Play Therapy in 94945
Gretchen Kishbaugh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.
Jennifer Morehouse
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
I have 25 years experience working with children, adolescents & families in a variety of settings. I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD & parenting issues. I engage with clients through play & art therapy as well as cognitive & behavioral approaches while providing a safe environment to talk. I also help clients learn appropriate coping skills and communication strategies. I believe compassion, understanding & humor are key to working with youth & families. I am trained in Trauma Focused Treatment & work collaboratively with children, adolescents & their families. Please check out my website www.jennifermorehousemft.com.
I have 25 years experience working with children, adolescents & families in a variety of settings. I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD & parenting issues. I engage with clients through play & art therapy as well as cognitive & behavioral approaches while providing a safe environment to talk. I also help clients learn appropriate coping skills and communication strategies. I believe compassion, understanding & humor are key to working with youth & families. I am trained in Trauma Focused Treatment & work collaboratively with children, adolescents & their families. Please check out my website www.jennifermorehousemft.com.
Nina Mason
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to best fit the unique needs of my clients; including ACT, DBT, relational, narrative, and cognitive approaches, in addition to play, sand tray and art therapy techniques.
It takes so much strength and courage to reach out and ask for help; for yourself, your child or your family. I care deeply about creating a safe, trusting non judgemental space for you to be able to explore, reflect, have some relief and feel better. I believe in a fully collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy and will join you wherever you are in your journey. I specialize in working with children, teens and adults going through challenging/pivotal life transitions. I have a special passion for providing support to women needing extra support with challenges related to parenting, pregnancy or postpartum.
I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to best fit the unique needs of my clients; including ACT, DBT, relational, narrative, and cognitive approaches, in addition to play, sand tray and art therapy techniques.
It takes so much strength and courage to reach out and ask for help; for yourself, your child or your family. I care deeply about creating a safe, trusting non judgemental space for you to be able to explore, reflect, have some relief and feel better. I believe in a fully collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy and will join you wherever you are in your journey. I specialize in working with children, teens and adults going through challenging/pivotal life transitions. I have a special passion for providing support to women needing extra support with challenges related to parenting, pregnancy or postpartum.
Casey Hineline
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
Specializing in child/teen therapy. Specializing in attachment concerns, suicidal ideation, self-harm, relational issues and more... I treat the whole child/teen by providing our youth in the greater community with a space to explore, process and express their own emotional experiences through play, art and talk therapies. Therapy has proven to help kids improve self-esteem, identify their strengths, lean into their growing edges, learn perspective, process trauma, develop healthy coping strategies and find and maintain healthy relationships.
Specializing in child/teen therapy. Specializing in attachment concerns, suicidal ideation, self-harm, relational issues and more... I treat the whole child/teen by providing our youth in the greater community with a space to explore, process and express their own emotional experiences through play, art and talk therapies. Therapy has proven to help kids improve self-esteem, identify their strengths, lean into their growing edges, learn perspective, process trauma, develop healthy coping strategies and find and maintain healthy relationships.
Rebecca Brandi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, QEH
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
Developing a deeper awareness of our emotional suffering creates an overall sense of well-being, allowing us to live authentically. With this deeper awareness, we understand the underlying dynamics that keep us stuck. In its very essence, inner work facilitates insight, healing, and transformation, connecting us to our innate wisdom. I work with adults, adolescents, and Highly Sensitive individuals experiencing a wide range of difficulties. I am a certified Quantum Energy Healer (similar to Reiki) as well as a certified Highly Sensitive Person Practitioner (Elaine Aron's certification)
Developing a deeper awareness of our emotional suffering creates an overall sense of well-being, allowing us to live authentically. With this deeper awareness, we understand the underlying dynamics that keep us stuck. In its very essence, inner work facilitates insight, healing, and transformation, connecting us to our innate wisdom. I work with adults, adolescents, and Highly Sensitive individuals experiencing a wide range of difficulties. I am a certified Quantum Energy Healer (similar to Reiki) as well as a certified Highly Sensitive Person Practitioner (Elaine Aron's certification)
Jenna Lane Marsala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.
Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.
M Patricia Graef
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Whatever is troubling you, anxiety or depression, a personal crisis or loss, difficulties with a partner or concern about a child's behavior - relief is possible. I work with individuals, children, teens, adults, couples and families, and treat a wide range of the human experience, including anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, panic attacks, borderline personality disorder, bi-polar conditions and anger management. My approach is character analytic which offers an opportunity for clients to experience a wider range of feelings, resulting in more energy and an ability to move through life's difficulties and experience life's pleasures.
Whatever is troubling you, anxiety or depression, a personal crisis or loss, difficulties with a partner or concern about a child's behavior - relief is possible. I work with individuals, children, teens, adults, couples and families, and treat a wide range of the human experience, including anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, panic attacks, borderline personality disorder, bi-polar conditions and anger management. My approach is character analytic which offers an opportunity for clients to experience a wider range of feelings, resulting in more energy and an ability to move through life's difficulties and experience life's pleasures.
Barclay Buss
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
It takes a strong person to realize when they have exhausted their own resources and need help. I applaud that courage and treat all clients with dignity and respect. I have known since age 14 that I wanted to be a therapist. I got my Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling in 1992 and have been licensed since 1999. I am passionate about providing professional therapy services and feel blessed that I get to do this everyday. 12 Step Friendly!
It takes a strong person to realize when they have exhausted their own resources and need help. I applaud that courage and treat all clients with dignity and respect. I have known since age 14 that I wanted to be a therapist. I got my Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling in 1992 and have been licensed since 1999. I am passionate about providing professional therapy services and feel blessed that I get to do this everyday. 12 Step Friendly!
Lisa S Stein
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Therapy is a special opportunity to understand yourself more deeply and make any changes that are meaningful and important to you. I will support you in creating the life, work and relationships that you most deeply want in a warm and compassionate setting. My practice includes individual adults, couples, families and adolescents. I welcome people of all backgrounds who are working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, and healing from loss, among other areas. I am committed to providing the highest quality therapy services in support of your own unique growth and development.
Therapy is a special opportunity to understand yourself more deeply and make any changes that are meaningful and important to you. I will support you in creating the life, work and relationships that you most deeply want in a warm and compassionate setting. My practice includes individual adults, couples, families and adolescents. I welcome people of all backgrounds who are working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, and healing from loss, among other areas. I am committed to providing the highest quality therapy services in support of your own unique growth and development.
Valerie Hinard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
Cultivating meaningful-healthy relationships may be especially difficult when our sense of self is overshadowed by traumatic and emotionally painful experiences. My approach to the therapy process focuses on helping foster your innate strengths and resiliency while exploring your vulnerabilities and concerns. Together we help you build a greater understanding of yourself through healing limiting patterns, fears, and beliefs. In this way, you become rooted in a life grounded in meaning, aliveness, and depth. I believe that building a stronger relationship with yourself can help cultivate healthier relationships with others, making them easier to initiate, maintain, and enjoy.
Cultivating meaningful-healthy relationships may be especially difficult when our sense of self is overshadowed by traumatic and emotionally painful experiences. My approach to the therapy process focuses on helping foster your innate strengths and resiliency while exploring your vulnerabilities and concerns. Together we help you build a greater understanding of yourself through healing limiting patterns, fears, and beliefs. In this way, you become rooted in a life grounded in meaning, aliveness, and depth. I believe that building a stronger relationship with yourself can help cultivate healthier relationships with others, making them easier to initiate, maintain, and enjoy.
Selena Mitchell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
We are each complex beings made up of many integral parts. My focus is to help you find wellness and strive towards inner peace and wholeness in the way that works best for you. Integrative Psychotherapy is a holistic treatment approach that combines elements from different schools of psychotherapy to address your specific needs and help you find internal harmony and a greater sense of wellbeing. As we get to know each other and what might work best for you, it can be tailored to best fit your needs, personality, and goals for your life.
