Play Therapy in 94063
Shannon Boe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063
Carl Jung said "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you really are" and this is something I am passionate about: helping my clients uncover who they truly are and live the lives that they deserve. I primarily work with children, teens and young adults and enjoy creating unique interventions based on upon their interests and goals. Using talk, art and play I help clients explore their experiences with anxiety, depression, school challenges, and trauma. Having previously worked in school settings I have witnessed first hand how important mental health counseling is for children, teens and young adults.
Carl Jung said "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you really are" and this is something I am passionate about: helping my clients uncover who they truly are and live the lives that they deserve. I primarily work with children, teens and young adults and enjoy creating unique interventions based on upon their interests and goals. Using talk, art and play I help clients explore their experiences with anxiety, depression, school challenges, and trauma. Having previously worked in school settings I have witnessed first hand how important mental health counseling is for children, teens and young adults.
Toni Ratzburg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
When possible, I love to use play, sensory based experiences, and art in my work.
I believe children and teens can learn, grow, and thrive when they have coping skills, feel empowered, and practice self-care. My goal is to encourage youth to learn who they are and how to advocate for their unique needs. I specialize in working with neurodiverse, gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) youth and their families. I encourage youth to use their strengths and interests in order to grow, heal, and cope. Building self-awareness, such as understanding their own sensory processing and asynchronous development, is an important part of my work with youth.
When possible, I love to use play, sensory based experiences, and art in my work.
I believe children and teens can learn, grow, and thrive when they have coping skills, feel empowered, and practice self-care. My goal is to encourage youth to learn who they are and how to advocate for their unique needs. I specialize in working with neurodiverse, gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) youth and their families. I encourage youth to use their strengths and interests in order to grow, heal, and cope. Building self-awareness, such as understanding their own sensory processing and asynchronous development, is an important part of my work with youth.
Kristina K Phillips
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
Kristy combines her professional history in education and academia, and her experience as a spouse and mother, in her approach to psychotherapy. She likes to work with clients to bring compassion and self-compassion into their lives, as well as to identify and change destructive or unhelpful relationship patterns. Kristy engages in play and art therapy with her younger clients, and draws on Family Systems, Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills, and Compassion-based therapy for her individual adult clients.
Kristy combines her professional history in education and academia, and her experience as a spouse and mother, in her approach to psychotherapy. She likes to work with clients to bring compassion and self-compassion into their lives, as well as to identify and change destructive or unhelpful relationship patterns. Kristy engages in play and art therapy with her younger clients, and draws on Family Systems, Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills, and Compassion-based therapy for her individual adult clients.
Jane O Kim
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063
In therapy, I take an integrated approach to care, including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, family systems, play therapy, and/or trauma-informed modalities.
As a psychologist, I strive to create an environment of acceptance and understanding to facilitate healing, growth, and resiliency. It is my belief that each person holds strengths within themselves and their families and, when harnessed, can create greater fulfillment in life, intimacy in relationships, and connection to others. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with a wide range of mental health concerns. My training and expertise are in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, loss, family conflict, culture and diversity factors, and stress related to life transitions (marriage, children, college).
In therapy, I take an integrated approach to care, including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, family systems, play therapy, and/or trauma-informed modalities.
As a psychologist, I strive to create an environment of acceptance and understanding to facilitate healing, growth, and resiliency. It is my belief that each person holds strengths within themselves and their families and, when harnessed, can create greater fulfillment in life, intimacy in relationships, and connection to others. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with a wide range of mental health concerns. My training and expertise are in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, loss, family conflict, culture and diversity factors, and stress related to life transitions (marriage, children, college).
Sheryl Pliskin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
Sheryl is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is dedicated to helping adults, adolescents and families recover from trauma, loss and thrive while coping with chronic medical conditions. Trained in transpersonal psychology, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, she uses a holistic approach and is skilled in individualizing the care she offers. Serving in local nonprofit agencies and private practice, Sheryl has offered extensive support to foster and adoptive families and to individuals ready to deepen their personal relationships. Sheryl is able to help individuals reduce anxiety, improve their mood, restore hope, and reconnect with their community.
Sheryl is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is dedicated to helping adults, adolescents and families recover from trauma, loss and thrive while coping with chronic medical conditions. Trained in transpersonal psychology, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, she uses a holistic approach and is skilled in individualizing the care she offers. Serving in local nonprofit agencies and private practice, Sheryl has offered extensive support to foster and adoptive families and to individuals ready to deepen their personal relationships. Sheryl is able to help individuals reduce anxiety, improve their mood, restore hope, and reconnect with their community.
