Toddler Therapists in Santa Barbara County, CA
Hang Yin Candy Lo
Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, RDT/BCT, CCLS, NCC
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93111 (Online Only)
For children and families, I help them navigate the challenges of a medical situation by getting children to understand specific medical procedures and diagnosis, encourage them to be an active participant in their treatment. I also support them to express feelings over their illness, or the illness of their sibling, parents and other family members. For adult clients, I provide 'Pause and Reflect Coaching' service that through dialogue and creative means, (i.e. dance/ movement, role play etc), I facilitate opportunities for you to listen to your heart and make new decisions towards finding meaning in your next chapter in life.
For children and families, I help them navigate the challenges of a medical situation by getting children to understand specific medical procedures and diagnosis, encourage them to be an active participant in their treatment. I also support them to express feelings over their illness, or the illness of their sibling, parents and other family members. For adult clients, I provide 'Pause and Reflect Coaching' service that through dialogue and creative means, (i.e. dance/ movement, role play etc), I facilitate opportunities for you to listen to your heart and make new decisions towards finding meaning in your next chapter in life.
Ruby Conlan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93111
Are you exhausted from living out unwanted patterns or cycles, and looking for a safe space to make meaningful changes? I specialize in working with individuals of all ages who may be facing challenges such as unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I strongly value empathy, compassion, and flexibility in the therapeutic relationship. Understanding the unique needs of each client, I tailor personalized treatment plans to address your specific concerns.
Are you exhausted from living out unwanted patterns or cycles, and looking for a safe space to make meaningful changes? I specialize in working with individuals of all ages who may be facing challenges such as unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I strongly value empathy, compassion, and flexibility in the therapeutic relationship. Understanding the unique needs of each client, I tailor personalized treatment plans to address your specific concerns.
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
Kathryn (Katie) Pazan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Waitlist for new clients
The experience of psychotherapy can be transformative for individuals and families of all ages and stages of life. I hope to provide a safe space for you to learn, heal, and grow while processing issues or challenges that are significant to you. I will support you in embracing compassion and acceptance for yourself in the midst of your life journey, so you can lead a joyful, productive, and meaningful life. In addition to working with adults, I am passionate about working with children, teens, young adults, and families. I believe a collaborative, systemic approach is essential for change.
The experience of psychotherapy can be transformative for individuals and families of all ages and stages of life. I hope to provide a safe space for you to learn, heal, and grow while processing issues or challenges that are significant to you. I will support you in embracing compassion and acceptance for yourself in the midst of your life journey, so you can lead a joyful, productive, and meaningful life. In addition to working with adults, I am passionate about working with children, teens, young adults, and families. I believe a collaborative, systemic approach is essential for change.
Sara Firestone
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Sometimes the most challenging moments in our lives can lead to the most growth and healing. My goal as a therapist is to support you through those difficult times. Together we can work to improve your relationship with yourself, strengthen your relationships with others, and learn strategies to help you cope more effectively with life’s challenges. My approach is warm, compassionate and non-judgmental, and I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to help them reach their goals.
Sometimes the most challenging moments in our lives can lead to the most growth and healing. My goal as a therapist is to support you through those difficult times. Together we can work to improve your relationship with yourself, strengthen your relationships with others, and learn strategies to help you cope more effectively with life’s challenges. My approach is warm, compassionate and non-judgmental, and I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to help them reach their goals.
Anxiety Experts has offices in Goleta, Montecito and Ventura, as well as virtual outpatient and Virtual Intensive Outpatient (VIOP) Treatment. Our team is specialized in treating anxiety, panic, social phobia, school refusal, OCD, PTSD, BDD, and disordered eating. These problems rob one's sense of freedom, confidence and self-worth. We treat these issues with a type of CBT called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Medical Nutrition Therapy from a Registered Dietician as appropriate. We have helped hundreds of adults and kids master their fears; research shows in-person and live video to be equally effective!
