Play Therapy in Santa Cruz, CA
Alicia M Foronda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I count with the fortune of a large experience assisting families, where the systemic and psychodynamic perspectives have been valuable in their mental health progress; along with the skills in adult psychotherapy and play-therapy with children.
Invest in yourself and your loved ones; therapy is not just a mental health treatment sought when we are suffering from mental distress, or unable to conduct life as wanted. Therapy is also a self discovery process to get a greater and deeper knowledge about ourselves, which will allow to make better choices and become the person that we have wished. Having someone to accompany you in this path, with a professional perspective, non-judgmental listening and accurate interventions, will allow you to cope with painful circumstances, significant life changes / transitions, as well with symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and others.
I count with the fortune of a large experience assisting families, where the systemic and psychodynamic perspectives have been valuable in their mental health progress; along with the skills in adult psychotherapy and play-therapy with children.
Invest in yourself and your loved ones; therapy is not just a mental health treatment sought when we are suffering from mental distress, or unable to conduct life as wanted. Therapy is also a self discovery process to get a greater and deeper knowledge about ourselves, which will allow to make better choices and become the person that we have wished. Having someone to accompany you in this path, with a professional perspective, non-judgmental listening and accurate interventions, will allow you to cope with painful circumstances, significant life changes / transitions, as well with symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and others.
The Heart Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, ATR, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I believe therapy is the development of a safe and trusting relationship between the facilitator and the participant. Therapy can be hard work and getting started can be scary, however making art, using play or being in nature can ease this process. As your therapist I will encourage you to use your creative imagination as a vehicle to understanding your inner turmoil, psychic pain or stagnancy. Along the way we will be implementing these effective tools in cultivating a more fulfilling life experience.
I believe therapy is the development of a safe and trusting relationship between the facilitator and the participant. Therapy can be hard work and getting started can be scary, however making art, using play or being in nature can ease this process. As your therapist I will encourage you to use your creative imagination as a vehicle to understanding your inner turmoil, psychic pain or stagnancy. Along the way we will be implementing these effective tools in cultivating a more fulfilling life experience.
Do you want to create practical solutions for solving problems in you or your family's life? Ambivalent about which therapist to choose? I help struggling teens, children, frustrated parents, and individuals, feel comfortable and at ease using innovative methods and a straightforward style of therapy. My interventions are drawn from evidenced based theories like Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Interested in alternatives to talk therapy? I also offer "walk and talk sessions" outside of the office, play/art therapy, and distance counseling via Zoom or phone.
Do you want to create practical solutions for solving problems in you or your family's life? Ambivalent about which therapist to choose? I help struggling teens, children, frustrated parents, and individuals, feel comfortable and at ease using innovative methods and a straightforward style of therapy. My interventions are drawn from evidenced based theories like Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Interested in alternatives to talk therapy? I also offer "walk and talk sessions" outside of the office, play/art therapy, and distance counseling via Zoom or phone.
I am currently offering in-person and online individual sessions using expressive arts, mindfulness, neurofeedback, EMDR and Ketamine. Artistic expression may be done through an online collage program or with any materials you would like to use. This may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, music, movement, writing, photography, role play or any combination of these. The focus is on the creative process as a tool for transformation and manifestation, rather than on the quality of the product.
I am currently offering in-person and online individual sessions using expressive arts, mindfulness, neurofeedback, EMDR and Ketamine. Artistic expression may be done through an online collage program or with any materials you would like to use. This may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, music, movement, writing, photography, role play or any combination of these. The focus is on the creative process as a tool for transformation and manifestation, rather than on the quality of the product.
Through non-directive play therapy, I support children in their healing process & work closely with parents along the way.
Sometimes life throws us situations we never imagined for ourselves. The death of a parent, spouse, or best friend. Frequent calls from your child’s teacher about their “bad behavior." A surprise announcement from your teen that they’re not comfortable in the gender you always thought they were. You’re not alone, and you or your child don’t have to go through these experiences alone, either. Together, we’ll find ways to cope with the days where it feels too hard to get out of bed, to explore what feelings are coming up when you’re crying alone in the shower, or to come up with strategies to see the “good” in your child.
