Play Therapy in Kern County, CA
Roe Sanchez, LMFT, RPT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
I am a registered play therapist.
Do you constantly worry about different things? are you tired of overthinking? Do you want to process a painful life event that has left you hurt or afraid? Do you want to make sense of how to align with your spiritual beliefs? Are you wondering why your relationship is not working out or if you should stay together? You've had enough of the same patterns and are ready to make some changes in your life. Does your child have frequent emotional outbursts? Does your child/ teen have social anxiety? I see adults, teens, and children who deal w/ anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, phobias, selective mutism, low self esteem, grief, and ADHD.
I am a registered play therapist.
Do you constantly worry about different things? are you tired of overthinking? Do you want to process a painful life event that has left you hurt or afraid? Do you want to make sense of how to align with your spiritual beliefs? Are you wondering why your relationship is not working out or if you should stay together? You've had enough of the same patterns and are ready to make some changes in your life. Does your child have frequent emotional outbursts? Does your child/ teen have social anxiety? I see adults, teens, and children who deal w/ anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, phobias, selective mutism, low self esteem, grief, and ADHD.
Lindsey Watkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
My offering is guided by the following post graduate trainings/certifications: Interpersonal Neurobiology, embodiment work, mindfulness, EMDR, Synergetic Play Therapy & parts work.
My passion is working with children, teens, adults and parents who yearn to discover their authentic selves, explore and heal past wounds in a way that allows for deeper connection to all parts of self and to tap into, regulate with and respond to the wisdom of the body and emotions (your embodied nervous system) in a way that guides you toward fulfilled living. The approach I offer is shaped by my professional training and personal experiences as well as over a decade of work helping children and families through a local non-profit agency where I developed specialties in PTSD, anxiety, depression, body image and women's issues.
My offering is guided by the following post graduate trainings/certifications: Interpersonal Neurobiology, embodiment work, mindfulness, EMDR, Synergetic Play Therapy & parts work.
My passion is working with children, teens, adults and parents who yearn to discover their authentic selves, explore and heal past wounds in a way that allows for deeper connection to all parts of self and to tap into, regulate with and respond to the wisdom of the body and emotions (your embodied nervous system) in a way that guides you toward fulfilled living. The approach I offer is shaped by my professional training and personal experiences as well as over a decade of work helping children and families through a local non-profit agency where I developed specialties in PTSD, anxiety, depression, body image and women's issues.
Joan Romeo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Hi there, I'm Joan, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been working in mental health for nearly 20 years. I spent 15 years working with the most seriously mentally ill patients and in-crisis services. After I retired 2 years ago, I choose to do teletherapy in order to reach those populations that have been underserved. I take a holistic approach to therapy which includes nutrition, mindfulness, play, and self-care. My usual approach is to start with mindfulness and building coping skills and integrate CBT into the process.
Hi there, I'm Joan, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been working in mental health for nearly 20 years. I spent 15 years working with the most seriously mentally ill patients and in-crisis services. After I retired 2 years ago, I choose to do teletherapy in order to reach those populations that have been underserved. I take a holistic approach to therapy which includes nutrition, mindfulness, play, and self-care. My usual approach is to start with mindfulness and building coping skills and integrate CBT into the process.
Jessica Marroquin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Delano, CA 93215
I enjoy utilizing art, play and talk therapies.
My name is Jessica Marroquin and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am specialized in working with all ages from children as young as 5 to older adults. I take a client-centered approach in creating a safe enjoyable place where we can work together on developing new skills to tackle ways to improve your overall life functioning. I work with a variety of clients ranging from ages 0 to older adults. I am seasoned in working with young children, and families and feel comfortable with conducting individual and family sessions.
I enjoy utilizing art, play and talk therapies.
My name is Jessica Marroquin and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am specialized in working with all ages from children as young as 5 to older adults. I take a client-centered approach in creating a safe enjoyable place where we can work together on developing new skills to tackle ways to improve your overall life functioning. I work with a variety of clients ranging from ages 0 to older adults. I am seasoned in working with young children, and families and feel comfortable with conducting individual and family sessions.
