Play Therapy in Vista, CA
Starting therapy can be scary. You are taking a great first step. I am here to help you throughout this journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, and other severe mental illnesses. I have a client-centered collaborative approach to therapy. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Starting therapy can be scary. You are taking a great first step. I am here to help you throughout this journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, and other severe mental illnesses. I have a client-centered collaborative approach to therapy. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns that keep repeating despite your best efforts? I work primarily with adults seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, eating disorders, addiction, and major life stressors. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns that keep repeating despite your best efforts? I work primarily with adults seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, eating disorders, addiction, and major life stressors. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.
I use an integrative client-centered approach with a holistic lens, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness and Meditation, Emotion-Focused, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Theraplay, Trauma-Informed, and more.
My primary goal is to create a nonjudgmental, warm, and compassionate environment where you feel safe and comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You are the expert in your story, and I am here to listen and support you to help empower you to achieve personal growth, improve your relationships, and enhance your overall well-being.
I use an integrative client-centered approach with a holistic lens, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness and Meditation, Emotion-Focused, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Theraplay, Trauma-Informed, and more.
My primary goal is to create a nonjudgmental, warm, and compassionate environment where you feel safe and comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You are the expert in your story, and I am here to listen and support you to help empower you to achieve personal growth, improve your relationships, and enhance your overall well-being.
I tailor my approach for each client using a variety of tools including play therapy, sand tray, expressive art, active imagination and dream work.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and master level registered addiction specialist. I maintain a private practice in Carlsbad, California. Accompanying you on your journey toward self individuation is a deep joy and privilege and I look forward to speaking with you.
I tailor my approach for each client using a variety of tools including play therapy, sand tray, expressive art, active imagination and dream work.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and master level registered addiction specialist. I maintain a private practice in Carlsbad, California. Accompanying you on your journey toward self individuation is a deep joy and privilege and I look forward to speaking with you.
I focus on healing the wounds that have created internal negative "stories" about ourselves and the world to help people reconnect with their original creative, powerful, loving selves. Clients learn stress reduction and self-nurturing techniques to support themselves on the journey through processing trauma and throughout their lives. As clients heal from the past, they then learn new ways to communicate and interact effectively with others and to create the lives they wish to live.
I focus on healing the wounds that have created internal negative "stories" about ourselves and the world to help people reconnect with their original creative, powerful, loving selves. Clients learn stress reduction and self-nurturing techniques to support themselves on the journey through processing trauma and throughout their lives. As clients heal from the past, they then learn new ways to communicate and interact effectively with others and to create the lives they wish to live.
Finding a safe and supportive space to explore your emotions, experiences, and goals is a powerful step toward healing and growth. In my practice I work with individuals, couples, and families from all cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations seeking connection, balance, and fulfillment. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or challenges in relationships and self-identity. You want clarity, emotional healing, and practical tools to manage life’s difficulties. Together, we work toward greater self-awareness, stronger relationships, and empowerment rooted in your unique strengths and values.
Finding a safe and supportive space to explore your emotions, experiences, and goals is a powerful step toward healing and growth. In my practice I work with individuals, couples, and families from all cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations seeking connection, balance, and fulfillment. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or challenges in relationships and self-identity. You want clarity, emotional healing, and practical tools to manage life’s difficulties. Together, we work toward greater self-awareness, stronger relationships, and empowerment rooted in your unique strengths and values.
As a psychologist, I aim to help you heal the relationships that matter most, including how you relate to yourself. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Perhaps you are looking at your child or adolescent and are confused by their behavior or at a loss for how to help them. Maybe you or an important relationship in your life is suffering and you feel stuck. Whatever challenges you are facing, my goal is to meet you with empathy and the fundamental belief that each of us is doing the best we can with the resources we have available to us in any given moment.
As a psychologist, I aim to help you heal the relationships that matter most, including how you relate to yourself. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Perhaps you are looking at your child or adolescent and are confused by their behavior or at a loss for how to help them. Maybe you or an important relationship in your life is suffering and you feel stuck. Whatever challenges you are facing, my goal is to meet you with empathy and the fundamental belief that each of us is doing the best we can with the resources we have available to us in any given moment.
