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.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! For 20+ years I have had professional experiences of working with children and adults in education, mental health and bioenergetics. As a counselor, I provide a safe, nurturing, confidential and nonjudgemental environment to help you identify what is holding you back and give you the tools to live a rewarding and fullfilling life. I believe in the consideration of the "wh...
For me, it’s all about relationships and community. Parents and their children - kids and their parents, and their siblings. People and coworkers, and neighbors, and folks from church, and everybody else they interact with on a frequent basis. These relationships help us get by when things are challenging - and when these relationships become challenging they can throw everything off balance....
Welcome! My passion is partnering with my clients as they discover their resilience and develop a deeper understanding of themselves to become empowered to improve their quality of life. I have several years of experience providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. As a relational therapist with training in many areas of psychotherapy, I am highly attuned to each client...
I welcome client of all walks of life that are in need for counseling. I often find that therapeutic alliance between therapist and client will be one of the main agents of change and improvement. I hope to provide you with safe and non-judgmental environment to engage in a deeper self-exploration. I use collaborative, compassionate, strengths-based approach, and incorporate evidenced-based...
**ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!** COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. If you are struggling due to the impact of this pandemic, please reach out. Times are tough, but so are you! Remember: "Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary." – Mister Fr...
Julie graduated from The Adler Graduate School of Minnesota and The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Special Education Teacher, and Parent and Adult Educator. Her specialties include working with families with young children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with daily functioning or are striving for a more balanced, holistic, and...
I believe that reaching out for help is one of the hardest things an individual can do and engaging in the therapy process is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. My focus is on helping individuals, families and couples heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths so they can live their purest life possible. I hold and create a safe place to explore traumas, dis-ease...
I work with children, adolescents, and adults in need of support during times of heightened stress, change, transition, or loss. Because life can be complicated, you’ll find that my approach to therapy is not “one size fits all” but is integrative and collaborative, blending a variety of techniques to best meet your needs. My hope is you’ll find me welcoming, nonjudgmental, authentic. Throughou...
Social distancing- face masks- the current pandemic is changing life every day. These measures can feel very isolating. They can exacerbate feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness for anyone. I am available to support you, your children, or family through this unprecedented time in our lives. We will all need to learn and use skills in Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation and Frustration...
Diane earned a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, where she studied Jungian-based Depth Psychology perspective. Her focus is on bringing healing to the deep, unseen wounds of the soul and transforming them holistically—mind, body, soul, and spirit. She considers it a privilege and honor to accompany her patients on their own unique healing...
I am a licensed clinical psychotherapist with several years experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. I specialize in emotion regulation, managing anxiety, stressors in the home, behavior modification, strengthening self esteem and more. My goal is to ensure that you feel supported as we work through your goals together. I utilize various modalities catered to your...
***Openings available Mon & Tues*** Weeks, months, or possibly years pass while ignoring a nagging sensation in our minds/bodies. The sensation is communicating to us that something is not right. When we listen, we might notice a few things. In our work, we might feel overwhelmed, dissatisfied, or worthless. In our day-to-day life, we might feel irritated, guilty, or uncertain. Maybe we notice...
Do you feel anxious or worried? Are you experiencing guilt or depression? Do you feel stuck or down? Confused or hopeless? In recent years, traumatic events have affected the way people in the north valley tend to cope with life. Significant life events have a way of bringing back past worries and triggers and people can find that life turns upside down. If you are experiencing a shift or are...
Emotions are part of being human. Feelings should not be categorized as being good or bad- they just are. I like to think of them as tools. Indicators of where we are in life or that it may be time to explore the possibility of making change. All too often we may find ourselves wrapped up in situations that evoke emotions so powerful, we become overwhelmed. Regardless of your situation, I will...
As a psychologist, I allow the space for individuals to gain insight and growth in their lives that help them reach their goals and aspirations. We all encounter challenges, whether it be someone suffering from anxiety and depression, a family who just found out their child has a medical issue, a child with fears, or a teen who has been bullied. During these unfortunate times what is needed is...
