Therapists in Oakland, CA
Stephanie Rosso
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I am flexible and creative in my approach using art, play, role plays, movie making or anything else that helps a child express themselves.
Are you worried about your child? Are they having trouble in school? Not making friends? Has being a parent become really stressful?
Parenting is always a challenge and can be even harder if your child is having emotional or behavioral difficulties. My goals are to help children reach their maximum potential emotionally, socially, and behaviorally and help parents be empowered and have more effective parenting skills. I specialize in working with children who have emotional, behavioral and academic difficulties including ADHD, anxiety, depression, poor frustration tolerance, loss of a loved one, trauma, family conflict, and interpersonal relationship difficulties.
I am flexible and creative in my approach using art, play, role plays, movie making or anything else that helps a child express themselves.
Are you worried about your child? Are they having trouble in school? Not making friends? Has being a parent become really stressful?
Parenting is always a challenge and can be even harder if your child is having emotional or behavioral difficulties. My goals are to help children reach their maximum potential emotionally, socially, and behaviorally and help parents be empowered and have more effective parenting skills. I specialize in working with children who have emotional, behavioral and academic difficulties including ADHD, anxiety, depression, poor frustration tolerance, loss of a loved one, trauma, family conflict, and interpersonal relationship difficulties.
Lauren Ores Phillips
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I provide psychotherapy for adults, teenagers and children, consultation regarding parenting issues, and play therapy for children with behavioral or emotional issues. My work with adults has covered a broad spectrum - from people who are having problems with relationships or need help with stress management and coping skills, to people suffering from anxiety disorders and depression. I specialize in women's issues and life transitions. My goal is to help people get through difficult and challenging times and see opportunities for growth.
I provide psychotherapy for adults, teenagers and children, consultation regarding parenting issues, and play therapy for children with behavioral or emotional issues. My work with adults has covered a broad spectrum - from people who are having problems with relationships or need help with stress management and coping skills, to people suffering from anxiety disorders and depression. I specialize in women's issues and life transitions. My goal is to help people get through difficult and challenging times and see opportunities for growth.
Renea Lynn
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I also love providing play/talk therapy for kids/teens & finding best parenting strategies for their kid's/teen's unique needs.
If you are looking for down to earth & collaborative therapy, I'd be happy to see how I can be of help. I'm dedicated to providing a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, welcoming, culturally humble, compassionate and thoughtful. In addition to treating depression, anxiety and trauma, I specialize in 1. Relational Trauma (when someone has been repeatedly hurt by a loved one, community, institution and/or society), 2. Religious Trauma (when theology, culture and/or religious leader/community has caused shame, fear and pain) and 3. Child/Adolescent Therapy (for ADHD, school refusal, social struggles, depression and anxiety).
I also love providing play/talk therapy for kids/teens & finding best parenting strategies for their kid's/teen's unique needs.
If you are looking for down to earth & collaborative therapy, I'd be happy to see how I can be of help. I'm dedicated to providing a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, welcoming, culturally humble, compassionate and thoughtful. In addition to treating depression, anxiety and trauma, I specialize in 1. Relational Trauma (when someone has been repeatedly hurt by a loved one, community, institution and/or society), 2. Religious Trauma (when theology, culture and/or religious leader/community has caused shame, fear and pain) and 3. Child/Adolescent Therapy (for ADHD, school refusal, social struggles, depression and anxiety).
Chris Stach
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
(I also incorporate art and play therapy for my younger clients).
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. Children and adolescents need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my young clients with include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents offering them guidance and support.
(I also incorporate art and play therapy for my younger clients).
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. Children and adolescents need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my young clients with include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents offering them guidance and support.
Dr. Brighton Earley
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
I provide: Individual Therapy for Adults & Teens / Play Therapy for Children / Couples Therapy / Family Therapy / FBT for Eating Disorders / Psychological Assessment & Testing.
I currently have openings for children, adults, couples, and families at my Oakland office.
I provide: Individual Therapy for Adults & Teens / Play Therapy for Children / Couples Therapy / Family Therapy / FBT for Eating Disorders / Psychological Assessment & Testing.
I currently have openings for children, adults, couples, and families at my Oakland office.
Laura Frame
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I offer individual therapy for adults, infant/child-parent psychotherapy, play therapy, and parent guidance.
