Play Therapy in California
Claudia Eskenazi, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356
Depending on your specific needs I provide psychotherapy, art therapy, play therapy and psychoanalysis.
Perhaps you or somebody you love is feeling overwhelmed - struggling with a relationship, job, school, or with a child that is in pain. Such problems can repeat themselves indefinitely until they are addressed with meaningful treatment. I have decades of experience helping people in need throughout the Los Angeles area. I can help you understand and change patterns of behavior that have caused you, your family or your child disruption and pain.
Depending on your specific needs I provide psychotherapy, art therapy, play therapy and psychoanalysis.
Perhaps you or somebody you love is feeling overwhelmed - struggling with a relationship, job, school, or with a child that is in pain. Such problems can repeat themselves indefinitely until they are addressed with meaningful treatment. I have decades of experience helping people in need throughout the Los Angeles area. I can help you understand and change patterns of behavior that have caused you, your family or your child disruption and pain.
Winnie Chang
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C, CEIM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Monterey Park, CA 91754 (Online Only)
I integrate research and evidence based treatments in my clinical practice and utilize family systems theory, play therapy, art therapy in the process.
My curiosity in mental health professionals has supported me in accomplishing my success in this field. I have been working in this filed since 2007. I am experienced in working with different populations with different age groups in areas such as emotional stability, impulsive behaviors, traumatic experience, marriage discord, family conflict, cultural adjustment, etc. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) as well as a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM). I am competent in First 5. If you have question regarding my credential and my practice, please feel free to contact me.
I integrate research and evidence based treatments in my clinical practice and utilize family systems theory, play therapy, art therapy in the process.
My curiosity in mental health professionals has supported me in accomplishing my success in this field. I have been working in this filed since 2007. I am experienced in working with different populations with different age groups in areas such as emotional stability, impulsive behaviors, traumatic experience, marriage discord, family conflict, cultural adjustment, etc. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) as well as a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM). I am competent in First 5. If you have question regarding my credential and my practice, please feel free to contact me.
I utilizes treatment modalities such as: CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions Focused, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Object Relations.
"I enjoy facilitating healing and growth for individuals, couples and families in order to find a path to thrive through difficult life transitions and stressful times."
I utilizes treatment modalities such as: CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions Focused, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Object Relations.
"I enjoy facilitating healing and growth for individuals, couples and families in order to find a path to thrive through difficult life transitions and stressful times."
I am skilled in using a wide range of interventions including play therapy, family systems therapy, trauma treatment, and parent coaching .
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been practicing for 20 years, working with individuals, couples, families, and children. My specialties include marriage crisis, divorce, child custody, co parenting, blended families, relational problems, life transitions, infants and children, trauma treatment, crisis intervention, grief and loss, and parenting issues.
I am skilled in using a wide range of interventions including play therapy, family systems therapy, trauma treatment, and parent coaching .
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been practicing for 20 years, working with individuals, couples, families, and children. My specialties include marriage crisis, divorce, child custody, co parenting, blended families, relational problems, life transitions, infants and children, trauma treatment, crisis intervention, grief and loss, and parenting issues.
Lizzy Glick
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91362
In my work with couples and families; in addition to bringing awareness to dynamics at play, I seek to learn about and support each individual involved in the relationship(s) to communicate effectively with the ultimate goal of feeling understood and productive across connections.
I’m a personal person. When you come into my office, I will ask you to tell me where it hurts and I will help you be very honest with yourself. This is your hour. I prefer an action-oriented approach, with the intention of tuning into all areas of wellness in your life. I will lead the way with authenticity, respect, curiosity, and an open heart as we discover our therapeutic relationship and how we can help you live fully in support of you.
In my work with couples and families; in addition to bringing awareness to dynamics at play, I seek to learn about and support each individual involved in the relationship(s) to communicate effectively with the ultimate goal of feeling understood and productive across connections.
I’m a personal person. When you come into my office, I will ask you to tell me where it hurts and I will help you be very honest with yourself. This is your hour. I prefer an action-oriented approach, with the intention of tuning into all areas of wellness in your life. I will lead the way with authenticity, respect, curiosity, and an open heart as we discover our therapeutic relationship and how we can help you live fully in support of you.
CBT, Family/couple's Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, play/art therapies.
I am a bilingual " English/Spanish" Board certified Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples/families. Developing a trusting relationship with the client will allow an open expression of thoughts and feelings. The treatment will be tailored to each individual client's problems and needs. Commitment and consistency are important to obtain good results. Soy psicologa clinica bilingue (Ingles/Espanol) con mas de 15 anos de experiencia. Es importante desarrollar una relacion terapeutica de confianza con mis clients para facilitar la expression de necesidades y emociones. El tratamiento es disenado de acuerdo a las necesidades de cada uno.
