Play Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Jovantae Holloway
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Online Only)
I use narrative therapy, mindfulness therapy, and play therapy to help you get out of your comfort zone and be the unique person that you are in your relationships.
I specialize in working with people who struggle with people-pleasing, co-dependency, social anxiety, childhood trauma, and self-doubt. If you are having issues with intimacy, authenticity, and connection with friends, family, or lovers, I work to help you build the introspection and the communication skills to show up genuinely and feel enough as you are in your relationships.
I use narrative therapy, mindfulness therapy, and play therapy to help you get out of your comfort zone and be the unique person that you are in your relationships.
I specialize in working with people who struggle with people-pleasing, co-dependency, social anxiety, childhood trauma, and self-doubt. If you are having issues with intimacy, authenticity, and connection with friends, family, or lovers, I work to help you build the introspection and the communication skills to show up genuinely and feel enough as you are in your relationships.
Debra Padmini Bergman Therapy For The Soul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90041
I draw on research-based relational approaches - DDP, Attachment Focused Family Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Play Therapy, IFS, Mindfulness, Trauma and Attachment researched evidenced-based practices: TF-CBT and EMDR.
Therapy is a process of self-discovery that often entails delving into past relationships and trauma to uncover their affect on our relationships with ourselves, our families and the outside world. My work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families is designed to restore trust, joy & zest and to develop meaningful connections and skills to thrive-mindfulness, authenticity & inner strength. As a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist, I work with an attachment focused interpersonal neurobiological approach creating a safe space to nurture individuals, couples and families in any orientation or socio-economic status.
I draw on research-based relational approaches - DDP, Attachment Focused Family Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Play Therapy, IFS, Mindfulness, Trauma and Attachment researched evidenced-based practices: TF-CBT and EMDR.
Therapy is a process of self-discovery that often entails delving into past relationships and trauma to uncover their affect on our relationships with ourselves, our families and the outside world. My work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families is designed to restore trust, joy & zest and to develop meaningful connections and skills to thrive-mindfulness, authenticity & inner strength. As a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist, I work with an attachment focused interpersonal neurobiological approach creating a safe space to nurture individuals, couples and families in any orientation or socio-economic status.
Anna Haumeder
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Besides working with individual adults, I am also passionate about working with children and adolescents using trauma-informed sandtray therapy, play therapy, and narrative work.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or defeated? Has worry taken over your life? Or maybe past trauma is resurfacing and is now also impacting your relationships while leaving you confused and frightened. While we often rationally believe in our strengths and potential for growth, our gut tends to reliably remind us that we are to blame, not good enough, unsafe, or powerless - because it feels so true. My deepest hope for our work together is for you to not only know that you are worthy of love and a fulfilled life but that you can also feel it in your body and live accordingly.
Besides working with individual adults, I am also passionate about working with children and adolescents using trauma-informed sandtray therapy, play therapy, and narrative work.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or defeated? Has worry taken over your life? Or maybe past trauma is resurfacing and is now also impacting your relationships while leaving you confused and frightened. While we often rationally believe in our strengths and potential for growth, our gut tends to reliably remind us that we are to blame, not good enough, unsafe, or powerless - because it feels so true. My deepest hope for our work together is for you to not only know that you are worthy of love and a fulfilled life but that you can also feel it in your body and live accordingly.
Gina Mendez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Online Only)
These specialties include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dual diagnosis, and play therapy.
My name is Gina Mendez and I am a board certified clinical social worker offering online therapy services to children and adults. I treat a full list of issues; however, my specialties include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and trauma.
These specialties include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dual diagnosis, and play therapy.
My name is Gina Mendez and I am a board certified clinical social worker offering online therapy services to children and adults. I treat a full list of issues; however, my specialties include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and trauma.
Naomi Buckley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Clients who work with me appreciate my creative background and use of art and sandtray therapy to develop intuition, work through trauma and reengage with play.
You had imagined your life unfolding in this uniquely wonderful way; having a career that fulfilled you and you were excited about, a strong and committed relationship and a great group of friends who supported you and you share exciting experiences with. Now it feels like some areas are just ok and other seem to not be working at all. It also seems like others lives are going great when you look at social media. You feel stuck. Uncertain of the next move or even how to get back to a place of feeling confident and empowered.