Ana Maria Huibers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
Welcome, I'm glad you are here. It is not easy to seek therapy for yourself or your child. I am here to provide support and guidance with the challenges you are facing at this time. I have over 20 years experience working with children, teens and parents who are struggling with challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual and physical abuse. I offer parent coaching to help parents improve their relationships with their children. I also provide therapy with Latinx people including first generation and bicultural individuals who need support in navigating multiple social and cultural identities.
Welcome, I'm glad you are here. It is not easy to seek therapy for yourself or your child. I am here to provide support and guidance with the challenges you are facing at this time. I have over 20 years experience working with children, teens and parents who are struggling with challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual and physical abuse. I offer parent coaching to help parents improve their relationships with their children. I also provide therapy with Latinx people including first generation and bicultural individuals who need support in navigating multiple social and cultural identities.
Anna M Randall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DHS, MPH
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063
I'm here to help find fulfilling and lifelong sexual/intimate satisfaction, whether you are partnered or single, straight, gay, bi, poly, kinky, asexual, furry or fandom. These days, so many of us are seeking less stress and more balance. The Bay Area is a worldly place, many come excited by its progressive sexual energy. Others may find sex confusing, challenging to talk about, or even perhaps, their worst nightmare. Most want better ways to communicate, especially about sex; perhaps to deepen love and connection, or for a path to restore trust and find pleasure. Sex can be juicy and life affirming, I am here to help you find that.
I'm here to help find fulfilling and lifelong sexual/intimate satisfaction, whether you are partnered or single, straight, gay, bi, poly, kinky, asexual, furry or fandom. These days, so many of us are seeking less stress and more balance. The Bay Area is a worldly place, many come excited by its progressive sexual energy. Others may find sex confusing, challenging to talk about, or even perhaps, their worst nightmare. Most want better ways to communicate, especially about sex; perhaps to deepen love and connection, or for a path to restore trust and find pleasure. Sex can be juicy and life affirming, I am here to help you find that.
Margaux Dever
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063
Maybe you have come to a place in life where "figuring it out" on your own is not working. Maybe you want to develop new skills, a new perspective from someone with experience, non-bias, and without judgement. I am committed to assist individuals, couples, and families navigate life. It can be hard to make that first step to reach out for help, but I will meet you right where you are at!
Maybe you have come to a place in life where "figuring it out" on your own is not working. Maybe you want to develop new skills, a new perspective from someone with experience, non-bias, and without judgement. I am committed to assist individuals, couples, and families navigate life. It can be hard to make that first step to reach out for help, but I will meet you right where you are at!
Jacquelyn Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063 (Online Only)
Jackie has been practicing since 2019 and has focused her work on attachment, trauma-informed care, and identity. Jackie has experience working with the Latinx, LGBTQIA+ communities and mainly works with adults and has experience with children and adolescents. Additionally, Jackie has been trained and is certified in writing psychosocial evaluations for immigration purposes and is focused on Hardship Waivers, Asylum, T-Visa, U-Visa, and VAWA. Jackie’s work has been primarily focused on building the connection with the client and meeting the client where they are.
Jackie has been practicing since 2019 and has focused her work on attachment, trauma-informed care, and identity. Jackie has experience working with the Latinx, LGBTQIA+ communities and mainly works with adults and has experience with children and adolescents. Additionally, Jackie has been trained and is certified in writing psychosocial evaluations for immigration purposes and is focused on Hardship Waivers, Asylum, T-Visa, U-Visa, and VAWA. Jackie’s work has been primarily focused on building the connection with the client and meeting the client where they are.
Pedro Adrian Cortez-McLaughlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
My ideal client is someone who's interested in addressing and working on whatever their struggling with directly and openly. Perhaps you are no longer enjoying things you used to, or experiencing nervousness or tension in your work. Maybe you're worried all the time or you only have negative thoughts. My ideal client could be anyone, younger or older and ideally in California as I can only work in this state.
My ideal client is someone who's interested in addressing and working on whatever their struggling with directly and openly. Perhaps you are no longer enjoying things you used to, or experiencing nervousness or tension in your work. Maybe you're worried all the time or you only have negative thoughts. My ideal client could be anyone, younger or older and ideally in California as I can only work in this state.
