Play Therapy in Woodland Hills, CA

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Photo of Rachel Coates-Campbell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Rachel Coates-Campbell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Depending on what your goals are, I work from a platform of evidenced based modalities such as Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance Therapy, and Play Therapy to name a few.
We all have moments of difficulty in our lives. Sometimes these difficulties are due to unexpected life circumstances or life transitions and some difficulties are caused by underlining mental health challenges or disorders. Engaging in therapy is one tool that a person can use to assist with working through and managing these difficulties.
(805) 429-2607
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Woodland Hills, CA 91364
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Photo of Karine Echighian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Karine Echighian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MBA, LMFT, CCATP
Verified
Verified
Working with couples to improve their relationship or preparing for marriage; families strengthening their dynamic; adults working on a variety of life's challenges; children learning to express themselves through play ; and teens and pre-teens; a number of which participate in weekly Teen Group (14-17 year olds) or Youth Group (5th-8th graders).
Deciding to seek counseling services is, often times, a personal and difficult decision. Finding the right therapist is a daunting task. Once you take the first step and found the proper support, you are on the path of self-discovery and healing. It is the first step towards "figuring it out" or "making a change". When you find yourself feeling stuck or struggling, reaching out is positive and empowering. Looking forward to helping you thrive all the while providing guidance and support on your journey towards achieving your goals.
(818) 306-5483
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Woodland Hills, CA 91364
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Photo of Bar Zafrany, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Bar Zafrany
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Whether it is through EMDR, talk, art, or play therapy .
Hey there, thank you for clicking on my page! I recognize that it can be extremely difficult to find a therapist that fits your needs, whether you have experience with therapy or not. Therefore, I strive towards making your therapeutic experience as comfortable and unique as possible. Through a collaborative approach, I can help you and your loved ones navigate through difficult and challenging experiences that may affect you and your family. As you continue to face challenging and life-changing events, I am here to validate, support, and motivate you. Together we will identify tools and methods that will make you feel your best!
(747) 529-7586
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Woodland Hills, CA 91367
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Photo of Kristina Maglic, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Kristina Maglic
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified
Verified
I utilize an array of evidence based practices including but limited to CBT and Play Therapy .
When we are feeling down and in need of support, we all deserve someone to talk to about our experiences. Sometimes it's not easy to communicate with those we are closest to about what we are feeling. I'm here to support individuals and families in processing their emotions and life experiences in a supportive and constructive environment. My goal when working with families is often to bridge the communication gap between adults and children. Some areas I specializes in are disruptive behaviors, depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment and communication challenges. Please reach out for a consultation if ever you need support.
(818) 514-1064
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Woodland Hills, CA 91364
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Photo of Bianca Morris, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Woodland Hills, CA
Bianca Morris
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified
Verified
My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy .
Hello! As a dedicated Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I am passionate about helping children reach their full potential. With a background in psychology, and a specialization in autism spectrum disorder, I have the knowledge and skills to work with children who face a variety of challenges, including social communication difficulties, sensory processing issues, ADHD, and behavioral concerns.
(818) 239-4637
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Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Photo of Marie Ohannessian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Marie Ohannessian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
My specialties include working with children, adolescents and adults in providing coping mechanisms through Cognitive Behavioral therapy for adults and play therapy for children; assisting college students struggling with life transitions .
Don't give up, you can heal and overcome traumas by adapting to new environments through healthy coping skills. Helping to cope with changes and finding ways to decrease or resolve experiences of distress can be vital for a person to grow in a healthy manner. I am committed to establishing a collaborative relationship and work toward assisting my clients to overcome and cope with significant stressors in their lives. Being aware of the triggers and working toward healthier forms of thinking and behaving are important aspects to work through in therapy. I am also able to accommodate my clients and meet them within the community.
(818) 975-3665
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Woodland Hills, CA 91302
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Photo of Shannon Lawler, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Shannon Lawler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
If you are a parent who is needing support with children who are experiencing emotional distress, behavioral/social challenges or who have experienced trauma, I have a specialty in working with children and have a particular passion for Mindful Parenting, and Play Therapy .
