Therapy for Children and Adolescents
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Individual Therapy for Contra Costa County Residents

Individual Therapy for Children

The mental, emotional, and physical well-being of children is our top priority. We work with children from ages 1 to 12, recognizing that their responses and behaviors evolve as they grow. Very young children respond primarily to their own body, caregivers, and immediate environment. As they mature and interact with family, peers, and others outside the home, they may carry these early responses with them, even if they are no longer appropriate. Additionally, children can be significantly impacted by experiences during their developmental years.


If your child is experiencing long-term learning problems or displaying concerning behaviors, consulting with a trained professional therapist can be beneficial. These difficulties could be related to ADHD, Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder, or Oppositional/Defiant Disorder. 


Some signs that may indicate a need for professional support include:

  • Aggression and anger towards peers, adults, or animals
  • Destruction or theft of property 
  • Deceitfulness
  • Inattention or difficulty listening 
  • Difficulty organizing and completing tasks 
  • Easy distraction
  • Impulsivity and hyperactivity
  • Excessive worries 
  • Lack of patience 
  • Obsessive fidgeting
  • Repetitive behaviors or motions
  • Serious violations of rules at home or school

If you have concerns about your child's behavior or development, please do not hesitate to reach out for professional guidance.

Individual Therapy for Adolescents

Individual therapy for teenagers, also known as individual psychotherapy, is a collaborative process between a therapist and a young client. It provides a safe, confidential, and calm environment where adolescents can address their mental health challenges. This one-on-one treatment experience allows for personalized support and guidance. 


The primary goal of individual counseling is to help teenagers identify and heal the trauma and attachment wounds that contribute to their mental health challenges and behavioral issues. As exploring the root causes of their emotional pain can be challenging and distressing, developing a trusting relationship with a therapist is essential to creating a safe space for open communication and deeper exploration.


in this form of personal therapy, adolescents learn and practice healthy communication skills while developing a compassionate therapeutic relationship.


Some of the warning signs that your child may be struggling and could benefit from professional help. These signs can include:

  • Anxiety or stress 
  • Depression 
  • Bullying and/or destructive behavior
  • Getting in trouble in school
  • Eating problems
  • Obsessive/compulsive behavior
  • Pronounced lack of communication, secretiveness with parents or others
  • Talking about death and suicide 
  • The inability to sit still or pay attention (ADHD)
  • The use, or suspected use, of drugs or alcohol
  • Unreasonable anger

Please be assured that all disclosures between the adolescent and their therapist are kept in confidence. The adolescent will always be present during any discussions with their parents/guardians regarding their progress in therapy. This approach, which respects their therapeutic process and includes them in consultations, promotes accountability and supports their development into healthy adults.

Therapy for Attachment Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

We specialize in providing therapy for children with Attachment Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).


Attachment, also known as bonding, is a natural process that develops between a child and their caregiver(s). It is essential for a child to feel safe, secure, and capable of forming healthy relationships. When this process is disrupted by attachment problems or traumatic stress, a child's emotional and social development can be significantly impacted. 


Major causes of attachment issues and trauma in children include: 

  • Sudden or traumatic separation from a primary caregiver
  • An unstable home environment
  • Invasive or painful medical procedures 
  • Drug or alcohol exposure at birth
  • Persistent emotional or physical neglect
  • Persistent emotional, physical, or psychological abuse 

We are here to help. 

Our therapists have specialized training in working with children as young as one year old, from all types of family backgrounds. If your child has experienced attachment problems or PTSD, they may exhibit mild to severe effects, including: 


  • Rigid control of their surroundings or limited understanding of personal space
  • Self-imposed isolation and avoidance of touch or comfort
  • Outward confidence (expressed as charming or bullying) that masks low self-esteem
  • High anxiety or depression
  • Substance abuse problems 


If you have concerns about your child, please reach out to us. We are here to help. 

Play Therapy / Theraplay ®

Play is a child’s natural language. 


Play is a fundamental way that children communicate and understand the world around them. Our therapists are highly trained in specialized play therapies, including Sand Tray® and Theraplay®, which utilize play to build trust and connection with children. These approaches provide children with a safe and expressive alternative to spoken language, allowing them to externalize their experiences and feelings through play.


Through these non-invasive therapies, our therapists can identify the underlying causes of a child's challenging behaviors and develop personalized treatment plans. These plans focus on helping children learn new, positive behaviors and coping mechanisms.


In Sand Tray® therapy, children use miniature figures and objects to create scenes and stories that reflect their inner world. Theraplay® focuses on nurturing and comforting children through gentle touch, sounds, and words. This approach helps children who have experienced abuse or neglect develop a sense of safety, trust, and self-worth, fostering a foundation for healthy relationships with others.

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