Natalie Foy-Claycomb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063 (Online Only)
Youth, adolescence, and early adulthood often involve significant transitions and times of uncertainty, and therapy can provide a supportive environment when there are challenges with navigating and managing these changes. I enjoy providing therapy to children, teenagers, and young adults, as well as working with parents to determine how they can best support and foster the well-being of their children. I conduct therapy in a positive, open, non-judgmental, and culturally-sensitive manner, and I am flexible in working with each client in a way that best suits his or her specific needs.
Youth, adolescence, and early adulthood often involve significant transitions and times of uncertainty, and therapy can provide a supportive environment when there are challenges with navigating and managing these changes. I enjoy providing therapy to children, teenagers, and young adults, as well as working with parents to determine how they can best support and foster the well-being of their children. I conduct therapy in a positive, open, non-judgmental, and culturally-sensitive manner, and I am flexible in working with each client in a way that best suits his or her specific needs.
15 Second Videos
Toni Ratzburg
Pedro Adrian Cortez-McLaughlin
Pyar Khatri
Sarah Kay Fuhs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
Welcome to a place where your mental and emotional well-being will receive full attention! As a licensed therapist with 15+ years of experience in mental health, I offer a personalized, holistic approach to healing. I hold certifications in traditional therapies, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and my education is in transpersonal psychology. My practice focuses on the mind-body-spirit connection, how our thoughts influence our emotions, and how our brain and body speak to each other.
Welcome to a place where your mental and emotional well-being will receive full attention! As a licensed therapist with 15+ years of experience in mental health, I offer a personalized, holistic approach to healing. I hold certifications in traditional therapies, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and my education is in transpersonal psychology. My practice focuses on the mind-body-spirit connection, how our thoughts influence our emotions, and how our brain and body speak to each other.
Anisha Singh
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
My approach to therapy consists of creating a strong therapeutic alliance between myself and my client. I believe that the core of therapy works through the rapport built and feeling of safety my clients have in my space. I value building on strengths and I believe my clients are better able to do the hard work of therapy through understanding their strengths. I utilize a trauma informed and multi-cultural lens through my work to help clients process/understand difficult pasts, while also highlighting the importance of how race and ethnicity plays a factor in our views of the world.
My approach to therapy consists of creating a strong therapeutic alliance between myself and my client. I believe that the core of therapy works through the rapport built and feeling of safety my clients have in my space. I value building on strengths and I believe my clients are better able to do the hard work of therapy through understanding their strengths. I utilize a trauma informed and multi-cultural lens through my work to help clients process/understand difficult pasts, while also highlighting the importance of how race and ethnicity plays a factor in our views of the world.
Gwendolyn Martinez-Bleu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063 (Online Only)
Telehealth appointments can be booked in 24 hrs if needed. Therapy is an investment in yourself to feel more connected with self and those around you to reduce depression anxiety and inner turmoil. Sometimes we need expert care to walk us through the toughest of times and build a better future. By skillfully gaining experience from our struggles we can move forward with more tools better perspectives, improved self image and most importantly hope. I will encourage healthier thought processes, perspectives and overall choices. Reduce anxiety, depression self doubt ,anger and frustration and most importantly reduce overall stress.
Telehealth appointments can be booked in 24 hrs if needed. Therapy is an investment in yourself to feel more connected with self and those around you to reduce depression anxiety and inner turmoil. Sometimes we need expert care to walk us through the toughest of times and build a better future. By skillfully gaining experience from our struggles we can move forward with more tools better perspectives, improved self image and most importantly hope. I will encourage healthier thought processes, perspectives and overall choices. Reduce anxiety, depression self doubt ,anger and frustration and most importantly reduce overall stress.
Jocelyn Cremer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063
I am a psychologist with 25 years of experience helping individuals lead more fulfilled and balanced lives. I work collaboratively with adults, and teens/kids to see how we may uncover a more meaningful and less stressful life. I am committed to assisting people in finding tools to help them figure out what is getting in their way. I also suggest tools to use outside of session. I am a co-founder of Potrero Hill Psychotherapy which operated for 20 years. Psychotherapy is usually once per week and I offer a complimentary 20 minute phone consultation to see if there is a good fit between psychologist and client.
I am a psychologist with 25 years of experience helping individuals lead more fulfilled and balanced lives. I work collaboratively with adults, and teens/kids to see how we may uncover a more meaningful and less stressful life. I am committed to assisting people in finding tools to help them figure out what is getting in their way. I also suggest tools to use outside of session. I am a co-founder of Potrero Hill Psychotherapy which operated for 20 years. Psychotherapy is usually once per week and I offer a complimentary 20 minute phone consultation to see if there is a good fit between psychologist and client.
