Play Therapy in Lancaster, CA
Cathy Marutzky
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lancaster, CA 93536 (Online Only)
I offer a comprehensive variety of services such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, play therapy and emotion-focused marriage therapy.
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor and I have enjoyed working with children, teens, and adults for thirty years. I feel passionate about helping individuals and couples find peace and healing for their lives and relationships. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, anger or relationship issues I can offer help. As a couple you may feel like you need to learn communication skills or how to reconnect emotionally. Perhaps you are having family problems and need help finding resolution. I have found that counseling provides the tools and resources to help us manage and overcome life's challenges.
I offer a comprehensive variety of services such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, play therapy and emotion-focused marriage therapy.
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor and I have enjoyed working with children, teens, and adults for thirty years. I feel passionate about helping individuals and couples find peace and healing for their lives and relationships. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, anger or relationship issues I can offer help. As a couple you may feel like you need to learn communication skills or how to reconnect emotionally. Perhaps you are having family problems and need help finding resolution. I have found that counseling provides the tools and resources to help us manage and overcome life's challenges.
Dr. Trisha Rich-Thurm
Psychologist, LMFT, LPsyD, NCC
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93534
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.
Sarah Gabrielle Barajas
Psychological Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93534
I also practice sand tray and play therapy for children and teens.
Welcome! I have spent time working with young children and adolescents and their families, working through anxiety and child/ adolescent behavior issues using a cognitive-behavioral approach, identifying the client's strengths, and a solution-focused approach. I like meeting clients where they are in life and figuring out what needs they need to address. This could mean we use a variety of approaches to get the client healthy and living to their optimum potential. With the hope and goal to provide a safe, calming, and nonjudgmental environment for clients and to be a guide in helping them reach their goals.
I also practice sand tray and play therapy for children and teens.
Welcome! I have spent time working with young children and adolescents and their families, working through anxiety and child/ adolescent behavior issues using a cognitive-behavioral approach, identifying the client's strengths, and a solution-focused approach. I like meeting clients where they are in life and figuring out what needs they need to address. This could mean we use a variety of approaches to get the client healthy and living to their optimum potential. With the hope and goal to provide a safe, calming, and nonjudgmental environment for clients and to be a guide in helping them reach their goals.
Alba Wellness Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, CA 93534
We offer several modalities of treatment: Solution Focused Short Treatment, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, play and Somatic Therapy.
We are our community. We are BIPOC. Our clients reflect the eclectic and diverse life experiences and training of our clinicians. Our clients come to us to deal with life transitions, identity, acculturation, trauma and grief. We get to know you and tailor our treatment approach specifically to your individual and/or your family’s needs. We use the latest in evidence-based practices to make sure that you are receiving innovative and quality mental health support.
We offer several modalities of treatment: Solution Focused Short Treatment, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, play and Somatic Therapy.
We are our community. We are BIPOC. Our clients reflect the eclectic and diverse life experiences and training of our clinicians. Our clients come to us to deal with life transitions, identity, acculturation, trauma and grief. We get to know you and tailor our treatment approach specifically to your individual and/or your family’s needs. We use the latest in evidence-based practices to make sure that you are receiving innovative and quality mental health support.
Jason Lambert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lancaster, CA 93534
I utilize insight oriented talk therapy, client-centered strategies, cognitive behavioral techniques, solution focused therapy, motivational enhancement, and play therapy.
You want to be happy, successful, and achieve your fullest potential, but sometimes things get in the way. I am here to help you overcome those obstacles keeping you from having the life you want.
I utilize insight oriented talk therapy, client-centered strategies, cognitive behavioral techniques, solution focused therapy, motivational enhancement, and play therapy.
You want to be happy, successful, and achieve your fullest potential, but sometimes things get in the way. I am here to help you overcome those obstacles keeping you from having the life you want.
Jaimee Boman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93535
My name is Jaimee Boman, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Sacramento, CA, and working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults, and specialize in anxiety, trauma, depression, and family conflict. Honesty is my number one value, both in and out of therapy- I will always strive to be honest with you and support you in starting to feel better and achieve your goals.
