Play Therapy in Goleta, CA
Kathryn (Katie) Pazan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93117
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize and integrate modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma-Informed Play Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Existential Logotherapy, and Family Systems Therapy.
The experience of psychotherapy can be transformative for individuals and families of all ages and stages of life. I hope to provide a safe space for you to learn, heal, and grow while processing issues or challenges that are significant to you. I will support you in embracing compassion and acceptance for yourself in the midst of your life journey, so you can lead a joyful, productive, and meaningful life. In addition to working with adults, I am passionate about working with children, teens, young adults, and families. I believe a collaborative, systemic approach is essential for change.
I utilize and integrate modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma-Informed Play Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Existential Logotherapy, and Family Systems Therapy.
The experience of psychotherapy can be transformative for individuals and families of all ages and stages of life. I hope to provide a safe space for you to learn, heal, and grow while processing issues or challenges that are significant to you. I will support you in embracing compassion and acceptance for yourself in the midst of your life journey, so you can lead a joyful, productive, and meaningful life. In addition to working with adults, I am passionate about working with children, teens, young adults, and families. I believe a collaborative, systemic approach is essential for change.
Jenny Ziesenhenne
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93117
My theoretical orientation comes from ecotherapy, emotion focused, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness based CBT, and play therapy.
Welcome, I’m happy you’re here! I work with children and individuals of all ages suffering with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, eco-anxiety/grief, anger, relationship issues, isolation, and life transitions. I offer a safe environment to explore emotions and express your authentic self, with the intention to improve your relationship with yourself, your loved ones, and your extended systems. We’ll be a good match if you want a warm, gentle, accepting presence to guide you through the process of therapy.
My theoretical orientation comes from ecotherapy, emotion focused, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness based CBT, and play therapy.
Welcome, I’m happy you’re here! I work with children and individuals of all ages suffering with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, eco-anxiety/grief, anger, relationship issues, isolation, and life transitions. I offer a safe environment to explore emotions and express your authentic self, with the intention to improve your relationship with yourself, your loved ones, and your extended systems. We’ll be a good match if you want a warm, gentle, accepting presence to guide you through the process of therapy.
Shanna Gonzales
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93117
My name is Shanna Gonzales and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Bakersfield, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents specializing in stress, anxiety, trauma, and anger management. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for children, teens, and young adults who may be dealing with trauma, the challenges of life transitions, and social pressures such as anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. I work to help my clients build skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook overall.
My name is Shanna Gonzales and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Bakersfield, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents specializing in stress, anxiety, trauma, and anger management. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for children, teens, and young adults who may be dealing with trauma, the challenges of life transitions, and social pressures such as anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. I work to help my clients build skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook overall.
Katherine Hawkes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93111
Do you find yourself wanting to make changes but feeling unsure about where to start? Taking the initial step can be daunting, but you’ve already come this far in your therapeutic journey, and I’m eager to support you the rest of the way. Central to my practice is establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship. I work with adults, couples, young children, and teens to explore emotions, navigate relationships, and address unique needs. Together, let's discover effective strategies to help you navigate life's challenges.
Do you find yourself wanting to make changes but feeling unsure about where to start? Taking the initial step can be daunting, but you’ve already come this far in your therapeutic journey, and I’m eager to support you the rest of the way. Central to my practice is establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship. I work with adults, couples, young children, and teens to explore emotions, navigate relationships, and address unique needs. Together, let's discover effective strategies to help you navigate life's challenges.
Heather Marshall
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93111
I work with clients of all ages experiencing difficult life transitions, or carrying troubling past traumas. These struggles often result in symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic, and coping through substance abuse. Individuals, couples, and families in therapeutic collaboration with me can expect to cultivate more self-awareness, and capacity for compassion. We’ll frame current stressors in the context of the larger systems they operate in, and evaluate your existing coping strategies to separate what's working for you from what's not. Together, we'll shine a light on patterns of thinking and behavior that keep you feeling stuck.
I work with clients of all ages experiencing difficult life transitions, or carrying troubling past traumas. These struggles often result in symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic, and coping through substance abuse. Individuals, couples, and families in therapeutic collaboration with me can expect to cultivate more self-awareness, and capacity for compassion. We’ll frame current stressors in the context of the larger systems they operate in, and evaluate your existing coping strategies to separate what's working for you from what's not. Together, we'll shine a light on patterns of thinking and behavior that keep you feeling stuck.
