Play Therapy in McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA
Gina Ali
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066 (Online Only)
I aim to play an active role in our therapeutic alliance.
I believe therapy is a container for self-expression where you can show up exactly as you are. As a person with lived experience of being queer, Arab, Non-binary, and Muslim, I have seen first hand how difficult it is to find someone whose values align around the importance of community and is committed to a trauma-informed framework. Growing up in a world that constantly feeds us narratives such as “healing happens alone” and “we are solely responsible for the state of our own wellbeing” can be deeply challenging and frustrating. Together, we will dismantle the notion of isolation as a symbol of strength.
I aim to play an active role in our therapeutic alliance.
I believe therapy is a container for self-expression where you can show up exactly as you are. As a person with lived experience of being queer, Arab, Non-binary, and Muslim, I have seen first hand how difficult it is to find someone whose values align around the importance of community and is committed to a trauma-informed framework. Growing up in a world that constantly feeds us narratives such as “healing happens alone” and “we are solely responsible for the state of our own wellbeing” can be deeply challenging and frustrating. Together, we will dismantle the notion of isolation as a symbol of strength.
Justine Roach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
I draw from many years of experience as a school counselor and training in the following evidence-based modalities: EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, Violet Oaklander’s Play and Art Therapy Model, and Mindful Self Compassion.
I have been a psychotherapist for over a decade and I treat children, adolescents, and adults. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and solution-focused. Some of my areas of expertise include with anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, divorce, relationship challenges, eating disorders, and parenting. I give my clients a safe space to process their emotions, learn how to manage stressors, and lead more meaningful lives.
I draw from many years of experience as a school counselor and training in the following evidence-based modalities: EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, Violet Oaklander’s Play and Art Therapy Model, and Mindful Self Compassion.
I have been a psychotherapist for over a decade and I treat children, adolescents, and adults. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and solution-focused. Some of my areas of expertise include with anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, divorce, relationship challenges, eating disorders, and parenting. I give my clients a safe space to process their emotions, learn how to manage stressors, and lead more meaningful lives.
Laura Jean Brownstein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Therapy can be play-based and fun! There can be fidgets and kinetic activities that can be done conjointly with conversation.
Have you ever felt like you weren't being heard? Have you struggled to advocate for yourself? Have you felt like you were different from others? If you answered, yes, to any of these questions, know that you are not alone. Whether you are seeking treatment as an adult or for a child or adolescent, being able to learn skills to advocate for yourself and develop confidence in that ability can be enlightening. I can help in making speaking up less stressful by helping you understand the roots of that difficulty and help you find your voice. For minors, I can work with other providers in helping your child feel heard and understood.
Therapy can be play-based and fun! There can be fidgets and kinetic activities that can be done conjointly with conversation.
Have you ever felt like you weren't being heard? Have you struggled to advocate for yourself? Have you felt like you were different from others? If you answered, yes, to any of these questions, know that you are not alone. Whether you are seeking treatment as an adult or for a child or adolescent, being able to learn skills to advocate for yourself and develop confidence in that ability can be enlightening. I can help in making speaking up less stressful by helping you understand the roots of that difficulty and help you find your voice. For minors, I can work with other providers in helping your child feel heard and understood.
Francine Duran
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
I’ve learned that the richest experience in life is realizing and understanding one's emotional self. Once we gain this knowledge, we can begin to realize and understand our self-experience and how much the emotional self and the rational self, play-out in our daily lives, and the importance of balancing our emotional and rational selves. My interest is to help you understand not only the present symptoms and issues you may be experiencing, but also to promote the idea of a more meaningful life. I provide a safe non-judgmental environment to explore YOU in the here and now.
I’ve learned that the richest experience in life is realizing and understanding one's emotional self. Once we gain this knowledge, we can begin to realize and understand our self-experience and how much the emotional self and the rational self, play-out in our daily lives, and the importance of balancing our emotional and rational selves. My interest is to help you understand not only the present symptoms and issues you may be experiencing, but also to promote the idea of a more meaningful life. I provide a safe non-judgmental environment to explore YOU in the here and now.