Anxiety Experts has offices in Goleta, Montecito and Ventura, as well as virtual outpatient and Virtual Intensive Outpatient (VIOP) Treatment. Our team is specialized in treating anxiety, panic, social phobia, school refusal, OCD, PTSD, BDD, and disordered eating. These problems rob one's sense of freedom, confidence and self-worth. We treat these issues with a type of CBT called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Medical Nutrition Therapy from a Registered Dietician as appropriate. We have helped hundreds of adults and kids master their fears; research shows in-person and live video to be equally effective!
Sierra Rose Smargon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Waitlist for new clients
If you’re reading this, that probably means that you are in a place where you have tried a lot of things to feel better, or help your loved one feel better and just don’t know what else to do. I would love to help support you on this journey. Therapy is a collaboration between two individuals (therapist and client) and when successful, truly amazing things can occur within this space. I use the relationship between my clients and I to help them build insight and awareness into the way they show up in the world.
If you’re reading this, that probably means that you are in a place where you have tried a lot of things to feel better, or help your loved one feel better and just don’t know what else to do. I would love to help support you on this journey. Therapy is a collaboration between two individuals (therapist and client) and when successful, truly amazing things can occur within this space. I use the relationship between my clients and I to help them build insight and awareness into the way they show up in the world.
Therapy is a process of healing, growth and change. The aim is to achieve lasting growth by helping you find ways of seeing, thinking and feeling that leave you more capable and prosperous. My passion is to help children, teens, couples and adults build on their strengths to reach their full potential. My style is compassionate, nonjudgmental and interactive.
Therapy is a process of healing, growth and change. The aim is to achieve lasting growth by helping you find ways of seeing, thinking and feeling that leave you more capable and prosperous. My passion is to help children, teens, couples and adults build on their strengths to reach their full potential. My style is compassionate, nonjudgmental and interactive.
Mary S. Patterson
Licensed Educational Psychologist, PhD, LEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Welcome to my practice! I specialize in working with children and provide counseling, parent consultation sessions, and psychoeducational evaluations. I worked in schools for 6 years as a school psychologist before beginning my private practice in 2016. I have particular expertise in areas such as Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, anxiety, and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Please note that I do not accept insurance.
Welcome to my practice! I specialize in working with children and provide counseling, parent consultation sessions, and psychoeducational evaluations. I worked in schools for 6 years as a school psychologist before beginning my private practice in 2016. I have particular expertise in areas such as Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, anxiety, and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Please note that I do not accept insurance.
I help with anxiety, family conflict, first-generation student challenges, identity and self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship dynamics. In our sessions, I take a strengths-based approach because I believe you know your life better than anyone else. We'll explore techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, and I will serve as a support guide, emphasizing your inherent strengths and talents you naturally possess to help you face challenges and grow. Together, we will work toward overcoming difficulties and making meaningful, positive shifts in your life.
I help with anxiety, family conflict, first-generation student challenges, identity and self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship dynamics. In our sessions, I take a strengths-based approach because I believe you know your life better than anyone else. We'll explore techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, and I will serve as a support guide, emphasizing your inherent strengths and talents you naturally possess to help you face challenges and grow. Together, we will work toward overcoming difficulties and making meaningful, positive shifts in your life.
Riley Ellis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Waitlist for new clients
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, stress, or family changes that are making every day life feel difficult or hard to manage? Do you notice your child struggling and you are unsure how to emotionally support them? Have you tried to solve the problems on your own and nothing seems to be working? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I'm glad you're here. Seeking help for your child, family struggles, or parenting issues can be difficult. I'm here to help.
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, stress, or family changes that are making every day life feel difficult or hard to manage? Do you notice your child struggling and you are unsure how to emotionally support them? Have you tried to solve the problems on your own and nothing seems to be working? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I'm glad you're here. Seeking help for your child, family struggles, or parenting issues can be difficult. I'm here to help.
