Therapists for Toddlers in Encinitas, CA
Are you worried about your child? Is he/she defiant/aggressive or avoidant? Sometimes parents feel something is wrong yet can’t pinpoint a specific problem. I have had great success in helping parents with these problems. When you feel like you have tried everything possible and don't know what to do next, it's time to call a professional. I can help restore harmony to your family!
Are you worried about your child? Is he/she defiant/aggressive or avoidant? Sometimes parents feel something is wrong yet can’t pinpoint a specific problem. I have had great success in helping parents with these problems. When you feel like you have tried everything possible and don't know what to do next, it's time to call a professional. I can help restore harmony to your family!
Asking for help is one of the most difficult things to do for yourself or your family. You've taken the first step, so let us help you with the next. My goal is to provide a safe space and build strong therapeutic alliances with all of my clients. I promise to make each treatment plan unique to you in order to fully capture your individual needs and facilitate lasting change. My therapy dog, Bowlby, may greet you at the door and is present to provide comfort and cuddles.
Asking for help is one of the most difficult things to do for yourself or your family. You've taken the first step, so let us help you with the next. My goal is to provide a safe space and build strong therapeutic alliances with all of my clients. I promise to make each treatment plan unique to you in order to fully capture your individual needs and facilitate lasting change. My therapy dog, Bowlby, may greet you at the door and is present to provide comfort and cuddles.
Pathways to Wholeness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
Waitlist for new clients
Do you want to live a more problem free, meaningful and less stressed life? No matter what your present circumstances I believe each person has the ability to overcome their problematic situations and live a full and joy filled life. Most of us come to a point in our lives where we face a crisis or are at a crossroads. Present circumstances and problems may be impeding your ability to function effectively or life may just feel dull and meaningless.You could be experiencing thoughts and symptoms which make you feel fearful.
Do you want to live a more problem free, meaningful and less stressed life? No matter what your present circumstances I believe each person has the ability to overcome their problematic situations and live a full and joy filled life. Most of us come to a point in our lives where we face a crisis or are at a crossroads. Present circumstances and problems may be impeding your ability to function effectively or life may just feel dull and meaningless.You could be experiencing thoughts and symptoms which make you feel fearful.
Your bright, creative, loving child isn't themselves lately. You can feel it. Many parents who reach out say something like, "I don't know if this is just a phase or something more," or "He has meltdowns I can't explain and I don't know how to help him." Your child might be holding it together at school and falling apart at home. You may see big meltdowns over small things, worry that won't quit, sleep troubles, or a sadness they can't explain. You're not imagining it and you don't have to figure it out alone.
Your bright, creative, loving child isn't themselves lately. You can feel it. Many parents who reach out say something like, "I don't know if this is just a phase or something more," or "He has meltdowns I can't explain and I don't know how to help him." Your child might be holding it together at school and falling apart at home. You may see big meltdowns over small things, worry that won't quit, sleep troubles, or a sadness they can't explain. You're not imagining it and you don't have to figure it out alone.
Life is complex and it's often hard to handle the situations that come up each day or resurface over longer periods of time. Whether figuring out what to do about challenging children, issues in a close relationship, or which way to go as you move forward in life, uncertainties can stop anyone in their tracks. Few things are worse than feeling stuck and struggling when it seems like everyone else has it all figured out. It doesn't have to be that way. Things change, if we're watching we find opportunities to heal, learn, and grow.
Life is complex and it's often hard to handle the situations that come up each day or resurface over longer periods of time. Whether figuring out what to do about challenging children, issues in a close relationship, or which way to go as you move forward in life, uncertainties can stop anyone in their tracks. Few things are worse than feeling stuck and struggling when it seems like everyone else has it all figured out. It doesn't have to be that way. Things change, if we're watching we find opportunities to heal, learn, and grow.
