Play Therapy in San Mateo, CA
With active imagination, play and art therapy we can dialogue with the mysterious compulsion or angry outburst at work, insecurities or depression, making the unconscious conscious, allowing you to unburden and integrate all of your parts to promote true Self actualization.
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
With active imagination, play and art therapy we can dialogue with the mysterious compulsion or angry outburst at work, insecurities or depression, making the unconscious conscious, allowing you to unburden and integrate all of your parts to promote true Self actualization.
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
I specialize in play therapy, talk therapy, mindfulness, and behavioral therapy.
I work with children, teens and young adults who come for school problems, behavioral problems or mood disturbances including anxiety. Therapy can be helpful for dealing with these issues. When children aren't meeting expectations, they often act out their frustration in the form of tantrums, aggression and defiance. Sometimes my child clients struggle to regulate their emotions and their impulses or have intrusive thoughts and obsessive behaviors. I can be useful to parents want to understand their children better and get help with these issues.
I specialize in play therapy, talk therapy, mindfulness, and behavioral therapy.
I work with children, teens and young adults who come for school problems, behavioral problems or mood disturbances including anxiety. Therapy can be helpful for dealing with these issues. When children aren't meeting expectations, they often act out their frustration in the form of tantrums, aggression and defiance. Sometimes my child clients struggle to regulate their emotions and their impulses or have intrusive thoughts and obsessive behaviors. I can be useful to parents want to understand their children better and get help with these issues.
I have a separate play-therapy room for children where I offer sand-tray, play and art therapies.
I help clients define how they want their lives to be different and help them identify the steps they will need to take to reach their goals. I've built a practice with the goal of strengthening families by increasing communication between its members and helping them focus on problem solving versus placing blame. Adults going through a life transition is a specialty - relationship issues, birth of a baby, balancing work & family, divorce and blended families. I also have a passion for children/adolescents and their welfare. I can provide valuable support to help them work through the challenges they are facing.
I have a separate play-therapy room for children where I offer sand-tray, play and art therapies.
I help clients define how they want their lives to be different and help them identify the steps they will need to take to reach their goals. I've built a practice with the goal of strengthening families by increasing communication between its members and helping them focus on problem solving versus placing blame. Adults going through a life transition is a specialty - relationship issues, birth of a baby, balancing work & family, divorce and blended families. I also have a passion for children/adolescents and their welfare. I can provide valuable support to help them work through the challenges they are facing.
San Mateo Child and Family Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401
We also incorporate sand play therapy, art and play therapy, especially in our work with children.
I enjoy working with children, teens, individual adults, and couples! Are you stressed out because your child or teen is dealing with anxiety, depression, academic, or behavioral problems? Are you yourself feeling anxious, depressed? Are you struggling in your marriage to feel that emotional and physical connection you once felt? I believe you are unique and special, and I look forward to working together to create growth and change in your life. I am the owner of a group practice with seven therapists who work for me, and I enjoy connecting you with the therapist who is your best fit!
We also incorporate sand play therapy, art and play therapy, especially in our work with children.
I enjoy working with children, teens, individual adults, and couples! Are you stressed out because your child or teen is dealing with anxiety, depression, academic, or behavioral problems? Are you yourself feeling anxious, depressed? Are you struggling in your marriage to feel that emotional and physical connection you once felt? I believe you are unique and special, and I look forward to working together to create growth and change in your life. I am the owner of a group practice with seven therapists who work for me, and I enjoy connecting you with the therapist who is your best fit!
With over 25 years of Mental Health experience the last 18 years having specialized in the treatment of children, adolescents and their families. My approach is primarily based on who is in the room and how I can be most helpful to my client. I utilize mindfulness, art therapy, sand play and cognitive behavioral therapies.
With over 25 years of Mental Health experience the last 18 years having specialized in the treatment of children, adolescents and their families. My approach is primarily based on who is in the room and how I can be most helpful to my client. I utilize mindfulness, art therapy, sand play and cognitive behavioral therapies.
With children I use a combination of play, talk, and behavioral therapy.
As a child, adult, and couple's psychologist, my goal is to provide treatment with care and integrity.