15 Second Videos
Grace Stirling
Elizabeth Kennedy
Andrea Kulberg
Alexandra Neff
Marisol Murillo
Lories Khoury
Tiff Thompson -Neurofield Neurotherapy
Robby Salomon
Nicholas James Dogris
Michael Metz
Ashley Youngblood
Sarah Weber
Summer Sessions Counseling
PatrickLyra Wilder LMFT & Associates
Curtis Hsia
Judi Lang
Emily Sebald
Sacred Path Holistic Therapy
Felicia Carroll
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd , LMFT-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Solvang, CA 93463
I have a specialization in assessing and providing therapy with children, adolescents, and their families. In addition to thirty five years of clinical work I am a teacher and trainer to other professionals in Gestalt Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and Families. I hae also published several articles which are available on the internet.
I have a specialization in assessing and providing therapy with children, adolescents, and their families. In addition to thirty five years of clinical work I am a teacher and trainer to other professionals in Gestalt Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and Families. I hae also published several articles which are available on the internet.
Jaime Bregante
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
We all worry about our children. We want to support and teach them the skills needed to overcome challenges so they will grow into “successful” adults. Families may go through a phase where additional support may be needed in order to get through these challenges. It takes a strong sense of self to be able to communicate what’s wrong and most children are still developing these skills. In collaboration with families, I create a safe space to help develop insight into the internal challenges a child is facing while helping them build the skills they need to thrive.
We all worry about our children. We want to support and teach them the skills needed to overcome challenges so they will grow into “successful” adults. Families may go through a phase where additional support may be needed in order to get through these challenges. It takes a strong sense of self to be able to communicate what’s wrong and most children are still developing these skills. In collaboration with families, I create a safe space to help develop insight into the internal challenges a child is facing while helping them build the skills they need to thrive.
Hosford Counseling & Psychological Services Clinic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
The Hosford Clinic is a university-based community clinic that provides affordable mental health services to people in the Santa Barbara area (including Isla Vista, Goleta and Carpinteria). We offer counseling and treatment services for individuals, couples, adolescents, children, and families. These services are evidence based, culturally-responsive and low-cost. We provide a safe space for you to talk privately about your worries and concerns and can help by: *asking questions that help you see your problem in new ways; *teaching you effective ways to cope; *coaching you in ways to improve your work, school, and home life.
The Hosford Clinic is a university-based community clinic that provides affordable mental health services to people in the Santa Barbara area (including Isla Vista, Goleta and Carpinteria). We offer counseling and treatment services for individuals, couples, adolescents, children, and families. These services are evidence based, culturally-responsive and low-cost. We provide a safe space for you to talk privately about your worries and concerns and can help by: *asking questions that help you see your problem in new ways; *teaching you effective ways to cope; *coaching you in ways to improve your work, school, and home life.
Each of us passes through struggles that are difficult to cope with. In working together to form a therapeutic relationship we can become healthier and more able to react more skillfully to the challenges that present themselves. My work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families is based off a strong clinical foundation and woven together with compassion, respect and caring. By resolving some of our issues we can become balanced and find improved overall health (mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, emotionally).
Each of us passes through struggles that are difficult to cope with. In working together to form a therapeutic relationship we can become healthier and more able to react more skillfully to the challenges that present themselves. My work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families is based off a strong clinical foundation and woven together with compassion, respect and caring. By resolving some of our issues we can become balanced and find improved overall health (mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, emotionally).
Megan McClintock
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Most of us have come to a place in our lives where we could use some extra support, look at things in a different way and make different choices. Therapy can be helpful in assisting families and individuals in managing relationships and mental health issues. Therapy is a safe and confidential place to freely express your concerns and be heard. It is a cooperative effort between the therapist and client.
Most of us have come to a place in our lives where we could use some extra support, look at things in a different way and make different choices. Therapy can be helpful in assisting families and individuals in managing relationships and mental health issues. Therapy is a safe and confidential place to freely express your concerns and be heard. It is a cooperative effort between the therapist and client.
