Play Therapy in Oakland, CA
It is a privilege to help others who are seeking support on their journey. As a licensed psychologist who enjoys working with adults, children, families, couples, as well as groups, I appreciate a holistic approach to lifestyle changes. It is important to consider physical, mental and emotional health to increase our quality of life. We don’t have control over some circumstances in life, but we can work to optimally navigate what comes our way. Cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness for stress reduction, managing occupational strain and psychoeducation are some of the techniques I find helpful.
It is a privilege to help others who are seeking support on their journey. As a licensed psychologist who enjoys working with adults, children, families, couples, as well as groups, I appreciate a holistic approach to lifestyle changes. It is important to consider physical, mental and emotional health to increase our quality of life. We don’t have control over some circumstances in life, but we can work to optimally navigate what comes our way. Cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness for stress reduction, managing occupational strain and psychoeducation are some of the techniques I find helpful.
Good morning, afternoon, or evening depending on when you find yourself seeking change. I applaud you for taking this first step in finding peace. I hope in this moment you choose what's best for your growth, wellness and happiness. Let me help with the part of finding and connecting lost parts and forgotten memories to, again, see the whole picture of self.
Good morning, afternoon, or evening depending on when you find yourself seeking change. I applaud you for taking this first step in finding peace. I hope in this moment you choose what's best for your growth, wellness and happiness. Let me help with the part of finding and connecting lost parts and forgotten memories to, again, see the whole picture of self.
With training in theatre and drama therapy, I can get to the root of the issue quickly, even if you’re not interested in any role play.
Parenting is hard. Let’s be real. Whether we’re talking about you or talking about your parents, I bet somebody made at least one mistake somewhere along the way. But that’s not a big deal. You can totally get on track! Let me help you get to a place where you feel competent, skilled even, in navigating the challenges of daily life. Kids throwing tantrums? Partner not pulling their weight? Trouble deciding what to eat for dinner? No problem! Our goal is to build up your self esteem in every aspect of your life so that you can confidently manage all of your relationships, including the one with yourself.
With training in theatre and drama therapy, I can get to the root of the issue quickly, even if you’re not interested in any role play.
Parenting is hard. Let’s be real. Whether we’re talking about you or talking about your parents, I bet somebody made at least one mistake somewhere along the way. But that’s not a big deal. You can totally get on track! Let me help you get to a place where you feel competent, skilled even, in navigating the challenges of daily life. Kids throwing tantrums? Partner not pulling their weight? Trouble deciding what to eat for dinner? No problem! Our goal is to build up your self esteem in every aspect of your life so that you can confidently manage all of your relationships, including the one with yourself.
Are you looking for a new creative way to deal with difficulties in life and get in touch with your best self? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything with your child, but they struggle to benefit from traditional talk therapy? As art therapists, we incorporate talk therapy with art making to help our clients unlock their creative potential, look at problems with fresh eyes, and develop new creative coping skills for managing difficult emotions. If you or your child is feeling blocked by past trauma, stuck in destructive patterns, or overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, then I encourage you to reach out. You are not alone.
Are you looking for a new creative way to deal with difficulties in life and get in touch with your best self? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything with your child, but they struggle to benefit from traditional talk therapy? As art therapists, we incorporate talk therapy with art making to help our clients unlock their creative potential, look at problems with fresh eyes, and develop new creative coping skills for managing difficult emotions. If you or your child is feeling blocked by past trauma, stuck in destructive patterns, or overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, then I encourage you to reach out. You are not alone.
You don't need to navigate life's challenges alone. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, worried, burnt out, or struggling with perfectionism, self-doubt, or relationship stress and disconnection. In either individual therapy or couples therapy, we will work on what matters to you: your relationships, priorities, values, and goals. We will cultivate a deeper sense of ease and clarity.
You don't need to navigate life's challenges alone. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, worried, burnt out, or struggling with perfectionism, self-doubt, or relationship stress and disconnection. In either individual therapy or couples therapy, we will work on what matters to you: your relationships, priorities, values, and goals. We will cultivate a deeper sense of ease and clarity.
