Play Therapy in South San Francisco, CA
Tara Dyson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080 (Online Only)
Is your child struggling just to make it through a typical day at school? Does he/she have difficulty focusing in class, finishing assignments and establishing friendships with peers? I can help your child be successful by teaching him/her positive coping skills through the use of play therapy, role play, etc.
Is your child struggling just to make it through a typical day at school? Does he/she have difficulty focusing in class, finishing assignments and establishing friendships with peers? I can help your child be successful by teaching him/her positive coping skills through the use of play therapy, role play, etc.
Martha Borja Acacio
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
I hold over 25 years of experience working with youth, adolescents, young adults, adults and families. After earning my master's degree in Counseling at San Francisco State University, I accepted a position with Family Service Agency of San Francisco, then with the City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health, Community Behavioral Services. In this position, I helped to create the Transitional Youth Service Program. In 2000, I received a Certificate of Honor award from the Mayor of San Francisco.
I hold over 25 years of experience working with youth, adolescents, young adults, adults and families. After earning my master's degree in Counseling at San Francisco State University, I accepted a position with Family Service Agency of San Francisco, then with the City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health, Community Behavioral Services. In this position, I helped to create the Transitional Youth Service Program. In 2000, I received a Certificate of Honor award from the Mayor of San Francisco.
Hi, my name is Crystal Garcia Ruacho, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. My therapy approach focuses on developing human connection through a trauma informed lens to support the people I work with in reaching their personal mental health goals. I have over 12 years of experience working with school aged children, adolescents, and young adults. I enjoy supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I am a trauma focused therapist, using EMDR and person centered approach to help clients work through life challenges and bring out the best version of themselves.
Hi, my name is Crystal Garcia Ruacho, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. My therapy approach focuses on developing human connection through a trauma informed lens to support the people I work with in reaching their personal mental health goals. I have over 12 years of experience working with school aged children, adolescents, and young adults. I enjoy supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I am a trauma focused therapist, using EMDR and person centered approach to help clients work through life challenges and bring out the best version of themselves.
I am a bilingual bicultural Marriage & Family Therapist in the field of mental health for over 13 years. In my practice, I strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for individuals to explore and grow in desired areas. I work from a strength-based approach and I am passionate about empowering individuals and families to reach their full potential.
I am a bilingual bicultural Marriage & Family Therapist in the field of mental health for over 13 years. In my practice, I strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for individuals to explore and grow in desired areas. I work from a strength-based approach and I am passionate about empowering individuals and families to reach their full potential.
Bianca Aarons Integrative Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94083 (Online Only)
Bianca Aarons is a San Francisco based Couples Therapist and Individual Therapist who works in an integrative way, incorporating a psychoanalytic, relational, and somatic styles of working. Bianca treats couples who struggle with communication, survivors of sexual abuse, and others to help people find their voice, to feel empowered, and to access healthy anger and boundaries. Bianca also works with people who struggle within relationships because of anxiety and past family issues which may have let to lower self esteem and perfectionism. She works in a direct and honest way while also being very compassionate and empathetic.
Bianca Aarons is a San Francisco based Couples Therapist and Individual Therapist who works in an integrative way, incorporating a psychoanalytic, relational, and somatic styles of working. Bianca treats couples who struggle with communication, survivors of sexual abuse, and others to help people find their voice, to feel empowered, and to access healthy anger and boundaries. Bianca also works with people who struggle within relationships because of anxiety and past family issues which may have let to lower self esteem and perfectionism. She works in a direct and honest way while also being very compassionate and empathetic.
Gregory Villalba
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
I see children, adolescents, and adults in individual psychotherapy and psychoanalysis who are struggling with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, life cycle challenges, and trauma. At times the way people cope with and manage their past or present difficulties create additional barriers to feeling good, and fulfilling their hopes and goals. As a conscientious, professional, and compassionate clinician, I strive to provide a therapeutic relationship in which together we can think about, understand and help you work through those feelings and thoughts that are troubling, confusing and worrisome.
I see children, adolescents, and adults in individual psychotherapy and psychoanalysis who are struggling with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, life cycle challenges, and trauma. At times the way people cope with and manage their past or present difficulties create additional barriers to feeling good, and fulfilling their hopes and goals. As a conscientious, professional, and compassionate clinician, I strive to provide a therapeutic relationship in which together we can think about, understand and help you work through those feelings and thoughts that are troubling, confusing and worrisome.
I provide both brief and long term psychotherapy. Currently. I work remotely , but I would like to be able see people in person in the Spring of 2023. I have been in the field for many years ,have a wealth of experience in both life and as a therapist ,to help me help you. I enjoy working with all kinds of people from all walks of life. Many people now are dealing with the impacts of the Pandemic and I am here to support those folks , and people who have mental health issues that predate the Pandemic but that may have been exacerbated by it. My goal is to design the treatment to fit the needs of the client.
