Therapists in Torrance, CA
Francis Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90503
I use a variety of modalities that include Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Therapy and Play Therapy depending on client need.
I have provided therapy to children, adolescents, individuals and families for the last 7 years and in the last 4 years I have primarily focused on working with children, adolescents and families. In the years since I have been practicing I have been able to work with clients who have presented with various diagnosis and issues some of which include Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Emotion-Regulation, Social Skills difficulties, Peer and Self-Esteem Issues. I work collaboratively with individuals to ensure that treatment is tailored to address the specific needs of every individual client I see.
I use a variety of modalities that include Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Therapy and Play Therapy depending on client need.
I have provided therapy to children, adolescents, individuals and families for the last 7 years and in the last 4 years I have primarily focused on working with children, adolescents and families. In the years since I have been practicing I have been able to work with clients who have presented with various diagnosis and issues some of which include Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Emotion-Regulation, Social Skills difficulties, Peer and Self-Esteem Issues. I work collaboratively with individuals to ensure that treatment is tailored to address the specific needs of every individual client I see.
Marisa Burke
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503
I am a child therapist who utilizes play as a natural method of communication with your child who is experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, anxiety, or depressive disorders. I provide a confidential, safe, and caring environment for your child to play and explore both conscious and unconscious thoughts and feelings. I will work with your child to empower them to express their needs and make use of their newly learned coping strategies.
I am a child therapist who utilizes play as a natural method of communication with your child who is experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, anxiety, or depressive disorders. I provide a confidential, safe, and caring environment for your child to play and explore both conscious and unconscious thoughts and feelings. I will work with your child to empower them to express their needs and make use of their newly learned coping strategies.
Hayley N Casselman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505
Play therapy utilizes children's natural language (play) rather than asking them to process their feelings the same way adults would.
I specialize in helping children, teens, and parents work through life's challenges to come out on the other side happier, healthier, and more successful in school and relationships. Common concerns include: ADHD, depression, anxiety/stress and fears (including OCD), difficulty with divorce, academic challenges, and peer problems. Please see my website www.hayleycasselman.com for more detailed information.
Play therapy utilizes children's natural language (play) rather than asking them to process their feelings the same way adults would.
I specialize in helping children, teens, and parents work through life's challenges to come out on the other side happier, healthier, and more successful in school and relationships. Common concerns include: ADHD, depression, anxiety/stress and fears (including OCD), difficulty with divorce, academic challenges, and peer problems. Please see my website www.hayleycasselman.com for more detailed information.
Aimee Cruz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90503
I specialize with neurodiverse individuals from kids to adult addressing challenging areas such as social skills, anxiety, depression drawing from various modalities such as Play Therapy, CBT, TF-CBT, and Client-centered.
Kobe Bryant once said, "The key, though, is being aware of how you're feeling and how you need to be feeling, it all starts with awareness." Being self-aware is the first step toward healing and change. Initiating the next steps can be intimidating and discouraging especially if the individual or family does not know where to start. My goal is to help guide you through each step and phase on your journey to balance and happiness with empathy and compassion.
I specialize with neurodiverse individuals from kids to adult addressing challenging areas such as social skills, anxiety, depression drawing from various modalities such as Play Therapy, CBT, TF-CBT, and Client-centered.
Kobe Bryant once said, "The key, though, is being aware of how you're feeling and how you need to be feeling, it all starts with awareness." Being self-aware is the first step toward healing and change. Initiating the next steps can be intimidating and discouraging especially if the individual or family does not know where to start. My goal is to help guide you through each step and phase on your journey to balance and happiness with empathy and compassion.
Sabrina Santiago
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90503
I primarily use Play Therapy, Mindfulness, and/or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with these clients and tailor each method to the client's needs.
