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.
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California with almost 6+ years of experience working with children, families, teens and individuals experiencing a variety of life’s challenges and mental health issues. Some of my specialities include life transitions, anxiety, depression, issues related to self-esteem, relationship issues, family issues, parenting issues & children with...
I'd like to take a moment and acknowledge your bravery and courage with taking the first step to becoming a stronger more resilient version of yourself! We are meant to heal, not suffer on a daily basis. My goal is to support you as the expert of your life. Together exploring and individualizing what works best for you. My go to approach and theories are Solution-Focused, Client Centered, Reali...
Sometimes we recognize things are not the way we want them to be; we need to make changes to improve our well-being, our relationship(s), our day to day life, or our athletic/artistic performance. It's at that time we need to find a trained mental health professional who can meet you where you are, understands the struggles you face and can help support you working toward positive changes. You ...
I am so passionate about teaming up with children and families to reach their highest potentials, which I believe are astronomical! From my educational training, I understand how children’s unique minds work, and how to creatively get them engaged to work through their current obstacles. I work very closely with parents and family members on teaching techniques to use at home and school, so our...
In an enriching and creative environment, I develop a personally tailored blend of art therapy and counseling techniques to help clients from infancy to adulthood move through life’s challenges. I utilize art and play therapy with young children to address behavioral challenges, life transitions, anxiety, attachment, and self esteem. Parents and adults can receive support through infertility,...
I have experience treating individuals and couples with depression, anxiety, attachment and trauma. I have worked extensively with children, teens and young adults and believe my relationship with my clients is a partnership working to achieve the clients goals. I strive to assist clients with identifying and building upon their strengths and growing through their challenges. I am an eclectic...
I am a psychotherapist/social worker who works with children, adolescents, families and adults, particularly young professionals and parents. I utilize a range of modalities (psychodynamic talk therapy, art, movement, mindfulness and more) to support clients as they work through challenges in their lives and develop a more authentic sense of self. I work with folks from a range of backgrounds a...
I recognize how difficult it can be to take the steps toward seeking out a therapist, regardless of the reason that brought you. Life can be challenging in many ways and can be difficult to navigate alone. I take great care in providing a safe environment for my clients to explore their lives and various obstacles in a nonjudgmental way. Building a trusting, therapeutic relationship is what I f...
My ideal client is someone (child/family or adult) who has a vested interest in their own well-being and that of their family. I have a long history of working with children and families who have not had the understanding of what counseling/therapy is all about. I provide the opportunity, in a safe environment, for them to have that experience. I am client-centered, in other words, my focus is ...
Is your child having difficulty sitting still during class? Is she struggling academically? Or he is irritable and moody? Is your child a picky eater? As a parent, you may wonder, "Is this normal?" Life can be complex and challenging, and psychological testing can aid in providing clarity and better understanding your child. Testing can also assist in identifying barriers that are impeding your...
Sometimes life is so painful that even remembering reasons to stay alive can be very difficult. Life situations, such as grief or traumatic events, can cause day to day functioning to feel insurmountable. Finding coping skills and solutions happens when you have the freedom to talk about anxiety, grief, depression, trauma and suicide with the help of a skilled clinician who is comfortable worki...
Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start. My clients struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, exposure to traumatic events, and PTSD. These symptoms often leave them feeling helpless, afraid, and like things will never get better. Even though you want to run. Even though it's heavy and difficult. Even though you're not quite...
*Not currently accepting new clients* Ashley is a healer of self and others and lover of humanity. She believes that choosing to heal is a radical act of self-love. Once we take the time to learn and heal ourselves and our wounds we can emerge toward collective empowerment. She is a trained Social Worker currently working in day treatment with youth in a school setting who have mental health an...
Working with children, teens, and young adults as they navigate the developmental and emotional difficulties of growing is a passion of mine. These rapidly changing stages can be difficult to thrive in especially when experiencing trauma, divorce, learning disabilities, bullying, adoption, foster care, and other difficult life events. Young adulthood has its own unique challenges and often...