Akira Olsen
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063
Greetings! As a board-certified clinical psychologist licensed in both California and Nevada, I bring over 17 years of valuable experience to my practice. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of assisting individuals across various age groups and backgrounds in the dynamic regions of San Francisco and the Bay Area. My approach is characterized by interactivity, cultural sensitivity, compassion, and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving. I specialize in providing a range of clinical and forensic services, including psychotherapy, consultation, coaching, and assessment/testing. It would be my pleasure to work with you,
Greetings! As a board-certified clinical psychologist licensed in both California and Nevada, I bring over 17 years of valuable experience to my practice. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of assisting individuals across various age groups and backgrounds in the dynamic regions of San Francisco and the Bay Area. My approach is characterized by interactivity, cultural sensitivity, compassion, and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving. I specialize in providing a range of clinical and forensic services, including psychotherapy, consultation, coaching, and assessment/testing. It would be my pleasure to work with you,
Deanna Wong
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063 (Online Only)
Welcome! We all face stress at some point in our lives. It may be caused by transitions, major life events, or day-to-day life itself. You may be struggling to cope more than usual and may benefit from additional support. I hope to collaborate with you towards understanding your emotions and feeling you have better control of them, improving your experience of life, changing unhealthy behaviors, relieving emotional distress, and improving your role in relationships.
Welcome! We all face stress at some point in our lives. It may be caused by transitions, major life events, or day-to-day life itself. You may be struggling to cope more than usual and may benefit from additional support. I hope to collaborate with you towards understanding your emotions and feeling you have better control of them, improving your experience of life, changing unhealthy behaviors, relieving emotional distress, and improving your role in relationships.
BAFTS - Psychoeducational Evaluations and Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063
Clinicians in our program provide comprehensive mental health treatment for families. Our licensed psychologists provide Psychoeducational Evaluations/testing for children designed to help you understand how your child learns and the best way to support them. Evaluations consist of a full cognitive and academic evaluation, as well as an assessment of social, emotional, and behavioral concerns. Additionally, we provide comprehensive testing for children and adults including IQ testing, and child and adult ADHD.
Clinicians in our program provide comprehensive mental health treatment for families. Our licensed psychologists provide Psychoeducational Evaluations/testing for children designed to help you understand how your child learns and the best way to support them. Evaluations consist of a full cognitive and academic evaluation, as well as an assessment of social, emotional, and behavioral concerns. Additionally, we provide comprehensive testing for children and adults including IQ testing, and child and adult ADHD.
Jackie Balarezo Ruvalcaba
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
Hello! I am Jackeline Balarezo- Ruvalcaba. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am passionate about helping individuals from all walks of life. I like to set clear goals with clients and meet them where they are. I am empathetic and I am great at listening and letting clients know that I am there to help meet their needs. I work with adults and adolescents, and I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief and loss using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or “CBT”).
Hello! I am Jackeline Balarezo- Ruvalcaba. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am passionate about helping individuals from all walks of life. I like to set clear goals with clients and meet them where they are. I am empathetic and I am great at listening and letting clients know that I am there to help meet their needs. I work with adults and adolescents, and I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief and loss using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or “CBT”).
Pyar Khatri
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
We’re unfortunately not born with a manual on how to live life. It’s unpredictable complexities jolt us out of the path we had so carefully planned for ourselves, and leave us in a place of feeling lost. These obstacles can appear in various ways; parenting, relationships, work, loss, violence and sometimes do not appear at all except for a knot in our stomach. What does one do when the next step is not clear? It is in these moments of uncertainty where I can be of help. There is no right or wrong reason, or person, for therapy; it is an opportunity to put life on pause for an hour, while we work together to uncover the next step.
We’re unfortunately not born with a manual on how to live life. It’s unpredictable complexities jolt us out of the path we had so carefully planned for ourselves, and leave us in a place of feeling lost. These obstacles can appear in various ways; parenting, relationships, work, loss, violence and sometimes do not appear at all except for a knot in our stomach. What does one do when the next step is not clear? It is in these moments of uncertainty where I can be of help. There is no right or wrong reason, or person, for therapy; it is an opportunity to put life on pause for an hour, while we work together to uncover the next step.
See more therapy options for 94063
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.