Play Therapy in Vacaville, CA
Kara Sanderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95688 (Online Only)
Hello there! Having practiced mental health services since 2007, I hold a California license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My area of expertise is helping kids, teens, and adults who are dealing with stress and anxiety, loss and sorrow, motivation, symptoms associated to trauma, depression, and low self-esteem. I utilize different modalities for each individual and their needs, such as: Solution-Focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy.
Hello there! Having practiced mental health services since 2007, I hold a California license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My area of expertise is helping kids, teens, and adults who are dealing with stress and anxiety, loss and sorrow, motivation, symptoms associated to trauma, depression, and low self-esteem. I utilize different modalities for each individual and their needs, such as: Solution-Focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy.
I believe in neurodiversity and strength based counseling for children and use modalities that help them express themselves through play.
I draw from various modalities depending on client needs. I find experiential techniques especially useful to identify and locate emotions that are at work in your mind and body in the here and now. We can work across the developmental and mind-body spectrum of experience, from understanding our own nervous system and stress response to what we do with our emotions. What are the feedback loops that put more pressure on us and create more stress? When we find that patterns that were adaptive at one time are not as useful any more, we can move toward change for healthier ways of being and relating.
I believe in neurodiversity and strength based counseling for children and use modalities that help them express themselves through play.
I draw from various modalities depending on client needs. I find experiential techniques especially useful to identify and locate emotions that are at work in your mind and body in the here and now. We can work across the developmental and mind-body spectrum of experience, from understanding our own nervous system and stress response to what we do with our emotions. What are the feedback loops that put more pressure on us and create more stress? When we find that patterns that were adaptive at one time are not as useful any more, we can move toward change for healthier ways of being and relating.
My therapeutic practices include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Rapid Resolution Therapy, Neurofeedback, Play therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
I’m a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
My therapeutic practices include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Rapid Resolution Therapy, Neurofeedback, Play therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
I’m a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
Kathy Scalise Kifer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95688
My name is Kathy Kifer ,I graduated from JFK university in somatic psychology in 2007 .I believe in treating the whole person mind body and spirit . Working with the youth has always been my focus but I also enjoy working with adults .I have a strong background in treatment of anxiety.
My name is Kathy Kifer ,I graduated from JFK university in somatic psychology in 2007 .I believe in treating the whole person mind body and spirit . Working with the youth has always been my focus but I also enjoy working with adults .I have a strong background in treatment of anxiety.
Pattie Dunham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95688
Waitlist for new clients
Is your family having difficulty getting back on track after distance learning or remote work due to the pandemic? Has communication been replaced with screen time? Have you been impacted by a divorce, illness, loss of a loved one, or sending a teen off to college? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, worry, fear, guilt, or grief ? Are you longing for clear communication in your life and looking to make changes to alleviate that "stuck" feeling.
Is your family having difficulty getting back on track after distance learning or remote work due to the pandemic? Has communication been replaced with screen time? Have you been impacted by a divorce, illness, loss of a loved one, or sending a teen off to college? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, worry, fear, guilt, or grief ? Are you longing for clear communication in your life and looking to make changes to alleviate that "stuck" feeling.
Saturday sessions available: Welcome! My name is Katherine Rodriguez and I am a Bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 12+ years of experience in the field. I am passionate about working with children, youth, and young adults to help them navigate life's challenges and find their path to healing and growth. My goal is to help my clients feel empowered, uncover strengths, develop coping strategies, and achieve a greater sense of well-being.
Saturday sessions available: Welcome! My name is Katherine Rodriguez and I am a Bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 12+ years of experience in the field. I am passionate about working with children, youth, and young adults to help them navigate life's challenges and find their path to healing and growth. My goal is to help my clients feel empowered, uncover strengths, develop coping strategies, and achieve a greater sense of well-being.
Jana M Santiago
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95687 (Online Only)
Does parenting your teen have you in tears? Does it feel like the harder you try to build that relationship the farther away you seem to feel?
Does parenting your teen have you in tears? Does it feel like the harder you try to build that relationship the farther away you seem to feel?