I support children and adolescents with anxiety, emotional regulation, ADHD, autism, and life transitions, and I enjoy working closely with families to strengthen connection and communication within the home. In my work, I integrate play therapy, art therapy, and creative expression alongside mind–body approaches to support nervous system regulation. I incorporate body-based tools in ways that feel engaging and accessible for each child, such as mindfulness, gentle movement, and breathwork, to help children feel more grounded and connected to their emotions.
I support children and adolescents with anxiety, emotional regulation, ADHD, autism, and life transitions, and I enjoy working closely with families to strengthen connection and communication within the home. In my work, I integrate play therapy, art therapy, and creative expression alongside mind–body approaches to support nervous system regulation. I incorporate body-based tools in ways that feel engaging and accessible for each child, such as mindfulness, gentle movement, and breathwork, to help children feel more grounded and connected to their emotions.
David is passionate about providing collaborative, creative therapy for families and individuals of all ages and walks of life. He enjoys getting to know you as a client and works closely with you to resolve your unique challenges. David has an extensive, eclectic and culturally sensitive repertoire which he utilizes to complement each individuals thinking process and creative abilities. He has consulted across the US with mental health clinics and psychiatric hospitals to enrich the quality of mental health for his clients. David brings this experience to his private practice.
David is passionate about providing collaborative, creative therapy for families and individuals of all ages and walks of life. He enjoys getting to know you as a client and works closely with you to resolve your unique challenges. David has an extensive, eclectic and culturally sensitive repertoire which he utilizes to complement each individuals thinking process and creative abilities. He has consulted across the US with mental health clinics and psychiatric hospitals to enrich the quality of mental health for his clients. David brings this experience to his private practice.
Jamie has supported thousands of people in overcoming obstacles and making breakthroughs using a blend of clinical practices within a warm and safe environment.
Jamie has supported thousands of people in overcoming obstacles and making breakthroughs using a blend of clinical practices within a warm and safe environment.
I work with children, teens, and families struggling with anxiety, big emotions, and behavior challenges like shutdowns, irritability, or defiance. Parents often come in feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to help, I support you in creating a calmer home, improving communication, and strengthening connection. I also work with young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity exploration, including LGBTQ+. My goal is to help your child feel more confident and regulated, while giving you practical tools to support lasting change at home.
I work with children, teens, and families struggling with anxiety, big emotions, and behavior challenges like shutdowns, irritability, or defiance. Parents often come in feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to help, I support you in creating a calmer home, improving communication, and strengthening connection. I also work with young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity exploration, including LGBTQ+. My goal is to help your child feel more confident and regulated, while giving you practical tools to support lasting change at home.
Seeking out support for yourself or for your child is a courageous act, and one that is full of hope. Childhood and parenting can be tremendously challenging, and you do not need to figure out all of the pieces alone. I would be honored to work alongside you, providing a safe environment to share your story, gently face and move through challenges, and develop solutions that will bring you and your child relief and allow you both to thrive.
Seeking out support for yourself or for your child is a courageous act, and one that is full of hope. Childhood and parenting can be tremendously challenging, and you do not need to figure out all of the pieces alone. I would be honored to work alongside you, providing a safe environment to share your story, gently face and move through challenges, and develop solutions that will bring you and your child relief and allow you both to thrive.
Trauma, grief/loss, divorce, abandonment, birth, parenting, career or life changes and stress can feel overwhelming. Clients are supported in the body/mind to regulate the nervous system to create greater ease and flow through life changes. The relationship to self, other and the Earth deepens through this process. Greater self-awareness, empowerment, embodied living, wellness, improving relationships, creating support, greater creativity, finding safety in the body, energy awareness, releasing trauma, nurturing and nourishing the self, lifting depression, holistic healing, and reducing stress and anxiety are often goals of clients
Trauma, grief/loss, divorce, abandonment, birth, parenting, career or life changes and stress can feel overwhelming. Clients are supported in the body/mind to regulate the nervous system to create greater ease and flow through life changes. The relationship to self, other and the Earth deepens through this process. Greater self-awareness, empowerment, embodied living, wellness, improving relationships, creating support, greater creativity, finding safety in the body, energy awareness, releasing trauma, nurturing and nourishing the self, lifting depression, holistic healing, and reducing stress and anxiety are often goals of clients
You know your child (or maybe it's you) is smart, sensitive, and working hard to hold it all together, but something's not clicking. Maybe it's anxiety that shows up as stomachaches or meltdowns. Maybe it's the exhausting effort of masking to fit in, followed by burnout no one else sees. Maybe it's a teen who feels like they don't know who they are anymore, or a young adult navigating the leap into independence with more self-doubt than confidence.
