Play Therapy in Union City, CA
I use various techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, social skills curriculum and practice, communication curriculum, self-regulation activities, play therapy, and therapeutic games.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 10 years of experience. I specialize in working with: children, teens, and families to address a variety of mental health challenges. My areas of expertise include helping clients overcome: Autism and Neurodivergent Children and Teens, Learning Disabilities, School Challenges, Social and Emotional Development, Parents of Children/Teens with Autism, Behavioral Support and Planning, Siblings of family members with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Peer Relationships.
I use various techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, social skills curriculum and practice, communication curriculum, self-regulation activities, play therapy, and therapeutic games.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 10 years of experience. I specialize in working with: children, teens, and families to address a variety of mental health challenges. My areas of expertise include helping clients overcome: Autism and Neurodivergent Children and Teens, Learning Disabilities, School Challenges, Social and Emotional Development, Parents of Children/Teens with Autism, Behavioral Support and Planning, Siblings of family members with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Peer Relationships.
Shimrit Zelig
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Union City, CA 94587
I am integrating holistic, emotionally focused, person-centered, and play therapy approaches to provide a customized therapeutic experience for my clients.
Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and growth. It provides a supportive and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. My goal is to help you gain insight into your challenges and work towards creating a fulfilling and meaningful life. Whether you are facing difficulties with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other issues, therapy can help you find the path to healing and happiness.
I am integrating holistic, emotionally focused, person-centered, and play therapy approaches to provide a customized therapeutic experience for my clients.
Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and growth. It provides a supportive and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. My goal is to help you gain insight into your challenges and work towards creating a fulfilling and meaningful life. Whether you are facing difficulties with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other issues, therapy can help you find the path to healing and happiness.
Play is your child's avenue for "talking," a fun tool for releasing stress, and a means of sharing their world.
Finding the right therapy for your child can be really tough whether they're going through a hard time with school, anxiety, emotional regulation, sleep, separation anxiety, grief, attachment. I'm here to assist your child with coping, healing, and guiding them to feel and express their emotions in a healthy way. I make sure they feel heard, seen, and truly understood. We can work together to find what's best for you and your child right now. With specialized training in play therapy, early childhood development, and infant parent mental health, I'm here to help and provide tailored support you and your family need.
Play is your child's avenue for "talking," a fun tool for releasing stress, and a means of sharing their world.
Finding the right therapy for your child can be really tough whether they're going through a hard time with school, anxiety, emotional regulation, sleep, separation anxiety, grief, attachment. I'm here to assist your child with coping, healing, and guiding them to feel and express their emotions in a healthy way. I make sure they feel heard, seen, and truly understood. We can work together to find what's best for you and your child right now. With specialized training in play therapy, early childhood development, and infant parent mental health, I'm here to help and provide tailored support you and your family need.
Hello and welcome! I'm so glad you are here. I know looking for a therapist can be a daunting process and I applaud your determination to find the right fit for you. The reality is that none of us have it all figured out and can probably benefit from support to help navigate through life's challenges. Whether you are experiencing specific stressors, life transitions, complex trauma, anxiety, relational difficulties, or you are looking to cultivate a better relationship to yourself, I will provide you with a non-judgmental therapeutic space to support your empowerment process and help you to grow a greater understanding of yourself.
Hello and welcome! I'm so glad you are here. I know looking for a therapist can be a daunting process and I applaud your determination to find the right fit for you. The reality is that none of us have it all figured out and can probably benefit from support to help navigate through life's challenges. Whether you are experiencing specific stressors, life transitions, complex trauma, anxiety, relational difficulties, or you are looking to cultivate a better relationship to yourself, I will provide you with a non-judgmental therapeutic space to support your empowerment process and help you to grow a greater understanding of yourself.
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.
Tengfei Li
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Union City, CA 94587 (Online Only)
With my experience throughout my therapist career life, I find people are able to get in touch with their own voice, motivation, and wisdom when they feel heard, seen, and understood. I provide therapy with love and care to clients and help them see and change their pattern in the here-and-now moment in the therapeutic relationship. Besides providing psychoeducation and coping skills to help clients manage their symptoms, I devote my work to helping clients explore their ways of transformation and getting closer to their True Self.
