Therapists for Toddlers in La Jolla, CA
Are you tired of things being so tough with your kids? You can see that your child or teen is struggling, but you're not sure what to do to help. They may be having difficulties at school or with friends. Or it may be that things feel out of control at home. You try so hard to help things get better, but it feels like things are just stuck. Maybe you've noticed that your reactions are way bigger than you want them to be. Something happens to trigger you and you lose your temper, and then you feel so guilty. Or it seems overwhelming because you listen to so many parenting professionals, but still don't have a clear path forward.
Are you tired of things being so tough with your kids? You can see that your child or teen is struggling, but you're not sure what to do to help. They may be having difficulties at school or with friends. Or it may be that things feel out of control at home. You try so hard to help things get better, but it feels like things are just stuck. Maybe you've noticed that your reactions are way bigger than you want them to be. Something happens to trigger you and you lose your temper, and then you feel so guilty. Or it seems overwhelming because you listen to so many parenting professionals, but still don't have a clear path forward.
We realize the importance of developing a supportive therapy relationship based in trust, mutual respect, and clear understanding of your unique background, values,and needs. At the Cognitive Therapy Institute, we work with you to identify goals and to develop a plan for reaching your goals in a sensible and effective way. Often our clients experience increased confidence and success in a relatively short time, largely because we offer clear guidance and techniques using the latest Cognitive Behavioral Treatments. You learn skills and strategies to resolve current difficulties and to enjoy a good quality of life in the years ahead.
We realize the importance of developing a supportive therapy relationship based in trust, mutual respect, and clear understanding of your unique background, values,and needs. At the Cognitive Therapy Institute, we work with you to identify goals and to develop a plan for reaching your goals in a sensible and effective way. Often our clients experience increased confidence and success in a relatively short time, largely because we offer clear guidance and techniques using the latest Cognitive Behavioral Treatments. You learn skills and strategies to resolve current difficulties and to enjoy a good quality of life in the years ahead.
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 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 work with thoughtful, capable individuals who are seeking more than symptom relief. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside, yet privately navigating stress, grief, life transition, relationship strain, health concerns, or emotional patterns that no longer feel aligned with who they are becoming. They may be moving through divorce, loss, parenting challenges, burnout, aging-related concerns, or a deeper desire to understand themselves more fully. My work helps clients slow down, listen inward, strengthen emotional capacity, and move forward with greater clarity, self-trust, and resilience.
I work with thoughtful, capable individuals who are seeking more than symptom relief. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside, yet privately navigating stress, grief, life transition, relationship strain, health concerns, or emotional patterns that no longer feel aligned with who they are becoming. They may be moving through divorce, loss, parenting challenges, burnout, aging-related concerns, or a deeper desire to understand themselves more fully. My work helps clients slow down, listen inward, strengthen emotional capacity, and move forward with greater clarity, self-trust, and resilience.
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.
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.
I have been a psychotherapist for over 20 years. I am licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in Mexico and a Couple and Family Psychotherapist in California. My psychoanalytic and attachment training informs my understanding of your current concern in the context of how your past experiences affect your current well-being. By identifying your strengths and areas of opportunity, we will collaborate to develop a treatment plan to achieve your goals for well-being. Our work together will build your capacity to understand and make sense of contradictory thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and choose the congruent course of action for you.
I have been a psychotherapist for over 20 years. I am licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in Mexico and a Couple and Family Psychotherapist in California. My psychoanalytic and attachment training informs my understanding of your current concern in the context of how your past experiences affect your current well-being. By identifying your strengths and areas of opportunity, we will collaborate to develop a treatment plan to achieve your goals for well-being. Our work together will build your capacity to understand and make sense of contradictory thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and choose the congruent course of action for you.
Judi, a compassionate licensed clinical social worker with over thirty years of experience, is welcoming new clients for both in-person and virtual therapy. Her expertise in evidence-based therapies (such as dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and family therapy) allows her to help a diverse clientele, including adults, children, and families. Clients often seek support for anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and emotional regulation. They desire a safe space for healing, understanding their emotions, and achieving personal growth, ultimately striving for fulfilling relationships and a balanced life.
Judi, a compassionate licensed clinical social worker with over thirty years of experience, is welcoming new clients for both in-person and virtual therapy. Her expertise in evidence-based therapies (such as dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and family therapy) allows her to help a diverse clientele, including adults, children, and families. Clients often seek support for anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and emotional regulation. They desire a safe space for healing, understanding their emotions, and achieving personal growth, ultimately striving for fulfilling relationships and a balanced life.