Clients who work with me appreciate my creative background and use of art and sandtray therapy to develop intuition, work through trauma and reengage with play.
You had imagined your life unfolding in this uniquely wonderful way; having a career that fulfilled you and you were excited about, a strong and committed relationship and a great group of friends who supported you and you share exciting experiences with. Now it feels like some areas are just ok and other seem to not be working at all. It also seems like others lives are going great when you look at social media. You feel stuck. Uncertain of the next move or even how to get back to a place of feeling confident and empowered.
Pamela Modeste
RDT, MS
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90017
I am a drama therapist and in your story is where I hear you, work with you toward your healing, & help you understand the roles you play in your situation.
As wonderful as life can be, reaching your goals, coping with everyday issues, handling relationships, finding purpose, and staying inspired can be challenging. At times, embracing who you are and what you believe can be difficult. Even with your best efforts life can be stressful, and things don’t always go as planned. Connecting body and mind; using creative expression to destress, heal, dig deeper, and express what you are going though when words aren't enough, may be what you need to help guide you through challenges, make healthy decisions, feel better, and enjoy life. Would you like to understand the healing of your story?
I am a drama therapist and in your story is where I hear you, work with you toward your healing, & help you understand the roles you play in your situation.
As wonderful as life can be, reaching your goals, coping with everyday issues, handling relationships, finding purpose, and staying inspired can be challenging. At times, embracing who you are and what you believe can be difficult. Even with your best efforts life can be stressful, and things don’t always go as planned. Connecting body and mind; using creative expression to destress, heal, dig deeper, and express what you are going though when words aren't enough, may be what you need to help guide you through challenges, make healthy decisions, feel better, and enjoy life. Would you like to understand the healing of your story?
Norina Verduzco-Murphy MSW, LCSW & Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Art therapy, Play therapy, Sand therapy, EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, PPD, infertility, miscarriage and infant loss, Immigration Evals.
Immediate openings in Los Angeles! We strive to make therapy accessible to everyone. We accept insurance, and have weekend and evening availability, with appts offered as late as 7 pm! You will find that my associates and I offer compassion, empathy, and support as you work to heal and grow. We love children and families. Our goal is to help kids have emotional healthy childhoods and support parents in peaceful family interactions. Please see our website to read more about the qualified and amazing therapists available to help you reach your goals. We thank you for considering us in this important investment in yourself.
Art therapy, Play therapy, Sand therapy, EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, PPD, infertility, miscarriage and infant loss, Immigration Evals.
Immediate openings in Los Angeles! We strive to make therapy accessible to everyone. We accept insurance, and have weekend and evening availability, with appts offered as late as 7 pm! You will find that my associates and I offer compassion, empathy, and support as you work to heal and grow. We love children and families. Our goal is to help kids have emotional healthy childhoods and support parents in peaceful family interactions. Please see our website to read more about the qualified and amazing therapists available to help you reach your goals. We thank you for considering us in this important investment in yourself.
Samantha Persoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MSEd, SEP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Utilizing somatic experiencing, gestalt and psychodynamic modalities, including techniques from the positive behavioral supports model and play therapy, I work with you and your child to explore the origination of emotional or behavioral difficulties and together we will begin to develop deeper understanding and better communication, promoting healing and growth.
I specialize in working with children with emotional or behavioral challenges. That means children of all ages, both those of chronological age, and the children that still exist within all of us. I use a whole person, whole family approach, which includes sessions with the child, as well as coaching and discussion sessions with the parents or occasionally the entire family. For children's behavior to change, the behavior of the caretakers must change as well.
Utilizing somatic experiencing, gestalt and psychodynamic modalities, including techniques from the positive behavioral supports model and play therapy, I work with you and your child to explore the origination of emotional or behavioral difficulties and together we will begin to develop deeper understanding and better communication, promoting healing and growth.
I specialize in working with children with emotional or behavioral challenges. That means children of all ages, both those of chronological age, and the children that still exist within all of us. I use a whole person, whole family approach, which includes sessions with the child, as well as coaching and discussion sessions with the parents or occasionally the entire family. For children's behavior to change, the behavior of the caretakers must change as well.
Laura Jean Brownstein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
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.
Rebecca Hirsch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90029
I utilize a diverse skillset and background to help my clients develop a strategy that will meet their needs using a blend of psychodynamic, trauma informed care, mindfulness, DBT, CBT, art therapy, and play therapy.