My practice is dedicated to supporting healthy relationships, wellness and overall life satisfaction. I work with individuals, families, couples, and children of all ages. If you are looking to improve communication within your interpersonal relationships, find coping strategies for existing life challenges, or want to find a place to come and engage in personal introspection, I strive to create a safe, open, and honest space for you to gain awareness, find connection, and explore new ways of being.
(818) 918-2342
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Woodland Hills, CA 91364
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Photo of Cynthia D Weston, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Cynthia D Weston
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Sometimes beginning the process of therapy can be a little scary. The gifts that can be discovered through the challenge may inspire, transform, generate, and insight a new outlook on one's future. I have great compassion for those that want to make changes in their life. Family, child ( play therapy ), teens and individul, along with groups are all a part of my practice. Helping to discover your ultimate truth and having healthy, intimate, communicative, and nurturing relationships can bring freedom to your world and that is the goal.
(818) 527-4510
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Office is near:
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
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Photo of Jennifer Lynn Ray, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Jennifer Lynn Ray
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
"The body heals with play , the mind heals with laughter and the spirit heals with joy.
Our only job as parents is to make sure that our children are provided with all they need to achieve their dreams and become successful human beings. Sometimes what they need spans far beyond basic necessity and digs deep into emotional and mental well-being. In my practice, I work collaboratively with children and their families to help identify and solve challenges or obstacles that get in the way of achieving life's aspirations and feelings of happiness. The beauty is that children's minds are malleable, helping them to discover who they are through their inner strength is the greatest gift one can take away from therapy.
(818) 860-7429
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Office is near:
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
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Photo of Clifford Robinson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Clifford Robinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Kids love to explore my specialized play therapy room which is equipped with a sand tray, puppets and unique therapeutic board games.
"Let's finally stop just talking about your problems, and begin doing something about them." I've found that at the core of most of our troubles is deeper conflict between our Values and Actions. This inconsistency may have been caused by past experiences, traumatic events or a genetic predisposition. Regardless of the source of the problem, let's take a more active approach to feeling happier and healthier. Whether you are seeking help in your career, looking to improve your relationship, having problems with the kids or struggling with anxiety, let's get started. The time is now!
(818) 963-9152
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Office is near:
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
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Waitlist for new clients
Photo of Parshaw Barati-Marnani, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Parshaw Barati-Marnani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
My areas of focus are trauma and play therapy , and I also work with issues of grief/loss, cultural issues, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Life can be complicated and challenging, and there is no "how to" guide. You work so hard, juggling all the different parts of life, but don't feel fulfilled or satisfied. Everything feels like a struggle. You work so hard and it feels like you're barely holding on. What do we do when things happen that throw us off course.? What do we do when we get stuck in a cycle that we don't know how to change? I want you to know that it can get better. The fact that you're reading this right now means that you're ready to feel good. By building tools and exploring the barriers, you can create the life you want, the life you deserve!
(818) 650-4316
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Office is near:
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
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Waitlist for new clients
Photo of Lifespan: Center for Family Psychological Services, Psychologist in Woodland Hills, CA
Lifespan: Center for Family Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Our treatments include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neurofeedback, Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Play Therapy , Parent Training, Family Therapy, and Couples Therapy.
Lifespan is a center specializing in mental health diagnosis and treatment across all ages. We specialize in providing psychological testing, neuropsychological evaluations, and neurodevelopmental assessments and provide diagnostic clarity, referrals, resources, and treatment plans. We help in identifying learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, issues with attention, and memory and learning complaints, to name a few. Psychological testing can help to clarify between different diagnoses (e.g., ADHD vs Anxiety), provide answers about general difficulties you or your child may be having, and be used for schools to help accommodate you or your child’s needs. We help you better understand your strengths and identify areas of support. Furthermore, we specialize in pre-surgical evaluations (e.g., bariatric, reconstructive, etc.) and work directly with surgeons to optimize outcomes.
(805) 572-6695
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Office is near:
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
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Photo of Whyell Family Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Whyell Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Art and Play therapy , among other techniques.