Pain is a natural part of life, but suffering is not inevitable. Suffering comes from avoiding our emotions. Although avoiding emotions can temporarily reduce anxiety, it ultimately limits our ability to live a fulfilling life. Effective therapy involves learning to confront our internal reactions openly and honestly. The more we accept life's challenges, the less we rely on harmful defense mechanisms. The kind of therapy I practice is about seeing, understanding, and letting go of these mechanisms so that the truth can emerge and do its healing work.
Pain is a natural part of life, but suffering is not inevitable. Suffering comes from avoiding our emotions. Although avoiding emotions can temporarily reduce anxiety, it ultimately limits our ability to live a fulfilling life. Effective therapy involves learning to confront our internal reactions openly and honestly. The more we accept life's challenges, the less we rely on harmful defense mechanisms. The kind of therapy I practice is about seeing, understanding, and letting go of these mechanisms so that the truth can emerge and do its healing work.
Beth Kanne - Casselman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
As a psychotherapist and credentialed schoolteacher, I have worked with children of all ages and their families for the past 27 years. This unique background--combining family therapy, human development, attachment, neuroscience, and education provides a strong foundation for meeting client needs and fostering long-term happiness and success. In general, I help clients work with issues of adolescent, child, and infant development. Individuals and families may be facing such challenges as the arrival of a newborn, anxiety, or depression, academic concerns, and life transitions including blended families, divorce, and loss.
As a psychotherapist and credentialed schoolteacher, I have worked with children of all ages and their families for the past 27 years. This unique background--combining family therapy, human development, attachment, neuroscience, and education provides a strong foundation for meeting client needs and fostering long-term happiness and success. In general, I help clients work with issues of adolescent, child, and infant development. Individuals and families may be facing such challenges as the arrival of a newborn, anxiety, or depression, academic concerns, and life transitions including blended families, divorce, and loss.
Anxiety Experts has offices in Goleta, Montecito and Ventura, as well as virtual outpatient and Virtual Intensive Outpatient (VIOP) Treatment. Our team is specialized in treating anxiety, panic, social phobia, school refusal, OCD, PTSD, BDD, and disordered eating. These problems rob one's sense of freedom, confidence and self-worth. We treat these issues with a type of CBT called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Medical Nutrition Therapy from a Registered Dietitian as appropriate. We have helped hundreds of adults and kids master their fears; research shows in-person and live video to be equally effective!
Anxiety Experts has offices in Goleta, Montecito and Ventura, as well as virtual outpatient and Virtual Intensive Outpatient (VIOP) Treatment. Our team is specialized in treating anxiety, panic, social phobia, school refusal, OCD, PTSD, BDD, and disordered eating. These problems rob one's sense of freedom, confidence and self-worth. We treat these issues with a type of CBT called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Medical Nutrition Therapy from a Registered Dietitian as appropriate. We have helped hundreds of adults and kids master their fears; research shows in-person and live video to be equally effective!
Anxiety Experts has offices in Goleta, Montecito and Ventura, as well as virtual outpatient and Virtual Intensive Outpatient (VIOP) Treatment. Our team is specialized in treating anxiety, panic, social phobia, school refusal, OCD, PTSD, BDD, and disordered eating. These problems rob one's sense of freedom, confidence and self-worth. We treat these issues with a type of CBT called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Medical Nutrition Therapy from a Registered Dietician as appropriate. We have helped hundreds of adults and kids master their fears; research shows in-person and live video to be equally effective!
Anxiety Experts has offices in Goleta, Montecito and Ventura, as well as virtual outpatient and Virtual Intensive Outpatient (VIOP) Treatment. Our team is specialized in treating anxiety, panic, social phobia, school refusal, OCD, PTSD, BDD, and disordered eating. These problems rob one's sense of freedom, confidence and self-worth. We treat these issues with a type of CBT called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Medical Nutrition Therapy from a Registered Dietician as appropriate. We have helped hundreds of adults and kids master their fears; research shows in-person and live video to be equally effective!
See more therapy options for Santa Barbara County
Toddler Therapists
What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?
Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.
Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?
Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.
What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.
What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?
What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.