Play Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
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Sophie Pierce
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I take a person-centered approach to therapy, while my understanding of child development,
play therapy
, and attachment theory drives treatment.
I work with children, teens, and young adults who are faced with social, emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. I am deeply committed to creating a therapeutic environment that is safe and consistent, where children experience full acceptance, empathy, and understanding while processing their inner experiences. I have helped children and teens who have experienced traumatic events, grief and loss, and those who are struggling with anxiety, mood difficulties, as well as general life stressors and transitions.

Debra Jill Green
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
In working with children and their families, I have developed experience with infants, parent-infant
play
and feeding interactions, teen pregnancy and teen parenting, court-ordered or volunteer parenting groups, academic concerns and IEP advocacy, pervasive developmental disorders and Regional Center advocacy, crisis counseling, divorce, couples, adults and family work.
Is it ever difficult to understand your child's behavior or your teen's angst? Do they speak a language or behave in a way you find challenging? Children from infancy through adolescence can seem unmanageable at times causing parents to feel overwhelmed and powerless. Why continue struggling? If your child is having a difficult time at home, in school, or with friends, I can offer insights and recommendations as well as provide a safe space for everyone to learn respectful, meaningful communication directed toward positive change. Let me help you and your family get there together.

Judith Bin-Nun
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, MA Ed, MAPsych, LPCC
Verified
Verified
My approach to children and parental guidance is rooted in
play therapy
training as a child development specialist with vast experience as an educator classroom teacher and School Principal), artist, writer, and psychotherapist.
I provide supportive, creative and caring Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults - couples, families, individuals. STUDIO ART EXPERIENCE for individuals and groups takes place in my Venice Studio. I offer many comfortable treatment modalities for my patients besides traditional talk or
play therapy
in my office setting. Additionally, I have FOOD FOR THOUGHT cooking therapy groups in my "greenhouse kitchen", and use Animal Assisted Therapy with my Pet Partner Therapy Dogs in my office. My devoted practice and practical guidance are in a warm office setting with a "family therapy" kitchen,
play therapy
room and AAT dogs.

Anna Kosoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified
Verified
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.

Alison Lieber
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I use an integrative approach including a blend of songs, art,
play
, and discussion.
Hi there! I'm Alison and I specialize in working with children as young as 4 years old! I am a nature enthusiast, a native upstate New Yorker, a musician, and a devoted dog mom to my pup, Doug. As an Associate Marriage & Family (136606) Trauma Therapist, and certified Mindfulness Skills Instructor, I'm passionate about helping children and adults overcome emotional difficulties and build healthy coping skills. I'm committed to providing a safe, nurturing space for my clients aged 4 and up to talk about their feelings and learn practical calming tools for stressors at home, with friends, and in the classroom.

Malcolm Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Tailored to the needs and priorities of each family, my approach blends
play therapy
with insight-oriented talk therapy and parent coaching.
If you're concerned about your child, you've already taken a courageous step by looking here for help. Maybe you're feeling frightened, worried, or at your wit's end and unsure what to do. These emotions are a testament to how much you love your kid. Whether you're looking at child and family therapy as a preventative measure, or your family is in crisis, I can light a path and walk with you. Over the last 15 years working as a coach, teacher, counselor, and therapist, I've developed a knack for connecting with kids who are hard to reach.

Melanie Mulligan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
As a psychologist with doctoral and post-doctoral training in psychotherapy I work with people across the lifespan to achieve their fullest potential. Many adults come to me struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationships issues; lacking satisfaction in their academic or professional lives; or wrestling with life transitions. Young adults and teens need help navigating complex social terrain, managing stress, and risky behaviors while their parents benefit from guidance and support. Children benefit from
play therapy
and the involvement of their families in treatment.

Gina Ali
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified
Verified
I aim to
play
an active role in our therapeutic alliance.
I believe therapy is a container for self-expression where you can show up exactly as you are. As a person with lived experience of being queer, Arab, Non-binary, and Muslim, I have seen first hand how difficult it is to find someone whose values align around the importance of community and is committed to a trauma-informed framework. Growing up in a world that constantly feeds us narratives such as “healing happens alone” and “we are solely responsible for the state of our own wellbeing” can be deeply challenging and frustrating. Together, we will dismantle the notion of isolation as a symbol of strength.

Marisol Ramos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
My approach to therapy most frequently includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused, Person-Centered,
Play
, and Mindfulness-Based therapy.
Hello and Welcome! My name is Marisol Ramos and I am an LMFT. I like to take a holistic approach to therapy and consider the person as a whole. My focus areas of practice include trauma, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I have worked in various clinical settings and have experience working with all age ranges. I am most passionate about working with children and tapping into my creative and playful side. I have the most experience helping people struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD.

Second Chances Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
We draw from an eclectic blend of therapeutic approaches and techniques including CBT, Solution Focused, Mindfullness-Based, Psychodynamic, Depth,
Play
, and more.
Are you feeling depressed, alone, or anxious? Are you struggling with an addiction? Are you tired of fighting with your partner? Do you want to heal after a break-up or divorce? Do you want to stop attracting the same partners in your life and start dating consciously? If you answered YES to any of these questions, chances are you feel frustrated, confused, and alone. The good news is that solutions do exist for you. We have helped many individuals, couples and families reach higher ground with an action-oriented approach to healing.

