Play Therapy in Santa Ana, CA
CBT, Family/couple's Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, play/art therapies.
I am a bilingual " English/Spanish" Board certified Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples/families. Developing a trusting relationship with the client will allow an open expression of thoughts and feelings. The treatment will be tailored to each individual client's problems and needs. Commitment and consistency are important to obtain good results. Soy psicologa clinica bilingue (Ingles/Espanol) con mas de 15 anos de experiencia. Es importante desarrollar una relacion terapeutica de confianza con mis clients para facilitar la expression de necesidades y emociones. El tratamiento es disenado de acuerdo a las necesidades de cada uno.
CBT, Family/couple's Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, play/art therapies.
I am a bilingual " English/Spanish" Board certified Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples/families. Developing a trusting relationship with the client will allow an open expression of thoughts and feelings. The treatment will be tailored to each individual client's problems and needs. Commitment and consistency are important to obtain good results. Soy psicologa clinica bilingue (Ingles/Espanol) con mas de 15 anos de experiencia. Es importante desarrollar una relacion terapeutica de confianza con mis clients para facilitar la expression de necesidades y emociones. El tratamiento es disenado de acuerdo a las necesidades de cada uno.
My name is Amelia A. Alonso, and I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I enjoy working with all populations, from adults to children. I focus on providing my Client with a nonjudgmental, safe place. I utilize mindfulness and communication skills to help my clients thrive and improve interpersonal relationships. I am bilingual and am open to doing sessions in Spanish. Much of my experience consists of Clients suffering from anxiety and depression, along with high risk and PTSD. I enjoy seeing couples and doing play therapy with Children of all ages.
My name is Amelia A. Alonso, and I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I enjoy working with all populations, from adults to children. I focus on providing my Client with a nonjudgmental, safe place. I utilize mindfulness and communication skills to help my clients thrive and improve interpersonal relationships. I am bilingual and am open to doing sessions in Spanish. Much of my experience consists of Clients suffering from anxiety and depression, along with high risk and PTSD. I enjoy seeing couples and doing play therapy with Children of all ages.
Cristina Minchala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Ana, CA 92705
As a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor I create a fun yet safe environment where children and teens can express their feelings and needs.
Are you a parent struggling to have a better relationship with your child? Are you, or someone else (teachers, family) worried about your child's behavior? Are you or your family going through a difficult time? If so, you need a therapist with experience working with children, teens, and families. I am a Bilingual (Spanish) licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience specializing in working with children from ages 2 to 21. I have worked with children and their families dealing with a variety of issues including learning difficulties, ADHD, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and loss.
As a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor I create a fun yet safe environment where children and teens can express their feelings and needs.
Are you a parent struggling to have a better relationship with your child? Are you, or someone else (teachers, family) worried about your child's behavior? Are you or your family going through a difficult time? If so, you need a therapist with experience working with children, teens, and families. I am a Bilingual (Spanish) licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience specializing in working with children from ages 2 to 21. I have worked with children and their families dealing with a variety of issues including learning difficulties, ADHD, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and loss.
Hi! My name is Jocelyn Flores, and I am a Bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist who is licensed in California. I have experience working with families, children, adolescents, and adults, ages 8-30 with various backgrounds. I have experience treating anxiety, trauma, and depression. I typically work with clients who come in struggling with trauma, anxiety, and or depressive-related issues.
Hi! My name is Jocelyn Flores, and I am a Bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist who is licensed in California. I have experience working with families, children, adolescents, and adults, ages 8-30 with various backgrounds. I have experience treating anxiety, trauma, and depression. I typically work with clients who come in struggling with trauma, anxiety, and or depressive-related issues.
Marie Jakobi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, BEd, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Ana, CA 92708 (Online Only)
I mainly use a Person Centered Therapy approach with a multicultural lens and utilize CBT, mindfulness, and play therapy techniques.
What brings you to therapy today? Maybe you’re experiencing loneliness, struggling with anxious emotions, having negative thoughts, or feeling emotionally fragmented in your day-to-day life. Maybe you want to experience emotional growth or increase your self-awareness. You might be struggling in relationships with friends, children, a partner, coworkers or family members. Whether it’s a new stressor or one that's been weighing on you, I am here to walk alongside you. We will work together to create an environment in which your personal experiences, cultural identity, sexual orientation, and emotions are respected and validated.
