Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists in La Jolla, CA
Play Therapy and PCIT keep the work developmentally appropriate, while a Strength-Based lens ensures kids feel capable, not broken.
I work with children and teens who feel things deeply, may be anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling to put words to what's going on inside. They're often bright and sensitive, but big emotions get in the way of friendships, school, and home life. If you're on the outside of your child's inner world, sensing that something isn't right but unsure what they need, you're in the right place. I'm here to help your child feel understood, build real coping tools, and find their way back to themselves. I also work closely with families throughout the process, because the most meaningful change happens both inside and outside the therapy room.
Play Therapy and PCIT keep the work developmentally appropriate, while a Strength-Based lens ensures kids feel capable, not broken.
I work with children and teens who feel things deeply, may be anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling to put words to what's going on inside. They're often bright and sensitive, but big emotions get in the way of friendships, school, and home life. If you're on the outside of your child's inner world, sensing that something isn't right but unsure what they need, you're in the right place. I'm here to help your child feel understood, build real coping tools, and find their way back to themselves. I also work closely with families throughout the process, because the most meaningful change happens both inside and outside the therapy room.
I am trained in evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, PMT, TF-CBT, STAND, SPACE, & PCIT.
Hi, I’m Wendy, a Licensed Therapist dedicated to helping you navigate life’s challenges with clarity, confidence, and compassion. I bring a breadth of experience across diverse clinical settings and levels of care, which allows me to meet you exactly where you are. I enjoy working with first-generation individuals navigating “first” experiences, imposter syndrome, & cultural challenges. I understand the pressure to succeed while balancing family, societal, and self-expectations, which therapy can be a space to slow down, gain clarity, and cultivate resilience as well as connection with yourself and values.
I am trained in evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, PMT, TF-CBT, STAND, SPACE, & PCIT.
Hi, I’m Wendy, a Licensed Therapist dedicated to helping you navigate life’s challenges with clarity, confidence, and compassion. I bring a breadth of experience across diverse clinical settings and levels of care, which allows me to meet you exactly where you are. I enjoy working with first-generation individuals navigating “first” experiences, imposter syndrome, & cultural challenges. I understand the pressure to succeed while balancing family, societal, and self-expectations, which therapy can be a space to slow down, gain clarity, and cultivate resilience as well as connection with yourself and values.
Members of our team hold active certifications in TF-CBT, EMDR, and PCIT.
We help kids, teens, and young adults who struggle with anxiety gain the confidence they need to put themselves out there and build healthy relationships. Our clients struggle just like you and your kids do. Despite being bright, academically high achieving, and able to seemingly balance it all, life is still hard. When they first come in, they are in a relentless cycle of never feeling “good enough” and are stuck comparing themselves to everyone else. They may start their day with reserved hope as they head to school, and come home a total wreck. You are doing your best, but you don’t always know the right thing to say.
Members of our team hold active certifications in TF-CBT, EMDR, and PCIT.
We help kids, teens, and young adults who struggle with anxiety gain the confidence they need to put themselves out there and build healthy relationships. Our clients struggle just like you and your kids do. Despite being bright, academically high achieving, and able to seemingly balance it all, life is still hard. When they first come in, they are in a relentless cycle of never feeling “good enough” and are stuck comparing themselves to everyone else. They may start their day with reserved hope as they head to school, and come home a total wreck. You are doing your best, but you don’t always know the right thing to say.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy ( PCIT) incorporates social learning theory and attachment theory.
One of the most important things for parents of pre-teens to remember, is that the biggest motivation for your child's behaviors is attention from you. Your child will try all sorts of things to get and keep your attention, and those behaviors that work will increase while those behaviors that don't will typically go away. Children love and thrive on praise from their parents, but in many cases, those behaviors that yield negative attention from you (such as yelling or punishing) will often reinforce those unappreciated behaviors, as well.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy ( PCIT) incorporates social learning theory and attachment theory.
One of the most important things for parents of pre-teens to remember, is that the biggest motivation for your child's behaviors is attention from you. Your child will try all sorts of things to get and keep your attention, and those behaviors that work will increase while those behaviors that don't will typically go away. Children love and thrive on praise from their parents, but in many cases, those behaviors that yield negative attention from you (such as yelling or punishing) will often reinforce those unappreciated behaviors, as well.