Jane Taylor Fortuna
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93111
Are you feeling more and more overwhelmed lately? Are you losing sleep, isolating, or drinking more than usual? Are anxiety and depression becoming too familiar? Glad you stopped in. You have found a safe place to regain homeostasis and find new ways of coping. I offer a compassionate, understanding, integrative, and faith-supportive approach, while promoting spiritual, physical, and psychological wellness. My services include a free phone consultation, and a reasonable fee offering a sliding scale. I believe that psychotherapy should be professional, helpful, AND affordable.
Are you feeling more and more overwhelmed lately? Are you losing sleep, isolating, or drinking more than usual? Are anxiety and depression becoming too familiar? Glad you stopped in. You have found a safe place to regain homeostasis and find new ways of coping. I offer a compassionate, understanding, integrative, and faith-supportive approach, while promoting spiritual, physical, and psychological wellness. My services include a free phone consultation, and a reasonable fee offering a sliding scale. I believe that psychotherapy should be professional, helpful, AND affordable.
David Barks
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93111
I help my clients experiencing difficulties in their emotions, relationships, and other areas of their lives, navigate their experiences to gain a deeper awareness of their strengths and needs. We all experience traumas, whether they be developmental childhood trauma, relational trauma or other crises. Our emotional needs and values deserve attention and validation. I aim to help you in this discovery that can bring about meaning and a new sense of freedom in life. I work with children, adolescents, individuals and couples.
I help my clients experiencing difficulties in their emotions, relationships, and other areas of their lives, navigate their experiences to gain a deeper awareness of their strengths and needs. We all experience traumas, whether they be developmental childhood trauma, relational trauma or other crises. Our emotional needs and values deserve attention and validation. I aim to help you in this discovery that can bring about meaning and a new sense of freedom in life. I work with children, adolescents, individuals and couples.
Daniel Lee Spach
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93117
As your therapist, I strive to empower you to overcome personal challenges, activate your inner resources, develop a deeper level of trust in your self and your inherent potential, and reclaim ownership of your life and purpose. I have an affinity for working with clients seeking to transform their lives and enhance their relationships with themselves, others, and the natural world. Improved emotional intelligence, mindful self-awareness, communication skills, trauma and grief processing---will support you in developing self-compassion, eliminating personal obstacles, coping with your daily life, and finding a more balanced, attuned, and connected way of being.
As your therapist, I strive to empower you to overcome personal challenges, activate your inner resources, develop a deeper level of trust in your self and your inherent potential, and reclaim ownership of your life and purpose. I have an affinity for working with clients seeking to transform their lives and enhance their relationships with themselves, others, and the natural world. Improved emotional intelligence, mindful self-awareness, communication skills, trauma and grief processing---will support you in developing self-compassion, eliminating personal obstacles, coping with your daily life, and finding a more balanced, attuned, and connected way of being.
Megan Buhrlen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93111 (Online Only)
Currently accepting new clients! Sometimes life in general can feel overwhelming. This feeling can intensify if you also struggle with unprocessed trauma and/or feelings of low self-worth. My clients have either had a chaotic childhood or a single traumatic experience that has led to self-consciousness, self-sabotage or simply difficulty handling stress. They have so much compassion for others, yet struggle to turn it inward. Their coping strategies "make sense" but they struggle to believe in their own worth. The individuals I work with are hoping to find peace, stability and increased self-esteem.
Currently accepting new clients! Sometimes life in general can feel overwhelming. This feeling can intensify if you also struggle with unprocessed trauma and/or feelings of low self-worth. My clients have either had a chaotic childhood or a single traumatic experience that has led to self-consciousness, self-sabotage or simply difficulty handling stress. They have so much compassion for others, yet struggle to turn it inward. Their coping strategies "make sense" but they struggle to believe in their own worth. The individuals I work with are hoping to find peace, stability and increased self-esteem.
Megan McClintock
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93110
Most of us have come to a place in our lives where we could use some extra support, look at things in a different way and make different choices. Therapy can be helpful in assisting families and individuals in managing relationships and mental health issues. Therapy is a safe and confidential place to freely express your concerns and be heard. It is a cooperative effort between the therapist and client.
Most of us have come to a place in our lives where we could use some extra support, look at things in a different way and make different choices. Therapy can be helpful in assisting families and individuals in managing relationships and mental health issues. Therapy is a safe and confidential place to freely express your concerns and be heard. It is a cooperative effort between the therapist and client.
