Play Therapy in Palo Alto, CA
Andrea Barlas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Waitlist for new clients
Using mindful practices, art therapy, play therapy, and traditional talk therapy, I work to foster and create a safe space for clients to explore their inner thoughts and feelings, while also processing those feelings and cultivating self love and resilience.
I have been working with children and adolescents for over 30 years in the greater Bay Area. My primary practice focuses around facilitating youth through difficult transitions, school related stresses, anxiety, peer relationships, and self esteem. Additionally, I support young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, sexual orientation and difficult life transitions.
Using mindful practices, art therapy, play therapy, and traditional talk therapy, I work to foster and create a safe space for clients to explore their inner thoughts and feelings, while also processing those feelings and cultivating self love and resilience.
I have been working with children and adolescents for over 30 years in the greater Bay Area. My primary practice focuses around facilitating youth through difficult transitions, school related stresses, anxiety, peer relationships, and self esteem. Additionally, I support young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, sexual orientation and difficult life transitions.
Lisa Maria Daly
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Not Verified Not Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
I use CBT and mindfulness approaches, and art or play therapy to help kids or teens feel comfortable sharing, and learn new ways to recognize and cope with feelings.
Welcome! As you’re looking at this site, you may be wondering if therapy can be helpful for you, your family, or your child. You or your teen or child may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, irritable, or losing sleep. You may be struggling to connect or experiencing conflict in relationships. Your teen or child may be feeling self-critical or anxious in social situations, struggling in school, or dealing with a transition, loss, or parents’ divorce. Together, we'll work to reduce stress, anxiety, or depression, improve relationships, and decrease negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors.
I use CBT and mindfulness approaches, and art or play therapy to help kids or teens feel comfortable sharing, and learn new ways to recognize and cope with feelings.
Welcome! As you’re looking at this site, you may be wondering if therapy can be helpful for you, your family, or your child. You or your teen or child may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, irritable, or losing sleep. You may be struggling to connect or experiencing conflict in relationships. Your teen or child may be feeling self-critical or anxious in social situations, struggling in school, or dealing with a transition, loss, or parents’ divorce. Together, we'll work to reduce stress, anxiety, or depression, improve relationships, and decrease negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors.
Benedicte Last
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303 (Online Only)
Healing, insight, and forgiveness happens through our relationships, our play and talk together.
Sometimes the hardest thing in life is to forgive yourself, or forgive others for what has happened. It can really keep you stuck in the same cycle, over and over, depressed, and anxious. It is like Kryptonite; it keeps you from living the life you want to live, and from discovering the superpowers you have inside of you. What would happen if you could use those superpowers? What would happen if you were to feel your enthusiasm again? Where would you go, what would you do, what new skills would you like to learn? Where is your Kryptonite hidden.
Healing, insight, and forgiveness happens through our relationships, our play and talk together.
Sometimes the hardest thing in life is to forgive yourself, or forgive others for what has happened. It can really keep you stuck in the same cycle, over and over, depressed, and anxious. It is like Kryptonite; it keeps you from living the life you want to live, and from discovering the superpowers you have inside of you. What would happen if you could use those superpowers? What would happen if you were to feel your enthusiasm again? Where would you go, what would you do, what new skills would you like to learn? Where is your Kryptonite hidden.
Wendy Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
With over 25 years of Mental Health experience the last 18 years having specialized in the treatment of children, adolescents and their families. My approach is primarily based on who is in the room and how I can be most helpful to my client. I utilize mindfulness, art therapy, sand play and cognitive behavioral therapies.
With over 25 years of Mental Health experience the last 18 years having specialized in the treatment of children, adolescents and their families. My approach is primarily based on who is in the room and how I can be most helpful to my client. I utilize mindfulness, art therapy, sand play and cognitive behavioral therapies.
Jihan Amer Holistic Counseling & Coaching
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94302 (Online Only)
The types of therapeutic techniques I draw from use IFS, mindfulness, ecotherapy, somatic, expressive arts therapy, writing, communication skills, interpersonal development, play therapy, humanistic, dream-work, client-centered, Jungian, humanistic, CBT, transformational life coaching and solution focused.