Through non-directive play therapy, I support children in their healing process & work closely with parents along the way.
Sometimes life throws us situations we never imagined for ourselves. The death of a parent, spouse, or best friend. Frequent calls from your child’s teacher about their “bad behavior." A surprise announcement from your teen that they’re not comfortable in the gender you always thought they were. You’re not alone, and you or your child don’t have to go through these experiences alone, either. Together, we’ll find ways to cope with the days where it feels too hard to get out of bed, to explore what feelings are coming up when you’re crying alone in the shower, or to come up with strategies to see the “good” in your child.
Yvonne D Vermillion
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
As a play therapist for children, adolescents, and even adults, I have witnessed clients evolve from feelings of loneliness, loss, confusion, fear and anxiety, to embracing empowerment, self-confidence, trust and respect for self and others.
Blending conventional and alternative approaches I empower children, adolescents, and adults to reach their therapeutic goals. It is my belief that all children, regardless of age or race, speak their own unique language based on their unique life experiences. This language expresses who they are and what they need in order to live a more functional and productive life. My mission is to interpret that language and offer innovative strategies that foster positive growth and maturity. It is not only a challenge to change, grow, and learn. As a member of the human race, I feel it is an obligation!
As a play therapist for children, adolescents, and even adults, I have witnessed clients evolve from feelings of loneliness, loss, confusion, fear and anxiety, to embracing empowerment, self-confidence, trust and respect for self and others.
Blending conventional and alternative approaches I empower children, adolescents, and adults to reach their therapeutic goals. It is my belief that all children, regardless of age or race, speak their own unique language based on their unique life experiences. This language expresses who they are and what they need in order to live a more functional and productive life. My mission is to interpret that language and offer innovative strategies that foster positive growth and maturity. It is not only a challenge to change, grow, and learn. As a member of the human race, I feel it is an obligation!
For adults and children, play therapy helps everyone feel understood and imagine new ways of being together.
Starting therapy can feel exciting and intimidating—especially when trying to find the right fit for yourself, your child/teen, or your family. As part of Santa Cruz Therapy Collective, my heartfelt intent is to uplift people to find peace, compassion, & deep connection in life. Imagine breaking free from repetitive, scary, or hurtful thoughts & feelings; feeling secure & supported even on hard days; knowing you're capable, worthy, & connected to love. If you or your child struggle with isolation, hopelessness, worry, unworthiness, people pleasing, or feeling "out of control" or “stuck”, I would love to support you to thrive.
For adults and children, play therapy helps everyone feel understood and imagine new ways of being together.
Starting therapy can feel exciting and intimidating—especially when trying to find the right fit for yourself, your child/teen, or your family. As part of Santa Cruz Therapy Collective, my heartfelt intent is to uplift people to find peace, compassion, & deep connection in life. Imagine breaking free from repetitive, scary, or hurtful thoughts & feelings; feeling secure & supported even on hard days; knowing you're capable, worthy, & connected to love. If you or your child struggle with isolation, hopelessness, worry, unworthiness, people pleasing, or feeling "out of control" or “stuck”, I would love to support you to thrive.
I can provide a careful play based assessment for emotional and behavioral challenges at home and school, including anxiety, depression, trauma, Autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities and provide guidance and support to children and families.
Is your child struggling at home or in school? Are you having a hard time understanding what you/your child are going through? Are you looking for strategies to help your child thrive? If a parent or teacher is concerned about your child's mental health, social skills, or development, I'm here to help. Sometimes this may be a temporary worry relating to natural growing pains that are part of every child's development, an event in the child’s life, such as the loss of a loved one, or the beginning of a deeper issue. I understand the emotional stress a family experiences when a child is struggling.
I can provide a careful play based assessment for emotional and behavioral challenges at home and school, including anxiety, depression, trauma, Autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities and provide guidance and support to children and families.
