognizing their strengths and ability to cope, heal and grow.
Kathryn Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
Waitlist for new clients
I view each client as having unique needs, utilizing play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, in-direct service dog, and strength-based approaches to identify and create space for choices and change to occur.
Do you remember that children's song about going on a bear hunt? Can't go over it! Can't go under it! We've got to go through it! Life is full of situations that can leave us feeling much like this song. In working with individuals and families, including children (ages 4+) and adolescents, adults, and their caregivers, my hope is for you to find new solutions to the challenges you are facing every day. I may not be able to get you over it or under it, but I am here to help you through it.
I view each client as having unique needs, utilizing play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, in-direct service dog, and strength-based approaches to identify and create space for choices and change to occur.
Do you remember that children's song about going on a bear hunt? Can't go over it! Can't go under it! We've got to go through it! Life is full of situations that can leave us feeling much like this song. In working with individuals and families, including children (ages 4+) and adolescents, adults, and their caregivers, my hope is for you to find new solutions to the challenges you are facing every day. I may not be able to get you over it or under it, but I am here to help you through it.
I am a Cognitive Behavioral Solution Focused therapist with over 30 years of experience providing services to children, teens, young adults and families dealing with stress/anxiety, improving self esteem, managing with ADHD, and dealing with school issues. Together we will use a strength based approach to work toward specific emotional or behavioral goals. I engage with children and families through play therapy activities and teens/young adults through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) talk therapy activities.
I am a Cognitive Behavioral Solution Focused therapist with over 30 years of experience providing services to children, teens, young adults and families dealing with stress/anxiety, improving self esteem, managing with ADHD, and dealing with school issues. Together we will use a strength based approach to work toward specific emotional or behavioral goals. I engage with children and families through play therapy activities and teens/young adults through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) talk therapy activities.
Kelly Sisler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064 (Online Only)
Working with kiddos is my absolute passion and a privilege I do not take lightly. In your time with me we will work collaboratively to identify what isn’t working for your child and the family, while empowering your kiddo to help us understand what they need, utilizing various therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, as well as Parent Child Interaction Therapy and child centered play therapy.
Working with kiddos is my absolute passion and a privilege I do not take lightly. In your time with me we will work collaboratively to identify what isn’t working for your child and the family, while empowering your kiddo to help us understand what they need, utilizing various therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, as well as Parent Child Interaction Therapy and child centered play therapy.
At the core of healing and growth is a solid and caring relationship with oneself and others. I aim to foster this while addressing your specific needs. I honor each individual I meet with and take a uniquely tailored and collaborative approach to therapy. Pursuing your goals with creativity, compassion and humor can help make the "work" of therapy flow more naturally and comfortably. I can help you gain insight in addressing various aspects of your individualized healing process holistically, which may include expressive art therapy, nature therapy, relational-cultural therapy as well as more traditional approaches.
At the core of healing and growth is a solid and caring relationship with oneself and others. I aim to foster this while addressing your specific needs. I honor each individual I meet with and take a uniquely tailored and collaborative approach to therapy. Pursuing your goals with creativity, compassion and humor can help make the "work" of therapy flow more naturally and comfortably. I can help you gain insight in addressing various aspects of your individualized healing process holistically, which may include expressive art therapy, nature therapy, relational-cultural therapy as well as more traditional approaches.
As a Marriage/Family therapist and Educational Psychologist I assist individuals, families, couples and children overcome difficulties and begin the process of change in a safe, supportive environment. I specialize in Behavioral Issues, PTSD, relationships, parenting, effective communication, grief and loss, ADHD and Life Transitions. I help the whole person within their family, social environment and community. As a therapist and person I am committed to helping my clients create their journey through life in a positive, affirming manner.
As a Marriage/Family therapist and Educational Psychologist I assist individuals, families, couples and children overcome difficulties and begin the process of change in a safe, supportive environment. I specialize in Behavioral Issues, PTSD, relationships, parenting, effective communication, grief and loss, ADHD and Life Transitions. I help the whole person within their family, social environment and community. As a therapist and person I am committed to helping my clients create their journey through life in a positive, affirming manner.