I integrate all my training in helping clients heal and transform their lives in the direction which honors living one's full potential/purpose. I work with individuals and offer women's expressive arts groups. The areas I have worked with include: mild - moderate anxiety, mild - moderate depression, stress reduction, communication skills, codependency, low self- esteem, relational issues, grief, social skill building, marital/divorce/relationship issues, women's issues, racial/ethnic/cultural concerns, meaning of life, life transitions, life purpose, identity questions, BIPOC issues, spiritual issues, and eco-related issues.
The types of therapeutic techniques I draw from use IFS, mindfulness, ecotherapy, somatic, expressive arts therapy, writing, communication skills, interpersonal development, play therapy, humanistic, dream-work, client-centered, Jungian, humanistic, CBT, transformational life coaching and solution focused.
I integrate all my training in helping clients heal and transform their lives in the direction which honors living one's full potential/purpose. I work with individuals and offer women's expressive arts groups. The areas I have worked with include: mild - moderate anxiety, mild - moderate depression, stress reduction, communication skills, codependency, low self- esteem, relational issues, grief, social skill building, marital/divorce/relationship issues, women's issues, racial/ethnic/cultural concerns, meaning of life, life transitions, life purpose, identity questions, BIPOC issues, spiritual issues, and eco-related issues.
Lyndsey Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I use a strength-based modality, play therapy, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and other techniques when working with my clients.
Stressful encounters, complex life experience, academic stressors and more, can often cause college students, teens, and children to struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, inadequacy, body image issues, and negative self-talk. In my career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have had the opportunity to work closely with clients struggling with these kinds of challenges both at school and at home. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients thrive and flourish by equipping them with the tools and guidance they need to navigate daily stressors, grow their self care, and improve coping skills.
I use a strength-based modality, play therapy, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and other techniques when working with my clients.
Stressful encounters, complex life experience, academic stressors and more, can often cause college students, teens, and children to struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, inadequacy, body image issues, and negative self-talk. In my career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have had the opportunity to work closely with clients struggling with these kinds of challenges both at school and at home. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients thrive and flourish by equipping them with the tools and guidance they need to navigate daily stressors, grow their self care, and improve coping skills.
Ashley Boyer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Waitlist for new clients
I gravitate towards Mindfulness and Art and play-based interventions.
Hi, I am a San Francisco Bay Area Child Psychologist. I specialize in anxiety and other related concerns such as perfectionism and difficult life adjustments. In my practice, I focus on the relationship and making you and your child feel comfortable through developmentally appropriate interventions. I want to help you work through your worries and achieve your best life.
I gravitate towards Mindfulness and Art and play-based interventions.
Hi, I am a San Francisco Bay Area Child Psychologist. I specialize in anxiety and other related concerns such as perfectionism and difficult life adjustments. In my practice, I focus on the relationship and making you and your child feel comfortable through developmentally appropriate interventions. I want to help you work through your worries and achieve your best life.
Patricia (Pati) Palmer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I use Art and Play therapy techniques with children because this is their language, and with adolescents or adults for creative reflection.
I believe that each person knows themselves best, and creating a safe, welcoming space allows for exploration and growth. My greatest tool is a curiosity about your life's journey, your struggles and accomplishments, your passions and fears. I use a person-centered approach so you or your child can build confidence and grow in the ability to meet life's challenges. I support parents through family sessions designed to build stronger family connections.
I use Art and Play therapy techniques with children because this is their language, and with adolescents or adults for creative reflection.
I believe that each person knows themselves best, and creating a safe, welcoming space allows for exploration and growth. My greatest tool is a curiosity about your life's journey, your struggles and accomplishments, your passions and fears. I use a person-centered approach so you or your child can build confidence and grow in the ability to meet life's challenges. I support parents through family sessions designed to build stronger family connections.