It would be my honor to walk with you on your journey as you are bravely navigating your fears, pain, and livelihood. The way I work is shaped by your unique needs and goals as my priority is to help you move towards the values and dreams that are most important to you. I want to help you find congruence between the life you live and the life you've always wanted.
It would be my honor to walk with you on your journey as you are bravely navigating your fears, pain, and livelihood. The way I work is shaped by your unique needs and goals as my priority is to help you move towards the values and dreams that are most important to you. I want to help you find congruence between the life you live and the life you've always wanted.
Working in non profits and government services for 20 plus years both in San Francisco and Alameda County, has taught me the art of appreciating people for who they are, keeping an open mind and helping them see their own strength within. I am very excited to be in private practice. Working with couples , individuals and families. I am very curious and passionate about our natural need for growth and integrity, and to have healthy loving relationships. I am open to all types of relationships, marriages and non traditional coupling. I work intuitively and believe in ones ability to heal from within from trauma and hurts.
Working in non profits and government services for 20 plus years both in San Francisco and Alameda County, has taught me the art of appreciating people for who they are, keeping an open mind and helping them see their own strength within. I am very excited to be in private practice. Working with couples , individuals and families. I am very curious and passionate about our natural need for growth and integrity, and to have healthy loving relationships. I am open to all types of relationships, marriages and non traditional coupling. I work intuitively and believe in ones ability to heal from within from trauma and hurts.
Worried about your child or teen? Struggling with school, emotions, or behavior? Parenting can be exhausting—especially when you’re not sure how to help.
I support parents in understanding their children's needs, access resources, and advocate as needed.
I also offer telehealth for teens ready to engage in therapy. Together, we build skills for confidence, communication, and resilience.
I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, school issues, big emotions, trauma, and family stress. Let’s work together to help your family thrive.
Worried about your child or teen? Struggling with school, emotions, or behavior? Parenting can be exhausting—especially when you’re not sure how to help.
I support parents in understanding their children's needs, access resources, and advocate as needed.
I also offer telehealth for teens ready to engage in therapy. Together, we build skills for confidence, communication, and resilience.
I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, school issues, big emotions, trauma, and family stress. Let’s work together to help your family thrive.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over three decades of experience serving young children, teens, adults, parents, and families affected by a broad range of life challenges. I value warmth, compassion, and collaboration, as well as concrete strategies for deep and sustainable change. I bring my full presence and attention to your unique experience and life circumstance. When people feel stuck, we work together to develop ways of coping that relieve suffering, strengthen relationships, and expand possibilities for a full life.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over three decades of experience serving young children, teens, adults, parents, and families affected by a broad range of life challenges. I value warmth, compassion, and collaboration, as well as concrete strategies for deep and sustainable change. I bring my full presence and attention to your unique experience and life circumstance. When people feel stuck, we work together to develop ways of coping that relieve suffering, strengthen relationships, and expand possibilities for a full life.
My name is Devin Nigh and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Oakland, California and supporting California clients via telehealth sessions. I specialize in working with adolescents, children, and young adults and use a humanistic therapy approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools to help clients and families make positive changes in their lives. I help young adults and youth facing issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Trauma, and Substance Abuse
My name is Devin Nigh and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Oakland, California and supporting California clients via telehealth sessions. I specialize in working with adolescents, children, and young adults and use a humanistic therapy approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools to help clients and families make positive changes in their lives. I help young adults and youth facing issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Trauma, and Substance Abuse
I warmly welcome you to a compassionate and authentic space where connection, self-expression, and the healing power of being truly seen guide our work together. My intention is to move beyond just addressing symptoms, to exploring the roots of your pain and drawing from your unique strengths to begin healing. I work with those who are curious, self-reflective, and seeking deeper alignment with their values and truths. I’m especially passionate about creating an empowering and liberatory space for LGBTQ+ clients, neurodivergent individuals, people living with chronic illness or pain, and people with layered cultural identities.
I warmly welcome you to a compassionate and authentic space where connection, self-expression, and the healing power of being truly seen guide our work together. My intention is to move beyond just addressing symptoms, to exploring the roots of your pain and drawing from your unique strengths to begin healing. I work with those who are curious, self-reflective, and seeking deeper alignment with their values and truths. I’m especially passionate about creating an empowering and liberatory space for LGBTQ+ clients, neurodivergent individuals, people living with chronic illness or pain, and people with layered cultural identities.