My background in early childhood education also allows me the skills to provide counseling and play therapy for children, starting as young as 2 years.
Assessments
1:1 individual therapy
Small group play
Family collaboration
IEP or 504 plan consults
My background in early childhood education also allows me the skills to provide counseling and play therapy for children, starting as young as 2 years.
Assessments
1:1 individual therapy
Small group play
Family collaboration
IEP or 504 plan consults
Hi there, I'm Steve! Therapy can be scary. You never know what you'll learn about yourself and your life. I know I was scared when I started... So, congratulations on taking the big first step to becoming the best version of yourself. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals.
Hi there, I'm Steve! Therapy can be scary. You never know what you'll learn about yourself and your life. I know I was scared when I started... So, congratulations on taking the big first step to becoming the best version of yourself. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals.
You may understand your patterns and still feel stuck in them, especially in relationships. Many of the women I work with struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or dynamics that leave them feeling disconnected or unsure of themselves. Some notice patterns around self-worth, body image, or a strong inner critic, while others feel the impact of past experiences or trauma. Often, one part understands what’s happening while another feels overwhelmed or reactive. They’re not looking for quick fixes, but for something that helps things truly shift toward a deeper sense of wholeness in mind, body, heart, and soul.
You may understand your patterns and still feel stuck in them, especially in relationships. Many of the women I work with struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or dynamics that leave them feeling disconnected or unsure of themselves. Some notice patterns around self-worth, body image, or a strong inner critic, while others feel the impact of past experiences or trauma. Often, one part understands what’s happening while another feels overwhelmed or reactive. They’re not looking for quick fixes, but for something that helps things truly shift toward a deeper sense of wholeness in mind, body, heart, and soul.
Integrative Mental Health: Accepting New Clients
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
1 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92081
I work with children, teens, and adults who may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, relationship stress, or past experiences that continue to impact their present. Many come to therapy feeling stuck, overthinking, or unsure of their direction. Together, we create a safe and supportive space where they can slow down, better understand their patterns, and begin building the tools and confidence needed to move forward with clarity and resilience.
I work with children, teens, and adults who may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, relationship stress, or past experiences that continue to impact their present. Many come to therapy feeling stuck, overthinking, or unsure of their direction. Together, we create a safe and supportive space where they can slow down, better understand their patterns, and begin building the tools and confidence needed to move forward with clarity and resilience.
Through life's journey there are times that we may feel stuck as if there is a part of you that won't allow you to reach your goals? Do you want more from your life or are you finding it hard to get through your day without feeling anxious, angry, sad or overwhelmed? Do you struggle with addictive or compulsive behaviors? Or are you having relationship issues with your loved ones or coworkers? There is hope. I can be an effective resource in helping to you identify and move toward your goals, becoming a happier and healthier you.
Through life's journey there are times that we may feel stuck as if there is a part of you that won't allow you to reach your goals? Do you want more from your life or are you finding it hard to get through your day without feeling anxious, angry, sad or overwhelmed? Do you struggle with addictive or compulsive behaviors? Or are you having relationship issues with your loved ones or coworkers? There is hope. I can be an effective resource in helping to you identify and move toward your goals, becoming a happier and healthier you.
Anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and the weight of past experiences don't just cause pain - they shape how you see yourself and how you show up with the people you love. If you've found yourself caught in the same patterns, wondering why things feel harder than they should, or simply wanting to understand yourself more deeply, psychodynamic therapy offers something most approaches don't: the chance to get at what's actually driving the difficulty, not just manage it. I work with adults, teens, and children in Encinitas and Vista, and I'm currently accepting new patients.
Anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and the weight of past experiences don't just cause pain - they shape how you see yourself and how you show up with the people you love. If you've found yourself caught in the same patterns, wondering why things feel harder than they should, or simply wanting to understand yourself more deeply, psychodynamic therapy offers something most approaches don't: the chance to get at what's actually driving the difficulty, not just manage it. I work with adults, teens, and children in Encinitas and Vista, and I'm currently accepting new patients.