I have been working in the field since 2014 and throughout my time I have worked with adults, children/teens, and individuals with neurodivergence. When working with my clients I make sure to tailor therapy to meet their needs including: finding ways to make interacting with their world easier and more manageable, developing coping skills, and working on communication skills. I aim to empower my clients and help them realize that they are amazing and capable. When possible I also try to incorporate the family dynamic into treatment as family is an important factor.
I primarily use Play Therapy, Mindfulness, and/or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with these clients and tailor each method to the client's needs.
I have been working in the field since 2014 and throughout my time I have worked with adults, children/teens, and individuals with neurodivergence. When working with my clients I make sure to tailor therapy to meet their needs including: finding ways to make interacting with their world easier and more manageable, developing coping skills, and working on communication skills. I aim to empower my clients and help them realize that they are amazing and capable. When possible I also try to incorporate the family dynamic into treatment as family is an important factor.
Sierra Rose Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
I typically use theories such as Cognitive behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psycho-Dynamic, as well as Art and Play Therapies.
I specialize in working with people who have a desire to improve their daily functioning and quality of life. I want to work with clients to determine what will work best for them and their unique circumstances. I offer therapy for children, adolescents, adults and elders alike.
I typically use theories such as Cognitive behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psycho-Dynamic, as well as Art and Play Therapies.
I specialize in working with people who have a desire to improve their daily functioning and quality of life. I want to work with clients to determine what will work best for them and their unique circumstances. I offer therapy for children, adolescents, adults and elders alike.
Spencer B Nieves
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505 (Online Only)
I treat teens, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, emotional regulation, grief, and more. Some clients, favor confiding in a male therapist. My integrative approach draws from a combination of practices including mindfulness-based interventions, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and somatic practice which focuses on the mind body connection to help my clients cope with their issues, increase self-esteem, and develop emotional regulation and resiliency. In younger children, I use play therapy to facilitate communication and gain a deeper understanding of their needs.
I treat teens, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, emotional regulation, grief, and more. Some clients, favor confiding in a male therapist. My integrative approach draws from a combination of practices including mindfulness-based interventions, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and somatic practice which focuses on the mind body connection to help my clients cope with their issues, increase self-esteem, and develop emotional regulation and resiliency. In younger children, I use play therapy to facilitate communication and gain a deeper understanding of their needs.
Aiming Forward Counseling Services Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACT, MSW
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503
* Play Therapy * Adult Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) * Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) * Managing and Adapting Practices (M.
I have over ten years of experience providing individual, family, and couples therapeutic services in English and Spanish. I work with all age groups, ranging from toddlers to seniors, from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including homeless people, veterans, homemakers, students, members of the LBGTQ community, and blue- and white-collar workers. I have hands-on experience working with various diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), and psychosis (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar).
* Play Therapy * Adult Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) * Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) * Managing and Adapting Practices (M.
I have over ten years of experience providing individual, family, and couples therapeutic services in English and Spanish. I work with all age groups, ranging from toddlers to seniors, from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including homeless people, veterans, homemakers, students, members of the LBGTQ community, and blue- and white-collar workers. I have hands-on experience working with various diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), and psychosis (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar).
Marissa J Dominguez
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90501
Being a parent can be very challenging, make you feel vulnerable, and even overwhelmed at times. My goal as a therapist is to begin the healing process with you. Whether you are a parent that is seeking support for your infant, toddler, or child due to behavioral or emotional problems, family conflict, recent separation, divorce, death, or trauma. I specialize in providing Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Behavioral Modification for children, teens & families.
Being a parent can be very challenging, make you feel vulnerable, and even overwhelmed at times. My goal as a therapist is to begin the healing process with you. Whether you are a parent that is seeking support for your infant, toddler, or child due to behavioral or emotional problems, family conflict, recent separation, divorce, death, or trauma. I specialize in providing Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Behavioral Modification for children, teens & families.
Monica Taylor Dessert
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503
I currently see children in-person and am trained in the Oaklander-model of play therapy.
