Play Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Thank you for visiting my profile. I help children, adults, couples and families work through interpersonal issues, parenting challenges, transitional stages, and adjusting to big life events, while working to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. My approach is warm, grounded, and rooted in a desire to attune to each client without judgment. I meet clients where they are and help move them toward healthier, happier lives. I use person-centered and strengths-based approaches, empowering clients to make effective changes and reach their therapeutic goals.
Thank you for visiting my profile. I help children, adults, couples and families work through interpersonal issues, parenting challenges, transitional stages, and adjusting to big life events, while working to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. My approach is warm, grounded, and rooted in a desire to attune to each client without judgment. I meet clients where they are and help move them toward healthier, happier lives. I use person-centered and strengths-based approaches, empowering clients to make effective changes and reach their therapeutic goals.
People learn ways to survive trauma that may become unhelpful to them after the trauma ends. But it can be so hard to identify what those things learned are, let alone know how to change them. And some things we learned to do to survive trauma are at the body level – our body changes when needing to survive, causing our body and emotions to respond as if it is always in survival. In the service of survival, both single incident trauma and prolonged childhood trauma can alter emotions, self-worth, behaviors, functioning, relationships, education, and work. Goals, dreams, spiritual direction, and life paths may be disrupted.
People learn ways to survive trauma that may become unhelpful to them after the trauma ends. But it can be so hard to identify what those things learned are, let alone know how to change them. And some things we learned to do to survive trauma are at the body level – our body changes when needing to survive, causing our body and emotions to respond as if it is always in survival. In the service of survival, both single incident trauma and prolonged childhood trauma can alter emotions, self-worth, behaviors, functioning, relationships, education, and work. Goals, dreams, spiritual direction, and life paths may be disrupted.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Registered Art Therapist and I am Play Therapy Certified.
It can be hard growing up in Los Angeles and dealing with the intense pressure of school, family and friends. It's also hard trying to be an adult, working to establish one's self and feel comfortable in saying, "This is who I am, this is who I want to be." We all come through this process with different stories, experiences and perspective. I love to work with families and individuals on this journey. I have over ten years of experience working with families during their deepest moments of pain and confusion, joy and growth. These years of work with a diverse set of people and needs helps to inform my interactions with clients.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Registered Art Therapist and I am Play Therapy Certified.
It can be hard growing up in Los Angeles and dealing with the intense pressure of school, family and friends. It's also hard trying to be an adult, working to establish one's self and feel comfortable in saying, "This is who I am, this is who I want to be." We all come through this process with different stories, experiences and perspective. I love to work with families and individuals on this journey. I have over ten years of experience working with families during their deepest moments of pain and confusion, joy and growth. These years of work with a diverse set of people and needs helps to inform my interactions with clients.
Starting therapy is a big step. I congratulate you on starting your journey, and I’m here to make sure that it's meaningful to you. I specialize in helping you navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. Together, we can face your history and get to the root of your life experiences so that you can connect back to yourself and become who you are. I welcome you to reach out whenever you feel ready to begin.
Starting therapy is a big step. I congratulate you on starting your journey, and I’m here to make sure that it's meaningful to you. I specialize in helping you navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. Together, we can face your history and get to the root of your life experiences so that you can connect back to yourself and become who you are. I welcome you to reach out whenever you feel ready to begin.
Through a series of approaches such as play therapy, storytelling, & narration, we will explore the thought patterns & disruptive behaviors that might be impacting your child's functioning at home, school & social settings.
When thinking about how to remain curious about the wonder that is childhood, parent work is equally as significant to support your child’s growth. Our work together will give you the space to reflect, learn, rethink, and reframe some of the thought patterns that might be impeding the way you show up for your child.
Through a series of approaches such as play therapy, storytelling, & narration, we will explore the thought patterns & disruptive behaviors that might be impacting your child's functioning at home, school & social settings.
When thinking about how to remain curious about the wonder that is childhood, parent work is equally as significant to support your child’s growth. Our work together will give you the space to reflect, learn, rethink, and reframe some of the thought patterns that might be impeding the way you show up for your child.
I work with adolescents and adults looking to work through anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex stress in their lives. I believe that therapy offers a unique space for depth processing and healing through self-knowledge. Through a collaborative and conversational process, I hold space for my clients to explore their relational patterns and try on new ways of relating to themselves and others. I am particularly attuned to the importance of early attachment as it impacts difficulties later in life. In addition, I specialize in issues around pregnancy and parenting and am certified in Child Parent Psychotherapy.