With my experience throughout my therapist career life, I find people are able to get in touch with their own voice, motivation, and wisdom when they feel heard, seen, and understood. I provide therapy with love and care to clients and help them see and change their pattern in the here-and-now moment in the therapeutic relationship. Besides providing psychoeducation and coping skills to help clients manage their symptoms, I devote my work to helping clients explore their ways of transformation and getting closer to their True Self.
Maitrayee Baksi-Banerjee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Union City, CA 94587
Welcome! I provide a safe and relaxing place to heal and grow. I use my 23 years of experience to help people who are struggling to make sense of their lives and relationships. I help provide therapeutic environment where you can unleash yourself in discussing your journey for help as you curve through difficulties, while dealing with the brutal, impossible professional demands of Silicon Valley, growing as an individual, creating and recreating relationships, and many life changing events. I provide therapy to deal with issues, conflicts, desires to make changes, self-explorations and many other purposes.
Welcome! I provide a safe and relaxing place to heal and grow. I use my 23 years of experience to help people who are struggling to make sense of their lives and relationships. I help provide therapeutic environment where you can unleash yourself in discussing your journey for help as you curve through difficulties, while dealing with the brutal, impossible professional demands of Silicon Valley, growing as an individual, creating and recreating relationships, and many life changing events. I provide therapy to deal with issues, conflicts, desires to make changes, self-explorations and many other purposes.
Sasha Liu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Union City, CA 94587 (Online Only)
I believe in your potential for personal growth toward a more satisfying relationship with others. My style is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. I respect your uniqueness. People who come to me are often experiencing depression and anxiety; major life transitions; cultural dislocation; loss and grief. By practicing solution-focused and client-centered psychotherapy, I help people embark on the journey of self-understanding, acceptance, and finding what they seek.
I believe in your potential for personal growth toward a more satisfying relationship with others. My style is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. I respect your uniqueness. People who come to me are often experiencing depression and anxiety; major life transitions; cultural dislocation; loss and grief. By practicing solution-focused and client-centered psychotherapy, I help people embark on the journey of self-understanding, acceptance, and finding what they seek.
My name is Ana Maldonado and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Ventura, California. I am currently working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, and family conflict. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Strength Based Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
My name is Ana Maldonado and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Ventura, California. I am currently working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, and family conflict. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Strength Based Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
Jenna Hong
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Union City, CA 94587
Loneliness, pain, fear, and loss can weigh so heavy on our hearts and block us from fully living out our lives with joy and purpose. If you are in a place of feeling trapped and in need of relief and hope, I am so glad you are here. It is from my own experiences with grief, anxiety, and depression, and the healing I received from therapy that I felt called to be a therapist. I have a heart to create a warm and inviting space for my clients to show up as they are and feel fully heard, seen, and accepted. I desire to support and empower my clients as they process through their pain and work towards healing and transformation.
Loneliness, pain, fear, and loss can weigh so heavy on our hearts and block us from fully living out our lives with joy and purpose. If you are in a place of feeling trapped and in need of relief and hope, I am so glad you are here. It is from my own experiences with grief, anxiety, and depression, and the healing I received from therapy that I felt called to be a therapist. I have a heart to create a warm and inviting space for my clients to show up as they are and feel fully heard, seen, and accepted. I desire to support and empower my clients as they process through their pain and work towards healing and transformation.
Tu Hoang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Union City, CA 94587
Not accepting new clients
I enjoy & specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered, and child-centered play therapy.
Are you feeling stuck, down, stressed, worried or sad? Add on the overwhelming stress of looking through all these profiles. Here's a shortcut, call me! A simple phone call could be your first steps to feeling better. You want to find a better way, the old way is no longer working for you. Our work will be focused on helping you feel a sense compassion and clarity. If this is the kind of therapy you are looking for, then we're a good fit! I will support you in guiding you every step of the way and taking actionable steps towards your desired change in a relaxed and supportive environment.
I enjoy & specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered, and child-centered play therapy.
Are you feeling stuck, down, stressed, worried or sad? Add on the overwhelming stress of looking through all these profiles. Here's a shortcut, call me! A simple phone call could be your first steps to feeling better. You want to find a better way, the old way is no longer working for you. Our work will be focused on helping you feel a sense compassion and clarity. If this is the kind of therapy you are looking for, then we're a good fit! I will support you in guiding you every step of the way and taking actionable steps towards your desired change in a relaxed and supportive environment.