Becoming a therapist was my first choice, a passion I discovered during my sophomore year as an undergrad. Of course, it was not my first major, as I thought I would attend medical school. However, due to a car accident, I had to take a break from classes with laboratory courses, which led me to psychology. The best methods to pique anyone's interest are, in my opinion, abnormal psychology and personality psychology; they started my passion for learning more. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Psychology, I applied for my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialty in Latino Family Studies.
(559) 702-5266
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Office is near:
Woodland Hills, CA 91365
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Photo of Maury T Carlin, Psychologist in Woodland Hills, CA
Maury T Carlin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
My background includes a B.A. with Honors in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Stanford University. I specialize in the treatment and assessment of children, but my practice extends as well to to the evaluation and psychotherapy of teens. adults,couples and geriatric populations. I practice in a setting with four psychiatrists (analysts and psychopharmacologists) who provide me with consultation if medical issues regarding medication arise. My psychological orientation in my practice is basically psychodynamic, relational, and social learning with an emphasis on one or more of those theoretical leanings depending on the presenting issues.
(818) 666-3715
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Woodland Hills, CA 91367
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Photo of Veronica Yakovenko, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Veronica Yakovenko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I love my work! From facilitating social skills groups for children, to helping teens navigate difficult emotions, to supporting adults through various life stages, I am here for you. I have been working in the mental health field since 2007. I have experience with a wide range of needs, including dual diagnosis, veterans, children with ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, parent support, and more!
(818) 369-3584
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Woodland Hills, CA 91367
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Photo of Emily R. Adili, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Emily R. Adili
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a strengths based therapist that specializes in working with teens, young adults, and families. I am passionate about helping young people find their voice and learn the skills necessary to feel confident and capable as they enter their next stage of life. I also have extensive experience working with those struggling with substance use, recovery based principles, and LGBTQIA+ populations.
(818) 930-5932
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Woodland Hills, CA 91367
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Photo of Francia Telesford, Pre-Licensed Professional in Woodland Hills, CA
Francia Telesford
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ACSW, CLE, PMH-C
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I am passionate about helping you navigate to a better well-being. It’s my goal to empower you to get your needs met in a way that speaks to you as an individual and for you to look back at your struggles and embrace them as victories. What you’re going through matters. You have value, and you are deserving of kindness without judgment. As someone who has dealt with anxiety as well as postpartum depression, I can tell you that there is a road that leads to less suffering and more joy.
(626) 314-7713
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Woodland Hills, CA 91364
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Not accepting new clients
Photo of Diane Studna, Psychologist in Woodland Hills, CA
Diane Studna
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
The relationship with your therapist is crucial to changing patterns of behavior. I believe that working with the right therapist can allow you to make changes that will help you create more fulfilling relationships with your partners, children, and colleagues; overcome depression and anxiety; cope with loss, and adjust to difficult transitions.
(818) 574-8554
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Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Not accepting new clients
Photo of Lia Roy Nanda, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Lia Roy Nanda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PPS
Verified
Verified
I provide therapy to children, adolescents, and adults for broad spectrum of issues ranging from mild to severe. I counsel individuals and families for relationship difficulties, separation/divorce, parenting challenges, individual/family crises, survivors of abuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief/loss, trauma, and suicidal/self-injurious behavior.During difficult times when a person feels very vulnerable, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and energy to seek help. My approach is warm and genuine; my sessions are collaborative so clients to develop effective coping skills to overcome obstacles in their life after therapy has terminated and not foster dependency.
(818) 396-8489
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Woodland Hills, CA 91364
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Photo of Nathalie May, Marriage & Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, CA
Nathalie May
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Nathalie grew up in Paris, graduated with a Master of Science (MS) degree in Counseling with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Northridge. With over 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and their families. She has extensive experience in treating children on the autism spectrum, crisis intervention, behavioral issues, trauma, family issues, and addiction. Nathalie specializes in working w/teens and their family to help them improve behavior, develop better coping and communication skills, and empower them to reach their higher potential.
(818) 699-0893
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Woodland Hills, CA 91364
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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.