Play Therapy is an approach to counseling utilized for children. Children learn to understand the world through play. Play Therapy embraces play to facilitate therapeutic interventions. Play can include games, dolls, art activities, sports, make-believe, or any other activity that fits a child developmentally and emotionally.
Play Therapy can be beneficial for children with behavioral issues. Because these children might not have the words to communicate their feelings or might not want to, this allows them a space to express themselves and share their feelings through play.
Play therapists get to know the child’s specific interests and can tailor their counseling space to make it unique for each child. As the counselor observes and interacts with the child, they can understand the emotions that lead to their behaviors. Over time, therapists can encourage children to use play to express feelings instead of expressing them through inappropriate or harmful behaviors.
Play Therapy can also be used for adults to help them connect with their inner creativity and facilitate child-like joy.
My practice was born out of a tradition of commitment to children. From familial and professional roots I have witnessed the value of creating a safe space to allow children to explore and grow. Beginning my career as a teacher, I have watched and marveled at the ways in which children learn and flourish in nurturing environments. As a child therapist I have also seen children suffer when their...
Bay Area Clinical Associates (BACA) is a physician-owned and operated organization committed to providing integrated, scientific, empathetic mental health treatment for kids, teens, young adults and their families. BACA is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of child & adolescent psychiatrists, licensed marriage & family therapists, and licensed clinical social workers. We work to take the...
My clinical expertise is in issues related to emotional regulation, trauma, loss, and early life attachment experiences. I have a particular interest in supporting parents of young children (particularly at this time and in relationship to COVID-related school and care transitions). My approach can broadly be described as insight oriented and rooted in attachment, relational, and interpersonal...
My experience includes working with adolescents and adults struggling with mood disorders, substance abuse and working with family members affected by the addiction of their loved ones. I work closely with family members to provide education and help promote growth. My practice has included collaboration with multiple systems and providers such as school systems, psychiatrists/medical providers...
I find that an empathetic approach is the best way to build rapport and trust with a client. I am fortunate to have worked across many populations (infants, children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics, military personnel, special needs, etc) and feel that creative arts therapy is universal. I have experience in a myriad of diagnosis ranging from anxiety and depression to acute psychiatric disorde...
Dr. Hempel is a psychologist specializing in biofeedback, counseling, advocacy, and psychological evaluations. She earned her Doctorate from Loyola University Chicago, where she also taught graduate classes. Dr. Hempel has worked with children, adolescents, and adults since 2001. She also has experience working with a variety of emotional and behavioral disorders. Her therapeutic approaches...
I am grateful for being able to share my passion for helping others as they navigate the difficulties that life can bring. I am not a stranger to challenging times and in the same way that I have learned to work through these difficulties, I want to help you do the same. Whether you are in a transition, a challenging relationship, feeling depressed, or just needing to talk to someone to get...
I work with adults, as well as children and adolescents, who struggle managing anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I utilize a strengths-based approach when working in collaboration with clients and utilize cognitive behavioral methods of intervention. I work with clients to design and tailor interventions that are most effective for their needs ...
There are many reasons you may be looking for a counselor. There doesn't need to be a specific reason, you may simply be looking for a perspective, a good listener or to gain insight. Common reasons people seek counseling: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma or Abuse, Grieving and Life Stressors. I can walk alongside you as you navigate a painful or difficult time in your life. I conceptualize my work...
I work with individuals across the life span in a relational process to work through life transitions, loss and grief, career/school counseling, health adjustments, goal achievement and family/relational communication. I am here to assist each individual with their person goals, learning to set boundaries and how to get their needs met in a healthy productive way. I help individuals move forwar...
I believe that people have an innate ability to heal and that successful therapy depends on tailoring sessions to be in alignment with your unique circumstances. I have an eclectic background that enables me to draw on a valuable combination of experience, knowledge and skills. It is my goal that our time together is creative, flexible and productive. Sessions can take the form of traditional t...
I work with children, adolescents, adults and the aging population. I also work with couples and families. I am able to help with substance use (including helping family members with co-dependency), food/eating issues, sexual problems, gambling issues, and electronics addiction. I work with mental health issues including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, personality disorders, and trau...
I understand that taking the first step toward therapy can be quite daunting. Finding a counselor that is right for you is vital. I believe we all have the ability to heal and grow and create positive changes when we have someone we trust to talk with who will listen, accept us, and guide us without judgment. As a team, we work collaboratively to improve your self-image, and identify strategies...
I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with several years of experience. I've volunteered with several community agencies in the past in the areas of domestic violence, trauma, and family dynamic including improving familial relationships and communication. I have experiencing working with children, adolescents, adults and families in regards to mental health issues, trauma, domestic violence,...
I have over 20 years of experience working as a social worker and obtained my LCSW in 2004. I provide clinical therapy to adults, children and families. I have experience working with children, adults/elders with most mental health diagnosis and stress management issues. Areas of expertise include: All Mental health diagnosis with emphasis on: Anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar,personality...
