Therapists for Toddlers in La Mesa, CA
I have over 28 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 23 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
I have over 28 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 23 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
I love to see others be over-comers and feel privileged when I can be a part of that process. I recognize that one of God´s specialties is to "make a way" in the desert. Sometimes the desert is the parent-child relationship, a trauma in the life of the adult or the child, depression and anxiety, a learning or developmental difference, difficulty crossing cultures, etc. Sometimes our own difficulties with self esteem, boundaries, or trauma make day-to-day responsibilities difficult. The kids I worked with in Mexico for many years taught me a lot about overcoming trauma, regulating their emotions, etc. (They also taught me Spanish!)
I love to see others be over-comers and feel privileged when I can be a part of that process. I recognize that one of God´s specialties is to "make a way" in the desert. Sometimes the desert is the parent-child relationship, a trauma in the life of the adult or the child, depression and anxiety, a learning or developmental difference, difficulty crossing cultures, etc. Sometimes our own difficulties with self esteem, boundaries, or trauma make day-to-day responsibilities difficult. The kids I worked with in Mexico for many years taught me a lot about overcoming trauma, regulating their emotions, etc. (They also taught me Spanish!)
Susan Search @ Grow Through Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, or depression who feel overwhelmed, caught in unhelpful patterns, or impacted by past experiences that continue to affect their present lives. They are seeking greater self-awareness, resilience, and practical ways to cope so they can move toward greater balance and well-being.
Individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, or depression who feel overwhelmed, caught in unhelpful patterns, or impacted by past experiences that continue to affect their present lives. They are seeking greater self-awareness, resilience, and practical ways to cope so they can move toward greater balance and well-being.
The decision to talk to someone about things you may be struggling with is a brave one. Whether you're struggling with a recent stressor or a chronic one, whether it's an internal conflict, a relationship conflict, parenting, work, you're having difficulty setting or reaching goals, or something else entirely, finding the right person to talk to makes all the difference. I specialize in helping people make radical and sustainable changes in their personal lives, relationships, parenting, work, and other areas. I take a non-judgmental solution focused approach to helping you set goals and reach them.
The decision to talk to someone about things you may be struggling with is a brave one. Whether you're struggling with a recent stressor or a chronic one, whether it's an internal conflict, a relationship conflict, parenting, work, you're having difficulty setting or reaching goals, or something else entirely, finding the right person to talk to makes all the difference. I specialize in helping people make radical and sustainable changes in their personal lives, relationships, parenting, work, and other areas. I take a non-judgmental solution focused approach to helping you set goals and reach them.
Teresha Taylor at Grow Through Life Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults, including BIPOC and neurodivergent clients, survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, and parents of trauma survivors. I support clients navigating ADHD, autism, dyslexia, depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral concerns, and life challenges while building strategies for emotional growth, reduced stress, and greater connection.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults, including BIPOC and neurodivergent clients, survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, and parents of trauma survivors. I support clients navigating ADHD, autism, dyslexia, depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral concerns, and life challenges while building strategies for emotional growth, reduced stress, and greater connection.
Mental health therapist with 25 years experience. Working with ages 5 and up. Couples counseling, individual counseling, family counseling. Focus on CBT and family systems theory.Mental health therapist with 25 years experience. Working with ages 5 and up. Couples counseling, individual counseling, family counseling. Focus on CBT and family systems theory.
Mental health therapist with 25 years experience. Working with ages 5 and up. Couples counseling, individual counseling, family counseling. Focus on CBT and family systems theory.Mental health therapist with 25 years experience. Working with ages 5 and up. Couples counseling, individual counseling, family counseling. Focus on CBT and family systems theory.
Sarah Savic at Grow Through Life Counseling
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Sarah works with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. With 15 years of experience supporting youth and families across homes, schools, residential treatment settings, detention facilities, and community programs, she understands that each person's experience is unique. Sarah uses a person-centered and integrative approach, creating therapy plans that align with an individual's or family's values while considering the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that shape their experiences.