In life there is pain. Painful experiences growing up that stay inside and manifest in our everyday behavior and internal struggles. In my work, whether the person is a child, teen, young adult, parent, or woman, I aim to provide a space of compassion and safety from which to understand the world around us (relationships, school, work, friendships) and the internal world within us (thoughts, emotions, pain, discomfort). The goal in my work is to help you/your child get in touch with, tune in, and understand themselves; in particular thoughts and feelings.
I currently see children in-person and am trained in the Oaklander-model of play therapy.
In life there is pain. Painful experiences growing up that stay inside and manifest in our everyday behavior and internal struggles. In my work, whether the person is a child, teen, young adult, parent, or woman, I aim to provide a space of compassion and safety from which to understand the world around us (relationships, school, work, friendships) and the internal world within us (thoughts, emotions, pain, discomfort). The goal in my work is to help you/your child get in touch with, tune in, and understand themselves; in particular thoughts and feelings.
Evelyn Wright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90503 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
A graduate of the University of Southern California, I became involved in trauma and play therapy while at UCLA's Department of Pediatrics. Transitioning to private practice in 2003, I continue to work with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as an EMDR Certified Therapist, I serve adults, children and adolescents with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders, and ADD/ADHD, as well as individuals and families with grief and loss, stage of life/adjustment, behavioral, attachment, domestic violence and other abuse issues.
A graduate of the University of Southern California, I became involved in trauma and play therapy while at UCLA's Department of Pediatrics. Transitioning to private practice in 2003, I continue to work with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as an EMDR Certified Therapist, I serve adults, children and adolescents with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders, and ADD/ADHD, as well as individuals and families with grief and loss, stage of life/adjustment, behavioral, attachment, domestic violence and other abuse issues.
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Sarah Tuberman-Green
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
I work with children, adolescents, and families who are experiencing a wide variety of presenting problems. My approach to therapy is supportive, genuine, and collaborative, which allows children and adolescents to reach their fullest potential. I have worked with children and teens for over ten years across a number of settings, including community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, schools, and private practice.
I work with children, adolescents, and families who are experiencing a wide variety of presenting problems. My approach to therapy is supportive, genuine, and collaborative, which allows children and adolescents to reach their fullest potential. I have worked with children and teens for over ten years across a number of settings, including community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, schools, and private practice.
TheChildInUs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90503
There is nothing more valuable in this world than living the life you were destined to live and nothing more fearful than the passage of time and losing time. We spend so much time in fear of change that we often time sacrifice our own experience. Fear of failure, fear of the new, fear of criticism is just a few of the common reasons for fear of change. I would like to remind you that your experience is valid, that you are not alone and that there is hope.
There is nothing more valuable in this world than living the life you were destined to live and nothing more fearful than the passage of time and losing time. We spend so much time in fear of change that we often time sacrifice our own experience. Fear of failure, fear of the new, fear of criticism is just a few of the common reasons for fear of change. I would like to remind you that your experience is valid, that you are not alone and that there is hope.
Dianna V. Luna
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Has your child been acting out, uncommunicative, or withdrawn lately? Has their emotional well-being been affected by changes in their life? You are not alone. I have a deep passion for helping children find their voice, rather than acting out or withdrawing. For over 30 years I have worked with children of all ages as well as families and adults. As a therapist, I find it most rewarding when I help my clients breakthrough and grow from their trauma. I specialize in child therapy along with anxiety, depression, ADHD in all ages. Together we can achieve your goals at The Effective Therapy Group.
Has your child been acting out, uncommunicative, or withdrawn lately? Has their emotional well-being been affected by changes in their life? You are not alone. I have a deep passion for helping children find their voice, rather than acting out or withdrawing. For over 30 years I have worked with children of all ages as well as families and adults. As a therapist, I find it most rewarding when I help my clients breakthrough and grow from their trauma. I specialize in child therapy along with anxiety, depression, ADHD in all ages. Together we can achieve your goals at The Effective Therapy Group.
