Play Therapy in 94609
Patricia Banchik Rothschild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Waitlist for new clients
My expertise is working with trauma, grief & sexual abuse of children, teens and adults using trauma focused CBT, EMDR, Brain Spotting &play therapy.
My experience comes from 31 years of helping children, adults, couples and families in both Community Mental Health and Private Practice. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each individual's needs to facilitate healing and growth. Through my years of experience I have witnessed over and over again people coming into therapy with great pain, discomfort and despair but with time, (sometimes within a very short time) their symptoms diminish and a whole new person emerges. Crisis times can be extremely painful and distressful but they can also be opportunities for growth and healing through therapy.
My expertise is working with trauma, grief & sexual abuse of children, teens and adults using trauma focused CBT, EMDR, Brain Spotting &play therapy.
My experience comes from 31 years of helping children, adults, couples and families in both Community Mental Health and Private Practice. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each individual's needs to facilitate healing and growth. Through my years of experience I have witnessed over and over again people coming into therapy with great pain, discomfort and despair but with time, (sometimes within a very short time) their symptoms diminish and a whole new person emerges. Crisis times can be extremely painful and distressful but they can also be opportunities for growth and healing through therapy.
Angie N Branham
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I have extensive experience working with adults and children as young as 3. I specialize in helping children other therapists describe as "difficult to treat," including children who are traumatized, emotionally unregulated, physically aggressive, or have difficulty connecting with adults and caregivers. I will work with your child whose needs have not been met in schools or by other therapists. I help children through play, physical movement, games, art, and words. I help overwhelmed parents with sound psychological guidance. I have fourteen years' experience and I teach and train other therapists.
I have extensive experience working with adults and children as young as 3. I specialize in helping children other therapists describe as "difficult to treat," including children who are traumatized, emotionally unregulated, physically aggressive, or have difficulty connecting with adults and caregivers. I will work with your child whose needs have not been met in schools or by other therapists. I help children through play, physical movement, games, art, and words. I help overwhelmed parents with sound psychological guidance. I have fourteen years' experience and I teach and train other therapists.
Ben Morsa
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Therapy is a deeply personal experience and there are as many reasons to seek therapy as there are people who seek it. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or shame. You may have suffered traumas or losses and are wondering how these shape your thoughts, feelings and relationships. Maybe you simply have a sense that aspects of your life are not coming together in the ways you desire. Therapy is a space to explore these curiosities, to develop insight into your self, and, ultimately, to find greater fulfillment in your work, relationships, and play.
Therapy is a deeply personal experience and there are as many reasons to seek therapy as there are people who seek it. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or shame. You may have suffered traumas or losses and are wondering how these shape your thoughts, feelings and relationships. Maybe you simply have a sense that aspects of your life are not coming together in the ways you desire. Therapy is a space to explore these curiosities, to develop insight into your self, and, ultimately, to find greater fulfillment in your work, relationships, and play.
Sf Bay Play Therapy By Karen Wolfe Lmft
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
We are a group of Marriage and Family Therapists with locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and Orinda. We offer child and family play therapy, Hand in Hand Parenting coaching, individual and couples therapy, Brainspotting and trainings. Whether you are a child, parent, or teacher, we want to empower you to connect deeply with yourself and to help you create meaningful and satisfying relationships. Through the tools of play therapy, hand in hand parenting coaching, and relational psychotherapy we help children and adults reflect, build stronger bonds, and find the inner resources to create the family life you are longing for.
We are a group of Marriage and Family Therapists with locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and Orinda. We offer child and family play therapy, Hand in Hand Parenting coaching, individual and couples therapy, Brainspotting and trainings. Whether you are a child, parent, or teacher, we want to empower you to connect deeply with yourself and to help you create meaningful and satisfying relationships. Through the tools of play therapy, hand in hand parenting coaching, and relational psychotherapy we help children and adults reflect, build stronger bonds, and find the inner resources to create the family life you are longing for.