Sarah works with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. With 15 years of experience supporting youth and families across homes, schools, residential treatment settings, detention facilities, and community programs, she understands that each person's experience is unique. Sarah uses a person-centered and integrative approach, creating therapy plans that align with an individual's or family's values while considering the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that shape their experiences.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Jaclyn Paetow at Grow Through Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Jaclyn works with individuals and couples who may be feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer feel supportive. Many of her clients come in struggling with communication, emotional distance, or navigating conflict in their relationships. She provides a warm, supportive space where clients can explore their experiences openly, deepen their self-understanding, and build more secure, fulfilling connections with themselves and others.
Jaclyn works with individuals and couples who may be feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer feel supportive. Many of her clients come in struggling with communication, emotional distance, or navigating conflict in their relationships. She provides a warm, supportive space where clients can explore their experiences openly, deepen their self-understanding, and build more secure, fulfilling connections with themselves and others.
Life is challenging. The landscape of our life picture is a continual work in progress. Sometimes we lose control of brushes, paints or both. The way out becomes muddy or messy. I work with individuals, couples, teens and children adjusting to life changes. You are not your problem. My passion; helping you separate yourself from harmful effects of blame, guilt or shame resulting from difficult experiences. I work with adjustment issues including, grief/ loss, military families, career changes, pain management and emotional distress. Whether moving through small challenges, life transitions or a difficult traumatic experience, my mission; to help you "Create a Life You Love."
Life is challenging. The landscape of our life picture is a continual work in progress. Sometimes we lose control of brushes, paints or both. The way out becomes muddy or messy. I work with individuals, couples, teens and children adjusting to life changes. You are not your problem. My passion; helping you separate yourself from harmful effects of blame, guilt or shame resulting from difficult experiences. I work with adjustment issues including, grief/ loss, military families, career changes, pain management and emotional distress. Whether moving through small challenges, life transitions or a difficult traumatic experience, my mission; to help you "Create a Life You Love."
Emma Kehl at Grow Through Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Emma enjoys working with children and adults experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as those looking to develop a deeper understanding of and connection with themselves. She works collaboratively with clients to identify meaningful goals, build on their strengths, and create positive change aligned with their values.
Emma enjoys working with children and adults experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as those looking to develop a deeper understanding of and connection with themselves. She works collaboratively with clients to identify meaningful goals, build on their strengths, and create positive change aligned with their values.
Karen believes in being a Philanthropist of People; to invest in the lives of others as an investment for our future because, “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) She believes everyone has unique gifts and talents, however, there are times when life has a way of taking us off course from discovering and using those things. She is a bridge builder, perceptive, and strengths focused, likes to be creative, insightful, and resourceful with clients.
Karen believes in being a Philanthropist of People; to invest in the lives of others as an investment for our future because, “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) She believes everyone has unique gifts and talents, however, there are times when life has a way of taking us off course from discovering and using those things. She is a bridge builder, perceptive, and strengths focused, likes to be creative, insightful, and resourceful with clients.
Seeking therapy and parent coaching services can be an anxiety provoking process and I'm here to help make it as easy and possible. I would love to speak with you further to answer any questions you have to ensure that our relationship will be the right one for your and your loved ones. I pride myself in my ability to connect with children instantly and make children and families feel comfortable in seeking support, guidance care to improve relationships with their loved ones.
Seeking therapy and parent coaching services can be an anxiety provoking process and I'm here to help make it as easy and possible. I would love to speak with you further to answer any questions you have to ensure that our relationship will be the right one for your and your loved ones. I pride myself in my ability to connect with children instantly and make children and families feel comfortable in seeking support, guidance care to improve relationships with their loved ones.
Devyn Brown at Grow Through Life Counseling
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Devyn believes therapy should be a place where people feel safe showing up exactly as they are. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and approachable style, she creates a compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. She enjoys working with individuals and families impacted by the criminal legal system, survivors of sexual trauma and interpersonal violence, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those navigating grief, major life transitions, or feelings of hopelessness and disconnection. Devyn believes meaningful change begins when people feel understood and empowered to move forward.