I know taking the first step can be challenging, and as your therapist I will always seek to support you. I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life’s difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma and intergenerational trauma, life transitions and stressors, grief and loss, identity and self esteem issues, parenting, and beyond. I approach therapy through a social justice lens, which has always been central to who I am.
I utilize a diverse skillset and background to help my clients develop a strategy that will meet their needs using a blend of psychodynamic, trauma informed care, mindfulness, DBT, CBT, art therapy, and play therapy.
I know taking the first step can be challenging, and as your therapist I will always seek to support you. I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life’s difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma and intergenerational trauma, life transitions and stressors, grief and loss, identity and self esteem issues, parenting, and beyond. I approach therapy through a social justice lens, which has always been central to who I am.
Davina Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90035
In practice, I offer EMDR, Play and Art based therapeutic modalities intertwined with traditional approaches to achieve the best form of treatment for my clients.
Hello! I am an EMDR trained, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My passion is helping individuals/families achieve homeostasis by assisting them in learning to utilize their own strength. Having worked in many clinical settings such as social agencies, hospitals and schools, I have received a well rounded experience. In addition, using EMDR in my practice, I have witnessed much improvement in clients with specific and complex traumas, anxiety and depression.
In practice, I offer EMDR, Play and Art based therapeutic modalities intertwined with traditional approaches to achieve the best form of treatment for my clients.
Hello! I am an EMDR trained, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My passion is helping individuals/families achieve homeostasis by assisting them in learning to utilize their own strength. Having worked in many clinical settings such as social agencies, hospitals and schools, I have received a well rounded experience. In addition, using EMDR in my practice, I have witnessed much improvement in clients with specific and complex traumas, anxiety and depression.
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Justine Roach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
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.
Kevin Finn Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I work with adults and children alike, and enjoy incorporating meditation, art, and play therapy.
I believe that we all have an innate healing power within us, and that developing a safe and caring relationship with a therapist can be a wonderful means toward enlivening this power. By going within, we can discover the agency to overcome any obstacle and can bring into being a renewed sense of hope, purpose, and a life of fulfillment. I come from a holistic, humanistic, and mindfulness/spiritually-oriented tradition who believe that a therapist is only as skilled as they are evolved, or self-actualized themselves. I specialize in trauma, dissociation, & complex post traumatic stress disorder.
I work with adults and children alike, and enjoy incorporating meditation, art, and play therapy.
I believe that we all have an innate healing power within us, and that developing a safe and caring relationship with a therapist can be a wonderful means toward enlivening this power. By going within, we can discover the agency to overcome any obstacle and can bring into being a renewed sense of hope, purpose, and a life of fulfillment. I come from a holistic, humanistic, and mindfulness/spiritually-oriented tradition who believe that a therapist is only as skilled as they are evolved, or self-actualized themselves. I specialize in trauma, dissociation, & complex post traumatic stress disorder.
Becky (Mary Rebecca) Schomaker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, IFECMHS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I provide talk therapy, play and art therapy, and somatic therapy in person, online, and in the home and community.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems. When overwhelming experiences leave their mark, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Memories, fears, distress, and anger take over and damage our relationships. Parenting becomes fraught with tension. Children lose control, resulting in tantrums and behavior problems. By understanding the root of your distress, I can help you or your family find new ways to cope.
I provide talk therapy, play and art therapy, and somatic therapy in person, online, and in the home and community.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems. When overwhelming experiences leave their mark, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Memories, fears, distress, and anger take over and damage our relationships. Parenting becomes fraught with tension. Children lose control, resulting in tantrums and behavior problems. By understanding the root of your distress, I can help you or your family find new ways to cope.
Serina Palomino
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Hello, my name is Serina Palomino. I am an LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor) and like to meet my clients where they are utilizing an integrative approach. I provide therapeutic services to children and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, divorce, and separation, primarily utilizing CBT, EMDR, art therapy, and play therapy. I primarily provide service to children, teens, and adults experiencing a variety of behavioral health issues, not limited to the following: anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, divorce, and separation.
Hello, my name is Serina Palomino. I am an LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor) and like to meet my clients where they are utilizing an integrative approach. I provide therapeutic services to children and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, divorce, and separation, primarily utilizing CBT, EMDR, art therapy, and play therapy. I primarily provide service to children, teens, and adults experiencing a variety of behavioral health issues, not limited to the following: anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, divorce, and separation.
