![Amie Lowery-Luyties, MFT, PPS, MS](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/amie-lowery-luyties.jpg)
Child Therapist
Amie Lowery-Luyties, MFT, PPS, MS
Marriage and Family Therapist
In 90807 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
For about 7 years I only worked with children in my practice. The rest of my practice has been split working with adults and with kids. With kids, its all about their instinct and comfort. If they sense that the therapist isn't comfortable or experienced with kids, they won't engage in the therapy process. I use a variety of techniques working with children, depending on their age. For smaller children, art therapy and play therapy can be very successful for a variety of reasons. The main reason is that it takes the focus off of them and they feel more at ease to talk and be open. For older children who can handle "talk therapy", using simpler language can be effective.
![Tom Andre, MA](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/tom-andre.jpg)
Child Therapist
Tom Andre, MA
LMFT
In 90245 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
No group of people is as subject to the power of others as young children. Often acutely aware of their situation, I position myself as an ally as they decide how they want to act in the face of this power. I view childrens' voices and creativity as major assets that, if given their due, will serve them well as the move through their teen years and into young adulthood.
![Dustin Vander Haar, MA, LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/dustin-vander-haar.jpg)
Child Therapist
Dustin Vander Haar, MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In 91106 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
My practice is specifically focused on children, adolescents, and young adults. Working with younger children requires a playful insight and I frequently employ play therapy and games to challenge anger, anxiety, and frustrations. Further, through play I am able to work with children on managing social situations, dissapointments, and develop problem solving techniques. Following these sessions I work closely with parents to train on these behavioral interventions in order to further reinforce in the home environment. This consistency and collaboration allows us to more effectively shape behaviors and booste self esteem beyond the therapy session.
![Audrey Johnson, Psy. D.](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/audrey-johnson.jpg)
Child Therapist
Audrey Johnson, Psy. D.
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
In 91423 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Does you child have uncontrollable anger? Social skills not up to par? Being bullied or the bully? Having anxiety or depression? An addiction to drugs, gambling or gaming? Often, children and adolescents find it hard to cope and deal with things without professional help. Working with children/adolescents is my specialty. I provide a safe, understanding, and fun environment for a child to disclose how they are feeling through the means of games, art, and talk therapy. Call now for help. Your child is worth it.
![Diane Thorp, MSW, LCSW](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/diane-thorp.jpg)
Child Therapist
Diane Thorp, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Psychotherapist
In 91106 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Young children greatly benefit from play therapy, which is a professional form of psychotherapy. I work with children ages 3 puberty and up that will significantly restructure behaviors that will provide relief to parents and caregivers. Structure & consistency is key and disclipline needn't be cruel or overly harsh as many parents have questioned to me through the 30+ years that I have worked with their children. My techniques are based on research with what is called in psychotherapy, evidenced-based-practices; this allows relief knowing that your child will receive help from procedures & practices that have been proven to work, as long as parents or caretakers are invested towards change.
![Naphtali Roberts, MA, LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/naphtali-roberts.jpg)
Child Therapist
Naphtali Roberts, MA, LMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist
In 91020 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Young children respond well to play, art and music, and these activities can help them in expressing their strong feelings, while also developing new, healthier ways of coping with their experience. Children and their parents often enjoy the benefits of therapy in addressing behavioral issues, life transition, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, Sexual abuse, aggressive or defiant behavior, difficulty with peer relationships and learning issues, like ADHD. The focus of my work with young children is to help them thrive again. If you’re wondering whether your young child may benefit from therapy, I invite you to contact me, as I would be more than happy to speak with you about your concerns and how we might best address them in support your child.
![John Kane, LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/john-kane.jpg)
Child Therapist
John Kane, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In 90405 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
After 11 years of working with children, I find it more effective to work with you, the parent. This is not because you are responsible for the way your child is behaving or what your child is going through, but because you have the most positive power and influence in your child's life. If I can use what I know through education and experience to empower you the parent to connect to your child, it will be more impactful and long lasting than if I spend therapy sessions with them. Your child will also find healing through their relationship with you, increasing trust, and strengthening your relationship for the present and future. You will have your Parenting Power back, stronger than ever!
![Cynthia Henrie, LMFT, BCET](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/cynthia-henrie.jpg)
Child Therapist
Cynthia Henrie, LMFT, BCET
LA Therapy Network - Feminist Therapy, Trauma Experts
In 90042 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
At LA Therapy Network we have therapists whose specialty is helping couples and/or single parents with young children! Children often need therapists who understand their special needs, but also a therapist who can work with you, the parent to understand and help your child through whatever difficulties he or she is experiencing, or that you are dealing with as parent. Let us help you through the tough times or to learn how to be a more effective parent! We offer parenting support, family therapy, play, art and sandplay therapies! Because we are a group of private practice therapists, we can offer you services as a collaboration which can make a huge difference to your treatment! LA & LB!