Children come in for school problems, behavioral problems or mood disturbances including anxiety. I provide support and coaching for parents along side the therapy for their children.
Adults come to see me for desire to live with less pain, more peace. Couples engage in work to improve communication or manage a stress that is effecting the relationship.
The therapeutic relationship is a powerful medium for change. Regardless of the reason for starting therapy, most people get tremendous relief.
With children I use a combination of play, talk, and behavioral therapy.
As a child, adult, and couple's psychologist, my goal is to provide treatment with care and integrity.
Children come in for school problems, behavioral problems or mood disturbances including anxiety. I provide support and coaching for parents along side the therapy for their children.
Adults come to see me for desire to live with less pain, more peace. Couples engage in work to improve communication or manage a stress that is effecting the relationship.
The therapeutic relationship is a powerful medium for change. Regardless of the reason for starting therapy, most people get tremendous relief.
Miriam Home
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
With children I use a combination of play, sandplay, talk, and behavioral therapy.
I find joy in helping my clients gain self-acceptance, inner-strength, self-forgiveness, and a sense of hope. I have experience working with adults, adolescents, and children who are struggling with depression, anxiety, anger management, substance abuse, and life threatening illnesses as well as survivors of sexual assault. I have a special passion for working with survivors of trauma.
With children I use a combination of play, sandplay, talk, and behavioral therapy.
I find joy in helping my clients gain self-acceptance, inner-strength, self-forgiveness, and a sense of hope. I have experience working with adults, adolescents, and children who are struggling with depression, anxiety, anger management, substance abuse, and life threatening illnesses as well as survivors of sexual assault. I have a special passion for working with survivors of trauma.
Ursula Jorgensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401
I provide a friendly, honest, non-judgemental therapeutic space with a combination of talk therapy and expressive techniques to engage the areas of challenge and celebrate the character strengths that make you unique. Art Therapy is offered to explore a visual way using sand tray, drawing, journaling, collage, painting, or imaginative play. This safe space offers therapeutic support to children, teens and adults with a primary focus on symptoms including anxiety, depression, life transitions (loss, illness, divorce/separation) and self identity exploration affected by trauma, circumstance, orientation or non-conforming individuals.
I provide a friendly, honest, non-judgemental therapeutic space with a combination of talk therapy and expressive techniques to engage the areas of challenge and celebrate the character strengths that make you unique. Art Therapy is offered to explore a visual way using sand tray, drawing, journaling, collage, painting, or imaginative play. This safe space offers therapeutic support to children, teens and adults with a primary focus on symptoms including anxiety, depression, life transitions (loss, illness, divorce/separation) and self identity exploration affected by trauma, circumstance, orientation or non-conforming individuals.
Kristy combines her professional history in education and academia, and her experience as a spouse and mother, in her approach to psychotherapy. She likes to work with clients to bring compassion and self-compassion into their lives, as well as to identify and change destructive or unhelpful relationship patterns. Kristy engages in play and art therapy with her younger clients, and draws on Family Systems, Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills, and Compassion-based therapy for her individual adult clients.
Kristy combines her professional history in education and academia, and her experience as a spouse and mother, in her approach to psychotherapy. She likes to work with clients to bring compassion and self-compassion into their lives, as well as to identify and change destructive or unhelpful relationship patterns. Kristy engages in play and art therapy with her younger clients, and draws on Family Systems, Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills, and Compassion-based therapy for her individual adult clients.
Ivette M Huerta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94403 (Online Only)
Through either practical coaching, consultation services, individual therapy, parent-child therapy or play therapy; a change in your relationship will unfold before your eyes.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, and frustrated? Has it been difficult for you to make a decision or struggling in a relationship? I am a licensed bilingual Marriage and Family therapist who specializes working with adults, teens and children 0-6 years old. My belief is creating a safe space for a client and taking time for self-care. My specialty is trauma informed care in early intervention, attachment, depression and anxiety using EMDR, CBT and whole care holistic. I'm relationship driven, proactive, and filled with compassion. I have been working with the adults, parents, families, and children for over 20 years.
