Play Therapy in Vista, CA
As a Play Therapist and mother myself, I draw on both my professional and personal experiences to support kids and parents at all levels.
Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is a non-directive intervention in which the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance. Children are met with unconditional positive regard from their therapist, with a focus on cultivating a safe environment in which children feel free to express themselves fully. I bring this same approach to my work with moms who feel anxious and overwhelmed by the great and terrible adventure that is parenting. I also offer clinical supervision to post-graduate ASW's who are interested in working with children or teens.
As a Play Therapist and mother myself, I draw on both my professional and personal experiences to support kids and parents at all levels.
Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is a non-directive intervention in which the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance. Children are met with unconditional positive regard from their therapist, with a focus on cultivating a safe environment in which children feel free to express themselves fully. I bring this same approach to my work with moms who feel anxious and overwhelmed by the great and terrible adventure that is parenting. I also offer clinical supervision to post-graduate ASW's who are interested in working with children or teens.
Accepting New Children And Teen Clients!
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Vista, CA 92081
Also, I am a certified Play Therapist and Art Therapist.
I am a psychotherapist at Mindbodyology: Integrative Mental Health & Wellness. My therapeutic style is highly whole person-centered; I endorse a holistic strengths-based approach to therapy, and specialize in working with children, teenagers and families. I encourage creativity, authenticity, humor and lightheartedness to create a welcoming space for self-exploration and growth for all of my clients, of all ages (5 to 65) ! Additionally, I am certified in Play Therapy and Art Therapy, and specialized in trauma informed therapies for children and teens. I customize my treatment approach to align with each client’s unique needs.
Also, I am a certified Play Therapist and Art Therapist.
I am a psychotherapist at Mindbodyology: Integrative Mental Health & Wellness. My therapeutic style is highly whole person-centered; I endorse a holistic strengths-based approach to therapy, and specialize in working with children, teenagers and families. I encourage creativity, authenticity, humor and lightheartedness to create a welcoming space for self-exploration and growth for all of my clients, of all ages (5 to 65) ! Additionally, I am certified in Play Therapy and Art Therapy, and specialized in trauma informed therapies for children and teens. I customize my treatment approach to align with each client’s unique needs.
Certifications include EMDR specialist, trainings include play/sand tray therapy and somatic experiencing.
Our overall mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family, and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!
Certifications include EMDR specialist, trainings include play/sand tray therapy and somatic experiencing.
Our overall mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family, and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!
My current specialty areas are children, more specifically play therapy, tweens and teens, maternal mental health, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
I am a psychotherapist located in San Diego and Orange County, CA who brings over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health. You came across my profile because either yourself or loved one is in need of help. Reaching out takes a significant amount of courage and I am glad you did. I am here to offer my help and support. People are my passion. I truly value the therapeutic relationship I establish with my clients. It is an honor to be a part of an individual’s life journey. It is my goal to create an empathetic and compassionate environment to assist others in identifying the tools they need to accomplish their goals.
My current specialty areas are children, more specifically play therapy, tweens and teens, maternal mental health, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
I am a psychotherapist located in San Diego and Orange County, CA who brings over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health. You came across my profile because either yourself or loved one is in need of help. Reaching out takes a significant amount of courage and I am glad you did. I am here to offer my help and support. People are my passion. I truly value the therapeutic relationship I establish with my clients. It is an honor to be a part of an individual’s life journey. It is my goal to create an empathetic and compassionate environment to assist others in identifying the tools they need to accomplish their goals.
For most of us, life can be hard and difficult to navigate. Life stressors can make you feel defeated and unable to be present. It’s important to talk about tough topics. People are hesitant to be honest and vulnerable with their feelings and thoughts for fear of judgment when the reality is that we all are human and share similar negative thoughts and experiences. The more we are able to talk about it, the more we understand and can focus on supporting each other. We also experience loss, hopelessness, moments of feeling overwhelmed or lost. Let’s get better together where you feel safe and respected to do so. You deserve wellness!
For most of us, life can be hard and difficult to navigate. Life stressors can make you feel defeated and unable to be present. It’s important to talk about tough topics. People are hesitant to be honest and vulnerable with their feelings and thoughts for fear of judgment when the reality is that we all are human and share similar negative thoughts and experiences. The more we are able to talk about it, the more we understand and can focus on supporting each other. We also experience loss, hopelessness, moments of feeling overwhelmed or lost. Let’s get better together where you feel safe and respected to do so. You deserve wellness!