I work with adolescents and adults looking to work through anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex stress in their lives. I believe that therapy offers a unique space for depth processing and healing through self-knowledge. Through a collaborative and conversational process, I hold space for my clients to explore their relational patterns and try on new ways of relating to themselves and others. I am particularly attuned to the importance of early attachment as it impacts difficulties later in life. In addition, I specialize in issues around pregnancy and parenting and am certified in Child Parent Psychotherapy.
I specialize in supporting teens, kids, women, and college-aged girls. Together, we focus on finding goals, resolving anxiety, and other mental health issue. Which are quite treatable using positive psychology as a valuable tool for feeling supported and safe to talk about absolutely everything. A trusted psychologist reminds others of their strengths, how to center, self-regulate and feel solid in oneself. For decades, I have treated ambiguous issues, and offer compassionate therapy with anxiety, and low self-esteem. Additionally, I support families and LGBTQ+ individuals. Feel free to contact me about positively anything.
I specialize in supporting teens, kids, women, and college-aged girls. Together, we focus on finding goals, resolving anxiety, and other mental health issue. Which are quite treatable using positive psychology as a valuable tool for feeling supported and safe to talk about absolutely everything. A trusted psychologist reminds others of their strengths, how to center, self-regulate and feel solid in oneself. For decades, I have treated ambiguous issues, and offer compassionate therapy with anxiety, and low self-esteem. Additionally, I support families and LGBTQ+ individuals. Feel free to contact me about positively anything.
Illuminate Child & Adolescent Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT™
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I am a Registered Play Therapist and I have completed Level 1 Animal Assisted Play Therapy Training.
Your child is a source of light. But perhaps you've noticed their light has dimmed recently and you feel concerned. Perhaps your teen is falling behind in school, having difficulty connecting with their friends, or experiencing confusion as they explore their gender identity. Your young child may be having anger outbursts or challenges with their behavior at home. Adjusting to the post-COVID lifestyle might be causing ongoing worries and changes in mood or personality. Or your child might have experienced a major stressor like divorce, a death in the family, or even a traumatic event like a car accident or an act of violence.
I am a Registered Play Therapist and I have completed Level 1 Animal Assisted Play Therapy Training.
Your child is a source of light. But perhaps you've noticed their light has dimmed recently and you feel concerned. Perhaps your teen is falling behind in school, having difficulty connecting with their friends, or experiencing confusion as they explore their gender identity. Your young child may be having anger outbursts or challenges with their behavior at home. Adjusting to the post-COVID lifestyle might be causing ongoing worries and changes in mood or personality. Or your child might have experienced a major stressor like divorce, a death in the family, or even a traumatic event like a car accident or an act of violence.
I am grounded in traditional talk or psychodynamic therapy but I also incorporate mindfulness, attachment, somatic, humanistic, play and expressive art based theories.
Finding a therapist can be an intimidating process and I believe that it is important to feel at ease in order to do the work that therapy entails. I provide a comfortable environment and demeanor that will allow you to develop insight, find a sense of peace, and build your resilience. In my practice, I frequently work with creative professionals (in entertainment, music, and the arts), learned professionals (doctors / lawyers), new parents trying to find their footing and with young adults going through big changes. It is important to me that you get the results you are looking for in therapy and that your experience is positive.
I am grounded in traditional talk or psychodynamic therapy but I also incorporate mindfulness, attachment, somatic, humanistic, play and expressive art based theories.
Finding a therapist can be an intimidating process and I believe that it is important to feel at ease in order to do the work that therapy entails. I provide a comfortable environment and demeanor that will allow you to develop insight, find a sense of peace, and build your resilience. In my practice, I frequently work with creative professionals (in entertainment, music, and the arts), learned professionals (doctors / lawyers), new parents trying to find their footing and with young adults going through big changes. It is important to me that you get the results you are looking for in therapy and that your experience is positive.
When working with children, I incorporate child-centered play therapy and expressive approaches, and collaborate closely with parents to support neurodivergent children and strengthen family relationships.
I help children, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Many people I work with feel stuck in cycles of worry, intrusive thoughts, including distressing or taboo thoughts, or behaviors that are hard to control. I also support neurodivergent clients navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and major life transitions. I provide evidence-based treatment, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard therapy for OCD, to help clients gradually face fears and regain confidence and freedom.
When working with children, I incorporate child-centered play therapy and expressive approaches, and collaborate closely with parents to support neurodivergent children and strengthen family relationships.