Through either practical coaching, consultation services, individual therapy, parent-child therapy or play therapy; a change in your relationship will unfold before your eyes.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, and frustrated? Has it been difficult for you to make a decision or struggling in a relationship? I am a licensed bilingual Marriage and Family therapist who specializes working with adults, teens and children 0-6 years old. My belief is creating a safe space for a client and taking time for self-care. My specialty is trauma informed care in early intervention, attachment, depression and anxiety using EMDR, CBT and whole care holistic. I'm relationship driven, proactive, and filled with compassion. I have been working with the adults, parents, families, and children for over 20 years.
Elvira Kitrar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94405 (Online Only)
I employ a variety of techniques ranging from standard psychotherapy to art therapy, sand play, relaxation and guided visualization.
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
I employ a variety of techniques ranging from standard psychotherapy to art therapy, sand play, relaxation and guided visualization.
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
15 Second Videos
Amanda Nolan
Michael Immerman
Peggy Farrell
David Barry
Brenda Joe-Matsuo
Sye Gratz
April Vogensen
I believe therapy can be fun and creative and as such utilize a variety of techniques with clients, including CBT, art therapy, play therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques in order to keep therapy more engaging.
I have helped a variety of clients of all ages with various issues, including trauma, anxiety, adjustment post-pandemic, anger management, grief/loss, social-emotional skills, and ADHD management. I genuinely enjoy working with children and have experience working with those with autism and special needs.
I believe therapy can be fun and creative and as such utilize a variety of techniques with clients, including CBT, art therapy, play therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques in order to keep therapy more engaging.
I have helped a variety of clients of all ages with various issues, including trauma, anxiety, adjustment post-pandemic, anger management, grief/loss, social-emotional skills, and ADHD management. I genuinely enjoy working with children and have experience working with those with autism and special needs.
I integrate cognitive, emotional, and play/somatically based interventions informed by the neurobiology of healthy attachment and emotion regulation.
Our clinic offers diagnostic assessment, occupational therapy, and psycother We work across the developmental lifespan (ages 3+) specializing in neurodiversity, trauma, gender/sexual diversity, and type 1 diabetes. Identity affirmation and development is central to my practice, including but not limited to expertise with neurodiverse and gender and sexual diverse individuals/families. I also provide Psychodiagnostic Assessment for neurodiverse Children/teens and Adults for Autism and ADHD. Our Pediatric OT provides feeding/eating therapy for young children.
I integrate cognitive, emotional, and play/somatically based interventions informed by the neurobiology of healthy attachment and emotion regulation.
Our clinic offers diagnostic assessment, occupational therapy, and psycother We work across the developmental lifespan (ages 3+) specializing in neurodiversity, trauma, gender/sexual diversity, and type 1 diabetes. Identity affirmation and development is central to my practice, including but not limited to expertise with neurodiverse and gender and sexual diverse individuals/families. I also provide Psychodiagnostic Assessment for neurodiverse Children/teens and Adults for Autism and ADHD. Our Pediatric OT provides feeding/eating therapy for young children.
Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94404 (Online Only)
Parenting a child who has been through a trauma or unwanted transition takes courage, stamina, wisdom and support! We are Family & Children's Counseling Services and we help families heal play and love.
When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.
Parenting a child who has been through a trauma or unwanted transition takes courage, stamina, wisdom and support! We are Family & Children's Counseling Services and we help families heal play and love.
When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.
Leslie Baxter, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401 (Online Only)
I can provide a careful play based assessment for this and other early childhood concerns, such as behavioral or developmental issues, or challenges based on life events, such as medical treatments, accidents, loss or divorce.
You are so worried about your child. She cries everytime you drop her off at preschool and she is so shy at birthday parties that she won't leave your side. You thought she would outgrow this, but instead she seems to be more and more afraid of things. She is happy at home, but she still follows you from room to room. You just want her to relax and enjoy her childhood. You remember when your child first started school, how excited you were! You thought she would soon warm up and make friends. You want to be able to pick your child up from school and hear from the teacher that she was just fine once you left. You want to hear about what your child learned, and that your child played well with friends.