Bonnie Greenberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Using customized eclectic approaches; mindfulness, music, solution focused, neuroscience, trauma-informed care, EMDR and group therapy, I help clients discover their innate, creative potential resulting in a more satisfied, productive and meaningful life. I encourage self-expression, communication, and problem solving. With young children, I utilize play and art therapy to help them express and understand their feelings thus reducing their internal/external conflicts. With teenagers I often teach mindfulness and coping skills. I'm dedicated to helping each client fulfill their potential and achieve peace, well being and happiness.
Using customized eclectic approaches; mindfulness, music, solution focused, neuroscience, trauma-informed care, EMDR and group therapy, I help clients discover their innate, creative potential resulting in a more satisfied, productive and meaningful life. I encourage self-expression, communication, and problem solving. With young children, I utilize play and art therapy to help them express and understand their feelings thus reducing their internal/external conflicts. With teenagers I often teach mindfulness and coping skills. I'm dedicated to helping each client fulfill their potential and achieve peace, well being and happiness.
Dr. Daisy Gómez
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024
I use evidence-based modalities: Psychodynamic, Violet Oaklander's Gestalt, and Play Therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and don't know what steps to take to feel better about yourself and your relationships? Do you experience imposter syndrome? Do you find yourself feeling stuck in how to support your child in their challenges and mood changes? I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative process. My hope is for clients to feel they can be their authentic selves while reflecting on their strengths and bringing awareness to their vulnerabilities and needs through a non-judgmental approach. I have extensive training in working with children, adolescents, adults, and first-generation clients.
I use evidence-based modalities: Psychodynamic, Violet Oaklander's Gestalt, and Play Therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and don't know what steps to take to feel better about yourself and your relationships? Do you experience imposter syndrome? Do you find yourself feeling stuck in how to support your child in their challenges and mood changes? I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative process. My hope is for clients to feel they can be their authentic selves while reflecting on their strengths and bringing awareness to their vulnerabilities and needs through a non-judgmental approach. I have extensive training in working with children, adolescents, adults, and first-generation clients.
Melanie Mulligan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90230
As a psychologist with doctoral and post-doctoral training in psychotherapy I work with people across the lifespan to achieve their fullest potential. Many adults come to me struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationships issues; lacking satisfaction in their academic or professional lives; or wrestling with life transitions. Young adults and teens need help navigating complex social terrain, managing stress, and risky behaviors while their parents benefit from guidance and support. Children benefit from play therapy and the involvement of their families in treatment.
As a psychologist with doctoral and post-doctoral training in psychotherapy I work with people across the lifespan to achieve their fullest potential. Many adults come to me struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationships issues; lacking satisfaction in their academic or professional lives; or wrestling with life transitions. Young adults and teens need help navigating complex social terrain, managing stress, and risky behaviors while their parents benefit from guidance and support. Children benefit from play therapy and the involvement of their families in treatment.
Roxane Cohanim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90049
I specialize in psychodynamic therapy, providing support to children, teenagers, and adults through individual psychotherapy, play therapy, parent coaching, dyadic work with parents and children, and couples therapy. Rooted in psychoanalysis and object relations theory, my approach delves into early experiences and relationships, recognizing their profound impact on individuals' lives. Central to my role as a therapist is the cultivation of a meaningful and deep relationship with my clients; I view the therapeutic relationship as a powerful tool for healing.
I specialize in psychodynamic therapy, providing support to children, teenagers, and adults through individual psychotherapy, play therapy, parent coaching, dyadic work with parents and children, and couples therapy. Rooted in psychoanalysis and object relations theory, my approach delves into early experiences and relationships, recognizing their profound impact on individuals' lives. Central to my role as a therapist is the cultivation of a meaningful and deep relationship with my clients; I view the therapeutic relationship as a powerful tool for healing.
Julia Gallucci
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I've worked with children in school-based, community, and in-home settings using child-centered play therapy.
I offer psychotherapy to neurotypical and neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, OCD, depression, life transitions, and relationship issues.
I've worked with children in school-based, community, and in-home settings using child-centered play therapy.
I offer psychotherapy to neurotypical and neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, OCD, depression, life transitions, and relationship issues.
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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.