I also love providing play/talk therapy for kids/teens & finding best parenting strategies for their kid's/teen's unique needs.
If you are looking for down to earth & collaborative therapy, I'd be happy to see how I can be of help. I'm dedicated to providing a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, welcoming, culturally humble, compassionate and thoughtful. In addition to treating depression, anxiety and trauma, I specialize in 1. Relational Trauma (when someone has been repeatedly hurt by a loved one, community, institution and/or society), 2. Religious Trauma (when theology, culture and/or religious leader/community has caused shame, fear and pain) and 3. Child/Adolescent Therapy (for ADHD, school refusal, social struggles, depression and anxiety).
I also love providing play/talk therapy for kids/teens & finding best parenting strategies for their kid's/teen's unique needs.
If you are looking for down to earth & collaborative therapy, I'd be happy to see how I can be of help. I'm dedicated to providing a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, welcoming, culturally humble, compassionate and thoughtful. In addition to treating depression, anxiety and trauma, I specialize in 1. Relational Trauma (when someone has been repeatedly hurt by a loved one, community, institution and/or society), 2. Religious Trauma (when theology, culture and/or religious leader/community has caused shame, fear and pain) and 3. Child/Adolescent Therapy (for ADHD, school refusal, social struggles, depression and anxiety).
What's happening in your life today? How can I help you feel better about yourself and your future? Sometimes painful life experiences get in the way of taking charge of our lives. For some, depression, anxiety or trauma can make you feel stuck. Others want to figure out why their interpersonal relationships are conflicted and stressful or that they still haven't met the person they want to be with. Therapy is such a useful experience to get things out of your head and into the room, where we work together to figure out what's in the way of happiness, while creating a plan for going forward.
What's happening in your life today? How can I help you feel better about yourself and your future? Sometimes painful life experiences get in the way of taking charge of our lives. For some, depression, anxiety or trauma can make you feel stuck. Others want to figure out why their interpersonal relationships are conflicted and stressful or that they still haven't met the person they want to be with. Therapy is such a useful experience to get things out of your head and into the room, where we work together to figure out what's in the way of happiness, while creating a plan for going forward.
As a trauma responsive multicultural expressive arts therapist, I bring in creativity, play, and collaboration to heal past wounds and create new futures.
Are you looking to heal from trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, experiences with abuse and family violence? Or years of navigating systemic oppression? Are you motivated to develop into your most joyful and resilient self? Let me help you metabolize pain into triumph. I’ve been helping individuals, families and groups transcend trauma, abuse and grief for over 10 years in California and Hawai’i. I have a liberatory and integrative approach that is authentic, collaborative, warm, creative and joyful.
As a trauma responsive multicultural expressive arts therapist, I bring in creativity, play, and collaboration to heal past wounds and create new futures.
Are you looking to heal from trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, experiences with abuse and family violence? Or years of navigating systemic oppression? Are you motivated to develop into your most joyful and resilient self? Let me help you metabolize pain into triumph. I’ve been helping individuals, families and groups transcend trauma, abuse and grief for over 10 years in California and Hawai’i. I have a liberatory and integrative approach that is authentic, collaborative, warm, creative and joyful.
Sometimes going through something worrisome, upsetting, or even inspiring, could make us want change. And change can be difficult. Maybe you and/or your kid are feeling overwhelmed and stuck, and aren’t sure how to manage it.
I provide therapy for children/adolescents, and adults, as well as parent consultation/support through a relational and integrative approach. Therapy could be an opportunity to gain insight into challenges to navigate difficult life situations. I can provide support in handling issues related to anxiety, self-esteem, transitions (grief & loss/parent separations), ADHD, or other emotional challenges.
Sometimes going through something worrisome, upsetting, or even inspiring, could make us want change. And change can be difficult. Maybe you and/or your kid are feeling overwhelmed and stuck, and aren’t sure how to manage it.
I provide therapy for children/adolescents, and adults, as well as parent consultation/support through a relational and integrative approach. Therapy could be an opportunity to gain insight into challenges to navigate difficult life situations. I can provide support in handling issues related to anxiety, self-esteem, transitions (grief & loss/parent separations), ADHD, or other emotional challenges.