Hi! My name is Jill Jackson. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a therapist, I try to hold a person’s experience and how that experience has been impacted by their context, be it related to culture, age, language, gender, sexuality, religion, and/or other factors. I also support people to think about how they make meaning out of the things they have experienced and then use that meaning to move through and create the life they are living or want to live. As partners in the therapeutic process, we will hopefully dive into understanding your story and making meaning of that story over time.
Hi! My name is Jill Jackson. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a therapist, I try to hold a person’s experience and how that experience has been impacted by their context, be it related to culture, age, language, gender, sexuality, religion, and/or other factors. I also support people to think about how they make meaning out of the things they have experienced and then use that meaning to move through and create the life they are living or want to live. As partners in the therapeutic process, we will hopefully dive into understanding your story and making meaning of that story over time.
Hi there, my name is Nai Saechao, and I am a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about supporting all my clients through challenges to experience healing and growth in their lives. My approach is client centered. I will meet you with empathy, open-mindedness, and unconditional positive regard. I believe in working collaboratively to identify treatment priorities and to create a safe space for dialogue. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for young adults and persons of various generational groups who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions, adjustments, and social pressures.
Hi there, my name is Nai Saechao, and I am a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about supporting all my clients through challenges to experience healing and growth in their lives. My approach is client centered. I will meet you with empathy, open-mindedness, and unconditional positive regard. I believe in working collaboratively to identify treatment priorities and to create a safe space for dialogue. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for young adults and persons of various generational groups who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions, adjustments, and social pressures.
Kendra Claire Wilhelm
Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92083
Do you struggle managing your emotions, dissatisfaction with your life, shame & guilt, anxiety or exhaustion? Are you overcome by difficult experiences from the past or loss? I am passionate about empowering teens and adults with emotional distress, self doubt, relationship issues or repeat patterns, who feel stressed, stuck & overwhelmed. I specialize in trauma and also help with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, self-esteem, relationship issues, body image, mindfulness, inner child work, boundaries & sexuality. I will help you untangle the painful & frustrating areas of your life to make room for a life of joy and ease.
Do you struggle managing your emotions, dissatisfaction with your life, shame & guilt, anxiety or exhaustion? Are you overcome by difficult experiences from the past or loss? I am passionate about empowering teens and adults with emotional distress, self doubt, relationship issues or repeat patterns, who feel stressed, stuck & overwhelmed. I specialize in trauma and also help with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, self-esteem, relationship issues, body image, mindfulness, inner child work, boundaries & sexuality. I will help you untangle the painful & frustrating areas of your life to make room for a life of joy and ease.
Through life's journey there are times that we may feel stuck as if there is a part of you that won't allow you to reach your goals? Do you want more from your life or are you finding it hard to get through your day without feeling anxious, angry, sad or overwhelmed? Do you struggle with addictive or compulsive behaviors? Or are you having relationship issues with your loved ones or coworkers? There is hope. I can be an effective resource in helping to you identify and move toward your goals, becoming a happier and healthier you.
Through life's journey there are times that we may feel stuck as if there is a part of you that won't allow you to reach your goals? Do you want more from your life or are you finding it hard to get through your day without feeling anxious, angry, sad or overwhelmed? Do you struggle with addictive or compulsive behaviors? Or are you having relationship issues with your loved ones or coworkers? There is hope. I can be an effective resource in helping to you identify and move toward your goals, becoming a happier and healthier you.
Hello! My name is Tess Norton and I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist. I use a psychodynamic, client-centered approach with my clients. I help young adults better handle life’s stressors, keep perfectionism in check, and grow their self-esteem. I enjoy working with young adults who are navigating their own unique paths in life. I am most comfortable working with anxiety, whether it stems from familial stress or societal pressures. I am especially passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I also enjoy working with immigrants and children of immigrants.
Hello! My name is Tess Norton and I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist. I use a psychodynamic, client-centered approach with my clients. I help young adults better handle life’s stressors, keep perfectionism in check, and grow their self-esteem. I enjoy working with young adults who are navigating their own unique paths in life. I am most comfortable working with anxiety, whether it stems from familial stress or societal pressures. I am especially passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I also enjoy working with immigrants and children of immigrants.