CBT, Family/couple's Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, play/art therapies.
I am a bilingual " English/Spanish" Board certified Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples/families. Developing a trusting relationship with the client will allow an open expression of thoughts and feelings. The treatment will be tailored to each individual client's problems and needs. Commitment and consistency are important to obtain good results. Soy psicologa clinica bilingue (Ingles/Espanol) con mas de 15 anos de experiencia. Es importante desarrollar una relacion terapeutica de confianza con mis clients para facilitar la expression de necesidades y emociones. El tratamiento es disenado de acuerdo a las necesidades de cada uno.
Andrea Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSc, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Elk Grove, CA 95758
I use a child's natural language of play in therapy.
I frequently work with individuals and families with a wide variety of challenges. Some clients are simply looking to find a place that they can take a deep breath and be in a place to address things that they want to work on. While others have severe symptoms or complex issues that are frightening and overwhelming where they need help sorting out thoughts and feelings while learning how to manage and navigate the challenges. Each client is unique and so are their experiences so my goal is to tailor treatment to best benefit my clients. I also run a small non profit counseling center and train new clinicians in the field.
I use a child's natural language of play in therapy.
I frequently work with individuals and families with a wide variety of challenges. Some clients are simply looking to find a place that they can take a deep breath and be in a place to address things that they want to work on. While others have severe symptoms or complex issues that are frightening and overwhelming where they need help sorting out thoughts and feelings while learning how to manage and navigate the challenges. Each client is unique and so are their experiences so my goal is to tailor treatment to best benefit my clients. I also run a small non profit counseling center and train new clinicians in the field.
Are you worried about your school aged child, or your teenager? Are you having challenges in your relationship to yourself, as a couple, or your dynamic as a family? Through talk, art and play therapy, I want to help clients uncover hidden, negative stories that may be limiting and defining them. Instead, can they be the writers, and heroes, of their own story? A story that helps them move through the world with resilience and joy, knowing that they are capable and remarkable.
Are you worried about your school aged child, or your teenager? Are you having challenges in your relationship to yourself, as a couple, or your dynamic as a family? Through talk, art and play therapy, I want to help clients uncover hidden, negative stories that may be limiting and defining them. Instead, can they be the writers, and heroes, of their own story? A story that helps them move through the world with resilience and joy, knowing that they are capable and remarkable.
Antonia Servat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Welcome, I'm honored that you are viewing this page and discovering whether I might be a good fit for you. I have worked extensively with children, families, adults, and couples and am experienced in the areas of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, attachment, matters related to self-esteem, relationship challenges, and life transition issues. I provide Individual, Couples & Family Therapy services and have worked with clients aged 4 and up since 2010. My approach is Strength-based, viewing my clients as the experts in their own lives. I utilize CBT techniques for skill building and Play Therapy techniques with children.
Welcome, I'm honored that you are viewing this page and discovering whether I might be a good fit for you. I have worked extensively with children, families, adults, and couples and am experienced in the areas of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, attachment, matters related to self-esteem, relationship challenges, and life transition issues. I provide Individual, Couples & Family Therapy services and have worked with clients aged 4 and up since 2010. My approach is Strength-based, viewing my clients as the experts in their own lives. I utilize CBT techniques for skill building and Play Therapy techniques with children.
Jonathan W. Thompson II
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC, CCTP, CSAM
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I have a special passion for working with athletes, helping them improve their mental health and seeing themselves beyond the sport they play.
You’re doing the hard work of seeking out therapy in 2024, and that’s truly commendable. The past few years may have been the catalyst for you to realize that now is the perfect time to enhance your mood, reduce stress, and improve your relationships. Therapy can be the first step in identifying goals and addressing needs that may have been neglected during the pandemic and possibly throughout your life. Are you living your best possible life? If so, maybe there are a few small things that need minor adjustments. If not, let’s start this journey together towards the best days of your life.
I have a special passion for working with athletes, helping them improve their mental health and seeing themselves beyond the sport they play.
You’re doing the hard work of seeking out therapy in 2024, and that’s truly commendable. The past few years may have been the catalyst for you to realize that now is the perfect time to enhance your mood, reduce stress, and improve your relationships. Therapy can be the first step in identifying goals and addressing needs that may have been neglected during the pandemic and possibly throughout your life. Are you living your best possible life? If so, maybe there are a few small things that need minor adjustments. If not, let’s start this journey together towards the best days of your life.
I also utilize Art and Play Therapy techniques and use clear and concrete self-regulation interventions.
During stressful times, constant worrying, anxiety, anger, and sadness surfaces and causes disruption with relationships, sleep, eating habits, and health. I strongly believe in the mind and body connection and, with help, stress can be an opportunity for emotional growth. I utilize my clinical experience and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to motivate clients and families towards their own emotional growth. I tailor various therapeutic approaches according to what works for my client and what my client needs to meet their goals.