More Therapists Nearby
We PLAY.
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
We PLAY.
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
I have moved through spirals of grief & big challenges. I've gotten to a place of inner joy & strength that carries me through the really difficult times. I integrate expressive arts & Spiritual practices from all over the world, i.e. guided meditations, sand play, dreamwork, & grounded shadow work. I bring skills from my 25 years as a licensed therapist. I work with women who are ready to reclaim sovereignty and a joyful life! That means a life where internal & external challenges are met with skill, intention, and awareness. In the first 1-3 sessions, we find where your yeses are.
I have moved through spirals of grief & big challenges. I've gotten to a place of inner joy & strength that carries me through the really difficult times. I integrate expressive arts & Spiritual practices from all over the world, i.e. guided meditations, sand play, dreamwork, & grounded shadow work. I bring skills from my 25 years as a licensed therapist. I work with women who are ready to reclaim sovereignty and a joyful life! That means a life where internal & external challenges are met with skill, intention, and awareness. In the first 1-3 sessions, we find where your yeses are.
Kristie Potter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Working from a strength-based and compassionate approach, I use interactive discussions, art and play interventions, humor, mindfulness strategies, and support you in developing new tools and resources.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like life goes quite the way we planned. Family/relationship conflicts, worry about a child’s choices/behaviors, feelings of overwhelm/anxiety, grief/loss or a major life transition are often a part of our lives. And, unfortunately, sometimes these events are compounded by a lack of support or critic voices. Although it may not feel like it, I truly believe we are all doing the best we can in any given moment with the tools & information we have at that time and am passionate about supporting you in discovering your strengths and new strategies to create the changes you seek.
Working from a strength-based and compassionate approach, I use interactive discussions, art and play interventions, humor, mindfulness strategies, and support you in developing new tools and resources.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like life goes quite the way we planned. Family/relationship conflicts, worry about a child’s choices/behaviors, feelings of overwhelm/anxiety, grief/loss or a major life transition are often a part of our lives. And, unfortunately, sometimes these events are compounded by a lack of support or critic voices. Although it may not feel like it, I truly believe we are all doing the best we can in any given moment with the tools & information we have at that time and am passionate about supporting you in discovering your strengths and new strategies to create the changes you seek.
Michelle Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdS, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94543 (Online Only)
My treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, solution focused therapy, and play therapy.
Have you felt as though your emotions are spiraling out of control, or that you are walking on eggshells trying to avoid negative interactions with those around you? You may be struggling to cope with the effects of trauma or feelings of worry, hopelessness, or detachment. Perhaps you have a loved one who is experiencing chronic physical or mental health conditions which influence your emotional well being. It is not uncommon to feel stuck or overwhelmed. You may even feel as if your very identity is defined by the problems you are facing. You just want to get control of your life back, and build a new, healthy you.
My treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, solution focused therapy, and play therapy.
Have you felt as though your emotions are spiraling out of control, or that you are walking on eggshells trying to avoid negative interactions with those around you? You may be struggling to cope with the effects of trauma or feelings of worry, hopelessness, or detachment. Perhaps you have a loved one who is experiencing chronic physical or mental health conditions which influence your emotional well being. It is not uncommon to feel stuck or overwhelmed. You may even feel as if your very identity is defined by the problems you are facing. You just want to get control of your life back, and build a new, healthy you.
Liliana L. Ramos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fremont, CA 94538
I am trained in sand tray therapy, CBT, and play therapy to work with children.
You might be feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Memories haunt you. When those thoughts come, you find yourself with your chest tightening, headaches, and possibly crying. You feel hopeless, exhausted, on edge, overextended, and stressed. You find yourself overthinking. There is no safety in the world. These are affecting your relationships, communication, work, and sleep. You long for connection and meaning of life. I enjoy helping children, (5-11), adults and couples who want to work on their trauma, anxiety, grief, transitions, or relationships. I have a passion to work with immigrants, military veterans, and the LGBTQ community.
I am trained in sand tray therapy, CBT, and play therapy to work with children.
You might be feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Memories haunt you. When those thoughts come, you find yourself with your chest tightening, headaches, and possibly crying. You feel hopeless, exhausted, on edge, overextended, and stressed. You find yourself overthinking. There is no safety in the world. These are affecting your relationships, communication, work, and sleep. You long for connection and meaning of life. I enjoy helping children, (5-11), adults and couples who want to work on their trauma, anxiety, grief, transitions, or relationships. I have a passion to work with immigrants, military veterans, and the LGBTQ community.
