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.

 
 

Parenting Support

Parenting is such a difficult job! It is 24/7, you’re constantly “on,” and it’s something that you care so much about. It requires patience, structure, calming, nurturing, teaching, etc. No wonder you’re exhausted! Parents also need a safe place to work through their own issues and parenting difficulties from someone who has been there and “gets it.” It can be helpful to identify triggers for us parents, to ensure that we have an easier time managing our emotions when dealing with our kids. I will work with you to help make parenting less stressful and less demanding, and much more enjoyable for both you and your child.

 

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