I also utilize Art and Play Therapy techniques and use clear and concrete self-regulation interventions.
During stressful times, constant worrying, anxiety, anger, and sadness surfaces and causes disruption with relationships, sleep, eating habits, and health. I strongly believe in the mind and body connection and, with help, stress can be an opportunity for emotional growth. I utilize my clinical experience and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to motivate clients and families towards their own emotional growth. I tailor various therapeutic approaches according to what works for my client and what my client needs to meet their goals.
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Kimberly Micaela Price
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chico, CA 95926
My therapeutic approach is client-centered and attachment-focused while incorporating play, art, or sand-tray therapy and CBT treatment modalities to help children address trauma-related problems.
For many of us, our pains and heartaches can be felt in every aspect of our lives, physically, emotionally, mentally, behaviorally, and relationally. My experience includes assisting children, adolescents, adults, and families who are dealing with problems related to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, trauma, and major life transitions. These feelings and experiences can be incredibly overwhelming, confusing, and isolating and I am passionate about helping people develop coping strategies, process painful experiences, and heal and grow so that they can live a fulfilling life.
My therapeutic approach is client-centered and attachment-focused while incorporating play, art, or sand-tray therapy and CBT treatment modalities to help children address trauma-related problems.
For many of us, our pains and heartaches can be felt in every aspect of our lives, physically, emotionally, mentally, behaviorally, and relationally. My experience includes assisting children, adolescents, adults, and families who are dealing with problems related to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, trauma, and major life transitions. These feelings and experiences can be incredibly overwhelming, confusing, and isolating and I am passionate about helping people develop coping strategies, process painful experiences, and heal and grow so that they can live a fulfilling life.
I utilize a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Surf Therapy stress management, and assertiveness training.
Hello and Welcome! My Name is Albert Balderas I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My goal is to foster a safe and compassionate space where together, we can identify alternative approaches to how you perceive, engage with, and overcome the obstacles that seem to hinder your pursuit of a fulfilling life. Through this collaborative journey, we will work towards empowering you with the tools and insights to lead the life you envision. I specialize working with College Students, young adults, and adults who are wanting to improve their mental health, overcome feelings of depression, anxiety, and mange life’s challenges.
I utilize a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Surf Therapy stress management, and assertiveness training.
Hello and Welcome! My Name is Albert Balderas I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My goal is to foster a safe and compassionate space where together, we can identify alternative approaches to how you perceive, engage with, and overcome the obstacles that seem to hinder your pursuit of a fulfilling life. Through this collaborative journey, we will work towards empowering you with the tools and insights to lead the life you envision. I specialize working with College Students, young adults, and adults who are wanting to improve their mental health, overcome feelings of depression, anxiety, and mange life’s challenges.
My name is Stacey Ruiz and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California. I work with children and adolescents to help navigate feelings of anxiety, stress, and grief and loss, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play-based interventions to help them begin feeling better. My approach to therapy starts with creating a safe and supportive space to identify each client's needs. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play-based interventions to help my clients develop healthy thinking patterns and coping strategies.
My name is Stacey Ruiz and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California. I work with children and adolescents to help navigate feelings of anxiety, stress, and grief and loss, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play-based interventions to help them begin feeling better. My approach to therapy starts with creating a safe and supportive space to identify each client's needs. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and play-based interventions to help my clients develop healthy thinking patterns and coping strategies.
I use evidence-based techniques including Parent and Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Child Therapy, Family Therapy, trauma-informed therapy and/or play therapy, somatic-based therapy, and art therapy to uncover, heal, and provide a new way of relating to one another.
Are you finding yourself frustrated from having yet another disagreement with your spouse or children about the challenges in your relationship? Or perhaps you look around at your family and feel sad that you aren’t connecting the way you used to. Maybe you have children who can be moody, anxious, or seem depressed and you don’t know why or how it came to be this way. You would like support and some extra tools in your toolbox to handle the family stress and are in dire need of some relief.
I use evidence-based techniques including Parent and Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Child Therapy, Family Therapy, trauma-informed therapy and/or play therapy, somatic-based therapy, and art therapy to uncover, heal, and provide a new way of relating to one another.
Are you finding yourself frustrated from having yet another disagreement with your spouse or children about the challenges in your relationship? Or perhaps you look around at your family and feel sad that you aren’t connecting the way you used to. Maybe you have children who can be moody, anxious, or seem depressed and you don’t know why or how it came to be this way. You would like support and some extra tools in your toolbox to handle the family stress and are in dire need of some relief.
I specialize in providing play therapy for children and working with parents.