You know your child (or maybe it's you) is smart, sensitive, and working hard to hold it all together, but something's not clicking. Maybe it's anxiety that shows up as stomachaches or meltdowns. Maybe it's the exhausting effort of masking to fit in, followed by burnout no one else sees. Maybe it's a teen who feels like they don't know who they are anymore, or a young adult navigating the leap into independence with more self-doubt than confidence.
I am a specialist in neuro-psychoeducational assessment for individuals of all ages. I have extensive experience in working with individuals who may be gifted underachievers, or have learning disabilities (like dyslexia), autism-spectrum, ADHD/ADD, behavior & neuropsychological concerns. I am the professional to see regarding special needs. Assessments may be used for identification and services in special education/504 eligibility, school admissions, college and work. Follow up therapy and behavior coaching sessions are also offered.
I am a specialist in neuro-psychoeducational assessment for individuals of all ages. I have extensive experience in working with individuals who may be gifted underachievers, or have learning disabilities (like dyslexia), autism-spectrum, ADHD/ADD, behavior & neuropsychological concerns. I am the professional to see regarding special needs. Assessments may be used for identification and services in special education/504 eligibility, school admissions, college and work. Follow up therapy and behavior coaching sessions are also offered.
Hello and welcome! I’m Sarah, and I’m so glad you’re here. As you move through the heaviest chapters of your story, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re feeling disconnected, misaligned, navigating life transitions, or processing grief, I’m here to support you through the uncertainty. My style is deeply rooted in an integrative and collaborative approach, creating space where you can slow down and reconnect with yourself.
Hello and welcome! I’m Sarah, and I’m so glad you’re here. As you move through the heaviest chapters of your story, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re feeling disconnected, misaligned, navigating life transitions, or processing grief, I’m here to support you through the uncertainty. My style is deeply rooted in an integrative and collaborative approach, creating space where you can slow down and reconnect with yourself.
Taking the first step to seek support and find healing can be incredibly challenging. I want to validate the fact that you have made it this far! In this space, you belong, and I am here to listen, to guide and support you. Building a healthy and positive relationship with my clients is an important key to therapy. The space that we create is one that will allow for identity exploration, growth and aid in developing a healthy relationship with yourself and those around you. My approach to therapy is through a strength-based, client-centered and trauma-informed lens.
Taking the first step to seek support and find healing can be incredibly challenging. I want to validate the fact that you have made it this far! In this space, you belong, and I am here to listen, to guide and support you. Building a healthy and positive relationship with my clients is an important key to therapy. The space that we create is one that will allow for identity exploration, growth and aid in developing a healthy relationship with yourself and those around you. My approach to therapy is through a strength-based, client-centered and trauma-informed lens.
I'm an informal, low-keyed warm fuzzy type. I deal directly with problems, using CBT, emphasizing support/non-judgment.
I've completed 15 ebooks. The subjects are Assertiveness, How To Change Children's Behavior (Quickly), How to Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults), Self Esteem, Why Relationships Fail, How to diagnose and Treat Anxiety, Anger Management, Types I and II,, Kids and Divorce, Child Visitation and Self-Esteem, How To Change Teenagers Behavior, The Psychology of Procrastination, The Psychology of Guilt, The Psychology of Forgiveness and Weight Loss (Free), The Psychology of All Addictions and How to Diagnose and Treat Mood Disorders.