Monica Guggenheim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
The last couple of years have thrown a wrench in the life we once had, the coping skills that worked, and the ability to socialize and engage in self-care as we knew it. Now that we are learning to adjust to life during and after the pandemic, the stressful experiences can still feel overwhelming. Regardless of whether you are in crisis or dealing with a persistent concern, you're here because you are ready to feel better. I would like to help you with that.
The last couple of years have thrown a wrench in the life we once had, the coping skills that worked, and the ability to socialize and engage in self-care as we knew it. Now that we are learning to adjust to life during and after the pandemic, the stressful experiences can still feel overwhelming. Regardless of whether you are in crisis or dealing with a persistent concern, you're here because you are ready to feel better. I would like to help you with that.
Nunilo Cambel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck in your life? Are you dealing with relationship issues or challenges at home, school, or work? My name is Nuni, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience helping people who are experiencing issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. My foundation is Client-centered, which means that I believe that clients and therapists are equal partners in the therapeutic process.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck in your life? Are you dealing with relationship issues or challenges at home, school, or work? My name is Nuni, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience helping people who are experiencing issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. My foundation is Client-centered, which means that I believe that clients and therapists are equal partners in the therapeutic process.
Jessica Leader
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Starting therapy can be overwhelming. My goal is to eliminate that stress and create a space for adolescents, adults, couples, and families to process emotions and explore their identities and their relationships in a non-judgmental, safe environment. We all undergo transitions and experiences that require additional support from an objective third party to allow us to thrive personally and interpersonally. I utilize individualized, evidence-based approaches to foster a collaborative environment that produces long-term change.
Starting therapy can be overwhelming. My goal is to eliminate that stress and create a space for adolescents, adults, couples, and families to process emotions and explore their identities and their relationships in a non-judgmental, safe environment. We all undergo transitions and experiences that require additional support from an objective third party to allow us to thrive personally and interpersonally. I utilize individualized, evidence-based approaches to foster a collaborative environment that produces long-term change.
Scott L. Tobin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Are you going through a difficult time? Are you concerned about your child? I'm here to help. Like a trusted friend I'm very easy to talk to. I've served the Culver City / Mar Vista community for 25 years helping many others just like yourself. I specialize in stress management, depression, anxiety, children & adolescents, Family Counseling, relationships, major life events, phase of life issues and much more. Have confidence relief is near. I can help.
Are you going through a difficult time? Are you concerned about your child? I'm here to help. Like a trusted friend I'm very easy to talk to. I've served the Culver City / Mar Vista community for 25 years helping many others just like yourself. I specialize in stress management, depression, anxiety, children & adolescents, Family Counseling, relationships, major life events, phase of life issues and much more. Have confidence relief is near. I can help.
Sergio Fernando Gueller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Rather than list my technical skills or present a diatribe about my approach to psychotherapy, I will tell you a few significant facts about myself and the work we will do together. I have been providing treatment for 30 years. My clients improve, they recover, and they heal. I assist people who suffer from anxiety and depression through insight and introspection focused on the analysis of a patient’s deep-seeded fear-related trauma and how that fear impacts the NOW . I focus on channeling the energy that can be harnessed from fear, a powerful human emotion that can rob us of our life energy.
Rather than list my technical skills or present a diatribe about my approach to psychotherapy, I will tell you a few significant facts about myself and the work we will do together. I have been providing treatment for 30 years. My clients improve, they recover, and they heal. I assist people who suffer from anxiety and depression through insight and introspection focused on the analysis of a patient’s deep-seeded fear-related trauma and how that fear impacts the NOW . I focus on channeling the energy that can be harnessed from fear, a powerful human emotion that can rob us of our life energy.
Susan Lee Mendenhall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, PsyD
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
If you are feeling sad, anxious, confused, dissatisfied, or are having problems in your relationships with others, I have the experience and qualifications to help you. I provide a safe, warm and supportive relationship in which we can explore your personal experiences and help you find ways to greater fulfillment and happiness.
If you are feeling sad, anxious, confused, dissatisfied, or are having problems in your relationships with others, I have the experience and qualifications to help you. I provide a safe, warm and supportive relationship in which we can explore your personal experiences and help you find ways to greater fulfillment and happiness.