Is your child struggling at home or in school? Are you having a hard time understanding what you/your child are going through? Are you looking for strategies to help your child thrive? If a parent or teacher is concerned about your child's mental health, social skills, or development, I'm here to help. Sometimes this may be a temporary worry relating to natural growing pains that are part of every child's development, an event in the child’s life, such as the loss of a loved one, or the beginning of a deeper issue. I understand the emotional stress a family experiences when a child is struggling.
Yes To Therapy, Individual, Family & Couples
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Therapists at Yes To Therapy offer many different specialties, including treating trauma (Brainspotting, IFS, and EMDR), couples (Gottman and EFT), art therapy, play therapy, CBT, DBT, and many more modalities.
At Yes To Therapy, we provide therapeutic services and medication management to a wide variety of ages, genders, cultures, and populations. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment for each and every client who walks through our doors. We have therapists that reflect an array of different genders, ethnic backgrounds, and specialties, as we aim to meet the needs of our clients and match each person with a therapist that truly feels like the right fit.
Therapists at Yes To Therapy offer many different specialties, including treating trauma (Brainspotting, IFS, and EMDR), couples (Gottman and EFT), art therapy, play therapy, CBT, DBT, and many more modalities.
At Yes To Therapy, we provide therapeutic services and medication management to a wide variety of ages, genders, cultures, and populations. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment for each and every client who walks through our doors. We have therapists that reflect an array of different genders, ethnic backgrounds, and specialties, as we aim to meet the needs of our clients and match each person with a therapist that truly feels like the right fit.
Julie Herzog
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
For example, I utilize brief therapy models, a psychodynamic approach as well as employing play and art therapy techniques.
I am a holistic psychotherapist and will work to help you integrate mind, body and spirit. I believe we all have the propensity for health and wellness. Together we can work with your acute crisis or your desire to explore a deeper connection to self. Helping individuals (children, teens, adults), couples and families throughout the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay area....I look forward to meeting you, working with you and assisting you in achieving better mental health.
For example, I utilize brief therapy models, a psychodynamic approach as well as employing play and art therapy techniques.
I am a holistic psychotherapist and will work to help you integrate mind, body and spirit. I believe we all have the propensity for health and wellness. Together we can work with your acute crisis or your desire to explore a deeper connection to self. Helping individuals (children, teens, adults), couples and families throughout the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay area....I look forward to meeting you, working with you and assisting you in achieving better mental health.
Through creativity, play, and energy psychology techniques, we can shift and heal.
I am a deep heart healer. Clients come to me to support in clearing and transforming the parts of them which are deeply wounded. I work with clients from an intuitive and trauma-informed perspective. My work extends beyond the mental and emotional into the energetic and spiritual realms. I believe we all carry trauma whether it is collective, individual, or ancestral.
Through creativity, play, and energy psychology techniques, we can shift and heal.
I am a deep heart healer. Clients come to me to support in clearing and transforming the parts of them which are deeply wounded. I work with clients from an intuitive and trauma-informed perspective. My work extends beyond the mental and emotional into the energetic and spiritual realms. I believe we all carry trauma whether it is collective, individual, or ancestral.
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Play therapy creates a safe place for children to try new skills, process emotions, and communicate their needs. The playroom is a great environment for a child's healing and growth because they are able to use their natural mode of communication - play! A Play therapist is specially trained to understand how kids play and and use it to help them make sense of their world. Parents are also involved, learning crucial play and communication skills that help build authentic relationships with their children. Play therapy is recommended for most childhood issues, including grief, anger, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety and more.
Play therapy creates a safe place for children to try new skills, process emotions, and communicate their needs. The playroom is a great environment for a child's healing and growth because they are able to use their natural mode of communication - play! A Play therapist is specially trained to understand how kids play and and use it to help them make sense of their world. Parents are also involved, learning crucial play and communication skills that help build authentic relationships with their children. Play therapy is recommended for most childhood issues, including grief, anger, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety and more.