Theresa L Cicchetto
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFC, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95688
Have you suffered a life changing event, possibly a traumatic event? Do you have unwanted memories flooding your thoughts? Or just can not get back on track? Are you on edge and feel like life will never be the same? You have the power to put this behind you! You can live a fulfilled life focusing on what is important to you. With some direction, and your own inner strength (YES, you have inner strength) you can regain your confidence and take charge of your life. I look forward to seeing you grow to be your best you. “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, it became a butterfly”- proverb
Have you suffered a life changing event, possibly a traumatic event? Do you have unwanted memories flooding your thoughts? Or just can not get back on track? Are you on edge and feel like life will never be the same? You have the power to put this behind you! You can live a fulfilled life focusing on what is important to you. With some direction, and your own inner strength (YES, you have inner strength) you can regain your confidence and take charge of your life. I look forward to seeing you grow to be your best you. “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, it became a butterfly”- proverb
Second Wind Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95688
In-Person Evening Availability • Adults and Adolescents • Life can be overwhelming, & it's okay to seek help when you need it. You may be facing difficult transitions or emotional challenges, & are seeking a supportive & understanding environment to navigate through them. I provide a non-judgmental space to express feelings, practical strategies to manage emotions, & guidance to develop healthier coping mechanisms. I have a special interest in working with teens, adolescents, and children (as well as adults) through a wide range of challenges, such as depression, anxiety, impulse control, trauma, relationship issues, ADHD & OCD.
In-Person Evening Availability • Adults and Adolescents • Life can be overwhelming, & it's okay to seek help when you need it. You may be facing difficult transitions or emotional challenges, & are seeking a supportive & understanding environment to navigate through them. I provide a non-judgmental space to express feelings, practical strategies to manage emotions, & guidance to develop healthier coping mechanisms. I have a special interest in working with teens, adolescents, and children (as well as adults) through a wide range of challenges, such as depression, anxiety, impulse control, trauma, relationship issues, ADHD & OCD.
Hi, my name is Dulce Alvarado and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with children and adolescents using different approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I have experience working with children and adolescents experiencing challenges associated with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and stress. I work with children and youth involved in the child welfare system and have experienced trauma related to abuse, neglect, and attachment disruptions.
Hi, my name is Dulce Alvarado and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with children and adolescents using different approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I have experience working with children and adolescents experiencing challenges associated with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and stress. I work with children and youth involved in the child welfare system and have experienced trauma related to abuse, neglect, and attachment disruptions.
I have been in private practice for over 25 years. I specialize in working with couples and families, teens and children. I also run three womens groups per week and treat those suffering from addictions, mood disorders, depression, and codependency issues. I also have a strong spiritual focus in my practice and strive to help others create peaceful collaboration within their relationships. I have a bias towards saving marriages whenever possible.
I have been in private practice for over 25 years. I specialize in working with couples and families, teens and children. I also run three womens groups per week and treat those suffering from addictions, mood disorders, depression, and codependency issues. I also have a strong spiritual focus in my practice and strive to help others create peaceful collaboration within their relationships. I have a bias towards saving marriages whenever possible.
We all struggle at times to see our inner strengths and capabilities due to the life experiences which have shaped us. I work in the belief that we each have everything we need to achieve a fulfilled and successful life already present within us; sometimes we just need a little help accessing it. Using a multi-modality approach I encourage my clients to work in the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring us to self awareness, acceptance, and lasting change.
We all struggle at times to see our inner strengths and capabilities due to the life experiences which have shaped us. I work in the belief that we each have everything we need to achieve a fulfilled and successful life already present within us; sometimes we just need a little help accessing it. Using a multi-modality approach I encourage my clients to work in the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring us to self awareness, acceptance, and lasting change.
Are you tired of bringing things up to loved ones but always ending up in a fight? Whether it's your spouse or your child, being able to communicate is important, but it's often a skill we didn't grow up learning. You can love your family so much and you never really learned how to talk to them. You want things to be easier at home and for everyone to get along. It seems like there's always a fight or argument.
Are you tired of bringing things up to loved ones but always ending up in a fight? Whether it's your spouse or your child, being able to communicate is important, but it's often a skill we didn't grow up learning. You can love your family so much and you never really learned how to talk to them. You want things to be easier at home and for everyone to get along. It seems like there's always a fight or argument.
Whether a session involves just talking, or a combination of talking, art, or sand play therapy, a client can discover talents, positive qualities, and strengths that have long been forgotten.
My focus in therapy is to create trust in order to bring about healing. I provide a safe and nurturing space where my client can explore inner resources and strengths. My holistic and empathic modalities provide support and creative energy necessary to face challenges while letting go of negative patterns and self-destructive behavior. No matter what age we are, we all need to feel connected and experience positive regard.
Whether a session involves just talking, or a combination of talking, art, or sand play therapy, a client can discover talents, positive qualities, and strengths that have long been forgotten.
My focus in therapy is to create trust in order to bring about healing. I provide a safe and nurturing space where my client can explore inner resources and strengths. My holistic and empathic modalities provide support and creative energy necessary to face challenges while letting go of negative patterns and self-destructive behavior. No matter what age we are, we all need to feel connected and experience positive regard.