I mainly use a Person Centered Therapy approach with a multicultural lens and utilize CBT, mindfulness, and play therapy techniques.
What brings you to therapy today? Maybe you’re experiencing loneliness, struggling with anxious emotions, having negative thoughts, or feeling emotionally fragmented in your day-to-day life. Maybe you want to experience emotional growth or increase your self-awareness. You might be struggling in relationships with friends, children, a partner, coworkers or family members. Whether it’s a new stressor or one that's been weighing on you, I am here to walk alongside you. We will work together to create an environment in which your personal experiences, cultural identity, sexual orientation, and emotions are respected and validated.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Art therapy, Play therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strength-based Solution Focused and much more.
My main priority is to establish a secure therapeutic relationship and offer a safe space in where you can feel welcome enough to explore a wide range of emotions. Whether you are feeling anxious, stressed, sad, angry, frustrated or simply feeling “stuck”, I am here to help. I have extensive knowledge and training in working with neurodivergent populations, children, teens, and young adults. I am committed to assist and guide my clients into reaching their full potential through evidence-based techniques.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Art therapy, Play therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strength-based Solution Focused and much more.
My main priority is to establish a secure therapeutic relationship and offer a safe space in where you can feel welcome enough to explore a wide range of emotions. Whether you are feeling anxious, stressed, sad, angry, frustrated or simply feeling “stuck”, I am here to help. I have extensive knowledge and training in working with neurodivergent populations, children, teens, and young adults. I am committed to assist and guide my clients into reaching their full potential through evidence-based techniques.
Stella Lee McKenzie
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Waitlist for new clients
Instead, they express their inner world through art, play, and dance/movement therapy.
Hi, I’m Stella, an Associate Marriage, Family, and Child Psychotherapist. I employ a variety of approaches including Somatic Therapy and Dance/Movement Therapy, where I explore how trauma manifests and is stored in the body. A profound belief in the mind-body connection fuels my therapeutic journey. I specialize in youth and all of their unique challenges including school refusal, suicidal ideation, trauma, self-harm, grief, LGBTQ issues, ADHD, panic attacks, depression, defiance, and more.
Instead, they express their inner world through art, play, and dance/movement therapy.
Hi, I’m Stella, an Associate Marriage, Family, and Child Psychotherapist. I employ a variety of approaches including Somatic Therapy and Dance/Movement Therapy, where I explore how trauma manifests and is stored in the body. A profound belief in the mind-body connection fuels my therapeutic journey. I specialize in youth and all of their unique challenges including school refusal, suicidal ideation, trauma, self-harm, grief, LGBTQ issues, ADHD, panic attacks, depression, defiance, and more.
Hi! My name is Lynn Shim and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who works with clients in California via telehealth. I believe that therapy can provide a safe space for growth, healing, and understanding. I am a compassionate and non-judgmental support who collaborates with you to help reach your goals and strengthen your self-worth. I also focus on empowering you toward greater self-identity in the midst of cultural differences, family influences, and intergenerational trauma.
Hi! My name is Lynn Shim and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who works with clients in California via telehealth. I believe that therapy can provide a safe space for growth, healing, and understanding. I am a compassionate and non-judgmental support who collaborates with you to help reach your goals and strengthen your self-worth. I also focus on empowering you toward greater self-identity in the midst of cultural differences, family influences, and intergenerational trauma.
At Footprints Behavioral Interventions, what sets us apart from other behavioral health agencies is that we offer comprehensive psychological services including the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disability, developmental problems, mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and neurocognitive impairments. Our psychological services also include individual child and adult psychotherapy, ABA interventions, psychoeducation, parenting groups, and social skills training.
At Footprints Behavioral Interventions, what sets us apart from other behavioral health agencies is that we offer comprehensive psychological services including the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disability, developmental problems, mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and neurocognitive impairments. Our psychological services also include individual child and adult psychotherapy, ABA interventions, psychoeducation, parenting groups, and social skills training.
My practice focus is in parenting help that is immediate and effective. I translate your child's behaviors into meaningful and immediately usable information. If your experience includes childhood abuse, I provide a therapy environment that is casual and comfortable to support you.