Mauricio Perdomo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064 (Online Only)
My passion is to help families, marriages and individuals know personal and relational healing. I believe that we all have unique life experiences that shape who we are and how we connect with others. Sometimes these experiences do not foster compassion or the ability to connect with those you love in the way in which you desire. I understand this; it is part of my story, too! I hope to join you in the process of healing to not go it alone.
My passion is to help families, marriages and individuals know personal and relational healing. I believe that we all have unique life experiences that shape who we are and how we connect with others. Sometimes these experiences do not foster compassion or the ability to connect with those you love in the way in which you desire. I understand this; it is part of my story, too! I hope to join you in the process of healing to not go it alone.
I have been helping others improve their mental and emotional well-being for over 25 years. I enjoy working with all ages (infancy through adulthood and old age). I am equipped to handle severe mental illness and crises as well as difficult life transitions and stressful times. As a former Navy Psychologist I work exceptionally well in areas related to military service and traumatic stress and substance use disorders. I work in a collaborative way to find the most effective treatment for you. By the end of your first session, we have identified the problems to work on and a plan to help.
I have been helping others improve their mental and emotional well-being for over 25 years. I enjoy working with all ages (infancy through adulthood and old age). I am equipped to handle severe mental illness and crises as well as difficult life transitions and stressful times. As a former Navy Psychologist I work exceptionally well in areas related to military service and traumatic stress and substance use disorders. I work in a collaborative way to find the most effective treatment for you. By the end of your first session, we have identified the problems to work on and a plan to help.
Dr. Jodi Stanley
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
I am genuinely passionate about supporting people through stressful life experiences to live healthier, happier lives. I help couples and families overcome disconnection to rebuild and strengthen their closeness. I also specialize in supporting individuals, including, children, adolescents, and adults, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. I work collaboratively with clients to enhance quality of life by combining insight, emotional exploration, and direction. I provide neutral support, guidance, and relief to develop healthy ways of coping, to expand inner growth, and to restore relational bonds.
I am genuinely passionate about supporting people through stressful life experiences to live healthier, happier lives. I help couples and families overcome disconnection to rebuild and strengthen their closeness. I also specialize in supporting individuals, including, children, adolescents, and adults, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. I work collaboratively with clients to enhance quality of life by combining insight, emotional exploration, and direction. I provide neutral support, guidance, and relief to develop healthy ways of coping, to expand inner growth, and to restore relational bonds.
Your current situation does not define you. It's a bump in the road, a pit-stop to learn from. It takes a village and I am here to be a part of your village. My scope of competence is in trauma, postpartum, attachment, family conflict, anxiety, school/work related problems, parent education, parent-child conflict, divorce, co-parenting and depression. Don't let the pain and struggle of your present situation keep you from living your truth. I am licensed in Tennessee, Texas, California and Virginia. Offering in-person therapy in Tennessee and virtual to Tennessee, California, Texas and Virginia.
Your current situation does not define you. It's a bump in the road, a pit-stop to learn from. It takes a village and I am here to be a part of your village. My scope of competence is in trauma, postpartum, attachment, family conflict, anxiety, school/work related problems, parent education, parent-child conflict, divorce, co-parenting and depression. Don't let the pain and struggle of your present situation keep you from living your truth. I am licensed in Tennessee, Texas, California and Virginia. Offering in-person therapy in Tennessee and virtual to Tennessee, California, Texas and Virginia.
I believe that each person is born unique and important to this earth. Behavior is adaptive and as such can be understood in the context of experience. I assist with helping others understand patterns of behavior that may contribute to one's unhappiness. I work with marital and relational difficulties to find ways of communicating and honoring differences. I teach about positive communication and assist with developing skills that lead to feeling heard and understood. I assist parents to successfully teach their children to accept and follow direction with the use of behavioral programs best suited to meet the individual need.