As a Board-Certified Psychologist and Board-Certified Psychoanalyst with over 20 years of clinical experience, I work with children, adolescents, and adults seeking expert care for emotional, behavioral, and cognitive concerns. My practice provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and individualized treatment plans. Together, my team and I help patients gain insight, strengthen coping skills, and achieve meaningful, lasting growth.
As a Board-Certified Psychologist and Board-Certified Psychoanalyst with over 20 years of clinical experience, I work with children, adolescents, and adults seeking expert care for emotional, behavioral, and cognitive concerns. My practice provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and individualized treatment plans. Together, my team and I help patients gain insight, strengthen coping skills, and achieve meaningful, lasting growth.
I’m happy you’ve made it here, and am ready to offer support, whether you’ve been on the path of healing & growth for years, or you just recently began exploring your options. I work with children, teens, adults, and families, in-person at one of my practice's peaceful offices in La Jolla, Mission Valley, and Pacific Beach, and via telehealth for all California residents. Text, call, or send me a message through Psychology Today to get started. In our first session we'll get to know each other, decide if it's a good fit, and talk about your hopes and goals for our work together.
I’m happy you’ve made it here, and am ready to offer support, whether you’ve been on the path of healing & growth for years, or you just recently began exploring your options. I work with children, teens, adults, and families, in-person at one of my practice's peaceful offices in La Jolla, Mission Valley, and Pacific Beach, and via telehealth for all California residents. Text, call, or send me a message through Psychology Today to get started. In our first session we'll get to know each other, decide if it's a good fit, and talk about your hopes and goals for our work together.
Pontea Dianati, PhD, is a doctor of psychology, holistic coach, and spiritual guide with over 15 years of experience supporting deep personal and spiritual transformation.
With a doctorate in clinical psychology and extensive training in energy psychology and consciousness-based practices, her work integrates psychological insight with intuitive and spiritual support.
Her approach honors both inner inquiry and spiritual awareness, offering a supportive space where emotional healing, energetic clearing, and soul-level remembrance can unfold with care and intention.
Pontea Dianati, PhD, is a doctor of psychology, holistic coach, and spiritual guide with over 15 years of experience supporting deep personal and spiritual transformation.
With a doctorate in clinical psychology and extensive training in energy psychology and consciousness-based practices, her work integrates psychological insight with intuitive and spiritual support.
Her approach honors both inner inquiry and spiritual awareness, offering a supportive space where emotional healing, energetic clearing, and soul-level remembrance can unfold with care and intention.
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for individuals of all ages, from childhood to the late stages of life, including couples and families, to reach their full potential. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor the beliefs and cultural values of everyone.
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for individuals of all ages, from childhood to the late stages of life, including couples and families, to reach their full potential. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor the beliefs and cultural values of everyone.
Help Therapy | Mental Health Services
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT, NP, PNP
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Help Therapy boasts a network of more than 150 licensed clinical psychologists, LCSWs, LMFTs, and NPs, spanning over 100 specialties and treatment areas. Services we provide including psychotherapy, psychological evaluations and psychiatric services. By completing an intake form on HelpTherapy.com, you'll be paired with a therapist tailored to your specific treatment requirements, insurance coverage, and location preferences. You have the flexibility to choose how you'd like to connect with your provider—whether in-person, online, or via phone.
Help Therapy boasts a network of more than 150 licensed clinical psychologists, LCSWs, LMFTs, and NPs, spanning over 100 specialties and treatment areas. Services we provide including psychotherapy, psychological evaluations and psychiatric services. By completing an intake form on HelpTherapy.com, you'll be paired with a therapist tailored to your specific treatment requirements, insurance coverage, and location preferences. You have the flexibility to choose how you'd like to connect with your provider—whether in-person, online, or via phone.
Welcome, and thank you for being here.
Whether you're a parent seeking support for your child or an adult navigating the challenges of anxiety or OCD, taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting. I understand how important it is to find a therapist who truly gets what you're going through. I believe the therapeutic relationship itself can be a powerful source of healing, and I strive to create a warm, compassionate space where you or your child feel respected, and genuinely heard. My practice is rooted in a trauma-informed, integrative approach.
Welcome, and thank you for being here.
Whether you're a parent seeking support for your child or an adult navigating the challenges of anxiety or OCD, taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting. I understand how important it is to find a therapist who truly gets what you're going through. I believe the therapeutic relationship itself can be a powerful source of healing, and I strive to create a warm, compassionate space where you or your child feel respected, and genuinely heard. My practice is rooted in a trauma-informed, integrative approach.