I am also skilled with bottom-up regulation strategies using arts and play to assist with issues more prone to be relieved through right brain processes versus traditional cognitive therapy models.
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety? If you find it difficult to make friends or experience loneliness, come talk to me. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address your difficulties and build meaningful social connections. I am there to walk beside you, listen and offer you my insights, and support you as together we look into whatever it is you bring. Counseling can help you to explore your difficulties and understand the emotions behind them. The process aims to help you find ways of managing your life, perhaps by seeing things differently or gaining a deeper understanding.
I am also skilled with bottom-up regulation strategies using arts and play to assist with issues more prone to be relieved through right brain processes versus traditional cognitive therapy models.
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety? If you find it difficult to make friends or experience loneliness, come talk to me. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address your difficulties and build meaningful social connections. I am there to walk beside you, listen and offer you my insights, and support you as together we look into whatever it is you bring. Counseling can help you to explore your difficulties and understand the emotions behind them. The process aims to help you find ways of managing your life, perhaps by seeing things differently or gaining a deeper understanding.
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, nutrition counseling, and leadership coaching. We offer services to children and adults with concerns around depression, anxiety, mood disturbance, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges, academic difficulties, and career burnout.
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, nutrition counseling, and leadership coaching. We offer services to children and adults with concerns around depression, anxiety, mood disturbance, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges, academic difficulties, and career burnout.
When treating families with children from 3 to 12, I may suggest Filial Therapy, a highly effective combination of play and family therapy.
When individuals, couples, families or children make the difficult decision to come to therapy they are usually feeling stuck and often scared. Each of us has our own strength and wisdom which we don't see when we are troubled. My goal is for us to work together to rediscover those qualities.
I use a cattail plant as a symbol of how I see therapy. Why? Cattails are found stuck in a marsh and often regarded as weeds. But when looked at carefully they are graceful and strong. Let me help you find your strength and grace.
When treating families with children from 3 to 12, I may suggest Filial Therapy, a highly effective combination of play and family therapy.
When individuals, couples, families or children make the difficult decision to come to therapy they are usually feeling stuck and often scared. Each of us has our own strength and wisdom which we don't see when we are troubled. My goal is for us to work together to rediscover those qualities.
I use a cattail plant as a symbol of how I see therapy. Why? Cattails are found stuck in a marsh and often regarded as weeds. But when looked at carefully they are graceful and strong. Let me help you find your strength and grace.
Hello, my name is Rhani. My approach to therapy is warm and collaborative. I work with individuals, romantic partners, and families using a blend of talk therapy and somatic (body-based) modalities to support meaningful growth and lasting change.
My areas of focus include relationships, emotional regulation, trauma (I have specialized training to work with C-PTSD & PTSD), sex and sexuality, neurodiversity, children and families, school-based struggles including IEP and 504 support, and getting through particularly hard times.
Hello, my name is Rhani. My approach to therapy is warm and collaborative. I work with individuals, romantic partners, and families using a blend of talk therapy and somatic (body-based) modalities to support meaningful growth and lasting change.
My areas of focus include relationships, emotional regulation, trauma (I have specialized training to work with C-PTSD & PTSD), sex and sexuality, neurodiversity, children and families, school-based struggles including IEP and 504 support, and getting through particularly hard times.
By building a warm, trusting relationship, I help young clients cultivate self-awareness, work through problem behaviors, and build confidence through play, conversation, and creativity.
My style is relaxed, relational, and good-humored, my energy gentle & steady. My primary training is in psychodynamic talk therapy, and I integrate cognitive and mindfulness-based tools when helpful. I've trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and SPACE, a targeted, parent-focused treatment for child anxiety.
By building a warm, trusting relationship, I help young clients cultivate self-awareness, work through problem behaviors, and build confidence through play, conversation, and creativity.
My style is relaxed, relational, and good-humored, my energy gentle & steady. My primary training is in psychodynamic talk therapy, and I integrate cognitive and mindfulness-based tools when helpful. I've trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and SPACE, a targeted, parent-focused treatment for child anxiety.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
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.