I believe that each person is born unique and important to this earth. Behavior is adaptive and as such can be understood in the context of experience. I assist with helping others understand patterns of behavior that may contribute to one's unhappiness. I work with marital and relational difficulties to find ways of communicating and honoring differences. I teach about positive communication and assist with developing skills that lead to feeling heard and understood. I assist parents to successfully teach their children to accept and follow direction with the use of behavioral programs best suited to meet the individual need.
15 Second Videos
Kelly Sisler
Positive Change Counseling Center
Walter Patrick Martin
I offer a flexible and collaborative working relationship with each client in therapy, including meeting an individual where they're at to facilitate awareness, relief, and support the process of change. The relationship between a therapist and a client is an important one and can often be one of the richest, transformative parts of the therapeutic work.
I offer a flexible and collaborative working relationship with each client in therapy, including meeting an individual where they're at to facilitate awareness, relief, and support the process of change. The relationship between a therapist and a client is an important one and can often be one of the richest, transformative parts of the therapeutic work.
Positive Change Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PsyD, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
We look forward to working with you to reach your goals in therapy. Our compassionate therapists are trained in evidence-based practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help you meet your goals within a short amount of time. Whether you would like to attend therapy on your own, with your partner or as a family, our therapists are ready to make a difference. You can be rest assured you are entering a non-judgemental and supportive environment when you walk through our door. Call us today to begin making positive changes in your life.
We look forward to working with you to reach your goals in therapy. Our compassionate therapists are trained in evidence-based practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help you meet your goals within a short amount of time. Whether you would like to attend therapy on your own, with your partner or as a family, our therapists are ready to make a difference. You can be rest assured you are entering a non-judgemental and supportive environment when you walk through our door. Call us today to begin making positive changes in your life.
Sitting at the cross roads of life not knowing which direction to take or perhaps cemented in the very spot where we stand, seems to be where many find themselves today. With the weight of past traumas, present stress and frustrations, and future worries of what is to come sitting upon our shoulders, we attempt to carry even more weight from our families and friends. At some point our shoulders begin to give amongst the burden that cannot be carried alone. We find ourselves in distress feeling hopeless, helpless and broken.
Sitting at the cross roads of life not knowing which direction to take or perhaps cemented in the very spot where we stand, seems to be where many find themselves today. With the weight of past traumas, present stress and frustrations, and future worries of what is to come sitting upon our shoulders, we attempt to carry even more weight from our families and friends. At some point our shoulders begin to give amongst the burden that cannot be carried alone. We find ourselves in distress feeling hopeless, helpless and broken.
If you avoid the conflict to keep the peace you start a war inside yourself - Glennon Doyle. While this statement is SO true, many of us learned to avoid conflict as a way to protect ourselves from emotional pain. However, over time, that leads to the abandonment of your authentic self. The result may be mood difficulties, anxiety, depression, etc. I would be honored to help you unpack your story, find and heal the hurting places. Doing so empowers you to face and cope with conflict more effectively.
If you avoid the conflict to keep the peace you start a war inside yourself - Glennon Doyle. While this statement is SO true, many of us learned to avoid conflict as a way to protect ourselves from emotional pain. However, over time, that leads to the abandonment of your authentic self. The result may be mood difficulties, anxiety, depression, etc. I would be honored to help you unpack your story, find and heal the hurting places. Doing so empowers you to face and cope with conflict more effectively.
Walter Patrick Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR-C, C-LENS, CATP, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92074
Began Practice in 1999 Walter begins treatment with a brief solution focus treatment plan for couples, adults, children, teens. His style is respectful, interactive and dynamic. Walter also has published a book titled "Heart and Soul Toward Intimacy: Couples Workbook." Certified in LENS treatment helps your brain heal with low energy feedback, utilizing EEG color brain mapping technology provides freedom of life long symptoms. BEGIN by Logging into website, 1st complete new patient paperwork, 2nd schedule your appointment online at orange banner. Refundable Deposit required.
