Services

Child and Adolescent Therapy

Play is a child’s language. It is how they communicate to the world and process their thoughts and emotions. Child therapy sessions consist of play therapy techniques, which are fun for the child, and also very powerful. Play therapy is an evidence-based practice that has been found to be highly effective in making positive changes in the child’s world.  Therapy for adolescents also contains elements of play to make sessions enjoyable, so they feel relaxed and free to open up and share. This also increases the chances of adolescents wanting to come to therapy and be open to learning ways to improve their lives.

 

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is used for older teens, young adults and parents to help process thoughts and emotions and to work through problems.  This is more of a typical talk therapy approach where we will discuss relevant issues and work collaboratively to problem solve together. Teens and young adults will sometimes use this time to vent and have someone who is not involved in their life hear them out and understand their perspective. Parents also need a safe place to work through their own issues and parenting difficulties from someone who has been there and “gets it.” Sometimes it may be helpful to dive into a person’s past to understand current thought patterns and behaviors and to heal old wounds. However, it is up to each client to decide how far you wish to explore.

 

Family Therapy

Family therapy can build connections between family members and can break negative patterns that sometimes emerge in a family. In family therapy sessions, I strive to keep the discussions strength-based and positive, so that all family members are encouraged and motivated to make changes. I also use light-hearted, positive activities that bring joy into the session, in order to strengthen family bonds. Working with all family members together can create a more calm and connected family where lasting change is possible.

 

EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR is a type of therapy that has been highly researched and found to be effective in treating PTSD, anxiety, depression and panic disorder.  EMDR can be life-changing for both kids and adults, decreasing anxiety, depression and other distressing symptoms. Whether you or your child have gone through “Big T or Little T” traumas or other painful experiences throughout your life, EMDR can help you get unstuck and move more freely into your life.

 

Medical Trauma/Chronic Illness

It can be so heartbreaking as parents to watch our children go through difficult experiences, and feel like there’s nothing we can do to help. You just want a magic wand to make it all go away. Or it could be that you are the one who is going through an illness yourself, and you’re not sure how to explain it to your child without upsetting them further. You don’t want them to be worried about you and the changes you will be going through. If you or your child have experienced a distressing medical event or have an ongoing illness, therapy can help you process the difficult emotions. I can help support both you and your child on the path to healing.

Please note that I do not take court-ordered cases, high conflict divorce cases, or provide custody recommendations of any kind.

Areas of Expertise

  • Anxiety

  • Attachment Repairs

  • Chronic Illness

  • Depression

  • Divorce

  • Family Conflict

  • Medical Trauma

  • Parenting

  • Peer Relationships

  • School Issues

  • Self-Esteem

  • Trauma/PTSD

Contact me.

erin@erinalcantara.com
(858) 876-2161

7817 Herschel Ave, Suite 202
La Jolla, CA, 92037