Dr. Ana Mena
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I also specialize in working with early childhood mental health via play therapy and dyadic play therapy with parents.
Welcome! I am glad that you are here. I understand that finding the time to take care of your mind can be hard. We all get caught up in our thoughts and feelings of our day to day living and we may not necessarily take time to really listen to ourselves and focus on the messages our mind is saying to us. At MindCare Psychological Services we strive to help you in taking care of your mind. I believe that by taking care of your mind, you are working on promoting healthy functioning in other areas of your life that will result in enhanced overall wellbeing.
I also specialize in working with early childhood mental health via play therapy and dyadic play therapy with parents.
Welcome! I am glad that you are here. I understand that finding the time to take care of your mind can be hard. We all get caught up in our thoughts and feelings of our day to day living and we may not necessarily take time to really listen to ourselves and focus on the messages our mind is saying to us. At MindCare Psychological Services we strive to help you in taking care of your mind. I believe that by taking care of your mind, you are working on promoting healthy functioning in other areas of your life that will result in enhanced overall wellbeing.
Dr. Trisha Rich-Thurm
Psychologist, LMFT, LPsyD, NCC
Verified Verified
Rosamond, CA 93560
I also utilize communication skills training, teach alternative coping skills, and increase insight through the use of Play therapy, Sand Tray, Art, Dream analysis, and Movement and Creative therapy techniques.
My goal is to help you be the best you possible. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will begin to deal with long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I work with a variety of issues including autism, ADD/ADHD, Dementia and Alzheimer's, aging and mortality, grief and loss, gambling addiction, bariatric and eating disorders, trauma, anxiety issues, and OCD.
I also utilize communication skills training, teach alternative coping skills, and increase insight through the use of Play therapy, Sand Tray, Art, Dream analysis, and Movement and Creative therapy techniques.
My goal is to help you be the best you possible. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will begin to deal with long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I work with a variety of issues including autism, ADD/ADHD, Dementia and Alzheimer's, aging and mortality, grief and loss, gambling addiction, bariatric and eating disorders, trauma, anxiety issues, and OCD.
Madison Bottorff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pine Mountain Club, CA 93222
I specialize in providing individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, family therapy and play therapy to help clients find success, growth and improvement.
Are you experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, relationship or personal challenges? Have you had therapy before and it didn't feel as effective as you'd hoped? Are you interested in getting to know yourself better with support from a person who won't judge you? With the use of psychotherapy, I can help you develop deeper self awareness, healthy communication skills and positive coping skills. Together we will increase your emotional intelligence and develop ways to manage stress and other challenging symptoms. We can create the change you want to see in your life.
I specialize in providing individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, family therapy and play therapy to help clients find success, growth and improvement.
Are you experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, relationship or personal challenges? Have you had therapy before and it didn't feel as effective as you'd hoped? Are you interested in getting to know yourself better with support from a person who won't judge you? With the use of psychotherapy, I can help you develop deeper self awareness, healthy communication skills and positive coping skills. Together we will increase your emotional intelligence and develop ways to manage stress and other challenging symptoms. We can create the change you want to see in your life.
Kimberly Yantuche-Hernandez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
My name is Kimberly Yantuche-Hernandez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, stress, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, anger and impulse control, relationship problems, and self-esteem issues by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Managing and Adaptive Practice (MAP), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy.
My name is Kimberly Yantuche-Hernandez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, stress, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, anger and impulse control, relationship problems, and self-esteem issues by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Managing and Adaptive Practice (MAP), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy.
Alejandrina (Aly) Brambila
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! Hola! My name is Alejandrina (Aly). I ‘am the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico. Connecting with my culture, roots and ancestral practices has been a core part of my development as a psychotherapist. It is important for me to create a space where people feel like they belong but most importantly that they know their story matters. I want my clients to believe they can find their own healing within themselves.
Hello! Hola! My name is Alejandrina (Aly). I ‘am the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico. Connecting with my culture, roots and ancestral practices has been a core part of my development as a psychotherapist. It is important for me to create a space where people feel like they belong but most importantly that they know their story matters. I want my clients to believe they can find their own healing within themselves.