![Joelle Allman, LCSW](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/joelle-allman.jpg)
Child Therapist
Joelle Allman, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
In 90713 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Young families today have a lot of challenges living in Southern California due to the high cost of living, pressures of family life, and the demands of working. All of these responsibilities can contribute to a high level of stress and anxiety for parents. Many parents also deal with additional issues as having a special needs child, a family member experiencing trauma, divorce and blended families, a defiant child, and possibly marital problems. These circumstances can be overwhelming and difficult to deal with. You may feel alone and hopeless regarding your situation. Isolating, avoiding the problem, and repeating old arguments will not change the circumstance.
![Dana Fogel-Stark, LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/dana-fogel-stark.jpg)
Child Therapist
Dana Fogel-Stark, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
In 91302 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I have extensive experience working with children and adolescents. I have worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health providing crisis intervention and assessment services to children and their families. It is my clinical approach to conduct an assessment to determine clarity and understanding of the specific clinical issues. It is my belief that treatment should consist of the therapist working closely with the parents and any other professionals working with the child to enhance their growth and improvement in treatment. My goal is to assist the child in improving their emotional, social and academic functioning.
![Michelle Harwell, LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/michelle-harwell.jpg)
Child Therapist
Michelle Harwell, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In 90041 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
In my work with children, I utilize play therapy, which creates a secure environment where children can express themselves, try new things, learn more about how the world works, learn about social rules and boundaries, and work through their problems. The process of spontaneous play allows children to resolve the psychological tensions created by stressful events in a child’s life. Children are able to face difficult events because they are using familiar language and reactions where they have control of the play. The new scripts and schema that children create in the Play Therapy room are then generalized to their external environments.
![Kristen Caron, MA, MFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/kristen-caron.jpg)
Child Therapist
Kristen Caron, MA, MFT
Licensed Psychotherapist, Eating Disorder Specialist
In 90212 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Adolescents age 12-18. For over 20 years, I have worked with adolescents/teens. Navigating adolescence can be extremely challenging. Some areas of treatment are ( but not limited to) exploration of developmental issues, self-esteem, managing academic stress, understanding relationships with family and friends, developing a healthy sense of self and communication skills in a social media age.
![Schwarz and Associates, Rebecca L Schwarz, LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/schwarz-and-associates.jpg)
Child Therapist
Schwarz and Associates, Rebecca L Schwarz, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In 90240 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Many times parents are at a loss on how to help their young children. Sometimes the parents are worn out from trying to deal with a "Strong Willed Child" and so either become too strict or become too passive. Neither approach helps to raise a child to be a grown adult that you are proud to claim as you child. In our work here at Schwarz and Associates we strive to take a balanced approach to helping parents to learn skills to parent in a way that truly helps them become the adults God wants them to be and you will be proud of!
![Seema Sharma, SEP, MA, MBA, LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/seema-sharma.jpg)
Child Therapist
Seema Sharma, SEP, MA, MBA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
In 91101 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
(For Children 12+) Is your child struggling to express themselves or facing emotional challenges? Are you worried about their behavior or sudden mood changes? Look no further! Our dedicated team of experienced child therapists is here to support your child on their journey to emotional well-being and personal growth. I understand the unique needs of children and adolescents. My compassionate approach creates a nurturing and safe environment where your child can freely express their feelings, thoughts, and concerns. Through a variety of evidence-based techniques and play therapy approaches, I tailor each session to meet your child's specific needs and developmental stage
![Olga Aguilar, M.A. LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/olga-aguilar.jpg)
Child Therapist
Olga Aguilar, M.A. LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In 90041 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Most of my work has been done with high schoolers and adolecents; however, I do have experience using play therapy and small groups with K-8th graders. As a mother of a child on the spectrum, I was trained in Greenspan's Floortime Approach. This later helped me with working with children of all ages. Play therapy helps children recreate the worlds they live in and helps me, the therapist, understand where they're coming from.
![Cristy Pareti, PsyD, MFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/cristy-pareti.jpg)
Child Therapist
Cristy Pareti, PsyD, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
In 90266 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Too often therapies are not targeted at children's age levels. I specialize in play therapy with young children. Play therapy is an opportunity for children to express feelings, emotions or trauma in a safe environment. Developmentally, children are not able to adequately express their feelings or experiences in words. Through play therapy, the therapist can interact and help the child to express and heal important feelings related to their experiences. I have specialized doctoral clinical training in play therapy and child therapy. I have found play therapy, combined with family therapy, to be an effective technique to help children with anxiety, trauma, depression, and behavioral problems.
![Jeanne Clevenger, PsyD](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/jeanne-clevenger.jpg)
Child Therapist
Jeanne Clevenger, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
In 91106 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
The inner world of a child is rich with emotion and depth. It can be difficult to watch your child struggle, whether it is socially, academically, or in the home. Child therapy can be beneficial in not only providing current support and problem-solving, but can also serve to be preventative for potential longer-term issues. Young children in particular have a language of their own -- play! I will work with your child using play and art therapy techniques to communicate and develop more effective coping tools to thrive in his or her environment and family.