In therapy, I take an integrated approach to care, including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, family systems, play therapy, and/or trauma-informed modalities.
In my practice, creating an environment where you feel accepted and understood is of upmost importance to facilitate healing and growth. I believe each person holds strengths within themselves and their families and, when harnessed, can create greater fulfillment in life, intimacy in relationships, and connection to others. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with a wide range of mental health concerns. My training and expertise are in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, loss, family conflict, culture and diversity factors, and stress related to life transitions (marriage, children, college).
In therapy, I take an integrated approach to care, including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, family systems, play therapy, and/or trauma-informed modalities.
In my practice, creating an environment where you feel accepted and understood is of upmost importance to facilitate healing and growth. I believe each person holds strengths within themselves and their families and, when harnessed, can create greater fulfillment in life, intimacy in relationships, and connection to others. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with a wide range of mental health concerns. My training and expertise are in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, loss, family conflict, culture and diversity factors, and stress related to life transitions (marriage, children, college).
I commonly utilize therapy modalities such as Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Gianna Merriam, LCSW. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. My areas of practice include working with children and families, individuals (all ages), and groups. I enjoy promoting use of self-compassion practices, functional communication and empathy to impact individual needs and relationships. Clients I typically work with can range from age 5-60. I have extensive experience working with school-aged children that receive IEP services; I am educated and able to support parents in navigating the school system as well as community based resources.
I commonly utilize therapy modalities such as Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Gianna Merriam, LCSW. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. My areas of practice include working with children and families, individuals (all ages), and groups. I enjoy promoting use of self-compassion practices, functional communication and empathy to impact individual needs and relationships. Clients I typically work with can range from age 5-60. I have extensive experience working with school-aged children that receive IEP services; I am educated and able to support parents in navigating the school system as well as community based resources.
Sofia Fani Mossa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fremont, CA 94536
This includes CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic approach, Attachment based, Strength based, Play therapy, Trauma informed and Family systems.
Are you a caregiver of a loved one diagnosed with dementia? Are you going through multicultural family and relationship dynamics? Are you seeking support and guidance in your foster care or adoption journey? With my 18 years of experience with these considerations, I bring positive, genuine and sincere support to my clinical practice. My goal in therapy is to provide a safe, trusting and supportive space where together we can bring awareness, identify solutions and create balance in your life.
This includes CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic approach, Attachment based, Strength based, Play therapy, Trauma informed and Family systems.
Are you a caregiver of a loved one diagnosed with dementia? Are you going through multicultural family and relationship dynamics? Are you seeking support and guidance in your foster care or adoption journey? With my 18 years of experience with these considerations, I bring positive, genuine and sincere support to my clinical practice. My goal in therapy is to provide a safe, trusting and supportive space where together we can bring awareness, identify solutions and create balance in your life.
I help child clients in play therapy sessions in which specialized mediums and techniques are used in a safe and trusted environment to achieve therapeutic effects.
I'd like to support you going through the difficult moment you might be experiencing now. Life is no doubt challenging but a better and quality life should never be too much to ask. In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, individuals, couples, and families. I have years of experience working with children and teens from ages 3 to 17 with different kinds/levels of issues and challenges. In the process, parent-child or family relational issues sometimes reveal and could be addressed through additional work or referrals. I also help couples to manage disagreements, de-escalate conflicts, and rebuild trust.
I help child clients in play therapy sessions in which specialized mediums and techniques are used in a safe and trusted environment to achieve therapeutic effects.
I'd like to support you going through the difficult moment you might be experiencing now. Life is no doubt challenging but a better and quality life should never be too much to ask. In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, individuals, couples, and families. I have years of experience working with children and teens from ages 3 to 17 with different kinds/levels of issues and challenges. In the process, parent-child or family relational issues sometimes reveal and could be addressed through additional work or referrals. I also help couples to manage disagreements, de-escalate conflicts, and rebuild trust.
See more therapy options for Union City
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Union City
- Atherton
- Castro Valley
- Dublin
- Foster City
- Fremont
- Hayward
- Menlo Park
- Newark
- Palo Alto
- Pleasanton
- Redwood City
- San Leandro
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.