Jackie Holmes
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, MS, PPS
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
My name is Jackie Holmes. I am a licensed therapist at Hope Works in Bakersfield, CA. I have 13 years of experience working with individuals with mental health concerns. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, intensive outpatient therapy, private practice, and group settings. I have experience working with individuals who have concerns with anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, relationship concerns, and trauma. I have worked as a school counselor, so I also have a lot of experience working with issues of parenting and working with individuals with disabilities, including students with IEP's, and 504's.
My name is Jackie Holmes. I am a licensed therapist at Hope Works in Bakersfield, CA. I have 13 years of experience working with individuals with mental health concerns. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, intensive outpatient therapy, private practice, and group settings. I have experience working with individuals who have concerns with anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, relationship concerns, and trauma. I have worked as a school counselor, so I also have a lot of experience working with issues of parenting and working with individuals with disabilities, including students with IEP's, and 504's.
Athena Byrne
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tehachapi, CA 93561
I am committed to assisting individuals, couples, and families through a person-centered and goal-oriented approach. I utilize interventions and modalities aligned with identifying client needs, strengthening their capacity for growth and development, and supporting them in reducing symptoms and increasing progress toward their personal goals.
I am committed to assisting individuals, couples, and families through a person-centered and goal-oriented approach. I utilize interventions and modalities aligned with identifying client needs, strengthening their capacity for growth and development, and supporting them in reducing symptoms and increasing progress toward their personal goals.
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Carmen Lorenzo Baker
Marie Stokey
Tiffany Bell
Danielle Kumanchik
Pinkal Shah
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients.
Ryan Briscoe Christian Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I have several years of experience working with children, teens and adults. Clients I typically see are those who want to address both their mental health and their spiritual health. As a Christian, I believe in treating the whole person: psychological, physical, relational, and spiritual. My approach to counseling is collaborative and utilizes research-based feedback tools to customize our approach which helps you reach your goals quicker.
I have several years of experience working with children, teens and adults. Clients I typically see are those who want to address both their mental health and their spiritual health. As a Christian, I believe in treating the whole person: psychological, physical, relational, and spiritual. My approach to counseling is collaborative and utilizes research-based feedback tools to customize our approach which helps you reach your goals quicker.
Brittanie Robledo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
Nothing changes if nothing changes is a quote that I have lived my life by for years. Are you ready to make changes? Even just a small one? Seeking out therapy is already a change that can improve your overall well-being. I specialize in treating adults or adolescents struggling with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and family conflict in residential and outpatient settings. I am passionate about helping those who are ready to learn and implement positive habits into their lives. I am passionate about supporting your growth in relationships, work, school, etc.
Nothing changes if nothing changes is a quote that I have lived my life by for years. Are you ready to make changes? Even just a small one? Seeking out therapy is already a change that can improve your overall well-being. I specialize in treating adults or adolescents struggling with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and family conflict in residential and outpatient settings. I am passionate about helping those who are ready to learn and implement positive habits into their lives. I am passionate about supporting your growth in relationships, work, school, etc.
Felix Cruz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
More than 20 years of experience assisting the Mexican/Latino families in their own language has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. It has been a privilege for me to help families not only from Bakersfield, but from all cities of Kern County and its surroundings. Entender la cultura Mexicana/Latina y respetar todos sus valores, ya que estan basados en una etica de Honestidad, Respeto y Prosperidad, son factores importantes para comprender y saber como ayudar a estas personas y familias cuando estan pasando por momentos dificiles que les impide amar en su totalidad y lograr sus metas.
More than 20 years of experience assisting the Mexican/Latino families in their own language has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. It has been a privilege for me to help families not only from Bakersfield, but from all cities of Kern County and its surroundings. Entender la cultura Mexicana/Latina y respetar todos sus valores, ya que estan basados en una etica de Honestidad, Respeto y Prosperidad, son factores importantes para comprender y saber como ayudar a estas personas y familias cuando estan pasando por momentos dificiles que les impide amar en su totalidad y lograr sus metas.