Kelly Bassin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I use play therapy, art therapy & eco therapy with children and teens.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads or yearning for more? You may be at a breaking point or you may want to make some changes and you don't know where to start. I will ensure a safe and warm environment for exploration. We will move at a pace comfortable for you. Taking the leap of faith into therapy takes courage. We will engage in a process of empowerment to help you feel more centered & grounded in yourself. I work with individuals, couples, children, & families. I am here to listen, empathize & deepen your self-understanding . We will take a look at your inner longings and the parts of your life which may not be serving you.
I use play therapy, art therapy & eco therapy with children and teens.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads or yearning for more? You may be at a breaking point or you may want to make some changes and you don't know where to start. I will ensure a safe and warm environment for exploration. We will move at a pace comfortable for you. Taking the leap of faith into therapy takes courage. We will engage in a process of empowerment to help you feel more centered & grounded in yourself. I work with individuals, couples, children, & families. I am here to listen, empathize & deepen your self-understanding . We will take a look at your inner longings and the parts of your life which may not be serving you.
Baljeet Heyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
If you’re experiencing anxiety or trauma, I can help. Trauma, particularly from early childhood can have a deep impact on your self-esteem, relationships and functioning. You may struggle with perfectionism, people pleasing or codependency. Your nervous system may be dsyregulated which can lead to feeling flooded with emotions and or exhausted. This can lead to adaptions which may have serious consequences. Some interventions I use with clients include EMDR, Internal Family Systems, somatic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, art, sandplay and play therapy. Which interventions are based on your preferences and fit.
If you’re experiencing anxiety or trauma, I can help. Trauma, particularly from early childhood can have a deep impact on your self-esteem, relationships and functioning. You may struggle with perfectionism, people pleasing or codependency. Your nervous system may be dsyregulated which can lead to feeling flooded with emotions and or exhausted. This can lead to adaptions which may have serious consequences. Some interventions I use with clients include EMDR, Internal Family Systems, somatic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, art, sandplay and play therapy. Which interventions are based on your preferences and fit.
Elisa Chaves
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about supporting children, adults and families to improve their communication, emotional connections and self-esteem. My approach is warm, interactive and strength-based. I have experience working with children and adults going through divorce, traumatic experiences, conflicts, challenges with self-regulation, as well as parenting difficulties and behavioral problems. I support my clients through life transitions, the process of acculturation and belonging, anxiety, depression or seeking any type of emotional healing from current or past experiences.
I am passionate about supporting children, adults and families to improve their communication, emotional connections and self-esteem. My approach is warm, interactive and strength-based. I have experience working with children and adults going through divorce, traumatic experiences, conflicts, challenges with self-regulation, as well as parenting difficulties and behavioral problems. I support my clients through life transitions, the process of acculturation and belonging, anxiety, depression or seeking any type of emotional healing from current or past experiences.
Erika Liu-Culpin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
I conduct therapy through the lens of a Humanistic Approach & am client-centered based. In session you can expect to be challenged, empowered & learn about yourself as well as the relationships in your life. I will help you identify the ways in which you are living on autopilot & will allow you to explore negative patterns you may be stuck living in. I will hold you accountable to track unhealthy behaviors, set clear boundaries, help break generational trauma & find what coping strategies work for you. My goal is to bring authenticity, support & non-judgment while helping you find the strength to navigate through life challenges.
I conduct therapy through the lens of a Humanistic Approach & am client-centered based. In session you can expect to be challenged, empowered & learn about yourself as well as the relationships in your life. I will help you identify the ways in which you are living on autopilot & will allow you to explore negative patterns you may be stuck living in. I will hold you accountable to track unhealthy behaviors, set clear boundaries, help break generational trauma & find what coping strategies work for you. My goal is to bring authenticity, support & non-judgment while helping you find the strength to navigate through life challenges.
Justine Gordon
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being.
Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being.
Melissa Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Whether you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, grief, life transitions, addiction or other conditions, I would be honored to accompany you or your loved ones on your healing journey. Our work will focus on creating the safety and acceptance that allows for change. Because our lives are shaped by the culture in which we live, we can also consider the social forces that may have shaped you, including racial, gender, and class biases.