Hi, my name is Bonnie Hegna Licensed Marriage Family Therapist 143978. My approach to therapy is an eclectic approach short term. My focus of practice has been grief and loss, self-inflicted violent behavior, ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Marriage Counseling, Behavioral issues, Divorce, Child Abuse, and Foster Youth as well as Victims of Crime. I am most comfortable working with children 5 to 10 and adults. I work well with behavioral issues, grief and loss, self-inflicted violent behavior, victims of crime, child abuse, divorce, ADHD, school issues, job issues, conflicts, and life changes.
Hi, my name is Bonnie Hegna Licensed Marriage Family Therapist 143978. My approach to therapy is an eclectic approach short term. My focus of practice has been grief and loss, self-inflicted violent behavior, ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Marriage Counseling, Behavioral issues, Divorce, Child Abuse, and Foster Youth as well as Victims of Crime. I am most comfortable working with children 5 to 10 and adults. I work well with behavioral issues, grief and loss, self-inflicted violent behavior, victims of crime, child abuse, divorce, ADHD, school issues, job issues, conflicts, and life changes.
15 Second Videos
Healing Hearts Counseling Center
Kendra Claire Wilhelm
Ashley Azin
You are here because you are hurting and want to heal. Healing is possible and you deserve love and acceptance for just being you- your full authentic self. I have been treating anxiety, depression, identity, codependency, eating disorders, low self esteem and relationships issues in children, teens and adults since 2007. My therapeutic style is often more directive, as I see myself as a part of your therapeutic process-not a quiet observer. I use a balance of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and exploring how your childhood shaped your current thoughts and behaviors.
You are here because you are hurting and want to heal. Healing is possible and you deserve love and acceptance for just being you- your full authentic self. I have been treating anxiety, depression, identity, codependency, eating disorders, low self esteem and relationships issues in children, teens and adults since 2007. My therapeutic style is often more directive, as I see myself as a part of your therapeutic process-not a quiet observer. I use a balance of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and exploring how your childhood shaped your current thoughts and behaviors.
Life seems intense, overwhelming, or stressful right now. Fear, anger, and exhaustion are familiar emotions. Your parent/boss/spouse just doesn't get it and you don't know how to explain it to them. Perhaps you're questioning your identity, coming out to your family or to your child(ren), experiencing separation/divorce, ready to transition, or coping with loss. You want a safe place to discuss and leave behind feelings of loneliness, sadness, and confusion. You want to figure out a way to get through the week (the day!) and the next. You want relief. You want to be understood. Let's talk. Your first phone consultation is free.
Life seems intense, overwhelming, or stressful right now. Fear, anger, and exhaustion are familiar emotions. Your parent/boss/spouse just doesn't get it and you don't know how to explain it to them. Perhaps you're questioning your identity, coming out to your family or to your child(ren), experiencing separation/divorce, ready to transition, or coping with loss. You want a safe place to discuss and leave behind feelings of loneliness, sadness, and confusion. You want to figure out a way to get through the week (the day!) and the next. You want relief. You want to be understood. Let's talk. Your first phone consultation is free.
There are times in life when we reach a point in which positive change needs to occur. Perhaps you've been dealing with the same issue for a long time, or maybe new challenges have arisen that you need help navigating. If any of this applies to you or your child/teen, or if you're simply seeking to reach some desired goals, I hope that you will consider contacting me.
There are times in life when we reach a point in which positive change needs to occur. Perhaps you've been dealing with the same issue for a long time, or maybe new challenges have arisen that you need help navigating. If any of this applies to you or your child/teen, or if you're simply seeking to reach some desired goals, I hope that you will consider contacting me.
Are you ready to transform your life? I am here to help Individuals, Couples and Families navigate through the changes, challenges and struggles that we all experience in daily life. Whether you or a loved one are dealing with challenging life events, relationship difficulties, some type of loss, a difficult diagnosis or are just not sure why you are not happy or fulfilled, I believe that these situations are a great opportunity for growth! I am here to help you process your feelings, understand your reactions, develop healthy coping skills and help you find solutions for creating an amazing life. Let's get started!