Cindy Lin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94305
My role is to guide and help you in developing insight, greater satisfaction, and symptom relief. I provide support by discussing your concerns and feelings, and by helping you resolve and move towards your goals, such as fulfillment, belonging, to cope with hardship or to feel 'unstuck'. I guide you in examining your situation, struggles and relationships, facilitating deeper understanding and strengths to make positive shifts. My style is warm, collaborative and engaging. I compassionately promote therapeutic healing, growth & change. For youth, I practice a combo of play, talk and behavioral therapy, parent coaching/support.
My role is to guide and help you in developing insight, greater satisfaction, and symptom relief. I provide support by discussing your concerns and feelings, and by helping you resolve and move towards your goals, such as fulfillment, belonging, to cope with hardship or to feel 'unstuck'. I guide you in examining your situation, struggles and relationships, facilitating deeper understanding and strengths to make positive shifts. My style is warm, collaborative and engaging. I compassionately promote therapeutic healing, growth & change. For youth, I practice a combo of play, talk and behavioral therapy, parent coaching/support.
Carolina Sang
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I am a big picture thinker, and someone who likes to work outside of the box by using experiments, role-play, and games to help you learn new relationship skills in a hands-on and engaging way.
Are you finding it difficult to express your needs with someone in your life? Are you concerned that you and your loved one keep misunderstanding each other due to differences in cultural or gendered communication styles? Maybe you're going through a life transition that's adding to your stress levels, and leaving you both feeling in the dark about how to give and receive support? Or perhaps you are happy in your partnership, but are eager to grow together and deepen your bond even further? I can shine a light on those areas of difficulty for you both that remain obscured from view, and illuminate a new way forward.
I am a big picture thinker, and someone who likes to work outside of the box by using experiments, role-play, and games to help you learn new relationship skills in a hands-on and engaging way.
Are you finding it difficult to express your needs with someone in your life? Are you concerned that you and your loved one keep misunderstanding each other due to differences in cultural or gendered communication styles? Maybe you're going through a life transition that's adding to your stress levels, and leaving you both feeling in the dark about how to give and receive support? Or perhaps you are happy in your partnership, but are eager to grow together and deepen your bond even further? I can shine a light on those areas of difficulty for you both that remain obscured from view, and illuminate a new way forward.
Jessica Chesbro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94302 (Online Only)
I specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA); using art, music, role-play, and creativity to assist clients in deepening their understanding of themselves.
I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
I specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA); using art, music, role-play, and creativity to assist clients in deepening their understanding of themselves.
I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
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Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
Luisa Montaini-Klovdahl
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Collaborative, effective, respectful and warmth best describes Dr. Luisa's approach. Striving to support wellness, strength and calm for each client, Dr. Luisa draws on her experience, research and best practices to assist clients and families with their personal growth. The unique needs and learning style of clients guide the interventions that are mutually selected between therapist and client. Whether the need is coaching, specialty treatment and interventions or support navigating a healthy path through stressful times, Dr. Luisa will collaboratively work with clients and families to identify the treatment choices toward health.
Collaborative, effective, respectful and warmth best describes Dr. Luisa's approach. Striving to support wellness, strength and calm for each client, Dr. Luisa draws on her experience, research and best practices to assist clients and families with their personal growth. The unique needs and learning style of clients guide the interventions that are mutually selected between therapist and client. Whether the need is coaching, specialty treatment and interventions or support navigating a healthy path through stressful times, Dr. Luisa will collaboratively work with clients and families to identify the treatment choices toward health.
Palo Alto Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Is excessive worry or anxiety limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a happier life? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, public speaking fears, OCD, panic, excessive worry and depression is our primary focus. Visit us at www.paloaltotherapy.com. By using proven therapy methods (We are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, and reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy and help you get results to improve your emotions and your life. By doing this we can help rather quickly. Call to schedule a free phone consultation.
Is excessive worry or anxiety limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a happier life? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, public speaking fears, OCD, panic, excessive worry and depression is our primary focus. Visit us at www.paloaltotherapy.com. By using proven therapy methods (We are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, and reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy and help you get results to improve your emotions and your life. By doing this we can help rather quickly. Call to schedule a free phone consultation.