Alli Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I practice effective, culturally sensitive, relational therapy. I strive to understand my clients in the context of their relationships and broader society. No one lives in a vacuum, and often our challenges are connected to stuck relationship patterns, and dynamics of power and privilege that play out in our relationships, our workplace, and even within ourselves. I believe that the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client is one of the most important factors for your growth and healing. In my view, it is vital that you are believed, respected and compassionately understood.
I practice effective, culturally sensitive, relational therapy. I strive to understand my clients in the context of their relationships and broader society. No one lives in a vacuum, and often our challenges are connected to stuck relationship patterns, and dynamics of power and privilege that play out in our relationships, our workplace, and even within ourselves. I believe that the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client is one of the most important factors for your growth and healing. In my view, it is vital that you are believed, respected and compassionately understood.
I believe that healing and growth are innate human capacities which can become overwhelmed by powerful and/or chronic stressors. My priorities for our healing relationship are to ensure a sense of safety for you in the therapy process, as well as collaborativity. I have developed a process that I call Developmental Mindfulness to promote wellness on the somatic, emotional, and cognitive levels of human experience. I integrate somatic modalities, archetypal psychology, art therapy, play therapy, the fundamentals of qigong and yoga, Internal Family Systems, narrative strategies, cognitive strategies, and nutritional psychology.
I believe that healing and growth are innate human capacities which can become overwhelmed by powerful and/or chronic stressors. My priorities for our healing relationship are to ensure a sense of safety for you in the therapy process, as well as collaborativity. I have developed a process that I call Developmental Mindfulness to promote wellness on the somatic, emotional, and cognitive levels of human experience. I integrate somatic modalities, archetypal psychology, art therapy, play therapy, the fundamentals of qigong and yoga, Internal Family Systems, narrative strategies, cognitive strategies, and nutritional psychology.
My office has a separate play therapy room where children can explore their thoughts, feelings and behavior that may be related to grief, loss or trauma.
Stuck in a pattern? A pattern that repeats itself almost magically again and again in your relationships, at work, or parenting. These patterns may have been helpful in the past, but now dull creativity and spirit, wearing down confidence, fortitude and hope. Or perhaps you are in the middle of change or in need of change painfully long overdue, but you just can’t...seem...to...fully...step...forward. I work with adults and couples to move through patterns of depression, anxiety, addiction, pain and trauma into growth and long awaited thriving.
My office has a separate play therapy room where children can explore their thoughts, feelings and behavior that may be related to grief, loss or trauma.
Stuck in a pattern? A pattern that repeats itself almost magically again and again in your relationships, at work, or parenting. These patterns may have been helpful in the past, but now dull creativity and spirit, wearing down confidence, fortitude and hope. Or perhaps you are in the middle of change or in need of change painfully long overdue, but you just can’t...seem...to...fully...step...forward. I work with adults and couples to move through patterns of depression, anxiety, addiction, pain and trauma into growth and long awaited thriving.
Sue Shirron
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I believe that positive changes can happen with you and your child by incorporating play therapy techniques with somatic, mindful and eclectic approaches that are foundationally trauma-informed.
If you are here because you are concerned with the mental health of your child, or your relationship with them, you are in the right place! I specialize in child, individual, and family therapy, identifying and working toward goals using empathy, compassion, and insight in a safe and non-judgmental environment. By using non-directive and directive play therapy activities, collaboration, promotion of healthy communication and behavior patterns, you will see a shift in your child, and your relationship as a family system.
I believe that positive changes can happen with you and your child by incorporating play therapy techniques with somatic, mindful and eclectic approaches that are foundationally trauma-informed.
If you are here because you are concerned with the mental health of your child, or your relationship with them, you are in the right place! I specialize in child, individual, and family therapy, identifying and working toward goals using empathy, compassion, and insight in a safe and non-judgmental environment. By using non-directive and directive play therapy activities, collaboration, promotion of healthy communication and behavior patterns, you will see a shift in your child, and your relationship as a family system.
Internal Family Systems, Expressive Art and Sand Play Therapy are central & effective in my work.