I provide both brief and long term psychotherapy. Currently. I work remotely , but I would like to be able see people in person in the Spring of 2023. I have been in the field for many years ,have a wealth of experience in both life and as a therapist ,to help me help you. I enjoy working with all kinds of people from all walks of life. Many people now are dealing with the impacts of the Pandemic and I am here to support those folks , and people who have mental health issues that predate the Pandemic but that may have been exacerbated by it. My goal is to design the treatment to fit the needs of the client.
Victoria Julita Spiers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Waitlist for new clients
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
Pauline Jarakian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
I am a longstanding Marriage Family and Child psychotherapist with extensive experience working with all traumas, depression, anxiety, attachment and relationship difficulties. I'm committed to being a culturally competent therapist, my practice is diverse and includes individuals, families, adults, adolescents, children and couples of all ages, races, genders and sexual orientations. I specialize in working with postpartum depression and infant parent therapy with mothers and babies. I supervise for MFT interns at USF's Family and Child Center and am an Adjunct Professor in USF's Graduate School of Counseling Psychology.
I am a longstanding Marriage Family and Child psychotherapist with extensive experience working with all traumas, depression, anxiety, attachment and relationship difficulties. I'm committed to being a culturally competent therapist, my practice is diverse and includes individuals, families, adults, adolescents, children and couples of all ages, races, genders and sexual orientations. I specialize in working with postpartum depression and infant parent therapy with mothers and babies. I supervise for MFT interns at USF's Family and Child Center and am an Adjunct Professor in USF's Graduate School of Counseling Psychology.
My name is Victoria Wuest, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Redding, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults; I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and stress. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), harm reduction, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help my clients meet their goals and develop skills to help them feel better.
My name is Victoria Wuest, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Redding, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults; I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and stress. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), harm reduction, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help my clients meet their goals and develop skills to help them feel better.
Toppacio Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Hello, my name is Toppacio Rodriguez, but you can refer to me as Topy. My pronouns are she/her (ella/ellas). As a therapist, I will follow your lead and provide suggestions and information on what options are available. I'm a big believer that having limited expectations only provide limited opportunities. I will collaborate with you to identify challenges in your path, brainstorm with you and be on your side as you see what works best. I have had the pleasure of learning from various groups and populations. I obtained experience working in Family Preservation assisting families through the reunification process.
Hello, my name is Toppacio Rodriguez, but you can refer to me as Topy. My pronouns are she/her (ella/ellas). As a therapist, I will follow your lead and provide suggestions and information on what options are available. I'm a big believer that having limited expectations only provide limited opportunities. I will collaborate with you to identify challenges in your path, brainstorm with you and be on your side as you see what works best. I have had the pleasure of learning from various groups and populations. I obtained experience working in Family Preservation assisting families through the reunification process.
Drae (Andrea) Roth
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Are you full of ideas but are having difficulty doing the things you want to do? Do you struggle to make it to appointments on time, work on projects in advance, or take care of everyday tasks like cleaning or paying bills? Do you or others in your life feel frustrated when you don’t follow through on your commitments? Or do you question your gender identity or sexual orientation and grapple with what that means for your life? If so, then you’re not alone. Many neurodivergent people struggle to adapt to a world set up for neurotypical people. If any of these questions or statements resonate, you have come to the right place.
Are you full of ideas but are having difficulty doing the things you want to do? Do you struggle to make it to appointments on time, work on projects in advance, or take care of everyday tasks like cleaning or paying bills? Do you or others in your life feel frustrated when you don’t follow through on your commitments? Or do you question your gender identity or sexual orientation and grapple with what that means for your life? If so, then you’re not alone. Many neurodivergent people struggle to adapt to a world set up for neurotypical people. If any of these questions or statements resonate, you have come to the right place.
Hi there, my name is Josephine Koger and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Ventura, California, and working statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds with a variety of presenting problems, ranging from anxiety, depression, grief and loss, psychological trauma, relationship difficulties, and phase of life issues. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Hi there, my name is Josephine Koger and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Ventura, California, and working statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds with a variety of presenting problems, ranging from anxiety, depression, grief and loss, psychological trauma, relationship difficulties, and phase of life issues. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Preston Yee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94083
Waitlist for new clients
Having trouble communicating with your kids? Is social anxiety, depression, isolation, hyperactive, or behavioral issues holding them back from their full potential? Do they experiences challenges like making friends, truancy, bullying, drugs, fighting, getting in trouble at school or the law? I am here to help build the relationship and communication you and your family deserve.
Having trouble communicating with your kids? Is social anxiety, depression, isolation, hyperactive, or behavioral issues holding them back from their full potential? Do they experiences challenges like making friends, truancy, bullying, drugs, fighting, getting in trouble at school or the law? I am here to help build the relationship and communication you and your family deserve.