Lonniel holds a Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy and is dual licensed in California and Nevada. With 7+ years of experience, he specializes in trauma, EMDR, grief, and co-occurring disorders. His background spans community mental health, behavioral health, and integrated care. Lonniel takes a holistic, client-centered approach, helping clients address root causes while building practical skills. He’s known for being direct, supportive, and collaborative. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, sports, and traveling.
Lonniel holds a Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy and is dual licensed in California and Nevada. With 7+ years of experience, he specializes in trauma, EMDR, grief, and co-occurring disorders. His background spans community mental health, behavioral health, and integrated care. Lonniel takes a holistic, client-centered approach, helping clients address root causes while building practical skills. He’s known for being direct, supportive, and collaborative. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, sports, and traveling.
“Just keep swimming.”
Claudia Estrada is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California who provides therapy in both English and Spanish. She has been practicing since 2014 and became fully licensed in 2018. Claudia specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress management, women’s issues, and first-generation experiences.
“Just keep swimming.”
Claudia Estrada is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California who provides therapy in both English and Spanish. She has been practicing since 2014 and became fully licensed in 2018. Claudia specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress management, women’s issues, and first-generation experiences.
Not sure where to start? That’s okay. Many of us aren't. We all have a story and I value holding a space for you to honor that story. To process that experience, to rework that negative thought or feeling that causes stagnancy. Stagnancy in love, stagnancy in friendship, in work, and in the desired evolution of self. We all seek to control but what does that mean, and is there space? The deepest form of understanding will come from processing and reprocessing; evaluating and reevaluating an experience until we conclude an awareness of the experience that fits into our new schema, our new direction, our new trajectory.
Not sure where to start? That’s okay. Many of us aren't. We all have a story and I value holding a space for you to honor that story. To process that experience, to rework that negative thought or feeling that causes stagnancy. Stagnancy in love, stagnancy in friendship, in work, and in the desired evolution of self. We all seek to control but what does that mean, and is there space? The deepest form of understanding will come from processing and reprocessing; evaluating and reevaluating an experience until we conclude an awareness of the experience that fits into our new schema, our new direction, our new trajectory.
Are you living a life you love, or are you stuck in the familiar “one step forward, two steps back” dance? Life can be colorfully painful, beautifully complicated, and completely overwhelming—and none of us were given a how-to guide. We all experience complicated twists and unexpected turns that cause sadness, worry, anger, and destructive patterns with food, drugs, alcohol, and within our closest relationships. Our lives are too short to lose precious time to unhappiness, feeling hopeless, and being stuck in the same vicious cycles. Therapy can give you a personalized roadmap to help you design a life you love.
Are you living a life you love, or are you stuck in the familiar “one step forward, two steps back” dance? Life can be colorfully painful, beautifully complicated, and completely overwhelming—and none of us were given a how-to guide. We all experience complicated twists and unexpected turns that cause sadness, worry, anger, and destructive patterns with food, drugs, alcohol, and within our closest relationships. Our lives are too short to lose precious time to unhappiness, feeling hopeless, and being stuck in the same vicious cycles. Therapy can give you a personalized roadmap to help you design a life you love.
Protected Roots Integrative (PRI) Treatment Center is a Joint Commission-accredited and DHCS-certified mental health facility in San Diego. PRI supports adolescents, young adults, and their families in achieving sustained mental health recovery and wellness by integrating academic medicine with community values. Our all-gender facility offers in-person and virtual intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient (OP) treatment services. While we offer programs for young adults ages 18-35, PRI’s primary focus is working with adolescents aged 12-17 who have struggled with behavioral and emotional concerns throughout their adolescence.
Protected Roots Integrative (PRI) Treatment Center is a Joint Commission-accredited and DHCS-certified mental health facility in San Diego. PRI supports adolescents, young adults, and their families in achieving sustained mental health recovery and wellness by integrating academic medicine with community values. Our all-gender facility offers in-person and virtual intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient (OP) treatment services. While we offer programs for young adults ages 18-35, PRI’s primary focus is working with adolescents aged 12-17 who have struggled with behavioral and emotional concerns throughout their adolescence.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist in San Diego specializing in trauma, anxiety, and emotional regulation. When stress, trauma, or emotional pain build up, it can affect every part of your life and relationships. You may feel exhausted, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward — and that’s exactly where support can make a difference. With authenticity and experience, I work with professional adults to develop their sense of selves, decrease stress, and establish rewarding relationships. Having this space has helped many people better understand and manage their lives.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist in San Diego specializing in trauma, anxiety, and emotional regulation. When stress, trauma, or emotional pain build up, it can affect every part of your life and relationships. You may feel exhausted, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward — and that’s exactly where support can make a difference. With authenticity and experience, I work with professional adults to develop their sense of selves, decrease stress, and establish rewarding relationships. Having this space has helped many people better understand and manage their lives.