Sepideh Gidanian
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I meet you where you are now emotionally, work collaboratively with you to challenge these inefficient cognitions and patterns in order to establish therapy goals based on your needs and expectations, and help you not only to gain greater self-awareness but also to
play
a more authentic and effective role in your life.
I am passionate about helping my clients on their journey of self-discovery, who are experiencing life hardships or feeling stuck. I believe the therapeutic process is a collaboration and teamwork between the psychotherapist and the client, and self-awareness and growth are the natural results of effective psychotherapy. In my opinion, there are many reasons why we become who we are. Our genetics, biology, neurology, upbringing, relationships, life experiences, and the society we were raised in are all important in shaping who we have become.

Jinous Berjis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist providing psychotherapy with children, adolescents and adults. Consults with Preschool programs with teachers and parents with children presenting with developmental delays as well as children with social emotional challenges. Provides family therapy,
play therapy
, individual adolescent & adult therapy. Provides support and guidance to families who are seeking assistance with the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process and school district.

Samantha Persoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MSEd, SEP
Verified
Verified
Utilizing somatic experiencing, gestalt and psychodynamic modalities, including techniques from the positive behavioral supports model and
play therapy
, I work with you and your child to explore the origination of emotional or behavioral difficulties and together we will begin to develop deeper understanding and better communication, promoting healing and growth.
I specialize in working with children with emotional or behavioral challenges. That means children of all ages, both those of chronological age, and the children that still exist within all of us. I use a whole person, whole family approach, which includes sessions with the child, as well as coaching and discussion sessions with the parents or occasionally the entire family. For children's behavior to change, the behavior of the caretakers must change as well.

Jordan Goode
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
In family sessions I help caregivers and children work on strengthening the relationship & increasing trust through intentional
play
-based work.
My name is Jordan Goode and I am a Children’s & Family Therapist. I specialize in helping children 2-12 years old who are struggling with trauma, attachment disorders, anxiety, emotional and behavioral issues, OCD, and adjusting to divorce or adoption/ foster care. I offer individual and family sessions & am trained in
play therapy
, art therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, and Exposure Response Prevention. I believe in the healing power of therapeutic
play
! I provide children with a safe space and the materials to process and communicate past experiences and emotions, help them organize their thoughts, & learn coping skills.

Bonnie Greenberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Using customized eclectic approaches; mindfulness, music, solution focused, neuroscience, trauma-informed care, EMDR and group therapy, I help clients discover their innate, creative potential resulting in a more satisfied, productive and meaningful life. I encourage self-expression, communication, and problem solving. With young children, I utilize
play
and art therapy to help them express and understand their feelings thus reducing their internal/external conflicts. With teenagers I often teach mindfulness and coping skills. I'm dedicated to helping each client fulfill their potential and achieve peace, well being and happiness.

Julia Gallucci
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My approach is grounded in psychodynamic theory and informed by a variety of therapy models, including cognitive behavioral therapy, existential psychology, and family systems therapy. I've worked with children in school-based, community, and in-home settings using child-centered
play therapy
, with a focus on supporting kids and parents experiencing divorce and other family stressors.

Justine Roach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I draw from over ten years of experience as a school counselor and training in the following evidence-based modalities: Trauma Focused CBT, Violet Oaklander’s
Play
and Art Therapy Model, Council, and Mindful Self Compassion.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I treat children, adolescents, and adults. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and solution-focused. I help those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, divorce, infertility, relationship challenges, eating disorders, and parenting. I empower my clients by giving them tools to manage stressors, lead more meaningful lives, and reach their personal goals.

Rebecca Hirsch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I utilize a diverse skillset and background to help my clients develop a strategy that will meet their needs using a blend of psychodynamic, trauma informed care, mindfulness, DBT, CBT, art therapy, and
play therapy
.
I know taking the first step can be challenging, and as your therapist I will always seek to support you. I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life’s difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma and intergenerational trauma, life transitions and stressors, grief and loss, identity and self esteem issues, parenting, and beyond. I approach therapy through a social justice lens, which has always been central to who I am.

Sarah Lipshy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I’m passionate about working with children, teens and families, adopting a positive, collaborative approach that compliments each family’s unique strengths. I empower families by exploring family systems, engaging children in
play therapy
and somatic work, and exploring the “why” behind children’s behavior in an open-minded manner. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or defeated by your current family dynamic, want support in parenting skills, or have a child who needs extra guidance and care, I am here to help you gain the insight you need to find greater peace, compassion, and understanding in your life.

Dr. Daisy Gómez
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I use evidence-based modalities: Psychodynamic, Violet Oaklander's Gestalt, and
Play Therapy
.
I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative process. My hope is for clients to feel they can be their authentic selves while reflecting on their strengths and bringing awareness to their vulnerabilities and needs through a non-judgmental approach. I have extensive training in working with children, adolescents, adults, and first-generation clients.
See more therapy options for
Play Therapy
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.