Warm Greetings. I'm here to support you in Living Your Best Life. Let's work together to get you there. I can help you navigate challenges & discover your path forward. I believe we all know how to heal ourselves. My role is to guide you in this process. My experience: 16 yrs. working with clients of all ages. Focus: Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting, troubled teens, self-harm, divorce, substance abuse, Survivors of childhood sexual abuse & breast cancer. I also offer parents guidance navigating Special Education Systems in schools & colleges, assuring students receive needed accommodations & services.
Internal Family Systems, Expressive Art and Sand Play Therapy are central & effective in my work.
Warm Greetings. I'm here to support you in Living Your Best Life. Let's work together to get you there. I can help you navigate challenges & discover your path forward. I believe we all know how to heal ourselves. My role is to guide you in this process. My experience: 16 yrs. working with clients of all ages. Focus: Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting, troubled teens, self-harm, divorce, substance abuse, Survivors of childhood sexual abuse & breast cancer. I also offer parents guidance navigating Special Education Systems in schools & colleges, assuring students receive needed accommodations & services.
Alham Rodriguez (Bilingual)
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
My approach when working with children is play-based, art-based, and toy-based.
Hello and bienvenidos. I have over 11 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My approach to practice is tailored to the individual needs and style of each client. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds. My style is authentic, attentive, warm, yet playful and humorous. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can feel heard and understood. I enjoy working from an integrated approach that is person-centered, mindfulness-based, and rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
My approach when working with children is play-based, art-based, and toy-based.
Hello and bienvenidos. I have over 11 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My approach to practice is tailored to the individual needs and style of each client. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds. My style is authentic, attentive, warm, yet playful and humorous. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can feel heard and understood. I enjoy working from an integrated approach that is person-centered, mindfulness-based, and rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Maayan Bick | Individual + Relational Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I am trained in inner-child work, EMDR, art/play therapy, and trauma-informed care.
I am passionate about helping deep feelers and thinkers (from children to adults) live a life of meaning and fulfillment by: learning strategies on how to manage emotions, cope with existential dread, navigate changing relational roles and identities, and build resiliency during times of uncertainty, transition, and stress. My empathetic nature plays a role in my therapeutic style. I collaboratively work with those who experience emotional instability due to to anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, attachment injuries, heartbreak, CPTSD, and grief.
I am trained in inner-child work, EMDR, art/play therapy, and trauma-informed care.
I am passionate about helping deep feelers and thinkers (from children to adults) live a life of meaning and fulfillment by: learning strategies on how to manage emotions, cope with existential dread, navigate changing relational roles and identities, and build resiliency during times of uncertainty, transition, and stress. My empathetic nature plays a role in my therapeutic style. I collaboratively work with those who experience emotional instability due to to anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, attachment injuries, heartbreak, CPTSD, and grief.
Using tenets of IFS, mindfulness, CBT, art, and play therapy within a warm therapeutic environment, clients can freely express themselves and create positive change.
I offer a welcoming, empathetic, person-centered approach to working with people. I believe we all have inherent strengths that have helped us survive in this life. I aim to create a collaborative and safe place to heal and process. I believe that with unconditional support you will learn more about yourself, develop awareness of your different parts, and learn how to use your strengths to grow deeper with compassion and love for yourself.
Using tenets of IFS, mindfulness, CBT, art, and play therapy within a warm therapeutic environment, clients can freely express themselves and create positive change.
I offer a welcoming, empathetic, person-centered approach to working with people. I believe we all have inherent strengths that have helped us survive in this life. I aim to create a collaborative and safe place to heal and process. I believe that with unconditional support you will learn more about yourself, develop awareness of your different parts, and learn how to use your strengths to grow deeper with compassion and love for yourself.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Santa Cruz
- Aptos
- Campbell
- Capitola
- Cupertino
- Felton
- Los Gatos
- Morgan Hill
- San Jose
- Saratoga
- Scotts Valley
- Soquel
- Watsonville
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.