Open Mind Health
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080 (Online Only)
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Holly (Stangle) Tse
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Life can be challenging. Messy relationships, past hurts that won't go away, the stress and pressures of keeping up every day. ...And so often in our struggle, we can feel alone and unseen. Wherever you're at today, it is my honor to meet you there and to walk with you toward healing and wholeness. My name is Holly Stangle, and I'm a licensed therapist in CA and WA, passionate about creating a safe place where people can be honest, be seen, and find healing and growth. I accept several insurance plans in CA and WA. In-person sessions now available in San Diego, CA!
Life can be challenging. Messy relationships, past hurts that won't go away, the stress and pressures of keeping up every day. ...And so often in our struggle, we can feel alone and unseen. Wherever you're at today, it is my honor to meet you there and to walk with you toward healing and wholeness. My name is Holly Stangle, and I'm a licensed therapist in CA and WA, passionate about creating a safe place where people can be honest, be seen, and find healing and growth. I accept several insurance plans in CA and WA. In-person sessions now available in San Diego, CA!
Ilene Ava Serlin
Psychologist, PhD, ADTR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Not accepting new clients
I'm a very experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years experience in many settings. I'm warm and compassionate, but also practical. I work from a growth model that helps you access your own wisdom and make a commitment to change. My background in the arts and Jungian psychology attunes me to the dreams and imagery that can inform you about your life course, but I also help you bring these dreams into action. My experience with mind/body can help you prepare for and recover from surgery, develop resilience, stress reduction, confront mortality and life changes, find meaningful work, and appreciate relationships.
I'm a very experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years experience in many settings. I'm warm and compassionate, but also practical. I work from a growth model that helps you access your own wisdom and make a commitment to change. My background in the arts and Jungian psychology attunes me to the dreams and imagery that can inform you about your life course, but I also help you bring these dreams into action. My experience with mind/body can help you prepare for and recover from surgery, develop resilience, stress reduction, confront mortality and life changes, find meaningful work, and appreciate relationships.
More Therapists Nearby
With younger children, I offer play therapy, which can provide your child an opportunity to express their feelings, fears, anxieties, conflicts and wishes through the metaphorical medium of play.
If you are a parent who is feeling overwhelmed by the needs of a struggling child, confused and frustrated by family discord or at a loss as to how to communicate with your loved ones, I can help you restore the balance, calm and cooperation in your home. I have more than 20 years’ experience working with children and families who are grappling with problems such as divorce, adoption, major transitions, defiant behavior, ADHD, gender/sex/identity issues, grief/loss, learning challenges, drug and alcohol use/abuse, and more.
With younger children, I offer play therapy, which can provide your child an opportunity to express their feelings, fears, anxieties, conflicts and wishes through the metaphorical medium of play.
If you are a parent who is feeling overwhelmed by the needs of a struggling child, confused and frustrated by family discord or at a loss as to how to communicate with your loved ones, I can help you restore the balance, calm and cooperation in your home. I have more than 20 years’ experience working with children and families who are grappling with problems such as divorce, adoption, major transitions, defiant behavior, ADHD, gender/sex/identity issues, grief/loss, learning challenges, drug and alcohol use/abuse, and more.
Laura Jessen
Counselor, LIMHP, MSE
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Daly City, CA 94014
Waitlist for new clients
I have training in Emotion Code and Child-Centered Play.
I understand that life presents many challenges. My goal is for my clients to develop peace with themselves, calmness, tranquility, confidence, and strength. I believe if you want to help others heal, love them unconditional.
I have training in Emotion Code and Child-Centered Play.
I understand that life presents many challenges. My goal is for my clients to develop peace with themselves, calmness, tranquility, confidence, and strength. I believe if you want to help others heal, love them unconditional.
Sophie Morris
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94134 (Online Only)
Interventions are catered to what the individual needs and range from empirical modalities (CBT, DBT, ACT, etc) to play therapy, music, art, mindfulness and general compassion and caring for the client.
An ideal client is someone who shows up. Not even in the way of making every appointment (life happens) but takes the first step toward growth and self development. An ideal client is not a diagnosis or impairment in functioning but anyone who wants to live better and understand themselves more within our weird and scary world. I encourage my clients to advocate for what is working and name what is not by checking in so our time together is the most supportive possible.
Interventions are catered to what the individual needs and range from empirical modalities (CBT, DBT, ACT, etc) to play therapy, music, art, mindfulness and general compassion and caring for the client.
An ideal client is someone who shows up. Not even in the way of making every appointment (life happens) but takes the first step toward growth and self development. An ideal client is not a diagnosis or impairment in functioning but anyone who wants to live better and understand themselves more within our weird and scary world. I encourage my clients to advocate for what is working and name what is not by checking in so our time together is the most supportive possible.
See more therapy options for South San Francisco
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for South San Francisco
- Alameda
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Daly City
- Foster City
- Hillsborough
- Millbrae
- Oakland
- Pacifica
- San Bruno
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
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.