Brandee Sosa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Is excessive worry or anxiety limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a happier life? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, public speaking fears, OCD, panic, excessive worry and depression is our primary focus. Visit us at www.paloaltotherapy.com. By using proven therapy methods (We are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, and reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy and help you get results to improve your emotions and your life. By doing this we can help rather quickly. Call to schedule a free phone consultation.
Is excessive worry or anxiety limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a happier life? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, public speaking fears, OCD, panic, excessive worry and depression is our primary focus. Visit us at www.paloaltotherapy.com. By using proven therapy methods (We are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, and reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy and help you get results to improve your emotions and your life. By doing this we can help rather quickly. Call to schedule a free phone consultation.
Debra D Rojas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
Are you Overwhelmed, Frustrated or Sad? Do you ask yourself 'Is this all there is?'
Has a medical diagnosis or an upcoming surgery got you unnerved? If you're depressed, anxious, angry, grieving, facing divorce, or experiencing family discord, I can help make your life more manageable.
Are you Overwhelmed, Frustrated or Sad? Do you ask yourself 'Is this all there is?'
Has a medical diagnosis or an upcoming surgery got you unnerved? If you're depressed, anxious, angry, grieving, facing divorce, or experiencing family discord, I can help make your life more manageable.
Sterling Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Katherine Warner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
Sometimes it takes the gentle mirroring of another person to help see what is no longer working in our lives. Habits formed to survive difficult childhoods may be wrecking havoc. Communication styles may be sabotaging love. We may feel overwhelmed in parenting, or facing a big life transition. I work closely with my clients to increase communication skills and develop greater personal awareness. I teach nervous system regulation in order to stay calm and effective during conflict, difficult conversations, and life transitions. From therapy you’ll learn to operate from wholeness and authenticity, and gain acceptance for self/others.
Sometimes it takes the gentle mirroring of another person to help see what is no longer working in our lives. Habits formed to survive difficult childhoods may be wrecking havoc. Communication styles may be sabotaging love. We may feel overwhelmed in parenting, or facing a big life transition. I work closely with my clients to increase communication skills and develop greater personal awareness. I teach nervous system regulation in order to stay calm and effective during conflict, difficult conversations, and life transitions. From therapy you’ll learn to operate from wholeness and authenticity, and gain acceptance for self/others.
Palo Alto Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Is excessive worry or anxiety limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a happier life? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, public speaking fears, OCD, panic, excessive worry and depression is our primary focus. Visit Us at www.PaloAltoTherapy.com. By using proven therapy methods (We are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, and reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy and help you get results to improve your emotions and your life. By doing this we can help rather quickly. Call to schedule a free phone consultation.
Is excessive worry or anxiety limiting your life? Do you want to feel better and live a happier life? Helping our clients overcome social anxiety, public speaking fears, OCD, panic, excessive worry and depression is our primary focus. Visit Us at www.PaloAltoTherapy.com. By using proven therapy methods (We are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy specialists) we will focus on specific problems, solutions, and reachable goals. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy and help you get results to improve your emotions and your life. By doing this we can help rather quickly. Call to schedule a free phone consultation.
James Pritchett
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
You are immersed in the fast-paced world of tech, where the pressure for innovation and the fear of falling behind can be overwhelming. You find yourself constantly worried about job security and career prospects, leading to sleepless nights, strained relationships, and a diminishing sense of enjoyment in life. The drive to stay ahead has become a source of anxiety, making it challenging to find peace even outside of work. You need accessible resources and practical tools that address these feelings as they arise, whether you're at home, in the office, or out socializing. What you're needing is more than just to manage your stress.
You are immersed in the fast-paced world of tech, where the pressure for innovation and the fear of falling behind can be overwhelming. You find yourself constantly worried about job security and career prospects, leading to sleepless nights, strained relationships, and a diminishing sense of enjoyment in life. The drive to stay ahead has become a source of anxiety, making it challenging to find peace even outside of work. You need accessible resources and practical tools that address these feelings as they arise, whether you're at home, in the office, or out socializing. What you're needing is more than just to manage your stress.
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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.