Devyn believes therapy should be a place where people feel safe showing up exactly as they are. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and approachable style, she creates a compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. She enjoys working with individuals and families impacted by the criminal legal system, survivors of sexual trauma and interpersonal violence, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those navigating grief, major life transitions, or feelings of hopelessness and disconnection. Devyn believes meaningful change begins when people feel understood and empowered to move forward.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, I bring a unique combination of clinical training, leadership experience, and a deep commitment to helping individuals and families heal. In addition to my clinical work, I have over 17 years of experience serving in the United States Navy, where I have supported individuals through significant life transitions, stress, and personal challenges.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, I bring a unique combination of clinical training, leadership experience, and a deep commitment to helping individuals and families heal. In addition to my clinical work, I have over 17 years of experience serving in the United States Navy, where I have supported individuals through significant life transitions, stress, and personal challenges.
Amanda Moore
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, RPT
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Waitlist for new clients
As a play therapist, my ideal client is a child or teen who is struggling to make sense of their emotions and experiences but may not yet have the words to express what they feel. This may include children and teenagers dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, difficulty with peer relationships, or changes at home.
What my clients need most is to feel understood, seen, and safe. Through play, creative expression, and developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions, I help them make sense of their internal world, practice emotional regulation, and build confidence in themselves.
As a play therapist, my ideal client is a child or teen who is struggling to make sense of their emotions and experiences but may not yet have the words to express what they feel. This may include children and teenagers dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, difficulty with peer relationships, or changes at home.
What my clients need most is to feel understood, seen, and safe. Through play, creative expression, and developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions, I help them make sense of their internal world, practice emotional regulation, and build confidence in themselves.
One of Joel’s primary areas of expertise is supporting individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD. He understands the unique challenges these conditions present, from difficulties with focus and organization to overwhelming feelings of worry or distress. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), he helps clients develop skills to manage symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and build confidence in their daily lives.One of Joel’s primary areas of expertise is supporting individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD. He understands the unique challenges these conditio
One of Joel’s primary areas of expertise is supporting individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD. He understands the unique challenges these conditions present, from difficulties with focus and organization to overwhelming feelings of worry or distress. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), he helps clients develop skills to manage symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and build confidence in their daily lives.One of Joel’s primary areas of expertise is supporting individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD. He understands the unique challenges these conditio
Grow Through Life Counseling La Mesa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C
2 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Hello and welcome! Grow Through Life Counseling is a group private practice welcoming both in person clients in La Mesa, CA and via Telehealth in CA. We have immediate openings and are accepting new clients. Our Mission is to provide quality counseling for all ages throughout life. We provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care for all children, teens, adults, couples and families. We respect each family member's unique identities, perspectives and experiences in life. With effective and creative psychotherapeutic interventions, we support emotional growth and development during the various stages of life to be healthier.
Hello and welcome! Grow Through Life Counseling is a group private practice welcoming both in person clients in La Mesa, CA and via Telehealth in CA. We have immediate openings and are accepting new clients. Our Mission is to provide quality counseling for all ages throughout life. We provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care for all children, teens, adults, couples and families. We respect each family member's unique identities, perspectives and experiences in life. With effective and creative psychotherapeutic interventions, we support emotional growth and development during the various stages of life to be healthier.
Dr. Silva is the Chief Behavior Health Officer for mental healthcare provider Fusion Care Group. Fusion Care Group is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
Dr. Silva is the Chief Behavior Health Officer for mental healthcare provider Fusion Care Group. Fusion Care Group is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
I work with Individuals and families to support them to improve relationships and mental health. I have 12 years experience .
I work with Individuals and families to support them to improve relationships and mental health. I have 12 years experience .
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Nearby Toddlers Therapists Searches for La Mesa
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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.