Breakaway Child-Family Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95687
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience working with trauma in youth and young adults as well as depression, anxiety, anger, school issues, and racial/ethnic issues. I also have experience working with adults and elderly around life transitions and grief/loss.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience working with trauma in youth and young adults as well as depression, anxiety, anger, school issues, and racial/ethnic issues. I also have experience working with adults and elderly around life transitions and grief/loss.
Tiffany Pardo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95687
In this busy hectic daily grind we call life imagine therapy in a way that feels safe and comfortable. Are you trying to adjust to a new life transition? It could be the adjustment to parenthood, work/school issues, coping with a medical diagnosis, facing infertility, or grief after the loss of a loved one. Perhaps you're feeling down or anxious—maybe you’re unsure about the future of a relationship or just feeling that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs, I’m here to offer support.
In this busy hectic daily grind we call life imagine therapy in a way that feels safe and comfortable. Are you trying to adjust to a new life transition? It could be the adjustment to parenthood, work/school issues, coping with a medical diagnosis, facing infertility, or grief after the loss of a loved one. Perhaps you're feeling down or anxious—maybe you’re unsure about the future of a relationship or just feeling that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs, I’m here to offer support.
Peyton Baldinger
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95687
Do you find yourself struggling in relationships? Are you finding yourself at a loss due to communication issues? Do you feel like no matter what you try, things never change? Does it cause you immense stress, anxiety, or even hopelessness? You’re not alone. Whether it’s an intimate partner, family member, roommate, co-worker, or a friend, relationships can be difficult to navigate no matter what age or stage of life you are in. If you have been trying to change your thoughts, feelings, and communication patterns without any luck you’re in the right place.
Do you find yourself struggling in relationships? Are you finding yourself at a loss due to communication issues? Do you feel like no matter what you try, things never change? Does it cause you immense stress, anxiety, or even hopelessness? You’re not alone. Whether it’s an intimate partner, family member, roommate, co-worker, or a friend, relationships can be difficult to navigate no matter what age or stage of life you are in. If you have been trying to change your thoughts, feelings, and communication patterns without any luck you’re in the right place.
Humanistic Psychological Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vacaville, CA 95688
“You are doing your best at your current level of awareness.” Yet, you feel stuck, lost, and that your best isn't good enough. In your relationship, you wonder where things went wrong and why you and your partner aren't communicating the way that you used to. As a parent, you question whether you're actually doing what's best for your child, and feel guilty when the results of your parenting aren't as you planned. At work, you feel anxious and burned out. No matter what you do, you're still stressed out and overwhelmed with endless expectations and responsibilities. You know what's good for you, yet coping skills don't seem to work.
“You are doing your best at your current level of awareness.” Yet, you feel stuck, lost, and that your best isn't good enough. In your relationship, you wonder where things went wrong and why you and your partner aren't communicating the way that you used to. As a parent, you question whether you're actually doing what's best for your child, and feel guilty when the results of your parenting aren't as you planned. At work, you feel anxious and burned out. No matter what you do, you're still stressed out and overwhelmed with endless expectations and responsibilities. You know what's good for you, yet coping skills don't seem to work.
My name is Hali Hanson, I am drawn to marriage and family therapy because I envision change occurring through meaningful interpersonal relationships – both by breaking cycles of generational trauma and finding new ways to connect and communicate. I also believe the most important relationship you can have is with yourself. Therapy can provide a mirror that allows you to view the values, beliefs, and experiences that have brought you to this point - reflecting on whether these ways of living are still serving your well-being.
My name is Hali Hanson, I am drawn to marriage and family therapy because I envision change occurring through meaningful interpersonal relationships – both by breaking cycles of generational trauma and finding new ways to connect and communicate. I also believe the most important relationship you can have is with yourself. Therapy can provide a mirror that allows you to view the values, beliefs, and experiences that have brought you to this point - reflecting on whether these ways of living are still serving your well-being.
In working with clients, my theoretical approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Adlerian therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, and Positive Psychology, alongside Motivational Interview (M.I). I believe psychotherapy and treatment are not "one size fits all." Treatment is tailored to each client, considering their needs, psychosocial experience, and cultural background. My main focus during the initial phase of working with the client is to build a therapeutic alliance. I recognize the difficulties clients experience in trusting their personal experiences/thoughts/emotions, so I assist the client in making that process easier.
In working with clients, my theoretical approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Adlerian therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, and Positive Psychology, alongside Motivational Interview (M.I). I believe psychotherapy and treatment are not "one size fits all." Treatment is tailored to each client, considering their needs, psychosocial experience, and cultural background. My main focus during the initial phase of working with the client is to build a therapeutic alliance. I recognize the difficulties clients experience in trusting their personal experiences/thoughts/emotions, so I assist the client in making that process easier.
See more therapy options for Vacaville
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.