Growth, change and transformation happen in the context of crucial relationships in our lives. We also experience pain, loss, absence, fear, shame, and more within those relationships – as children and as adults. Our life experiences, intertwined with our cultural background and unique neurobiology, lead us to become who we are, but may not lead us to become who we want to be. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to create lives and relationships that are more satisfying and in which we feel more alive.
I offer individual therapy for adults, infant/child-parent psychotherapy, play therapy, and parent guidance.
Growth, change and transformation happen in the context of crucial relationships in our lives. We also experience pain, loss, absence, fear, shame, and more within those relationships – as children and as adults. Our life experiences, intertwined with our cultural background and unique neurobiology, lead us to become who we are, but may not lead us to become who we want to be. Psychotherapy offers an opportunity to create lives and relationships that are more satisfying and in which we feel more alive.
Dr. Theresa Tan
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Waitlist for new clients
For the younger ones, I am passionate about play and sand tray therapy.
Being neurodivergent can be difficult in this society, whether you are on the spectrum, have ADHD, or other traits. And feeling unseen, unaccepted, or stagnant can often be overwhelming. If you're grappling with emotional challenges, or find yourself stuck in life, know that you're not alone. Whether you’re wanting to better understand yourself, looking to improve your experiences with others, or wanting help with a new diagnosis, we can navigate these waters together. You've demonstrated resilience and introspection by seeking help, now let's create the path towards healing and transformation—together.
For the younger ones, I am passionate about play and sand tray therapy.
Being neurodivergent can be difficult in this society, whether you are on the spectrum, have ADHD, or other traits. And feeling unseen, unaccepted, or stagnant can often be overwhelming. If you're grappling with emotional challenges, or find yourself stuck in life, know that you're not alone. Whether you’re wanting to better understand yourself, looking to improve your experiences with others, or wanting help with a new diagnosis, we can navigate these waters together. You've demonstrated resilience and introspection by seeking help, now let's create the path towards healing and transformation—together.
Jenna Robinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
As a trauma responsive multicultural expressive arts therapist, I bring in creativity, play, and collaboration to heal past wounds and create new futures.
Are you looking to heal from trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, experiences with abuse and family violence? Or years of navigating systemic oppression? Are you motivated to develop into your most joyful and resilient self? Let me help you metabolize pain into triumph. I’ve been helping individuals, families and groups transcend trauma, abuse and grief for over 10 years in California and Hawai’i. I have a liberatory and integrative approach that is authentic, collaborative, warm, creative and joyful.
As a trauma responsive multicultural expressive arts therapist, I bring in creativity, play, and collaboration to heal past wounds and create new futures.
Are you looking to heal from trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, experiences with abuse and family violence? Or years of navigating systemic oppression? Are you motivated to develop into your most joyful and resilient self? Let me help you metabolize pain into triumph. I’ve been helping individuals, families and groups transcend trauma, abuse and grief for over 10 years in California and Hawai’i. I have a liberatory and integrative approach that is authentic, collaborative, warm, creative and joyful.
Karen Pernet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
When treating families with children from 3 to 12, I may suggest Filial Therapy, a highly effective combination of play and family therapy.
When individuals, couples, families or children make the difficult decision to come to therapy they are usually feeling stuck and often scared. Each of us has our own strength and wisdom which we don't see when we are troubled. My goal is for us to work together to rediscover those qualities.
I use a cattail plant as a symbol of how I see therapy. Why? Cattails are found stuck in a marsh and often regarded as weeds. But when looked at carefully they are graceful and strong. Let me help you find your strength and grace.
When treating families with children from 3 to 12, I may suggest Filial Therapy, a highly effective combination of play and family therapy.
When individuals, couples, families or children make the difficult decision to come to therapy they are usually feeling stuck and often scared. Each of us has our own strength and wisdom which we don't see when we are troubled. My goal is for us to work together to rediscover those qualities.
I use a cattail plant as a symbol of how I see therapy. Why? Cattails are found stuck in a marsh and often regarded as weeds. But when looked at carefully they are graceful and strong. Let me help you find your strength and grace.
Katrina Brashares
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
For example, I frequently use Child-Centered Play Therapy with children under 10, and a strengths-based, insight-oriented approach with teens and adults.
I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.