Ariel Bahner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Do you feel disconnected from living a vibrant and engaged life? Do the simplest tasks stand before you like an ocean? Are relationships a source of emotional pain in your life? Our ability to make sense of our emotional experiences can be the key to releasing emotional pain and suffering. Often times, our own cultural perceptions of mental health can prevent us from seeking the help that we need. My personal and professional experiences have influenced my understanding of the value of promoting mental health and how simple changes can have a profound effect on our lives.
Do you feel disconnected from living a vibrant and engaged life? Do the simplest tasks stand before you like an ocean? Are relationships a source of emotional pain in your life? Our ability to make sense of our emotional experiences can be the key to releasing emotional pain and suffering. Often times, our own cultural perceptions of mental health can prevent us from seeking the help that we need. My personal and professional experiences have influenced my understanding of the value of promoting mental health and how simple changes can have a profound effect on our lives.
Atalie Abramovici
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep understanding of mindfulness, the significance of culture and language, and the intricacies of intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, I aspire to help you explore yourself, maximize your wellbeing, and cultivate tools and practices that propel you to lead a life you love living.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep understanding of mindfulness, the significance of culture and language, and the intricacies of intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, I aspire to help you explore yourself, maximize your wellbeing, and cultivate tools and practices that propel you to lead a life you love living.
Julia M Gunderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066 (Online Only)
My specialties include marital problems, depression, anxiety, adolescent issues, women's issues, parenting, crisis management, trauma-related cases such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse and many other issues. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and make changes easily, and I have the skills and passion to assist you in making better decisions. I am bilingual in Spanish. I can offer my services in the office (during Covid only telehealth), via Skype, via phone or in the comfort of your home or office. Available all day of the week.
My specialties include marital problems, depression, anxiety, adolescent issues, women's issues, parenting, crisis management, trauma-related cases such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse and many other issues. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and make changes easily, and I have the skills and passion to assist you in making better decisions. I am bilingual in Spanish. I can offer my services in the office (during Covid only telehealth), via Skype, via phone or in the comfort of your home or office. Available all day of the week.
Jennifer Bieler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Hi, I'm currently accepting new clients. Glad you're here & please know you are not alone. Therapy is great place for any person, no matter how small or big of an issue you are going through. I see therapy like going to the gym but for your mind & soul. I specialize in working with trauma & addictions along with relationships, substance use, identity, eating disorders, mood disorders, BPD, ADHD, & ASD. As a queer therapist, I work closely with my LGBQ+ community and trans & gender diverse people. My goal is to be here for you in the way you need, support you, and help you reach your goals .
Hi, I'm currently accepting new clients. Glad you're here & please know you are not alone. Therapy is great place for any person, no matter how small or big of an issue you are going through. I see therapy like going to the gym but for your mind & soul. I specialize in working with trauma & addictions along with relationships, substance use, identity, eating disorders, mood disorders, BPD, ADHD, & ASD. As a queer therapist, I work closely with my LGBQ+ community and trans & gender diverse people. My goal is to be here for you in the way you need, support you, and help you reach your goals .
Margaret Judith Grundstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
My private practice focuses on individuals, families, couples and children. Working with children almost always involves the family as well. My approach is psycho-dynamic, yet I understand that it is through self awareness combined with the small decisions we make on a daily basis that change takes place. The past informs the present, but the goal is to create a present that better serves us. A comfortable therapeutic relationship, along with a client's motivation, are crucial for the success of the process. Working with individuals or the complexities of couples and family groups is very satisfying for me. .
My private practice focuses on individuals, families, couples and children. Working with children almost always involves the family as well. My approach is psycho-dynamic, yet I understand that it is through self awareness combined with the small decisions we make on a daily basis that change takes place. The past informs the present, but the goal is to create a present that better serves us. A comfortable therapeutic relationship, along with a client's motivation, are crucial for the success of the process. Working with individuals or the complexities of couples and family groups is very satisfying for me. .
Amanda Denham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Finding balance while juggling life's responsibilities can at times be overwhelming. We all need help sorting through our feelings. I have genuine empathy for people and the human experience. This quality underlines my passion to guide my clients to a purpose filled life.Whether you're faced with a temporary crisis or you're looking to learn skills necessary to have a balanced life - I offer a safe space, full of support with the goal to promote understanding and self-awareness.I understand that with work, finances, family conflict, relationship discord, parenting difficulties that life feels daunting.