There are times in life when we reach a point in which positive change needs to occur. Perhaps you've been dealing with the same issue for a long time, or maybe new challenges have arisen that you need help navigating. If any of this applies to you or your child/teen, or if you're simply seeking to reach some desired goals, I hope that you will consider contacting me.
There are times in life when we reach a point in which positive change needs to occur. Perhaps you've been dealing with the same issue for a long time, or maybe new challenges have arisen that you need help navigating. If any of this applies to you or your child/teen, or if you're simply seeking to reach some desired goals, I hope that you will consider contacting me.
Certifications include EMDR specialist, trainings include play/sand tray therapy and somatic experiencing.
Our overall mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family, and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!
Certifications include EMDR specialist, trainings include play/sand tray therapy and somatic experiencing.
Our overall mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family, and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!
Life seems intense, overwhelming, or stressful right now. Fear, anger, and exhaustion are familiar emotions. Your parent/boss/spouse just doesn't get it and you don't know how to explain it to them. Perhaps you're questioning your identity, coming out to your family or to your child(ren), experiencing separation/divorce, ready to transition, or coping with loss. You want a safe place to discuss and leave behind feelings of loneliness, sadness, and confusion. You want to figure out a way to get through the week (the day!) and the next. You want relief. You want to be understood. Let's talk. Your first phone consultation is free.
Life seems intense, overwhelming, or stressful right now. Fear, anger, and exhaustion are familiar emotions. Your parent/boss/spouse just doesn't get it and you don't know how to explain it to them. Perhaps you're questioning your identity, coming out to your family or to your child(ren), experiencing separation/divorce, ready to transition, or coping with loss. You want a safe place to discuss and leave behind feelings of loneliness, sadness, and confusion. You want to figure out a way to get through the week (the day!) and the next. You want relief. You want to be understood. Let's talk. Your first phone consultation is free.
I graduated from the University of Luton in England and continued her education, earning her Master’s Degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a background in crisis intervention. I began my career as an MFT, working in an emergency shelter program for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking with substance abuse and severe mental health issues. I provided individual and group therapy in residential and outpatient transitional housing programs.
I graduated from the University of Luton in England and continued her education, earning her Master’s Degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a background in crisis intervention. I began my career as an MFT, working in an emergency shelter program for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking with substance abuse and severe mental health issues. I provided individual and group therapy in residential and outpatient transitional housing programs.
Hello and welcome! Grow Through Life Counseling is a group private practice welcoming both in person clients in Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, 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.
You are here because you are hurting and want to heal. Healing is possible and you deserve love and acceptance for just being you- your full authentic self. I have been treating anxiety, depression, identity, codependency, eating disorders, low self esteem and relationships issues in children, teens and adults since 2007. My therapeutic style is often more directive, as I see myself as a part of your therapeutic process-not a quiet observer. I use a balance of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and exploring how your childhood shaped your current thoughts and behaviors.
You are here because you are hurting and want to heal. Healing is possible and you deserve love and acceptance for just being you- your full authentic self. I have been treating anxiety, depression, identity, codependency, eating disorders, low self esteem and relationships issues in children, teens and adults since 2007. My therapeutic style is often more directive, as I see myself as a part of your therapeutic process-not a quiet observer. I use a balance of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and exploring how your childhood shaped your current thoughts and behaviors.
Life and relationships can be challenging, filled with ups and downs, and moments that feel overwhelming to navigate alone. Whether you’re feeling stuck within yourself or disconnected from a partner, these experiences can leave you longing for understanding, support, and meaningful change. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel less alone, more supported, and deeply understood. I believe healing and lasting growth happen through safe, authentic connection with ourselves and with others. I work with both individuals and couples to help clients understand the emotional patterns that shape their inner world and relationships.
Life and relationships can be challenging, filled with ups and downs, and moments that feel overwhelming to navigate alone. Whether you’re feeling stuck within yourself or disconnected from a partner, these experiences can leave you longing for understanding, support, and meaningful change. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel less alone, more supported, and deeply understood. I believe healing and lasting growth happen through safe, authentic connection with ourselves and with others. I work with both individuals and couples to help clients understand the emotional patterns that shape their inner world and relationships.
See more therapy options for Vista
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Vista
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Carlsbad
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
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.