I help children, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Many people I work with feel stuck in cycles of worry, intrusive thoughts, including distressing or taboo thoughts, or behaviors that are hard to control. I also support neurodivergent clients navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and major life transitions. I provide evidence-based treatment, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard therapy for OCD, to help clients gradually face fears and regain confidence and freedom.
I believe that each of our lives is an ecosystem, comprised of the interconnecting forces that influence our well-being. This includes our relationships with other people, with cultural and economic forces and even our own bodies. When we are out of balance or suffer trauma, we are often left feeling anxious, depressed or lost. I act as an ally in making the ecosystem of your life more healthy and vibrant. Clients often leave sessions with greater clarity, concrete tools, and renewed confidence in their abilities.
I believe that each of our lives is an ecosystem, comprised of the interconnecting forces that influence our well-being. This includes our relationships with other people, with cultural and economic forces and even our own bodies. When we are out of balance or suffer trauma, we are often left feeling anxious, depressed or lost. I act as an ally in making the ecosystem of your life more healthy and vibrant. Clients often leave sessions with greater clarity, concrete tools, and renewed confidence in their abilities.
I also enjoy creating doll play centered therapy groups for minority children impacted by adultification bias
Let go of anxiety, work related stress, and unhealthy coping behaviors. Learn new skills for healthy peer cultivation, trustworthiness, and release anxiety related to traumatic events. This is the best time to cultivate sound skills for better life decisions including "moving on", forgiveness, and healing from trauma related events!
I also enjoy creating doll play centered therapy groups for minority children impacted by adultification bias
Let go of anxiety, work related stress, and unhealthy coping behaviors. Learn new skills for healthy peer cultivation, trustworthiness, and release anxiety related to traumatic events. This is the best time to cultivate sound skills for better life decisions including "moving on", forgiveness, and healing from trauma related events!
I have experience working with parents, children, teens, and adults across cultures with a variety of mental health needs and life challenges. I'm passionate about helping you discover your innate wisdom for healing. I utilize a variety of approaches, integrating internal family systems, mindfulness, EMDR, and DBT. I'm also passionate about healing intergenerational wounds from a variety of methods, including trauma reprocessing, psychedelic integration, learning effective communication and emotional intelligence skills.
I have experience working with parents, children, teens, and adults across cultures with a variety of mental health needs and life challenges. I'm passionate about helping you discover your innate wisdom for healing. I utilize a variety of approaches, integrating internal family systems, mindfulness, EMDR, and DBT. I'm also passionate about healing intergenerational wounds from a variety of methods, including trauma reprocessing, psychedelic integration, learning effective communication and emotional intelligence skills.
For adults and couples in Los Angeles seeking thoughtful, private care, I offer discreet, depth-oriented psychotherapy rooted in emotional insight and lasting change. My work centers on EMDR-based, culturally responsive therapy for anxiety, trauma & complex relational patterns. I see therapy as both a space for reflection & a catalyst for meaningful change. I help clients uncover patterns that no longer serve them, process unresolved trauma, strengthen emotional resilience & build healthier, more authentic relationships. My work is collaborative & paced to the client’s readiness, insight, practical tools & emotional processing.
For adults and couples in Los Angeles seeking thoughtful, private care, I offer discreet, depth-oriented psychotherapy rooted in emotional insight and lasting change. My work centers on EMDR-based, culturally responsive therapy for anxiety, trauma & complex relational patterns. I see therapy as both a space for reflection & a catalyst for meaningful change. I help clients uncover patterns that no longer serve them, process unresolved trauma, strengthen emotional resilience & build healthier, more authentic relationships. My work is collaborative & paced to the client’s readiness, insight, practical tools & emotional processing.
Many of our clients come to us feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or unsure how to navigate parenting, relationships, or neurodivergence. Their needs often include more confidence, security, and connection in daily life. Their goals are to communicate better, support their children’s growth, and feel more grounded as parents, partners, siblings, and peers. At North Star Families, we believe every family deserves to thrive, and we offer inclusive, collaborative support to guide you toward resilience, stability, and joy.
Many of our clients come to us feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or unsure how to navigate parenting, relationships, or neurodivergence. Their needs often include more confidence, security, and connection in daily life. Their goals are to communicate better, support their children’s growth, and feel more grounded as parents, partners, siblings, and peers. At North Star Families, we believe every family deserves to thrive, and we offer inclusive, collaborative support to guide you toward resilience, stability, and joy.