Amy Hermann
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93110
As your therapist, I will meet you where you are at in the moment with the situations you face and the emotions you feel, whether it be loneliness, pain, anger, happiness, sadness, fear, or aliveness. From this meeting place we have the possibility of developing a trusting relationship that allows you to begin to reveal more of who you are, what you experience, and what you want. I work to help support the development of greater self-awareness and a clear, healthy, internal sense of what is best for you.
As your therapist, I will meet you where you are at in the moment with the situations you face and the emotions you feel, whether it be loneliness, pain, anger, happiness, sadness, fear, or aliveness. From this meeting place we have the possibility of developing a trusting relationship that allows you to begin to reveal more of who you are, what you experience, and what you want. I work to help support the development of greater self-awareness and a clear, healthy, internal sense of what is best for you.
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Christine Scott-Hudson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93116
I am both a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Board-Registered Art Therapist. I am educated and trained to help you identify and express your feelings both verbally and with non-verbal modalities. I am a trauma-focused, holistic, feminist psychotherapist who works with women and girls. If you are feeling stuck and would like to experience more joy in your life, let's work together to create the life you would like to live!
I am both a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Board-Registered Art Therapist. I am educated and trained to help you identify and express your feelings both verbally and with non-verbal modalities. I am a trauma-focused, holistic, feminist psychotherapist who works with women and girls. If you are feeling stuck and would like to experience more joy in your life, let's work together to create the life you would like to live!
Hosford Counseling & Psychological Services Clinic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93117
The Hosford Clinic is a university-based community clinic that provides affordable mental health services to people in the Santa Barbara area (including Isla Vista, Goleta and Carpinteria). We offer counseling and treatment services for individuals, couples, adolescents, children, and families. These services are evidence based, culturally-responsive and low-cost. We provide a safe space for you to talk privately about your worries and concerns and can help by: *asking questions that help you see your problem in new ways; *teaching you effective ways to cope; *coaching you in ways to improve your work, school, and home life.
The Hosford Clinic is a university-based community clinic that provides affordable mental health services to people in the Santa Barbara area (including Isla Vista, Goleta and Carpinteria). We offer counseling and treatment services for individuals, couples, adolescents, children, and families. These services are evidence based, culturally-responsive and low-cost. We provide a safe space for you to talk privately about your worries and concerns and can help by: *asking questions that help you see your problem in new ways; *teaching you effective ways to cope; *coaching you in ways to improve your work, school, and home life.
Maria Stave
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93111
If you are facing difficulty in life (as we all have) I believe in getting the support and care you deserve. I have extensive knowledge in anxiety/depression, relationship issues, addiction/recovery, couples work and Alzheimer's disease / dementia. I also love working with children and teens (and even have two of my own)! I look at the issues we face in a whole-person approach and believe in exploring all aspects of a client's health including mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise.
If you are facing difficulty in life (as we all have) I believe in getting the support and care you deserve. I have extensive knowledge in anxiety/depression, relationship issues, addiction/recovery, couples work and Alzheimer's disease / dementia. I also love working with children and teens (and even have two of my own)! I look at the issues we face in a whole-person approach and believe in exploring all aspects of a client's health including mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise.
Ronald Lloyd Iverson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93117
Waitlist for new clients
It is an honor to accompany individuals into the psyche where our deepest wounds are sometimes hidden. Healing energies can often be found in those depths, stimulating growth toward a more whole, authentic and satisfying existence. Sometimes the pain is on the surface, and symptom relief is necessary to allow the individual to return to a more effective functioning level. This can be accomplished through a combination of cognitive approaches (i.e., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and body-centered approaches (i.e., focusing, embodied dream work, mindfulness).
It is an honor to accompany individuals into the psyche where our deepest wounds are sometimes hidden. Healing energies can often be found in those depths, stimulating growth toward a more whole, authentic and satisfying existence. Sometimes the pain is on the surface, and symptom relief is necessary to allow the individual to return to a more effective functioning level. This can be accomplished through a combination of cognitive approaches (i.e., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and body-centered approaches (i.e., focusing, embodied dream work, mindfulness).