Are you struggling to figure out how to best support your child? When the answers can’t be found in the parenting books, you may benefit from guidance specific to your family’s needs. Finding someone to connect with and help deepen your understanding of your child’s inner-experiences can strengthen your relationship with your child, and also provide the empathy and support you need to feel less overwhelmed. Some children benefit from therapy to work through life events, deal with anxiety, depression, or trauma.
I specialize in providing play therapy for children and working with parents.
Are you struggling to figure out how to best support your child? When the answers can’t be found in the parenting books, you may benefit from guidance specific to your family’s needs. Finding someone to connect with and help deepen your understanding of your child’s inner-experiences can strengthen your relationship with your child, and also provide the empathy and support you need to feel less overwhelmed. Some children benefit from therapy to work through life events, deal with anxiety, depression, or trauma.
In my work with Children I utilize play therapy and art therapy to help facilitate a deeper understanding of their behavior.
I am looking forward to providing a safe and judgement-free environment in which you can explore treatment for Relationship Issues, Anxiety, Depression, Blended/Step Family Issues, Eating Disorders, Impulse-Control, Substance-Related Disorders and Gender Dysphoria. I have been licensed for 34 years and bring my experience as a nurse, educator and therapist to combine a practical approach in my work. I specialize in the treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Disorders as well as Anxiety and Depression Disorders with Adults and Families.
In my work with Children I utilize play therapy and art therapy to help facilitate a deeper understanding of their behavior.
I am looking forward to providing a safe and judgement-free environment in which you can explore treatment for Relationship Issues, Anxiety, Depression, Blended/Step Family Issues, Eating Disorders, Impulse-Control, Substance-Related Disorders and Gender Dysphoria. I have been licensed for 34 years and bring my experience as a nurse, educator and therapist to combine a practical approach in my work. I specialize in the treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Disorders as well as Anxiety and Depression Disorders with Adults and Families.
Channel Patrice Bigelow
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Redding, CA 96002
My name is Chanel Bigelow! I work with children, adolescents, teen, individuals, and couples. I specialize in relieving anxiety, alleviating depression, and reducing trauma symptoms. I have experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Mindfulness.
My name is Chanel Bigelow! I work with children, adolescents, teen, individuals, and couples. I specialize in relieving anxiety, alleviating depression, and reducing trauma symptoms. I have experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Mindfulness.
I am an active and creative clinician who uses a variety of strategies with adults, as well as art, play, games, books, role-plays, and other activities with younger clients.
Every person sometimes struggles with difficult situations or feelings. I know seeking help can be scary. However, I truly believe that you can make positive changes in your life, and I would like to help. I strive to create a warm, supportive and collaborate environment, where clients can feel safe to work through difficult emotions, thoughts and experiences. As a cognitive behavioral therapist I believe that our thoughts influence our feelings and mood, which, in turn, influence our choices. I strive to give clients the tools and strategies to feel empowered to make positive and healthy changes in their life.
I am an active and creative clinician who uses a variety of strategies with adults, as well as art, play, games, books, role-plays, and other activities with younger clients.
Every person sometimes struggles with difficult situations or feelings. I know seeking help can be scary. However, I truly believe that you can make positive changes in your life, and I would like to help. I strive to create a warm, supportive and collaborate environment, where clients can feel safe to work through difficult emotions, thoughts and experiences. As a cognitive behavioral therapist I believe that our thoughts influence our feelings and mood, which, in turn, influence our choices. I strive to give clients the tools and strategies to feel empowered to make positive and healthy changes in their life.
In my work with children and their parents, I do one-on-one, child-centered play therapy with children and also offer parent coaching in order to create more harmony in your home and within the parent-child relationship.
Do you struggle with negative self-talk, confidence, difficult emotions or interpersonal relationships? Are you a parent whose child struggles with anxiety, intense emotions or behavioral issues and you're ready to seek help for them (and you)? If any of these are true, I may be able to help. I work with individual adults, as well as with children (and their parents) who are struggling with these issues. I can help you explore patterns, process difficult emotions and traumatic experiences, learn new skills, develop better communication and build healthier relationships.
In my work with children and their parents, I do one-on-one, child-centered play therapy with children and also offer parent coaching in order to create more harmony in your home and within the parent-child relationship.
Do you struggle with negative self-talk, confidence, difficult emotions or interpersonal relationships? Are you a parent whose child struggles with anxiety, intense emotions or behavioral issues and you're ready to seek help for them (and you)? If any of these are true, I may be able to help. I work with individual adults, as well as with children (and their parents) who are struggling with these issues. I can help you explore patterns, process difficult emotions and traumatic experiences, learn new skills, develop better communication and build healthier relationships.
See more therapy options for California
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.