Play Therapy in San Marcos, CA
Clarissa Chinchilla
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Marcos, CA 92069
Also, I am a certified Play Therapist and Art Therapist.
I am a psychotherapist at Mindbodyology: Integrative Mental Health & Wellness. My therapeutic style is highly whole person-centered; I endorse a holistic strengths-based approach to therapy, and specialize in working with children, teenagers and families. I encourage creativity, authenticity, humor and lightheartedness to create a welcoming space for self-exploration and growth for all of my clients, of all ages (5 to 65) ! Additionally, I am certified in Play Therapy and Art Therapy, and specialized in trauma informed therapies for children and teens. I customize my treatment approach to align with each client’s unique needs.
Also, I am a certified Play Therapist and Art Therapist.
I am a psychotherapist at Mindbodyology: Integrative Mental Health & Wellness. My therapeutic style is highly whole person-centered; I endorse a holistic strengths-based approach to therapy, and specialize in working with children, teenagers and families. I encourage creativity, authenticity, humor and lightheartedness to create a welcoming space for self-exploration and growth for all of my clients, of all ages (5 to 65) ! Additionally, I am certified in Play Therapy and Art Therapy, and specialized in trauma informed therapies for children and teens. I customize my treatment approach to align with each client’s unique needs.
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.
In my sessions, I like to utilize art, play, games, as well as various other techniques as we work together to accomplish your goals.
I’m glad to see you here! Taking this step to pursue the tools you need for a more fulfilling life is a brave choice, and it is my hope that I can provide you support for this journey. My approach to counseling focuses on collaboration so that we can explore your strengths, identify the skills you already possess, and develop additional supports to enhance your life and relationships. I particularly enjoy working with children, youth, and families as they seek to change dynamics and find healing.
In my sessions, I like to utilize art, play, games, as well as various other techniques as we work together to accomplish your goals.
I’m glad to see you here! Taking this step to pursue the tools you need for a more fulfilling life is a brave choice, and it is my hope that I can provide you support for this journey. My approach to counseling focuses on collaboration so that we can explore your strengths, identify the skills you already possess, and develop additional supports to enhance your life and relationships. I particularly enjoy working with children, youth, and families as they seek to change dynamics and find healing.
Kelly Sisler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92078 (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.
Janet K Bastien
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Marcos, CA 92069 (Online Only)
Let's play! I offer play therapy with games, sand tray and books.
My passion as a therapist is to help individuals, parents, and children explore their challenges, from either the present or past. When clients are self-motivated to apply methods and skills whether for themselves or their family, positive transformation will happen! If you want to learn positive parenting skills, teach children the value of self-esteem, or identify behaviors and maladapted attachments, all of this is talk-able and worthy of investing your time and energy. I am here to listen and help dissolve trauma from childhood or social-emotional experiences in order to regain a healthy and happy life!
Let's play! I offer play therapy with games, sand tray and books.
My passion as a therapist is to help individuals, parents, and children explore their challenges, from either the present or past. When clients are self-motivated to apply methods and skills whether for themselves or their family, positive transformation will happen! If you want to learn positive parenting skills, teach children the value of self-esteem, or identify behaviors and maladapted attachments, all of this is talk-able and worthy of investing your time and energy. I am here to listen and help dissolve trauma from childhood or social-emotional experiences in order to regain a healthy and happy life!
Michelle Blevins
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92069
Now Accepting In Office Clients! Are you having a difficult time navigating the changes that are taking place in your life? Do you need support when things are feeling overwhelming? Have you or your child recently lost a loved one? Then I am here for you. I understand that there are so many reasons that may prevent someone from starting therapy, but my goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get your therapy journey started so that you can overcome your challenges now.
Now Accepting In Office Clients! Are you having a difficult time navigating the changes that are taking place in your life? Do you need support when things are feeling overwhelming? Have you or your child recently lost a loved one? Then I am here for you. I understand that there are so many reasons that may prevent someone from starting therapy, but my goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get your therapy journey started so that you can overcome your challenges now.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with how to best care for your child and their needs? Are you ready to make a change in your child's life to help them learn the tools that they need to decrease their anxiety, manage their depression, process trauma, or work through their challenging behaviors? Then I am here to help.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with how to best care for your child and their needs? Are you ready to make a change in your child's life to help them learn the tools that they need to decrease their anxiety, manage their depression, process trauma, or work through their challenging behaviors? Then I am here to help.