My practice focus is in parenting help that is immediate and effective. I translate your child's behaviors into meaningful and immediately usable information. If your experience includes childhood abuse, I provide a therapy environment that is casual and comfortable to support you.
I am committed to the optimal development of individuals through an increased understanding of themselves and others. I have a sincere appreciation for the strengths and uniqueness of the people I work with, as well as an appreciation for cultural diversity. The therapeutic relationship is an experience that promotes an increased propensity toward self-awareness and change in behavior, allowing individuals and couples to discard maladaptive behaviors that no longer serve them. My goal is to provide an environment of empathy, genuineness and respect where profound issues can be examined and transformation can occur.
I am committed to the optimal development of individuals through an increased understanding of themselves and others. I have a sincere appreciation for the strengths and uniqueness of the people I work with, as well as an appreciation for cultural diversity. The therapeutic relationship is an experience that promotes an increased propensity toward self-awareness and change in behavior, allowing individuals and couples to discard maladaptive behaviors that no longer serve them. My goal is to provide an environment of empathy, genuineness and respect where profound issues can be examined and transformation can occur.
For the last 16 years I have loved assisting others. Every person has intrinsic value, you have intrinsic value - that is worth rediscovering and celebrating. I believe every person has the right to a fulfilling, purposeful, and satisfying life. Sometimes events in life may have caused self doubts due to traumatic events or loss that can steal happiness and connection, or a sense of feeling unworthy of love. I truly enjoy listening and talking with you individually, as a couple, or a family, I'm honored to join with you in your journey of growth and the new possibilities of a fulfilling and connected life.
For the last 16 years I have loved assisting others. Every person has intrinsic value, you have intrinsic value - that is worth rediscovering and celebrating. I believe every person has the right to a fulfilling, purposeful, and satisfying life. Sometimes events in life may have caused self doubts due to traumatic events or loss that can steal happiness and connection, or a sense of feeling unworthy of love. I truly enjoy listening and talking with you individually, as a couple, or a family, I'm honored to join with you in your journey of growth and the new possibilities of a fulfilling and connected life.
Daniela Gomez - Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Ana, CA 92705 (Online Only)
Everyone is different, we learn to accept ourselves in different ways as well as our situations. By being able to accept yourself and who you have the potential to be and learning how to cope with stressors, trauma, history, current passing, among other things as well can help you begin your road to understanding them. I use a strength base along with existential and client centered approach that allows me to create treatment plans geared towards each individual client.
Everyone is different, we learn to accept ourselves in different ways as well as our situations. By being able to accept yourself and who you have the potential to be and learning how to cope with stressors, trauma, history, current passing, among other things as well can help you begin your road to understanding them. I use a strength base along with existential and client centered approach that allows me to create treatment plans geared towards each individual client.
Making a decision to seek extra help and support during difficult seasons of life is a huge step. Times in life can be especially challenging and stressful. Seeking therapy is a sign of both strength and courage. Amy’s desire is to come along side you and work collaboratively to help you deal any challenges, stressors, difficulties, and or mental health struggles you may be facing. As a therapist, Amy is caring and empathetic while providing you with hope and encouragement to achieve your goals. Amy has experience dealing with a wide variety of relational, emotional, spiritual, and psychological struggles.
Making a decision to seek extra help and support during difficult seasons of life is a huge step. Times in life can be especially challenging and stressful. Seeking therapy is a sign of both strength and courage. Amy’s desire is to come along side you and work collaboratively to help you deal any challenges, stressors, difficulties, and or mental health struggles you may be facing. As a therapist, Amy is caring and empathetic while providing you with hope and encouragement to achieve your goals. Amy has experience dealing with a wide variety of relational, emotional, spiritual, and psychological struggles.
My approach is exploratory and collaborative. My goal is to facilitate lasting growth and renewed strength. Life has this "amazing" way of forcing change and challenge upon us (whether it is our own doing or not) but no matter what the circumstance I will work alongside you to move though the challenges and emerge healed and whole. I believe that therapy is a time for individuals to experience a transformational process through the partnership of someone who has their very best interest at heart.
My approach is exploratory and collaborative. My goal is to facilitate lasting growth and renewed strength. Life has this "amazing" way of forcing change and challenge upon us (whether it is our own doing or not) but no matter what the circumstance I will work alongside you to move though the challenges and emerge healed and whole. I believe that therapy is a time for individuals to experience a transformational process through the partnership of someone who has their very best interest at heart.