Hello, my name is Kassandra Estrella and I am a bilingual Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in supporting children, teens, young adults, and families through life’s challenges. I am also experienced and enjoy working with military/veteran and first responder families. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, and trauma, where I aim to provide effective strategies to help my clients regain balance and peace of mind. My approach is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), both of which are powerful tools for managing stressors and cultivating a meaningful life.
Hello, my name is Kassandra Estrella and I am a bilingual Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in supporting children, teens, young adults, and families through life’s challenges. I am also experienced and enjoy working with military/veteran and first responder families. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, and trauma, where I aim to provide effective strategies to help my clients regain balance and peace of mind. My approach is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), both of which are powerful tools for managing stressors and cultivating a meaningful life.
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 value building on your resiliency to facilitate growth towards your personal goals. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Specifically, I focus on treating trauma and am a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) therapist. I strive to help individuals who struggle with trauma symptoms by providing trauma informed care. 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.
I value building on your resiliency to facilitate growth towards your personal goals. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Specifically, I focus on treating trauma and am a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) therapist. I strive to help individuals who struggle with trauma symptoms by providing trauma informed care. 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.
Accepting new clients Welcome. You have taken the most important first step in your health, your families health and/or your child’s health. I am a Clinical Psychologist who has been working with children, teens and families for over 20 years. I will work collaboratively with you to help you in your path to health. When working with you and your family I believe what is fundamental to change is the relationship. I will help to create a safe and supportive collaboration, where you and your family can work on strategies to support what works, and change what is no longer working.
Accepting new clients Welcome. You have taken the most important first step in your health, your families health and/or your child’s health. I am a Clinical Psychologist who has been working with children, teens and families for over 20 years. I will work collaboratively with you to help you in your path to health. When working with you and your family I believe what is fundamental to change is the relationship. I will help to create a safe and supportive collaboration, where you and your family can work on strategies to support what works, and change what is no longer working.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or quietly carrying more than you let on?
If you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, or the emotional complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, or parenthood, I offer a compassionate space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin to heal. I am an EMDR-certified therapist with training in IFS and perinatal mental health care. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that your symptoms make sense-they developed to help you survive. Together we gently work with your nervous system and the different parts of you to create safety, clarity and lasting relief.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or quietly carrying more than you let on?
If you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, or the emotional complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, or parenthood, I offer a compassionate space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin to heal. I am an EMDR-certified therapist with training in IFS and perinatal mental health care. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that your symptoms make sense-they developed to help you survive. Together we gently work with your nervous system and the different parts of you to create safety, clarity and lasting relief.
Welcome! I’m passionate about supporting women in healing from trauma and the ways our life experiences live in both the mind and body. Trauma often manifests as anxiety, stress, chronic pain or illness, and nervous system dysregulation. It can feel incredibly overwhelming to manage alone. Together we’ll work toward helping you feel more grounded, connected, and at peace within yourself. My approach as a therapist is grounded in warmth, compassion, and authenticity. Additionally, I bring over a decade of experience working with children and teens in a Montessori setting, creating space for curiosity, growth and healing at every age.
Welcome! I’m passionate about supporting women in healing from trauma and the ways our life experiences live in both the mind and body. Trauma often manifests as anxiety, stress, chronic pain or illness, and nervous system dysregulation. It can feel incredibly overwhelming to manage alone. Together we’ll work toward helping you feel more grounded, connected, and at peace within yourself. My approach as a therapist is grounded in warmth, compassion, and authenticity. Additionally, I bring over a decade of experience working with children and teens in a Montessori setting, creating space for curiosity, growth and healing at every age.
How do you navigate life’s challenges when you are feeling overwhelmed?
From time to time, we may need support during challenging times in our lives. I look forward to meeting with you and working with you to reach the power of acceptance and be on your journey when reaching your goals. I hope to work with you to enhance your strengths and empower you to live a happier life and to look forward to the future.
How do you navigate life’s challenges when you are feeling overwhelmed?
From time to time, we may need support during challenging times in our lives. I look forward to meeting with you and working with you to reach the power of acceptance and be on your journey when reaching your goals. I hope to work with you to enhance your strengths and empower you to live a happier life and to look forward to the future.
See more therapy options for La Jolla
Nearby Toddlers Therapists Searches for La Jolla
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- La Mesa
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Santee
- Solana Beach
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.