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Marcos, CA 92078 (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 are times in life when we reach a point in which positive change needs to occur. Perhaps you've been dealing with the same issue for a long time, or maybe new challenges have arisen that you need help navigating. If any of this applies to you or your child/teen, or if you're simply seeking to reach some desired goals, I hope that you will consider contacting me.
There are times in life when we reach a point in which positive change needs to occur. Perhaps you've been dealing with the same issue for a long time, or maybe new challenges have arisen that you need help navigating. If any of this applies to you or your child/teen, or if you're simply seeking to reach some desired goals, I hope that you will consider contacting me.
Hello. My name is Paula Mierzejewski, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I see children, adolescents and adults up to the age of 65. My specialties are anxiety and depression. I started my practice later in life and believe my life's experiene makes me a better therapist. I used to work in a law firm and developed severe migraines and knew I needed to move onto a new career. So at 57, I started my journey in graduate school and finished when I was 60. What drives me to do this work is that I know how debilitating anxiety and depression are.
Hello. My name is Paula Mierzejewski, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I see children, adolescents and adults up to the age of 65. My specialties are anxiety and depression. I started my practice later in life and believe my life's experiene makes me a better therapist. I used to work in a law firm and developed severe migraines and knew I needed to move onto a new career. So at 57, I started my journey in graduate school and finished when I was 60. What drives me to do this work is that I know how debilitating anxiety and depression are.
Everyone wants to MAKE THE MOST OF THE LIFE YOU HAVE... but often present-day distress interferes with our ability to experience a more fulfilling life. Whether you have been experiencing lingering distress from past hurts or current challenges, I am here to partner with you to restore your hope. Everyone needs strong encouragement during times of difficulty. I look forward to championing you to live your best life starting today!
Everyone wants to MAKE THE MOST OF THE LIFE YOU HAVE... but often present-day distress interferes with our ability to experience a more fulfilling life. Whether you have been experiencing lingering distress from past hurts or current challenges, I am here to partner with you to restore your hope. Everyone needs strong encouragement during times of difficulty. I look forward to championing you to live your best life starting today!
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Landon Leathers
You are here because you are hurting and want to heal. Healing is possible and you deserve love and acceptance for just being you- your full authentic self. I have been treating anxiety, depression, identity, codependency, eating disorders, low self esteem and relationships issues in children, teens and adults since 2007. My therapeutic style is often more directive, as I see myself as a part of your therapeutic process-not a quiet observer. I use a balance of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and exploring how your childhood shaped your current thoughts and behaviors.
You are here because you are hurting and want to heal. Healing is possible and you deserve love and acceptance for just being you- your full authentic self. I have been treating anxiety, depression, identity, codependency, eating disorders, low self esteem and relationships issues in children, teens and adults since 2007. My therapeutic style is often more directive, as I see myself as a part of your therapeutic process-not a quiet observer. I use a balance of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and exploring how your childhood shaped your current thoughts and behaviors.
Therapeutic and Wellness Solution Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, AMFT, CST, PCC
Verified Verified
San Marcos, CA 92069
Do you find yourself thinking "I need to see a therapist." Then realize that you have been thinking this for months but haven't been able to make an appointment because you're just too busy and overwhelmed. Do you look at your spouse and think where did the spark go? Can you remember the last time that you were happy and enjoyed any aspect of your day? Or are you done with watching your child struggle with social skills, feelings of anxiety or accepting "no" as an answer. Then its time to give us a call and start making the improvements and changes you want in your life.
Do you find yourself thinking "I need to see a therapist." Then realize that you have been thinking this for months but haven't been able to make an appointment because you're just too busy and overwhelmed. Do you look at your spouse and think where did the spark go? Can you remember the last time that you were happy and enjoyed any aspect of your day? Or are you done with watching your child struggle with social skills, feelings of anxiety or accepting "no" as an answer. Then its time to give us a call and start making the improvements and changes you want in your life.