![Karine Echighian, M.S., LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/karine-echighian.jpg)
Child Therapist
Karine Echighian, M.S., LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In 91364 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Here to help young children have a voice and learn how to best express their feelings and thoughts. Using games, art, storytelling and other tools to help explore and teach your child how to understand and cope with their feelings. Parents are included in sessions, as needed, in order to help the child feel comfortable and safe in the new environment; and also to have parents help facilitate child's progress.
![Kevin Fleming, Ph.D.](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/kevin-fleming.jpg)
Child Therapist
Kevin Fleming, Ph.D.
Coach/Change Agent/Consultant
In 90035 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Many times, child stherapists overdo the family system in their quest to seek effective solutions for emotional, learning or behavioral concerns with young children. And many times doctors overpathologize issues that shouldnt be medicated necessarily. This leaves parents wondering what is the best route for their child? Introducting brainwave optimization technology. A fast, effective, natural, and less expensive way to allow your child's brain to make the optimizing changes it desires to make---on its own! Without any external force, opinion, medication, diagnostic, etc. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161
![Parshaw Barati-Marnani, LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/parshaw-barati-marnani.jpg)
Child Therapist
Parshaw Barati-Marnani, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In 91356 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Best said by Garry Landreth, a renowned child therapist, "Toys are children's words and play is their language". Play therapy is a way of working with kids using their language of play as a means to express or communicate feelings to work through childhood wounds (trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief/loss, etc). Child centered play therapy believes that in a therapeutic setting, children allowed to play freely will resolve their own problems and reach their own solutions. Because this can be a long process, I practice a prescriptive approach, meaning the play is child driven with introduction of clinically appropriate interventions for the individual child and their particular issues.
![Laura MacRae-Serpa, M.A., CCLS, LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/laura-macrae-serpa.jpg)
Child Therapist
Laura MacRae-Serpa, M.A., CCLS, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In 91030 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
I utilize developmentally appropriate, play therapy to gain knowledge and understanding of how young children perceive themselves and their world. Older children, tweens and adolescents benefit from therapeutic activities and talk therapy, as vehicles for gaining insight and self-understanding. I have provided therapy, on campus at a K-8th grade school and previously worked as a Certified Child Life (Development) Specialist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. As a mother, I deeply empathize with parents whose children are experiencing difficulties and welcome your questions and concerns regarding the therapeutic process for your child.
![Kimberly Koljat, LMFT, LIMFT-S, RPT-S, RDT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/kimberly-koljat.jpg)
Child Therapist
Kimberly Koljat, LMFT, LIMFT-S, RPT-S, RDT
Licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor
Available for Online Therapy
Many therapists share they use play therapy in their practice with children, but have not taken further training on its use in therapy. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, which means I completed 3 years and 3000 additional hours of practice after licensure, clinical supervision, consistent continued education courses, and significant focus in at least two play therapy evidence based practices. I utilize Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Digital Play Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy to address children's needs in addition to creative arts therapies (Drama Therapy, Art Therapy interventions).
![Behnam Keyvan, LMFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/behnam-keyvan.jpg)
Child Therapist
Behnam Keyvan, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In 91364 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
In working with young children I integrate the arts with evidence-based interventions to provide effective ways to deal with anger, depression, anxiety or other stressors. I help identify and build on current strengths while learning new skills. I work collaboratively with parents and other professionals to provide the highest level of care and service. I am always learning from current clinical research to improve outcomes for my clients.
![Verdant Oak Behavioral Health, Psy.D. and Ph.D.](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/verdant-oak-behavioral-health.jpg)
Child Therapist
Verdant Oak Behavioral Health, Psy.D. and Ph.D.
Psychologist
In 91030 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
Stress for young children can often be challenging to discern. Parents may notice that their child begins to experience a greater incidence of tantrums and/or angry outbursts, but often attribute such changes to growing up. Children may also demonstrate strict rules for their play and become upset when their schedule is changed without warning. Sometimes parents may not be able to identify obvious signs of stress in their children, but recognize that their child has encountered a number of stressors. In any of these cases, children can benefit from therapy wherein they can explore how to express their feelings and learn to process their emotions in a safe non-judgmental environment.
![Eris Huemer, PsyD, MFT](https://www.theravive.com/images/counsellors/eris-huemer.jpg)
Child Therapist
Eris Huemer, PsyD, MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In 90048 - Nearby to Westwood Los Angeles.
We offer a range of services for young children including those who are going through their parents divorce to being at risk for developmental delays, children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and individuals with adaptive functioning needs and behavioral challenges. Our approach integrates meeting the child where they are at with a mixture of play therapy and evidence-based practices from the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) depeing on the needs of each client and family.