For example, I frequently use Child-Centered Play Therapy with children under 10, and a strengths-based, insight-oriented approach with teens and adults.
I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.
Adriana N Taranta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Play therapy helps children communicate and connect, understand and gain of control of situations and their emotions.
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I work with children and parents to help them make meaning of life’s challenges and work with children and parents, both individually and together. I bring more than twenty years of experience providing therapy, consultation, and assessments with children and their families to my clinical practice. I have experience working with children and families around many issues including, loss, attachment, adoption, anxiety, depression, atypical development, learning differences and trauma.
Play therapy helps children communicate and connect, understand and gain of control of situations and their emotions.
Are you concerned about your child’s behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I work with children and parents to help them make meaning of life’s challenges and work with children and parents, both individually and together. I bring more than twenty years of experience providing therapy, consultation, and assessments with children and their families to my clinical practice. I have experience working with children and families around many issues including, loss, attachment, adoption, anxiety, depression, atypical development, learning differences and trauma.
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Dr. Amrita Mehta
Psychologist, PhD, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, and educational consulting. Our therapists offer a diverse range of specialties, ranging from sensory/play therapy for children, to individual and couples therapy in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges and school or work related pressures.
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, and educational consulting. Our therapists offer a diverse range of specialties, ranging from sensory/play therapy for children, to individual and couples therapy in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges and school or work related pressures.
Patricia Banchik Rothschild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Waitlist for new clients
My expertise is working with trauma, grief & sexual abuse of children, teens and adults using trauma focused CBT, EMDR, Brain Spotting &play therapy.
My experience comes from 31 years of helping children, adults, couples and families in both Community Mental Health and Private Practice. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each individual's needs to facilitate healing and growth. Through my years of experience I have witnessed over and over again people coming into therapy with great pain, discomfort and despair but with time, (sometimes within a very short time) their symptoms diminish and a whole new person emerges. Crisis times can be extremely painful and distressful but they can also be opportunities for growth and healing through therapy.
My expertise is working with trauma, grief & sexual abuse of children, teens and adults using trauma focused CBT, EMDR, Brain Spotting &play therapy.
My experience comes from 31 years of helping children, adults, couples and families in both Community Mental Health and Private Practice. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each individual's needs to facilitate healing and growth. Through my years of experience I have witnessed over and over again people coming into therapy with great pain, discomfort and despair but with time, (sometimes within a very short time) their symptoms diminish and a whole new person emerges. Crisis times can be extremely painful and distressful but they can also be opportunities for growth and healing through therapy.
Jessica Chesbro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA); using art, music, role-play, and creativity to assist clients in deepening their understanding of themselves.
I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
I specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA); using art, music, role-play, and creativity to assist clients in deepening their understanding of themselves.
I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
Robyn Holmes-Cannon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Waitlist for new clients
Work with children includes play and sand tray therapy providing a safe space to uncover and resolve the underlying psychological issues often manifested in common behavioral issues.
If you or your child have been struggling with anxiety, panic, stress, trauma fears/phobias, low mood, or relationship/peer conflicts you have landed in the right place. I have had the honor of helping people for more than 22 yrs overcome their struggles and find or regain a greater sense of wellbeing. Several trauma-informed approaches are used but I believe the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in the therapy process. I aim to provide a therapeutic space that feels accepting, warm, empowering, and active while always bearing in mind the need for trust and safety at the center of our work together.
Work with children includes play and sand tray therapy providing a safe space to uncover and resolve the underlying psychological issues often manifested in common behavioral issues.
If you or your child have been struggling with anxiety, panic, stress, trauma fears/phobias, low mood, or relationship/peer conflicts you have landed in the right place. I have had the honor of helping people for more than 22 yrs overcome their struggles and find or regain a greater sense of wellbeing. Several trauma-informed approaches are used but I believe the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in the therapy process. I aim to provide a therapeutic space that feels accepting, warm, empowering, and active while always bearing in mind the need for trust and safety at the center of our work together.
Jess Wynn-Grant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, M Ed
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
I specialize in whole-bodied therapy to heal anxiety and trauma for children, teens, and adults. I offer attachment-based, trauma-healing, body-oriented approaches (EMDR, Havening & Somatics), play therapy, integrative talk therapy, & nature-oriented outdoor therapy. I also provide therapy for hopeful, awaiting, and new parents who are navigating the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey. I provide therapy online across CA and outdoors if you are local to the East Bay. In-home therapy is also available for children and families.