Also, as a clinician who values working with children with behavioral difficulties, I provide quality Parent-Child Interaction Therapy ( PCIT) to restore the parent-child relationship for children 2-7 years old.
As a parent of a toddler, I also wrestle with the highs and lows of raising a strong child. Daily I refer back to my PCIT skills, based in decades of behavioral research, to provide positive praise, clear directions, and firm boundaries. I aim to provide parents in similar situations with evidence-based methods to enhance the parent-child relationship.
Also, as a clinician who values working with children with behavioral difficulties, I provide quality Parent-Child Interaction Therapy ( PCIT) to restore the parent-child relationship for children 2-7 years old.
As a parent of a toddler, I also wrestle with the highs and lows of raising a strong child. Daily I refer back to my PCIT skills, based in decades of behavioral research, to provide positive praise, clear directions, and firm boundaries. I aim to provide parents in similar situations with evidence-based methods to enhance the parent-child relationship.
Life can get complicated and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, addiction and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let us help guide you through this journey!
Life can get complicated and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, addiction and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let us help guide you through this journey!
"Mowlana asked Shams: But what about our wounds?
And he replied: The Light enters from where they are.” – Rumi. A core priority in my work is helping clients reclaim the power of their voice. Therapy is most meaningful as a collaborative process where you are not only heard, but truly attempted to be known. As an Iranian American therapist, I understand the richness and complexity of holding multiple cultural identities. I especially enjoy supporting Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), as well working with teenagers and adults navigating identity formation, relationships, and the often tender process of growing into themselves.
"Mowlana asked Shams: But what about our wounds?
And he replied: The Light enters from where they are.” – Rumi. A core priority in my work is helping clients reclaim the power of their voice. Therapy is most meaningful as a collaborative process where you are not only heard, but truly attempted to be known. As an Iranian American therapist, I understand the richness and complexity of holding multiple cultural identities. I especially enjoy supporting Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), as well working with teenagers and adults navigating identity formation, relationships, and the often tender process of growing into themselves.
I’m all about helping people become the best versions of themselves! As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, I’ve been working with kids, teens, adults, and seniors for over 20 years. I’ve been in schools, on the streets of Los Angeles, in behavioral health clinics, and even in juvenile detention facilities. My goal is to help people gain self-awareness and improve their lives, and give them a sense of hope.
I’m all about helping people become the best versions of themselves! As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, I’ve been working with kids, teens, adults, and seniors for over 20 years. I’ve been in schools, on the streets of Los Angeles, in behavioral health clinics, and even in juvenile detention facilities. My goal is to help people gain self-awareness and improve their lives, and give them a sense of hope.
Life can be complicated, and there isn’t a handbook for managing issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationships. It’s important to know that you’re not alone, and these challenges are growth opportunities. You’re probably here because it’s time to “do something different.” Let our team at Meridian Counseling guide you on this journey.
We specialize in treating relationships, mood disorders, and trauma, and helping clients like you find direction in life. Real change comes from understanding the root causes of your problems, connecting with your emotions, and learning new skills to navigate life’s journey.
Life can be complicated, and there isn’t a handbook for managing issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationships. It’s important to know that you’re not alone, and these challenges are growth opportunities. You’re probably here because it’s time to “do something different.” Let our team at Meridian Counseling guide you on this journey.
We specialize in treating relationships, mood disorders, and trauma, and helping clients like you find direction in life. Real change comes from understanding the root causes of your problems, connecting with your emotions, and learning new skills to navigate life’s journey.
Anchor & Bloom Child and Family Therapy is a San Diego–based practice supporting children, adolescents, and families through emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. We specialize in working with anxiety, big emotions, trauma, and life transitions that can feel overwhelming for both children and parents.
Anchor & Bloom Child and Family Therapy is a San Diego–based practice supporting children, adolescents, and families through emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. We specialize in working with anxiety, big emotions, trauma, and life transitions that can feel overwhelming for both children and parents.