Sometimes, life feels like you’ve lost your melody and you're struggling to find where you belong. I understand what it can feel like to be on the other side of the chair and my passion is to help you feel truly seen and heard. Therapy for me, is about diving into the depths with you, where we can uncover and restore goodness, beauty, and love. Specializing in trauma therapy utilizing EMDR, I focus on healing symptoms of PTSD, complex trauma, grief and complex grief, anxiety and depression. Whether working with indivudal adults, children, or couples, I bring a unique approach to each session helping you feel less stuck.
Sometimes, life feels like you’ve lost your melody and you're struggling to find where you belong. I understand what it can feel like to be on the other side of the chair and my passion is to help you feel truly seen and heard. Therapy for me, is about diving into the depths with you, where we can uncover and restore goodness, beauty, and love. Specializing in trauma therapy utilizing EMDR, I focus on healing symptoms of PTSD, complex trauma, grief and complex grief, anxiety and depression. Whether working with indivudal adults, children, or couples, I bring a unique approach to each session helping you feel less stuck.
Specialties include Depressive Disorders, Anxiety and Borderline Personality Disorder. Using therapy styles such as DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I work with clients to build healthy coping skills that help people better deal with the struggles of life. Over the years, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced a variety of issues (including Anxiety, Depression, Grief, ADHD, BPD, traumatic childhood, and Substance Use/Abuse).
Specialties include Depressive Disorders, Anxiety and Borderline Personality Disorder. Using therapy styles such as DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I work with clients to build healthy coping skills that help people better deal with the struggles of life. Over the years, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced a variety of issues (including Anxiety, Depression, Grief, ADHD, BPD, traumatic childhood, and Substance Use/Abuse).
My name is Laura Melendez and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) based in Carlsbad, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with individuals, teens, and children/parenting. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness when working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, and parent coaching to help my clients meet their goals. Each individual is unique, therefore I get to know my client and based on their need I will match them with the best therapeutic approach. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness.
My name is Laura Melendez and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) based in Carlsbad, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with individuals, teens, and children/parenting. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness when working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, and parent coaching to help my clients meet their goals. Each individual is unique, therefore I get to know my client and based on their need I will match them with the best therapeutic approach. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness.
Blended Family Issues And Teen Therapist Carrie Anne Cox
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Have you ever wondered why you do things a certain way or why you struggle with the same things? Do you feel stressed with big changes? When you don't have the tools to navigate these changes it can leave you feeling tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed. Together we will help you better understand yourself and long-standing behavior patterns keeping you stuck. My role as your therapist is to offer support, guidance, and insight, and help you build the skills needed to navigate the many changes life throws at you.
Have you ever wondered why you do things a certain way or why you struggle with the same things? Do you feel stressed with big changes? When you don't have the tools to navigate these changes it can leave you feeling tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed. Together we will help you better understand yourself and long-standing behavior patterns keeping you stuck. My role as your therapist is to offer support, guidance, and insight, and help you build the skills needed to navigate the many changes life throws at you.
Living Success Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Ana, CA 92705
The Living Success Center believes that mental health care is a right for everyone and is committed to the following values: Each client will be cared for regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation or religion. Each client will be treated with respect and dignity, with compassion, empathy and acceptance of cultural and linguistic differences. Each client will be cared for regardless of their ability to pay, for as long as they need and want therapy. Each client will be assured privacy and confidentiality. Each client will be cared for by a qualified clinician working with licensed and specially trained Supervisors.
The Living Success Center believes that mental health care is a right for everyone and is committed to the following values: Each client will be cared for regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation or religion. Each client will be treated with respect and dignity, with compassion, empathy and acceptance of cultural and linguistic differences. Each client will be cared for regardless of their ability to pay, for as long as they need and want therapy. Each client will be assured privacy and confidentiality. Each client will be cared for by a qualified clinician working with licensed and specially trained Supervisors.
See more therapy options for Santa Ana
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Santa Ana
- Anaheim
- Anaheim Hills
- Costa Mesa
- Fountain Valley
- Garden Grove
- Huntington Beach
- Irvine
- Newport Beach
- Orange
- Placentia
- Tustin
- Westminster
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.