Brian McCloud
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, APCC
Verified Verified
San Marcos, CA 92078 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Brian. My roots trace back to southeastern Turtle Island, West Africa, and Europe. Thank you for considering me as a partner in your healing process. With lived experience in liminal spaces, I often work with people in transition related to their relationships, identities, careers, or values. My practice is grounded in the therapeutic relationship, recognizing and nurturing your inner capacity for healing and well-being. My approach is strength-based, rooted in trauma theory, and acknowledges the interrelatedness of all aspects of self, family systems, and cultural influences
Hello, my name is Brian. My roots trace back to southeastern Turtle Island, West Africa, and Europe. Thank you for considering me as a partner in your healing process. With lived experience in liminal spaces, I often work with people in transition related to their relationships, identities, careers, or values. My practice is grounded in the therapeutic relationship, recognizing and nurturing your inner capacity for healing and well-being. My approach is strength-based, rooted in trauma theory, and acknowledges the interrelatedness of all aspects of self, family systems, and cultural influences
Hello and thank you for visiting my profile. Are you trying to address a long standing problem or has life presented you with a new challenge? Are you navigating one of life’s many transitions, feeling frustrated with a relationship, finding your identity, or experiencing symptoms of Anxiety or Depression? Sometimes, we need a little bit of support that can help us work through the challenges that life brings us. Therapy is a time and safe space where we can slow down and take a closer look at the obstacles and difficulties we face in our lives.
Hello and thank you for visiting my profile. Are you trying to address a long standing problem or has life presented you with a new challenge? Are you navigating one of life’s many transitions, feeling frustrated with a relationship, finding your identity, or experiencing symptoms of Anxiety or Depression? Sometimes, we need a little bit of support that can help us work through the challenges that life brings us. Therapy is a time and safe space where we can slow down and take a closer look at the obstacles and difficulties we face in our lives.
My name is Caroline Yoon, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I take a person-centered approach to therapy, and I believe that a lot of healing comes from being able to tell your story. My focus areas of practice are clients with depression and anxiety. I am good at helping people who have anxiety or depression. I have experience working with people who have severe mental illness. I have working in substance use treatment. I enjoy working with children.
My name is Caroline Yoon, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I take a person-centered approach to therapy, and I believe that a lot of healing comes from being able to tell your story. My focus areas of practice are clients with depression and anxiety. I am good at helping people who have anxiety or depression. I have experience working with people who have severe mental illness. I have working in substance use treatment. I enjoy working with children.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for over a decade. I take great pride in restoring hope and optimism in my clients, thus empowering them to improve their life as they see fit. I provide service that is in partnership with you as a client. I am committed to developing a consistent treatment plan that focuses on your specific goals and outcomes.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for over a decade. I take great pride in restoring hope and optimism in my clients, thus empowering them to improve their life as they see fit. I provide service that is in partnership with you as a client. I am committed to developing a consistent treatment plan that focuses on your specific goals and outcomes.
I'm really looking forward to working with you and your son or daughter. Since the beginning of my career, I have been working with a wide range of young people from early childhood to young adult. I work with children and adolescents with many different challenges and diagnosis such as behavioral disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, and cutting behaviors. My passion in life is helping families and helping young people navigate the challenges of life.
I'm really looking forward to working with you and your son or daughter. Since the beginning of my career, I have been working with a wide range of young people from early childhood to young adult. I work with children and adolescents with many different challenges and diagnosis such as behavioral disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, and cutting behaviors. My passion in life is helping families and helping young people navigate the challenges of life.
At Behavioral Healthcare Partners, our goal is to promote behavioral health and wellness to achieve life's potential and fulfillment within the individual, family, and community. Dr. Vincent Castro and Dr. Denise Gonzales, both Licensed Psychologists, have 43 years combined experience in providing therapeutic services on concerns related to child/adolescent behavioral problems, abuse and neglect, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, coping with medical concerns, family discord, parenting, couples therapy, military/law enforcement concerns, personal growth/wellness, stress/anger management, trauma, and work/career issues. BHP services also include assessment and evaluation, short-term solution focused interventions, consultations, and psychological testing.
At Behavioral Healthcare Partners, our goal is to promote behavioral health and wellness to achieve life's potential and fulfillment within the individual, family, and community. Dr. Vincent Castro and Dr. Denise Gonzales, both Licensed Psychologists, have 43 years combined experience in providing therapeutic services on concerns related to child/adolescent behavioral problems, abuse and neglect, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, coping with medical concerns, family discord, parenting, couples therapy, military/law enforcement concerns, personal growth/wellness, stress/anger management, trauma, and work/career issues. BHP services also include assessment and evaluation, short-term solution focused interventions, consultations, and psychological testing.
Mark Triboulet
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92069
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.
See more therapy options for San Marcos
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for San Marcos
- Del Mar
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- Lakeside
- Oceanside
- Poway
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- Vista
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.