Whether you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, grief, life transitions, addiction or other conditions, I would be honored to accompany you or your loved ones on your healing journey. Our work will focus on creating the safety and acceptance that allows for change. Because our lives are shaped by the culture in which we live, we can also consider the social forces that may have shaped you, including racial, gender, and class biases.
Tamar Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
I see youth, teens, adults, and partners, and I have a particular passion for work with emerging adults and individuals who identify as Neurodivergent. I focus on a wide range of issues including identity exploration, self-esteem, navigation of relationship dynamics, anxiety, professional growth, and decisions centered around having children and parenting. I find great joy in supporting my clients to cultivate a better understanding of their emotional experiences in the pursuit of greater fulfillment and connection.
I see youth, teens, adults, and partners, and I have a particular passion for work with emerging adults and individuals who identify as Neurodivergent. I focus on a wide range of issues including identity exploration, self-esteem, navigation of relationship dynamics, anxiety, professional growth, and decisions centered around having children and parenting. I find great joy in supporting my clients to cultivate a better understanding of their emotional experiences in the pursuit of greater fulfillment and connection.
15 Second Videos
Sf Bay Play Therapy By Karen Wolfe Lmft
Erika Liu-Culpin
Alexis Lyon
Kendra Feliz Paulsen
Jessica Cerda
Ryan Gogarty
Ilya Parizhsky
Nicole Minor - Expansive Therapy
Adrian Q Quintero
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I offer a warm, affirming, and non-judgmental space for children and teens exploration of LGBTQI+ identities, struggles with anxiety, and support with grief and loss.
I offer a warm, affirming, and non-judgmental space for children and teens exploration of LGBTQI+ identities, struggles with anxiety, and support with grief and loss.
Britt Gunnison
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Beginning therapy and reaching out for help can be an overwhelming and even scary process. So thank you for taking the first step toward getting the help and support you deserve. My approach is very relational in nature and I strive to create a safe and judgement-free space for all clients. Trust and relief do not often happen immediately in therapy. After some time of letting me come to know your story, though, we will develop a relationship that will help to empower your inner strength, expand your capacity for compassion, and support you in healing traumas that are impacting your overall health and quality of life.
Beginning therapy and reaching out for help can be an overwhelming and even scary process. So thank you for taking the first step toward getting the help and support you deserve. My approach is very relational in nature and I strive to create a safe and judgement-free space for all clients. Trust and relief do not often happen immediately in therapy. After some time of letting me come to know your story, though, we will develop a relationship that will help to empower your inner strength, expand your capacity for compassion, and support you in healing traumas that are impacting your overall health and quality of life.
Sarah Campbell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Most of us agree that it feels terrible to be stuck. My goal as a therapist is to meet you in your stagnant place and help you find your way through it. Whether you are struggling in school, your career, parenting, relationships, or in finding your purpose, I can help you create and achieve realistic goals for living a more fulfilled life.
Most of us agree that it feels terrible to be stuck. My goal as a therapist is to meet you in your stagnant place and help you find your way through it. Whether you are struggling in school, your career, parenting, relationships, or in finding your purpose, I can help you create and achieve realistic goals for living a more fulfilled life.
Alexis Lyon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I love discovering the emerging potential of my clients, and supporting their unique personal development and evolution. I'm experienced working with highly sensitive individuals, and those who self-identify as having a history of trauma. Adults who are self-motivated, and those who have or desire a mind-body-spirit practice, are a good fit for the support I provide. I adapt to the needs of children and adults alike. I believe therapy can be a powerful tool to unlock our greater creativity and feelings of interconnectivity and trust, so that my clients can thrive in the web of life.
I love discovering the emerging potential of my clients, and supporting their unique personal development and evolution. I'm experienced working with highly sensitive individuals, and those who self-identify as having a history of trauma. Adults who are self-motivated, and those who have or desire a mind-body-spirit practice, are a good fit for the support I provide. I adapt to the needs of children and adults alike. I believe therapy can be a powerful tool to unlock our greater creativity and feelings of interconnectivity and trust, so that my clients can thrive in the web of life.