I'm an informal, low-keyed warm fuzzy type. I deal directly with problems, using CBT, emphasizing support/non-judgment.
I've completed 15 ebooks. The subjects are Assertiveness, How To Change Children's Behavior (Quickly), How to Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults), Self Esteem, Why Relationships Fail, How to diagnose and Treat Anxiety, Anger Management, Types I and II,, Kids and Divorce, Child Visitation and Self-Esteem, How To Change Teenagers Behavior, The Psychology of Procrastination, The Psychology of Guilt, The Psychology of Forgiveness and Weight Loss (Free), The Psychology of All Addictions and How to Diagnose and Treat Mood Disorders.
If you are here today because your teen or child feels anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, unmotivated, or your family is stuck in conflict, you are in the right place. Parenting a struggling child can feel frightening and isolating, and you don’t have to do it alone. Using your fear, frustration, or grief to push for help and change, is pure courage. Returning to that place where your child feels good and your family feels like home, is a beautiful and realistic goal.
If you are here today because your teen or child feels anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, unmotivated, or your family is stuck in conflict, you are in the right place. Parenting a struggling child can feel frightening and isolating, and you don’t have to do it alone. Using your fear, frustration, or grief to push for help and change, is pure courage. Returning to that place where your child feels good and your family feels like home, is a beautiful and realistic goal.
In California I am ONLY available for telehealth. In Washington I can meet in person.
My training goes beyond traditional talk therapy and encompasses Play Therapy for children; Somatic Experiencing Training and the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) for teens and adults that enables people to get to the root of their disconnection so that they can feel more alive and connected to themselves. I utilize these specialized trainings in both play therapy and trauma resolution to resolve concerns such as: family stress, divorce, relational trauma, discipline and behavioral problems, and anxiety.
In California I am ONLY available for telehealth. In Washington I can meet in person.
My training goes beyond traditional talk therapy and encompasses Play Therapy for children; Somatic Experiencing Training and the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) for teens and adults that enables people to get to the root of their disconnection so that they can feel more alive and connected to themselves. I utilize these specialized trainings in both play therapy and trauma resolution to resolve concerns such as: family stress, divorce, relational trauma, discipline and behavioral problems, and anxiety.
We specialize in psychological and educational testing for individuals across the lifespan. We provide testing for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, Autism/Asperger's disorder, dementia evaluations, traumatic brain injury evaluations, neuropsychological testing, substance abuse evaluations, trauma assessments, career assessments, and personality assessments. Our testing assessments evaluate IQ, memory, executive functioning, academic achievement, language, trauma symptomology and psychological/emotional functioning.
We specialize in psychological and educational testing for individuals across the lifespan. We provide testing for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, Autism/Asperger's disorder, dementia evaluations, traumatic brain injury evaluations, neuropsychological testing, substance abuse evaluations, trauma assessments, career assessments, and personality assessments. Our testing assessments evaluate IQ, memory, executive functioning, academic achievement, language, trauma symptomology and psychological/emotional functioning.
I specialize in two areas: (1) Reducing anxiety and depression in adults and children; (2) Reducing problem behaviors in children and teens.
I am a child and adult psychoanalyst and use this advanced training with many of my patients to gain a more in-depth understanding of issues that have lingered in a painful manner for many years.
I specialize in two areas: (1) Reducing anxiety and depression in adults and children; (2) Reducing problem behaviors in children and teens.
I am a child and adult psychoanalyst and use this advanced training with many of my patients to gain a more in-depth understanding of issues that have lingered in a painful manner for many years.
See more therapy options for Encinitas
Nearby Toddlers Therapists Searches for Encinitas
- Del Mar
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Vista
FAQ - About Therapy for Toddlers and Preschoolers
What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?
Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.
Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?
Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.
What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.
What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?
What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.