Are you ready to transform your life? I am here to help Individuals, Couples and Families navigate through the changes, challenges and struggles that we all experience in daily life. Whether you or a loved one are dealing with challenging life events, relationship difficulties, some type of loss, a difficult diagnosis or are just not sure why you are not happy or fulfilled, I believe that these situations are a great opportunity for growth! I am here to help you process your feelings, understand your reactions, develop healthy coping skills and help you find solutions for creating an amazing life. Let's get started!
Therapeutic Center for Anxiety and Trauma
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vista, CA 92081
Are you struggling with panic, worry or trauma? If so, whether large or small, it may cause anxiety. Or maybe you even feel traumatized? This can happen for any situation that causes disturbance to your daily routine, thinking and ability to function to your full potential. Whatever your anxiety or trauma is about, we can help! We are a team of therapists working extensively with anxiety issues. These could be about relationships, life events, or any negative experience. If you are struggling a past traumatic incident, or anxiety, please contact us and one of our therapists will contact you soon.
Are you struggling with panic, worry or trauma? If so, whether large or small, it may cause anxiety. Or maybe you even feel traumatized? This can happen for any situation that causes disturbance to your daily routine, thinking and ability to function to your full potential. Whatever your anxiety or trauma is about, we can help! We are a team of therapists working extensively with anxiety issues. These could be about relationships, life events, or any negative experience. If you are struggling a past traumatic incident, or anxiety, please contact us and one of our therapists will contact you soon.
Hello, my name is Luis Lomeli, and I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of Los Angeles, California servicing clients statewide via telehealth. Over the years I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults to assist with managing issues of anxiety, stress, depression, acculturation, and trauma using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and other modalities. My focus is to assist my clients in discovering their strengths and build upon them in order to reach their goals.
Hello, my name is Luis Lomeli, and I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of Los Angeles, California servicing clients statewide via telehealth. Over the years I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults to assist with managing issues of anxiety, stress, depression, acculturation, and trauma using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and other modalities. My focus is to assist my clients in discovering their strengths and build upon them in order to reach their goals.
Hello, my name is Kendra Davis, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I often blend elements from different approaches to help people identify their treatment goals and individualize their own plans to meet their needs. My core gift is helping others to find joy in places that are dark. I give it by helping them to connect to others through communication, overcome barriers, and feel safe so they can relax and decompress!
Hello, my name is Kendra Davis, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I often blend elements from different approaches to help people identify their treatment goals and individualize their own plans to meet their needs. My core gift is helping others to find joy in places that are dark. I give it by helping them to connect to others through communication, overcome barriers, and feel safe so they can relax and decompress!
Grow Through Life Counseling Oceanside
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92083
Hello and welcome! Grow Through Life Counseling is a group private practice welcoming both in person clients in Oceanside, CA and via Telehealth in CA. We have immediate openings and are accepting new clients. Our Mission is to provide quality counseling for all ages throughout life. We provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care for all children, teens, adults, couples and families. We respect each family member's unique identities, perspectives and experiences in life. With effective and creative psychotherapeutic interventions, we support emotional growth and development during the various stages of life to be healthier.
Hello and welcome! Grow Through Life Counseling is a group private practice welcoming both in person clients in Oceanside, CA and via Telehealth in CA. We have immediate openings and are accepting new clients. Our Mission is to provide quality counseling for all ages throughout life. We provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care for all children, teens, adults, couples and families. We respect each family member's unique identities, perspectives and experiences in life. With effective and creative psychotherapeutic interventions, we support emotional growth and development during the various stages of life to be healthier.
Welcome! My name is Kristine Guerra and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over 20 years of experience working with children and families in various settings. I have worked with children, teens, adults, and families on a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, parenting, trauma, life stressors, transitions, grief and loss, as well as relationship issues. I am passionate about helping my clients find hope, discovering, and utilizing their strengths to develop the skills and tools to make positive changes towards living their best life.
Welcome! My name is Kristine Guerra and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over 20 years of experience working with children and families in various settings. I have worked with children, teens, adults, and families on a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, parenting, trauma, life stressors, transitions, grief and loss, as well as relationship issues. I am passionate about helping my clients find hope, discovering, and utilizing their strengths to develop the skills and tools to make positive changes towards living their best life.
See more therapy options for Vista
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Vista
- Carlsbad
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Temecula
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.