Sally Walstrom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
You feel like something is off. You’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, disconnected, stuck. You want to understand your own reactions, build healthy and sustaining relationships, feel grounded and present in your day to day life. I can help! With over a decade of experience, I provide LGBTQIA-affirming and trauma-responsive therapy for youth, adults, and families. Using evidence-based techniques like expressive arts, somatics, and dialectical behavioral skills, I support people finding meaning and connection after trauma and chronic stress.
You feel like something is off. You’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, disconnected, stuck. You want to understand your own reactions, build healthy and sustaining relationships, feel grounded and present in your day to day life. I can help! With over a decade of experience, I provide LGBTQIA-affirming and trauma-responsive therapy for youth, adults, and families. Using evidence-based techniques like expressive arts, somatics, and dialectical behavioral skills, I support people finding meaning and connection after trauma and chronic stress.
Christine Rivlin
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I work primarily with adults who are wanting to manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I will be with you on your path to discovery, recovery, and finding the person you would like to become. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach in order to create a safe, comfortable space for you to share and express yourself, and your vulnerabilities. We will explore healthy ways to process your trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and restore broken relationships. I believe the trust built between Client and Therapist is powerful, and necessary in order to help you through your healing journey.
I work primarily with adults who are wanting to manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I will be with you on your path to discovery, recovery, and finding the person you would like to become. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach in order to create a safe, comfortable space for you to share and express yourself, and your vulnerabilities. We will explore healthy ways to process your trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and restore broken relationships. I believe the trust built between Client and Therapist is powerful, and necessary in order to help you through your healing journey.
Dr. Kammy Kwok
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Starting therapy can be scary, exciting, and bring up feelings of uncertainty. You may feel alone, stuck, have difficulty expressing your thoughts/feelings, and not know who to share these intimate and vulnerable thoughts/feelings with. An important part of having a positive therapy experience is a warm, trusting, and open therapeutic relationship. My aim is to provide this positive experience and support your overall well-being. I also speak Cantonese (廣東話) with native fluency and have experience in providing psychotherapy and parent support in Cantonese.
Starting therapy can be scary, exciting, and bring up feelings of uncertainty. You may feel alone, stuck, have difficulty expressing your thoughts/feelings, and not know who to share these intimate and vulnerable thoughts/feelings with. An important part of having a positive therapy experience is a warm, trusting, and open therapeutic relationship. My aim is to provide this positive experience and support your overall well-being. I also speak Cantonese (廣東話) with native fluency and have experience in providing psychotherapy and parent support in Cantonese.
Mia Turner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
My work with every client and family is personalized, trauma-informed, rooted in strengths, collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally tailored to your needs and experiences. I believe that each client possesses the intergenerational heirlooms of innate resilience, spirituality, and introspection that serve as tools to assist in your healing journey. You are the expert of your experience and I am here to offer hope and support you as you share your narrative and author a new chapter of healing, continuing to grow into your best self, discovering balance, serenity, joy, and connecting with yourself and surroundings.
My work with every client and family is personalized, trauma-informed, rooted in strengths, collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally tailored to your needs and experiences. I believe that each client possesses the intergenerational heirlooms of innate resilience, spirituality, and introspection that serve as tools to assist in your healing journey. You are the expert of your experience and I am here to offer hope and support you as you share your narrative and author a new chapter of healing, continuing to grow into your best self, discovering balance, serenity, joy, and connecting with yourself and surroundings.
Kendra Feliz Paulsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
We all have work to do. We don't have to do it alone. In a safe, non-judgmental environment, I explore with my clients their dreams, artwork, relationships, and daily life experiences, to bring light and insight to blockages and barriers to their full experience and enjoyment of life. Such blockages can be past trauma, incorrect embedded beliefs, injured parts, and/or ingrained thought patterns and habits. Once these things are processed and/or healed, new ways forward can be nurtured.
We all have work to do. We don't have to do it alone. In a safe, non-judgmental environment, I explore with my clients their dreams, artwork, relationships, and daily life experiences, to bring light and insight to blockages and barriers to their full experience and enjoyment of life. Such blockages can be past trauma, incorrect embedded beliefs, injured parts, and/or ingrained thought patterns and habits. Once these things are processed and/or healed, new ways forward can be nurtured.
See more therapy options for 94609
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.