I specialize in whole-bodied therapy to heal anxiety and trauma for children, teens, and adults. I offer attachment-based, trauma-healing, body-oriented approaches (EMDR, Havening & Somatics), play therapy, integrative talk therapy, & nature-oriented outdoor therapy. I also provide therapy for hopeful, awaiting, and new parents who are navigating the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey. I provide therapy online across CA and outdoors if you are local to the East Bay. In-home therapy is also available for children and families.
Jessica Libbey
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
With children and preteens, I use play-based therapy and integrate talk therapy when appropriate.
I believe in your innate capacity to heal. A therapist can help you or your child get unstuck and begin on a path towards healing. I work with children and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, overwhelm, ADHD, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions and relationship issues. I can help you to identify and explore patterns, process hard experiences or difficult emotions, deepen relationships and build the life skills and capacity to self-soothe, heal and grow.
With children and preteens, I use play-based therapy and integrate talk therapy when appropriate.
I believe in your innate capacity to heal. A therapist can help you or your child get unstuck and begin on a path towards healing. I work with children and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, overwhelm, ADHD, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions and relationship issues. I can help you to identify and explore patterns, process hard experiences or difficult emotions, deepen relationships and build the life skills and capacity to self-soothe, heal and grow.
Angie N Branham
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I have extensive experience working with adults and children as young as 3. I specialize in helping children other therapists describe as "difficult to treat," including children who are traumatized, emotionally unregulated, physically aggressive, or have difficulty connecting with adults and caregivers. I will work with your child whose needs have not been met in schools or by other therapists. I help children through play, physical movement, games, art, and words. I help overwhelmed parents with sound psychological guidance. I have fourteen years' experience and I teach and train other therapists.
I have extensive experience working with adults and children as young as 3. I specialize in helping children other therapists describe as "difficult to treat," including children who are traumatized, emotionally unregulated, physically aggressive, or have difficulty connecting with adults and caregivers. I will work with your child whose needs have not been met in schools or by other therapists. I help children through play, physical movement, games, art, and words. I help overwhelmed parents with sound psychological guidance. I have fourteen years' experience and I teach and train other therapists.
Katherine Tarnoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
I integrate play, expressive arts, music, mindfulness education and nature into therapy.
Through counseling, I support individuals, couples and families to identify patterns in behavior and communication. Our work together will be collaborative and strengths-based. It will encourage shifts in the family to promote healthy expression of emotions and communication to improve relationships. I use a directive style of communication and an active and integrative approach. I encourage parents, caregivers and other family members to be involved in the therapeutic process.
I integrate play, expressive arts, music, mindfulness education and nature into therapy.
Through counseling, I support individuals, couples and families to identify patterns in behavior and communication. Our work together will be collaborative and strengths-based. It will encourage shifts in the family to promote healthy expression of emotions and communication to improve relationships. I use a directive style of communication and an active and integrative approach. I encourage parents, caregivers and other family members to be involved in the therapeutic process.
Catarina Maria Rodrigues
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Self esteem enhancement, couples counseling and sand tray play therapy are specialties.
Life guarantees each of us joy and despair. And yet, our highly individualistic culture seems to over promote self sufficiency. I've found that life transitions, relational and professional challenges are considerably more manageable with consistent support. Through reflection, collaborative brainstorming and guidance in noticing response patterns, clients in my care become more aware. This growing self awareness uncovers outdated beliefs, surfaces issues that need tending and, most importantly, gives folks more agency around their daily life choices. I enjoy this discovery process with individuals, couples and parent/child teams.
Self esteem enhancement, couples counseling and sand tray play therapy are specialties.
Life guarantees each of us joy and despair. And yet, our highly individualistic culture seems to over promote self sufficiency. I've found that life transitions, relational and professional challenges are considerably more manageable with consistent support. Through reflection, collaborative brainstorming and guidance in noticing response patterns, clients in my care become more aware. This growing self awareness uncovers outdated beliefs, surfaces issues that need tending and, most importantly, gives folks more agency around their daily life choices. I enjoy this discovery process with individuals, couples and parent/child teams.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
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.