Began Practice in 1999 Walter begins treatment with a brief solution focus treatment plan for couples, adults, children, teens. His style is respectful, interactive and dynamic. Walter also has published a book titled "Heart and Soul Toward Intimacy: Couples Workbook." Certified in LENS treatment helps your brain heal with low energy feedback, utilizing EEG color brain mapping technology provides freedom of life long symptoms. BEGIN by Logging into website, 1st complete new patient paperwork, 2nd schedule your appointment online at orange banner. Refundable Deposit required.
Alliant Couple and Family Clinic
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
Welcome to Alliant Couple and Family Clinic! We offer mental health services to the community on a sliding fee scale. Services provided in-person in San Diego and Long Beach or virtually throughout California. Our team of pre-licensed therapists are available to treat mental health issues with individuals, couples, and families while receiving clinical supervision from highly experienced clinicians.
Welcome to Alliant Couple and Family Clinic! We offer mental health services to the community on a sliding fee scale. Services provided in-person in San Diego and Long Beach or virtually throughout California. Our team of pre-licensed therapists are available to treat mental health issues with individuals, couples, and families while receiving clinical supervision from highly experienced clinicians.
Child Adult Parenting Issue Postpartum Depression Anxiety Adhd Erin Robertson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
Hey there! I am so happy and honored that you came across my profile. It takes courage to seek help and I commend you for taking the first and hardest step. Many people who have come to me for support have faced difficulties with the transition to parenthood because, let’s face it, this journey can be THE hardest work! I have helped new moms and parents to navigate feelings of anger, sadness, irritability, excessive worry and fear, guilt, lack of interest in connecting with baby, changes in daily habits, trouble concentrating, withdrawal from friends and family, and even thoughts that feel scary. YOU are not alone!
Hey there! I am so happy and honored that you came across my profile. It takes courage to seek help and I commend you for taking the first and hardest step. Many people who have come to me for support have faced difficulties with the transition to parenthood because, let’s face it, this journey can be THE hardest work! I have helped new moms and parents to navigate feelings of anger, sadness, irritability, excessive worry and fear, guilt, lack of interest in connecting with baby, changes in daily habits, trouble concentrating, withdrawal from friends and family, and even thoughts that feel scary. YOU are not alone!
Hello, I'm Debbie, a bilingual counselor who is passionate about guiding others along their journey of healing and growth. I believe that all people have an innate ability to find their way through struggles and hardships with the support of a caring therapist. I am a highly client-centered therapist who seeks to empower individuals to persevere in the face of depression, anxiety, trauma, or adversity. I aspire to help you find motivation, relaxation, hope and strength to navigate whatever challenges life may bring.
Hello, I'm Debbie, a bilingual counselor who is passionate about guiding others along their journey of healing and growth. I believe that all people have an innate ability to find their way through struggles and hardships with the support of a caring therapist. I am a highly client-centered therapist who seeks to empower individuals to persevere in the face of depression, anxiety, trauma, or adversity. I aspire to help you find motivation, relaxation, hope and strength to navigate whatever challenges life may bring.
Does your child say, “You don’t understand” or completely ignores your requests? Do you feel powerless and frustrated that consequences don’t seem to work anymore on your child? We help to empower your family with new ways of communicating and relating, so harmony is restored. Kids need to feel heard and that what they think matters. Children often feel like no adult is listening, at school or at home. We help to give both children and parents a voice, which often calms the chaos. Children and teenagers need help learning how to express their needs in a way that their parents can hear them.
Does your child say, “You don’t understand” or completely ignores your requests? Do you feel powerless and frustrated that consequences don’t seem to work anymore on your child? We help to empower your family with new ways of communicating and relating, so harmony is restored. Kids need to feel heard and that what they think matters. Children often feel like no adult is listening, at school or at home. We help to give both children and parents a voice, which often calms the chaos. Children and teenagers need help learning how to express their needs in a way that their parents can hear them.
See more therapy options for Poway
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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.