Finding balance while juggling life's responsibilities can at times be overwhelming. We all need help sorting through our feelings. I have genuine empathy for people and the human experience. This quality underlines my passion to guide my clients to a purpose filled life.Whether you're faced with a temporary crisis or you're looking to learn skills necessary to have a balanced life - I offer a safe space, full of support with the goal to promote understanding and self-awareness.I understand that with work, finances, family conflict, relationship discord, parenting difficulties that life feels daunting.
Dana Halsted
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
My compassionate and active approach to therapy is one that can rapidly improve a willing client's life. Clients have the opportunity to experience healing and transformation as they integrate a sustainable sense of well-being. I teach techniques that provide for ongoing self-care and self-sufficiency. I offer my clients concrete tools and therapeutic experiences for shifting their patterns and healing their pain; they become empowered and live more authentic and satisfying lives. Couples build attunement, improve communication and overcome individual and relational patterns that prevent intimacy.
My compassionate and active approach to therapy is one that can rapidly improve a willing client's life. Clients have the opportunity to experience healing and transformation as they integrate a sustainable sense of well-being. I teach techniques that provide for ongoing self-care and self-sufficiency. I offer my clients concrete tools and therapeutic experiences for shifting their patterns and healing their pain; they become empowered and live more authentic and satisfying lives. Couples build attunement, improve communication and overcome individual and relational patterns that prevent intimacy.
Carrie R King
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
I am a clinical psychologist who works with children and adolescents in individual and group psychotherapy, and I conduct neuropsychological and educational evaluations. I am interested in working with individuals on developing healthy relationships with self, family, peers, and school. I consider each person a component of a family system and each family system as a part of school and community systems. Therefore, I value the insights of parents and teachers and understand healthy communication feeds emotional well-being, relationship success, and academic achievement. I believe that strong people are built on the shoulders of the people who surround them.
I am a clinical psychologist who works with children and adolescents in individual and group psychotherapy, and I conduct neuropsychological and educational evaluations. I am interested in working with individuals on developing healthy relationships with self, family, peers, and school. I consider each person a component of a family system and each family system as a part of school and community systems. Therefore, I value the insights of parents and teachers and understand healthy communication feeds emotional well-being, relationship success, and academic achievement. I believe that strong people are built on the shoulders of the people who surround them.
Healista Holistic Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
At Healista, we believe everyone has the power within themselves to make a change in their lives. They just sometimes need a little help along the way. And that’s where we come in. We help our clients connect to their inner safety by nurturing their intuitive skills to cope with challenges, stressors, and traumas to feel more at ease and resilient in their daily lives. We believe in the power of slowing down and focusing on the whole picture of one’s socioemotional well being to regain embodied ease, overcome feelings of shame and loneliness, and find clarity on how to move forward.
At Healista, we believe everyone has the power within themselves to make a change in their lives. They just sometimes need a little help along the way. And that’s where we come in. We help our clients connect to their inner safety by nurturing their intuitive skills to cope with challenges, stressors, and traumas to feel more at ease and resilient in their daily lives. We believe in the power of slowing down and focusing on the whole picture of one’s socioemotional well being to regain embodied ease, overcome feelings of shame and loneliness, and find clarity on how to move forward.
Julieanne Searles
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Looking to take charge of the parts of your life that are holding you back from experiencing joy, centeredness and energetic aliveness? I offer myriad interactive mind/body exercises and mental health tools, from both traditional and alternative healing methods, to help you make long-lasting changes in a short amount of time. You'll learn to shift old unhealthy habits and thought patterns and begin to feel more grounded, hopeful and present in mind, body and spirit.
Looking to take charge of the parts of your life that are holding you back from experiencing joy, centeredness and energetic aliveness? I offer myriad interactive mind/body exercises and mental health tools, from both traditional and alternative healing methods, to help you make long-lasting changes in a short amount of time. You'll learn to shift old unhealthy habits and thought patterns and begin to feel more grounded, hopeful and present in mind, body and spirit.
See more therapy options for McLaughlin, Los Angeles
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for McLaughlin, Los Angeles
- Brentwood
- Carthay Square
- Crenshaw
- Hyde Park
- Mar Vista
- Palms
- Pico-Robertson
- Playa Vista
- Sawtelle
- West Los Angeles
- Westchester
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Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.