I can provide a careful play based assessment for this and other early childhood concerns, such as behavioral or developmental issues, or challenges based on life events, such as medical treatments, accidents, loss or divorce.
You are so worried about your child. She cries everytime you drop her off at preschool and she is so shy at birthday parties that she won't leave your side. You thought she would outgrow this, but instead she seems to be more and more afraid of things. She is happy at home, but she still follows you from room to room. You just want her to relax and enjoy her childhood. You remember when your child first started school, how excited you were! You thought she would soon warm up and make friends. You want to be able to pick your child up from school and hear from the teacher that she was just fine once you left. You want to hear about what your child learned, and that your child played well with friends.
Amanda Nolan
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94403 (Online Only)
Have you ever experienced a sense of feeling trapped? At times, we may find ourselves trapped by negative thoughts and distressing emotions; struggling to break free from them on our own. Many of us have fallen into this cycle of irrational thoughts, painful feelings, and unwanted consequences. I'd like to help you think clearer, navigate emotions, and adapt during difficult situations.
Have you ever experienced a sense of feeling trapped? At times, we may find ourselves trapped by negative thoughts and distressing emotions; struggling to break free from them on our own. Many of us have fallen into this cycle of irrational thoughts, painful feelings, and unwanted consequences. I'd like to help you think clearer, navigate emotions, and adapt during difficult situations.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of preschoolers, school-age children, teenagers, college students, and young adults who are experiencing social and emotional problems associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (e.g., previously known as Asperger's Disorder, High Functioning Autism), Anxiety Disorders (e.g., Social Anxiety, Selective Mutism), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), cultural and identity development, and stressful transitions. I provide consultations, individual therapy, parent support, and social skills groups for school-age children and teens.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of preschoolers, school-age children, teenagers, college students, and young adults who are experiencing social and emotional problems associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (e.g., previously known as Asperger's Disorder, High Functioning Autism), Anxiety Disorders (e.g., Social Anxiety, Selective Mutism), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), cultural and identity development, and stressful transitions. I provide consultations, individual therapy, parent support, and social skills groups for school-age children and teens.
I bring 30 years of experience to think with and about you, so that together we can find a way. I listen carefully, and I also speak up. The power of therapy is in both the teaching and the relationship.
I bring 30 years of experience to think with and about you, so that together we can find a way. I listen carefully, and I also speak up. The power of therapy is in both the teaching and the relationship.
Sarah T. Harkness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RDT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
Reaching out for help often takes time--there are so many reasons we give ourselves for putting it off! I recognize your courage for being here at this time. You are at the point in your life or in your relationship, in which taking action towards healing feels necessary. With warmth, creativity and insight, I help people who are yearning to live an authentic life - a life that is real, instead of perfect. One in which you learn to listen to your inner wisdom, to express your thoughts and feelings, and to face challenges with courage and integrity.
Reaching out for help often takes time--there are so many reasons we give ourselves for putting it off! I recognize your courage for being here at this time. You are at the point in your life or in your relationship, in which taking action towards healing feels necessary. With warmth, creativity and insight, I help people who are yearning to live an authentic life - a life that is real, instead of perfect. One in which you learn to listen to your inner wisdom, to express your thoughts and feelings, and to face challenges with courage and integrity.
I work with children and teens struggling with problems around school, mood and behavior while providing developmental guidance and effective parenting skills for parents. I work extensively with adults struggling with relationship and mood problems while providing secrets of effective communication.. Through providing a safe and relaxed environment, I guide them through a process of self-examination of their own patterns of thoughts, feelings, and relationship styles that kept them from getting what they want.
I work with children and teens struggling with problems around school, mood and behavior while providing developmental guidance and effective parenting skills for parents. I work extensively with adults struggling with relationship and mood problems while providing secrets of effective communication.. Through providing a safe and relaxed environment, I guide them through a process of self-examination of their own patterns of thoughts, feelings, and relationship styles that kept them from getting what they want.
See more therapy options for San Mateo
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for San Mateo
- Atherton
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Foster City
- Half Moon Bay
- Hillsborough
- Millbrae
- Pacifica
- Redwood City
- San Bruno
- San Carlos
- South San Francisco
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.