Welcome! Dr. Kasper has a heart for helping children, adults, adolescents and their families. Her expertise is in counseling people that have experienced trauma, childhood sexual abuse, and those that have anxiety, depression or relational challenges. Dr. Kasper’s attachment, developmental perspective exists to support you and your child holistically. Formerly located in downtown La Jolla, CA, Dana now offers online counseling in Virginia, California, Ohio, Kentucky, and the District of Columbia.
Welcome! Dr. Kasper has a heart for helping children, adults, adolescents and their families. Her expertise is in counseling people that have experienced trauma, childhood sexual abuse, and those that have anxiety, depression or relational challenges. Dr. Kasper’s attachment, developmental perspective exists to support you and your child holistically. Formerly located in downtown La Jolla, CA, Dana now offers online counseling in Virginia, California, Ohio, Kentucky, and the District of Columbia.
Something shifted or continues to feel stuck — in your relationship, your sense of self, or the way you move through the world — and the strategies that once kept you going aren't working anymore. Maybe you're a couple caught in the same argument on repeat, unable to find your way back to each other. Maybe you're a new parent struggling through postpartum fog that nobody warned you about, struggling with your identity, or someone who has served their country and is still carrying what they brought home. Wherever you are, this is not a sign that something is wrong with you. These are the moments I do my best work.
Something shifted or continues to feel stuck — in your relationship, your sense of self, or the way you move through the world — and the strategies that once kept you going aren't working anymore. Maybe you're a couple caught in the same argument on repeat, unable to find your way back to each other. Maybe you're a new parent struggling through postpartum fog that nobody warned you about, struggling with your identity, or someone who has served their country and is still carrying what they brought home. Wherever you are, this is not a sign that something is wrong with you. These are the moments I do my best work.
Hi, my name is Ariana Rivera. I am a bilingual (English/Español) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (145875) who specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and family systems who are experiencing life stressors, anxiety, the aftermath of trauma, or early childhood (0-5 years of age) social/emotional/behavioral challenges. I specialize in evidence-informed approaches to treatment including attachment therapy, neurobiology, developmental psychology, and play therapy. I believe relationships can be a source of healing and strive to create a relationship with my clients where they feel safe, valued, and empowered.
Hi, my name is Ariana Rivera. I am a bilingual (English/Español) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (145875) who specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and family systems who are experiencing life stressors, anxiety, the aftermath of trauma, or early childhood (0-5 years of age) social/emotional/behavioral challenges. I specialize in evidence-informed approaches to treatment including attachment therapy, neurobiology, developmental psychology, and play therapy. I believe relationships can be a source of healing and strive to create a relationship with my clients where they feel safe, valued, and empowered.
Meridian Counseling: Individual and Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Life can get complicated and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, addiction and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let us help guide you through this journey!
Life can get complicated and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, addiction and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let us help guide you through this journey!
See more therapy options for La Jolla
Nearby Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists Searches for La Jolla
- Chula Vista
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Mesa
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Vista
Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists
Does parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) work?
PCIT is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be effective across domains, including for children with behavioral problems, those on the autism spectrum, and those who have experienced early childhood trauma. Further, studies have found that the skills developed through PCIT benefit not only the child in therapy but also siblings, as the parent internalizes lessons learned in sessions and is able to incorporate them into interactions with other family members.
How long does PCIT last?
The duration of treatment depends on the specific challenges clients face. Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes long, and treatment lasts, on average, between 12 and 20 sessions. Factors that influence treatment duration include how regularly a client attends treatment, how much progress is achieved between sessions, the particular skills that need development, and the extent to which the parent and therapist see improvement.
Can PCIT be done online?
PCIT is among the therapy types best suited for video sessions. Therapists are able to communicate with parents with essentially the same ease, and by observing the parent and child at home in their normal environment, the therapist may gain additional insight into their interactions, as the child will have their normal toys and may feel more comfortable and act more naturally than they would in a therapist’s room.
Does PCIT help parents?
In addition to the skills parents develop through the treatment, PCIT has also been shown to reduce frustration, stress, and depression in parents and promote confidence and a sense of calm when dealing with their children. The desired outcomes of PCIT include a reduction in defiant and aggressive behavior by children and an improvement in communicating their feelings productively, complying with parental instruction, and behaving according to parents’ rules. Growth in these areas can be a relief for parents.