My name is Jaimee Boman, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Sacramento, CA, and working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults, and specialize in anxiety, trauma, depression, and family conflict. Honesty is my number one value, both in and out of therapy- I will always strive to be honest with you and support you in starting to feel better and achieve your goals.
Wanchun Athena Chien
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93535
Hi there, I'm Wanchun (Athena)! I provide support to individuals, teens, couples, and families to develop awareness, strength, and healing in their lives. I draw on family system, CBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic and attachment theory, and narrative theory. My approach is warm, relational, and collaborative. I have worked as a therapist and counselor for a community mental health clinic, a social worker at a multipurpose senior service program, behavior health specialists, and a K-5 school in San Francisco. I have trained interns and taught therapy and counseling in a university graduate school program in CA.
Hi there, I'm Wanchun (Athena)! I provide support to individuals, teens, couples, and families to develop awareness, strength, and healing in their lives. I draw on family system, CBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic and attachment theory, and narrative theory. My approach is warm, relational, and collaborative. I have worked as a therapist and counselor for a community mental health clinic, a social worker at a multipurpose senior service program, behavior health specialists, and a K-5 school in San Francisco. I have trained interns and taught therapy and counseling in a university graduate school program in CA.
Erika Lissette Alvarez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93534 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hi there! My name is Erika Alvarez, I am a Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist with experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families. Focus of treatment include traumatic events, unexpected life changes, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and grief & loss. I approach my clients with compassion, and aim to understand each client's needs to develop a life goal and a healthy therapapeitic alliance.
Hi there! My name is Erika Alvarez, I am a Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist with experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families. Focus of treatment include traumatic events, unexpected life changes, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and grief & loss. I approach my clients with compassion, and aim to understand each client's needs to develop a life goal and a healthy therapapeitic alliance.
Dellaynnah Cleveland
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, CA 93534 (Online Only)
Are you a young lady or adult woman who is having difficulty navigating life? Are you interested in straightening your path and gaining clarity? If so, please consider reaching out. It is important to understand that throughout life, you will face many different challenges that can leave you feeling off balance or uncomfortable with the emotions you are experiencing. My goal as a therapist is to provide evidence-based interventions, self-awareness, and skills specific to your situation to help guide you to a new place in life. I believe in utilizing an individualized and integrated approach to help you reach your full potential.
Are you a young lady or adult woman who is having difficulty navigating life? Are you interested in straightening your path and gaining clarity? If so, please consider reaching out. It is important to understand that throughout life, you will face many different challenges that can leave you feeling off balance or uncomfortable with the emotions you are experiencing. My goal as a therapist is to provide evidence-based interventions, self-awareness, and skills specific to your situation to help guide you to a new place in life. I believe in utilizing an individualized and integrated approach to help you reach your full potential.
Tricia I Colcord
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93534
Do you crave a change? Is anxiety, depression or grief taking over your days? Are you looking to move past an obstacle to you living YOUR best life? Therapy can be the tool that helps you move forward and unlock the future you want. Over the past 5 years, I have been working with individuals, families and children using creative and innovative interventions to assist them in reaching their goals. As a Family Centered Therapist I have collaborated with families in reducing conflict and increasing attachment in order to reach their full potential.
Do you crave a change? Is anxiety, depression or grief taking over your days? Are you looking to move past an obstacle to you living YOUR best life? Therapy can be the tool that helps you move forward and unlock the future you want. Over the past 5 years, I have been working with individuals, families and children using creative and innovative interventions to assist them in reaching their goals. As a Family Centered Therapist I have collaborated with families in reducing conflict and increasing attachment in order to reach their full potential.