Life can present us with unexpected challenges, and sometimes, it’s helpful to have a supportive guide along the way. Whether you're navigating difficult emotions, facing a life transition, or simply seeking personal growth, I’m here to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore, heal, and thrive. Together, we will work toward building greater self-awareness, developing coping strategies, and fostering emotional well-being. My goal is to empower you to lead a more fulfilling life, whether that means overcoming past trauma, managing anxiety, improving relationships, or achieving personal goals.
Life can present us with unexpected challenges, and sometimes, it’s helpful to have a supportive guide along the way. Whether you're navigating difficult emotions, facing a life transition, or simply seeking personal growth, I’m here to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore, heal, and thrive. Together, we will work toward building greater self-awareness, developing coping strategies, and fostering emotional well-being. My goal is to empower you to lead a more fulfilling life, whether that means overcoming past trauma, managing anxiety, improving relationships, or achieving personal goals.
Using sand tray, play therapy, and brainspotting, I help clients process emotions safely and effectively.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about the future. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, past trauma, or relationship challenges, you want relief, clarity, and a path forward. Many of my clients are navigating major life transitions, healing from past wounds, or searching for a stronger sense of self. Whatever your journey, therapy can help. My role is to provide a compassionate, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.
Using sand tray, play therapy, and brainspotting, I help clients process emotions safely and effectively.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about the future. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, past trauma, or relationship challenges, you want relief, clarity, and a path forward. Many of my clients are navigating major life transitions, healing from past wounds, or searching for a stronger sense of self. Whatever your journey, therapy can help. My role is to provide a compassionate, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.
Mia Hudd, ASW 14707 (she/her) is a female, neurodivergent Filipino adoptee. Her adoption experience has inspired her commitment to helping clients explore and understand various aspects of their identity. From her personal experience, she understands the significance of integrating the various pieces of one’s identity into their lives. Mia encourages clients to witness and work to overcome the biases and prejudices that they may carry with them. Mia brings to her clie her many years of experience working with underserved communities and individuals struggling with addiction.
Mia Hudd, ASW 14707 (she/her) is a female, neurodivergent Filipino adoptee. Her adoption experience has inspired her commitment to helping clients explore and understand various aspects of their identity. From her personal experience, she understands the significance of integrating the various pieces of one’s identity into their lives. Mia encourages clients to witness and work to overcome the biases and prejudices that they may carry with them. Mia brings to her clie her many years of experience working with underserved communities and individuals struggling with addiction.
We work with you through body, art, and play to directly address the subconscious in a way that validates the cultural backgrounds of the clients.
Through 40 plus years of experience in the martial arts: Chinese, Japanese, and Afro-Brazilian, we have found deep relevance in the lifestyle of the warrior. The Warrior Class is the culmination of decades of training and teaching experience in the martial arts, movement, music, and dance combined with study and clinical experience in counseling psychology, group work, gestalt, imaginal psychology, and somatic work.
We work with you through body, art, and play to directly address the subconscious in a way that validates the cultural backgrounds of the clients.
Through 40 plus years of experience in the martial arts: Chinese, Japanese, and Afro-Brazilian, we have found deep relevance in the lifestyle of the warrior. The Warrior Class is the culmination of decades of training and teaching experience in the martial arts, movement, music, and dance combined with study and clinical experience in counseling psychology, group work, gestalt, imaginal psychology, and somatic work.
As a licensed therapist of many years, I work in French or English, with clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, narcissistic abuse, childhood injuries, grief, loss, difficult life transitions and more. Whether you want to work through your sadness, or reclaim desire and a sense of self, rebuild trust, are grieving what was lost, healing after control, or betrayal, or considering whether to stay or leave-we will look at your relationship with yourself as much as your relationships with others. We will ask the questions that open doors: What do you want, what gets in the way, and what part of you is asking to be met now.
As a licensed therapist of many years, I work in French or English, with clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, narcissistic abuse, childhood injuries, grief, loss, difficult life transitions and more. Whether you want to work through your sadness, or reclaim desire and a sense of self, rebuild trust, are grieving what was lost, healing after control, or betrayal, or considering whether to stay or leave-we will look at your relationship with yourself as much as your relationships with others. We will ask the questions that open doors: What do you want, what gets in the way, and what part of you is asking to be met now.
See more therapy options for Los Angeles
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Los Angeles
- Beverly Hills
- Century City
- Culver City
- Eagle Rock
- Glendale
- Highland Park
- Hollywood
- Huntington Park
- Inglewood
- Playa Vista
- Silver Lake
- West Hollywood
Play Therapy Therapists
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.