Beth Kanne - Casselman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93117
As a psychotherapist and credentialed schoolteacher, I have worked with children of all ages and their families for the past 27 years. This unique background--combining family therapy, human development, attachment, neuroscience, and education provides a strong foundation for meeting client needs and fostering long-term happiness and success. In general, I help clients work with issues of adolescent, child, and infant development. Individuals and families may be facing such challenges as the arrival of a newborn, anxiety, or depression, academic concerns, and life transitions including blended families, divorce, and loss.
As a psychotherapist and credentialed schoolteacher, I have worked with children of all ages and their families for the past 27 years. This unique background--combining family therapy, human development, attachment, neuroscience, and education provides a strong foundation for meeting client needs and fostering long-term happiness and success. In general, I help clients work with issues of adolescent, child, and infant development. Individuals and families may be facing such challenges as the arrival of a newborn, anxiety, or depression, academic concerns, and life transitions including blended families, divorce, and loss.
New Beginnings Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93117
We offer confidential psychological counseling and assessment services to individuals, couples and families in the greater Santa Barbara area. Experienced counselors are here to help clients explore life transitions, relationship issues and a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, abuse, compulsive behaviors, substance use, job loss and stress, aging, isolation and anger management. Many clients experience a 15% reduction in overall distress after only eight sessions. Counselors are ready and able to serve you. We will match your needs with the education and experience of our clinicians to find the best person to assist you.
We offer confidential psychological counseling and assessment services to individuals, couples and families in the greater Santa Barbara area. Experienced counselors are here to help clients explore life transitions, relationship issues and a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, abuse, compulsive behaviors, substance use, job loss and stress, aging, isolation and anger management. Many clients experience a 15% reduction in overall distress after only eight sessions. Counselors are ready and able to serve you. We will match your needs with the education and experience of our clinicians to find the best person to assist you.
Dre McGee Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93117
I understand that the first step in seeking help can be overwhelming or even scary. I have a great respect for those who seek to improve their quality of life. My life's work is dedicated to help facilitate that process and help collaborate to create clarity. I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist providing psychotherapy to individuals and couples. I work and have experience with a wide variety of situations and life issues; depression, anxiety, transitions, burnout, relationship dynamics, adoption, and more. Specialties of mine include premarital counseling, young adult/college age concerns & transitions, EMDR, grief & polyam couples.
I understand that the first step in seeking help can be overwhelming or even scary. I have a great respect for those who seek to improve their quality of life. My life's work is dedicated to help facilitate that process and help collaborate to create clarity. I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist providing psychotherapy to individuals and couples. I work and have experience with a wide variety of situations and life issues; depression, anxiety, transitions, burnout, relationship dynamics, adoption, and more. Specialties of mine include premarital counseling, young adult/college age concerns & transitions, EMDR, grief & polyam couples.
Sierra Rose Smargon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93117
Waitlist for new clients
If you’re reading this, that probably means that you are in a place where you have tried a lot of things to feel better, or help your loved one feel better and just don’t know what else to do. I would love to help support you on this journey. Therapy is a collaboration between two individuals (therapist and client) and when successful, truly amazing things can occur within this space. I use the relationship between my clients and I to help them build insight and awareness into the way they show up in the world.
If you’re reading this, that probably means that you are in a place where you have tried a lot of things to feel better, or help your loved one feel better and just don’t know what else to do. I would love to help support you on this journey. Therapy is a collaboration between two individuals (therapist and client) and when successful, truly amazing things can occur within this space. I use the relationship between my clients and I to help them build insight and awareness into the way they show up in the world.
Jean Densmore John
Psychologist, PhD, MS, RDN
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93110 (Online Only)
Are you longing for joy, passion, creativity and a sense of wholeness? Do you want to be energetically free from physical and/or emotional pain? Do you want to recover fully from an eating disorder or disordered eating that is affecting the quality of your life? Do you want to lose or gain weight? Do you want to be more creatively expressed? Does anxiety and fear hold you back from developing meaningful relationships? Perhaps you are suffering from infertility? Feelings of loss and longing? Feeling stuck? I would love to work with you, to help you move from inside out.
Are you longing for joy, passion, creativity and a sense of wholeness? Do you want to be energetically free from physical and/or emotional pain? Do you want to recover fully from an eating disorder or disordered eating that is affecting the quality of your life? Do you want to lose or gain weight? Do you want to be more creatively expressed? Does anxiety and fear hold you back from developing meaningful relationships? Perhaps you are suffering from infertility? Feelings of loss and longing? Feeling stuck? I would love to work with you, to help you move from inside out.
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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.