We are each complex beings made up of many integral parts. My focus is to help you find wellness and strive towards inner peace and wholeness in the way that works best for you. Integrative Psychotherapy is a holistic treatment approach that combines elements from different schools of psychotherapy to address your specific needs and help you find internal harmony and a greater sense of wellbeing. As we get to know each other and what might work best for you, it can be tailored to best fit your needs, personality, and goals for your life.
Kristin Sky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
Some of us who need extra support have a hard time getting to appointments precisely because we are stressed out, ill, or overwhelmed. I travel to bring the support you need straight to the comfort of your home. Individual therapy sessions take place masked or outdoors at your home, as well as via videoconferencing.
Some of us who need extra support have a hard time getting to appointments precisely because we are stressed out, ill, or overwhelmed. I travel to bring the support you need straight to the comfort of your home. Individual therapy sessions take place masked or outdoors at your home, as well as via videoconferencing.
Ryan Plumb
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
I am here for you. If you are seeking support for life challenges, reach out to me and begin your healing journey today. Meaningful change is possible, and I would like to help connect you to your more fully integrated self. Get the help you deserve, find greater peace of mind, and restore balance in your life. Greater strength, healing, and growth are fostered through connection, and having someone you trust to help guide you as you seek answers is easier than going it alone. This life is here for you, and you can live it more fully. I am here to help you achieve greater fulfillment so you can live your best life.
I am here for you. If you are seeking support for life challenges, reach out to me and begin your healing journey today. Meaningful change is possible, and I would like to help connect you to your more fully integrated self. Get the help you deserve, find greater peace of mind, and restore balance in your life. Greater strength, healing, and growth are fostered through connection, and having someone you trust to help guide you as you seek answers is easier than going it alone. This life is here for you, and you can live it more fully. I am here to help you achieve greater fulfillment so you can live your best life.
Alen Schwab
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Please note I currently have limited openings - hope to speak to you soon, thanks..! If you struggle with depression or anxiety, I can help. If you have an ADHD brain or suspect you do, I can support you to cope with it. I can also assist with personal growth: understanding yourself, coping with traumatic experiences, and self-actualization.
Please note I currently have limited openings - hope to speak to you soon, thanks..! If you struggle with depression or anxiety, I can help. If you have an ADHD brain or suspect you do, I can support you to cope with it. I can also assist with personal growth: understanding yourself, coping with traumatic experiences, and self-actualization.
Jason Zuchowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
It’s no secret. Many boys hate the idea of therapy or even just talking about their feelings. I’ve been working almost exclusively with boys (ages 5-18) and their families for over 15 years. If your son and family feel overwhelmed or distant from each other, I take a fresh look at your family’s unique strengths and build on these to work through conflict, reconnect, and re-establish joy as a daily practice. My work is driven by the latest research in neurobiology.
It’s no secret. Many boys hate the idea of therapy or even just talking about their feelings. I’ve been working almost exclusively with boys (ages 5-18) and their families for over 15 years. If your son and family feel overwhelmed or distant from each other, I take a fresh look at your family’s unique strengths and build on these to work through conflict, reconnect, and re-establish joy as a daily practice. My work is driven by the latest research in neurobiology.
Ryan Gertz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
I provide healing support to individuals, couples and children who want a sense of control over their lives, deeply understand themselves, to connect with meaning and embodiment. Challenges I work with are trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, mens issues, ADHD/Autism/neurodivergence, eco-anxiety and psychedelic integration. I help couples recognize repeating patterns, substituting defensiveness with clear vulnerable communication, and strengthen intimacy.
I provide healing support to individuals, couples and children who want a sense of control over their lives, deeply understand themselves, to connect with meaning and embodiment. Challenges I work with are trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, mens issues, ADHD/Autism/neurodivergence, eco-anxiety and psychedelic integration. I help couples recognize repeating patterns, substituting defensiveness with clear vulnerable communication, and strengthen intimacy.
See more therapy options for 94945
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.