Nicole Brown
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
**Virtual sessions available** " Do you have a problem (or relationship) that you have spent countless hours thinking about, trying to solve, and maybe even seeking the advice of friends? Yet somehow you are still struggling to find a solution that works for you. Does your anxiety take over at the worst possible moment? Perhaps you wish life with your partner could be as fulfilling as it was when you first got together. Your current situation may leave you feeling stuck, but there is hope!
**Virtual sessions available** " Do you have a problem (or relationship) that you have spent countless hours thinking about, trying to solve, and maybe even seeking the advice of friends? Yet somehow you are still struggling to find a solution that works for you. Does your anxiety take over at the worst possible moment? Perhaps you wish life with your partner could be as fulfilling as it was when you first got together. Your current situation may leave you feeling stuck, but there is hope!
Erika M Melendez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
Are you looking for someone to work with your infant, toddler, kid, teen or young adult? I would be honored to work with your child to manage day to day stressors or more severe issues like sexual assault, dating violence, bullying, or grief. I also love to work with parents or other caretakers/support people to provide education and work collaboratively to help the child feel whole and able to thrive! Regardless if your child is 1 or 25 I want to help them reach their goals to heal and feel empowered!
Are you looking for someone to work with your infant, toddler, kid, teen or young adult? I would be honored to work with your child to manage day to day stressors or more severe issues like sexual assault, dating violence, bullying, or grief. I also love to work with parents or other caretakers/support people to provide education and work collaboratively to help the child feel whole and able to thrive! Regardless if your child is 1 or 25 I want to help them reach their goals to heal and feel empowered!
Carrie L. Campbell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Hello! My name is Carrie Campbell. I am a Christian, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist eager to help you reach your fullest potential. I am an inspirational speaker and have done annual conferences and workshops. I make evening and weekend appointments for your convenience. I will walk with you through your most difficult times and help you to conquer and overcome your greatest obstacles. You have the power inside of you. Allow me to help you release it and let it shine. Please call me. Working together we can heal your past and help you reach your goals.
Hello! My name is Carrie Campbell. I am a Christian, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist eager to help you reach your fullest potential. I am an inspirational speaker and have done annual conferences and workshops. I make evening and weekend appointments for your convenience. I will walk with you through your most difficult times and help you to conquer and overcome your greatest obstacles. You have the power inside of you. Allow me to help you release it and let it shine. Please call me. Working together we can heal your past and help you reach your goals.
Fabiola Uribe-Nava
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
California City, CA 93505
My name is Fabiola, I am an LMFT. I work with those who are experiencing difficulty completing day-to-day tasks as a result of trauma or loss. Losing a loved one can be such a devastating event in our lives. I utilize art, and mindfulness, and make an attempt to emphasize the client’s strengths in order to bring healing. I also utilize E.M.D.R. to decrease the client’s distressing symptoms to increase coping. Life is a unique journey for each of us there are times in our lives when we may experience painful events and feel alone. It is helpful to reach out for support and help to not walk through those experiences alone.
My name is Fabiola, I am an LMFT. I work with those who are experiencing difficulty completing day-to-day tasks as a result of trauma or loss. Losing a loved one can be such a devastating event in our lives. I utilize art, and mindfulness, and make an attempt to emphasize the client’s strengths in order to bring healing. I also utilize E.M.D.R. to decrease the client’s distressing symptoms to increase coping. Life is a unique journey for each of us there are times in our lives when we may experience painful events and feel alone. It is helpful to reach out for support and help to not walk through those experiences alone.
John R Navejas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
John Navejas is registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in both substance abuse and mental health treatment modalities. John’s career experience began while volunteering with the Homeless Collaborative. John has worked with many populations including adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues, and identifying/controlling emotions and thoughts. He has led groups such as Anger Replacement Training, Strengthening Families, CBT interventions for substance abuse and created the first trauma informed yoga group at a juvenile detention facility.
John Navejas is registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in both substance abuse and mental health treatment modalities. John’s career experience began while volunteering with the Homeless Collaborative. John has worked with many populations including adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues, and identifying/controlling emotions and thoughts. He has led groups such as Anger Replacement Training, Strengthening Families, CBT interventions for substance abuse and created the first trauma informed yoga group at a juvenile detention facility.
See more therapy options for Kern County
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.