A Caring Mind, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93534
As a licensed marriage and family therapist who has more than 20 years experience, I strive to help my clients face their struggles, develop a strong sense of self and create healthy relationships in their families and marriages. I teach my patients how to heal and become happy individuals because their pain is no longer running their lives due to their cognitive behavioral therapy. I can teach you to overcome depression and anxiety, struggles in marriage, family conflicts, grief and loss, divorce, eating disorders, PTSD, being a victim of abuse and any other struggles you may have.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist who has more than 20 years experience, I strive to help my clients face their struggles, develop a strong sense of self and create healthy relationships in their families and marriages. I teach my patients how to heal and become happy individuals because their pain is no longer running their lives due to their cognitive behavioral therapy. I can teach you to overcome depression and anxiety, struggles in marriage, family conflicts, grief and loss, divorce, eating disorders, PTSD, being a victim of abuse and any other struggles you may have.
Jammie Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93534 (Online Only)
There are times in our lives where we may feel alone, disconnected, “different”, misunderstood. Often, we are not sure how to seek help or where to start. In our individualized society we tend to try to do everything on our own. However, you don’t have to and you are not alone. Our subconscious thoughts can overtake our minds and make us believe our own “lies”, and even forget who we are. I am here to guide you and to help you take control of your life and mind. I will help you set realistic goals and overcome the struggles you may be experiencing. If this speaks to you reach out and let’s talk.
There are times in our lives where we may feel alone, disconnected, “different”, misunderstood. Often, we are not sure how to seek help or where to start. In our individualized society we tend to try to do everything on our own. However, you don’t have to and you are not alone. Our subconscious thoughts can overtake our minds and make us believe our own “lies”, and even forget who we are. I am here to guide you and to help you take control of your life and mind. I will help you set realistic goals and overcome the struggles you may be experiencing. If this speaks to you reach out and let’s talk.
Merla A Huntley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, CHT, CCTP, CEPT
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93536
Waitlist for new clients
There is no better feeling than knowing someone is or has worked through there issues and feeling that life is making them smile and laugh again. I strive to assist my clients to find their way through the "drama and darkness" no matter how old they are or what problems they present. Together we work through the issues that bind them and help them to walk a path to find happiness and a healthy life thus my company name "Life Steps." Please know this is not easy work but I take these steps with you at a pace that fits for you. My treatment is not for those who want to be in therapy "long term." I want clients to be on their way!
There is no better feeling than knowing someone is or has worked through there issues and feeling that life is making them smile and laugh again. I strive to assist my clients to find their way through the "drama and darkness" no matter how old they are or what problems they present. Together we work through the issues that bind them and help them to walk a path to find happiness and a healthy life thus my company name "Life Steps." Please know this is not easy work but I take these steps with you at a pace that fits for you. My treatment is not for those who want to be in therapy "long term." I want clients to be on their way!
Janelle Kreps
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93535
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who specializes in trauma as well as cognitive behavioral work. I have experience with adolescents and adults who have been impacted by complex trauma, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, religious trauma as well as various mood disorders. I utilize an integrative and trauma-informed approach to help clients overcome their symptoms to achieve their goals.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who specializes in trauma as well as cognitive behavioral work. I have experience with adolescents and adults who have been impacted by complex trauma, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, religious trauma as well as various mood disorders. I utilize an integrative and trauma-informed approach to help clients overcome their symptoms to achieve their goals.
Tiffany Truss-Cole
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, CA 93534
Adolescence can be a difficult period of transition for many. Peer pressure, changing environments and non-traditional or abrupt family changes can be challenging for a child as well as a parent. Finding a connection with someone who can help manage and overcome feelings of inadequacy is the first step to wellness.
Adolescence can be a difficult period of transition for many. Peer pressure, changing environments and non-traditional or abrupt family changes can be challenging for a child as well as a parent. Finding a connection with someone who can help manage and overcome feelings of inadequacy is the first step to wellness.