Hillary Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
I ask questions that guide your self discovery process. Whether you are going through a divorce, feeling stuck in your life or just wanting to improve the level of personal fulfillment, I will build your skills so you can reach your goals if you choose.
I ask questions that guide your self discovery process. Whether you are going through a divorce, feeling stuck in your life or just wanting to improve the level of personal fulfillment, I will build your skills so you can reach your goals if you choose.
Sarah White
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
With over 15 years of experience in the field of counseling, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy to individuals, couples, and teens. My areas of experience include perinatal counseling, parenting support, and a wide range of mental health issues such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I am also experienced in helping individuals navigate the challenges of narcissistic abuse and divorce.
With over 15 years of experience in the field of counseling, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy to individuals, couples, and teens. My areas of experience include perinatal counseling, parenting support, and a wide range of mental health issues such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I am also experienced in helping individuals navigate the challenges of narcissistic abuse and divorce.
T.j. Vanmarter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, BCBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505
You've probably found this page because you feel "stuck" in life. Maybe you're a parent who is challenged by their child's unique behavioral, emotional or academic needs and want help navigating them. Perhaps you're entering a life transition, such as entering or exiting a romantic relationship, going to college, or getting a new job and want emotional support and validation. My goal is to help individuals, families and couples find insight into their challenges, cope through distressful situations, and, in effect, become their own therapist.
You've probably found this page because you feel "stuck" in life. Maybe you're a parent who is challenged by their child's unique behavioral, emotional or academic needs and want help navigating them. Perhaps you're entering a life transition, such as entering or exiting a romantic relationship, going to college, or getting a new job and want emotional support and validation. My goal is to help individuals, families and couples find insight into their challenges, cope through distressful situations, and, in effect, become their own therapist.
Ikechi Okpara
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, BCAT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
I am enthusiastic about assisting individuals, couples, children, and families in navigating the intricate terrain of relationships and growth. Dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing therapeutic space, I am eager to help clients foster understanding, resilience, and positive change in their lives. Currently pursuing my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine, I bring a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to my therapeutic approach. These have equipped me with strong foundations in various therapeutic models, allowing me to uniquely tailor my approaches.
I am enthusiastic about assisting individuals, couples, children, and families in navigating the intricate terrain of relationships and growth. Dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing therapeutic space, I am eager to help clients foster understanding, resilience, and positive change in their lives. Currently pursuing my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine, I bring a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to my therapeutic approach. These have equipped me with strong foundations in various therapeutic models, allowing me to uniquely tailor my approaches.
Cleo Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Waitlist for new clients
I am pleased to announce joining The Effective Therapy Group. My practice includes kids (4+), as well as couples, and individuals. My work with individuals includes anxiety, PTSD (trauma), abuse, depression, grief, and life’s transitions. Transitions that include moving, divorce, change in health, and recovering from the past year’s health crisis, as well as being an addictions specialist.
I am pleased to announce joining The Effective Therapy Group. My practice includes kids (4+), as well as couples, and individuals. My work with individuals includes anxiety, PTSD (trauma), abuse, depression, grief, and life’s transitions. Transitions that include moving, divorce, change in health, and recovering from the past year’s health crisis, as well as being an addictions specialist.
Megan Higinbotham
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Life can be filled with stress, challenges, and anxiety, and sometimes we need help navigating through it all. As a Licensed Psychologist, my passion is to walk through the challenges of life with my patients. I provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment for individuals to process through their struggles and gain insight as they grow to reach their mental health goals. I engage with each individual to build strong rapport while identifying their root issues and working together to improve their well-being.
Life can be filled with stress, challenges, and anxiety, and sometimes we need help navigating through it all. As a Licensed Psychologist, my passion is to walk through the challenges of life with my patients. I provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment for individuals to process through their struggles and gain insight as they grow to reach their mental health goals. I engage with each individual to build strong rapport while identifying their root issues and working together to improve their well-being.
See more therapy options for Torrance
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.