Dr. Yvonne N. McGaughey
Psychologist, PsyD, BCBA
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93536 (Online Only)
Perhaps you are here to explore how therapy can help you through trauma, relational stuck points, and cultivating a better relationship with yourself. I would love to be part of your journey as I know that the paths in life can be rocky and sometimes treacherous. At times we just need someone to help us get back up after falling down or just be with one who may have a little bit more familiarity of routes that are walked through certain terrain in life. I may not have the road map. But together we can chart a trajectory that could lead you to better outcomes and a different destination then perhaps that you have been experiencing.
Perhaps you are here to explore how therapy can help you through trauma, relational stuck points, and cultivating a better relationship with yourself. I would love to be part of your journey as I know that the paths in life can be rocky and sometimes treacherous. At times we just need someone to help us get back up after falling down or just be with one who may have a little bit more familiarity of routes that are walked through certain terrain in life. I may not have the road map. But together we can chart a trajectory that could lead you to better outcomes and a different destination then perhaps that you have been experiencing.
Jamie Griffith
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93536 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Jamie Griffith, an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. My approach to therapy is to collaborate with clients and meet their specific needs. I want clients to feel like they are in control of their therapy by being involved in their treatment planning. My focus areas are children, teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, divorce and single parents. I use CBT, person-centered and solution focused therapy. Reaching out to talk to someone can be hard, I want clients to feel comfortable and like they have found a safe space to talk with no judgement.
Hi! I'm Jamie Griffith, an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. My approach to therapy is to collaborate with clients and meet their specific needs. I want clients to feel like they are in control of their therapy by being involved in their treatment planning. My focus areas are children, teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, divorce and single parents. I use CBT, person-centered and solution focused therapy. Reaching out to talk to someone can be hard, I want clients to feel comfortable and like they have found a safe space to talk with no judgement.
Amy Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93534
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist experienced in working with eating disorders, addiction, mood disorders, trauma, and developmental disabilities. I take a holistic and client-led approach to therapy sessions focusing on increasing self-sufficiency, coping skills, and personal insight into unhelpful patterns.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist experienced in working with eating disorders, addiction, mood disorders, trauma, and developmental disabilities. I take a holistic and client-led approach to therapy sessions focusing on increasing self-sufficiency, coping skills, and personal insight into unhelpful patterns.
Debbi Odell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93534 (Online Only)
Something in your life isn’t working. Maybe you’re having a hard time figuring out who you are or what you want, putting feelings into words, or getting other people to understand you. Maybe you’re frustrated with relationships, friendships, parenting, work, school, or creative projects. You want to feel less stressed, more present, able to communicate and connect with the people around you. You're really making an effort, but it seems like something's getting in your way, and it's hard to figure out how to change it. That’s why you need the support of a knowledgeable and versatile therapist.
Something in your life isn’t working. Maybe you’re having a hard time figuring out who you are or what you want, putting feelings into words, or getting other people to understand you. Maybe you’re frustrated with relationships, friendships, parenting, work, school, or creative projects. You want to feel less stressed, more present, able to communicate and connect with the people around you. You're really making an effort, but it seems like something's getting in your way, and it's hard to figure out how to change it. That’s why you need the support of a knowledgeable and versatile therapist.
Douglas J Corrigan
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lancaster, CA 93534
I offer straight forward individual, marriage, family and child therapy without the technical jargon. I'm into straight talk with people who are ready to make changes. I believe we all have the ability within us to change ourselves, so to me therapy is a collaborative effort. My therapeutic orientation is cognitive-behavioral as well as family systems, and I work from a spiritually-based approach for those who ask for it. I have special experience in a number of areas, such as military, trauma, domestic violence, and abuse. Ultimately, I provide the type of therapy that meets your needs.
I offer straight forward individual, marriage, family and child therapy without the technical jargon. I'm into straight talk with people who are ready to make changes. I believe we all have the ability within us to change ourselves, so to me therapy is a collaborative effort. My therapeutic orientation is cognitive-behavioral as well as family systems, and I work from a spiritually-based approach for those who ask for it. I have special experience in a number of areas, such as military, trauma, domestic violence, and abuse. Ultimately, I provide the type of therapy that meets your needs.
See more therapy options for Lancaster
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.