About Me
Hi, I'm Terese Ghilarducci, MFT #36326
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in play therapy and expressive arts therapy for children, teens, and their families in Pleasanton, CA.
My story
I became a therapist because I believe every child deserves a space where they feel truly seen — not just managed or redirected, but genuinely understood. I've spent years working with children and teens who carry big feelings in small bodies, and I've watched again and again as play and creativity open doors that words alone cannot.
My path into this work wasn't a straight line. I came to therapy through my own experiences of navigating difficult seasons, and through witnessing the profound difference a safe, attuned relationship can make in a young person's life. That's what I bring to every session: presence, warmth, and an unwavering belief in your child's capacity to heal.
Outside the therapy room, I'm a reader, a lover of long walks, and someone who believes deeply in the power of small, ordinary moments to change everything.
Training & credentials
My approach
I believe healing happens in relationship — and that children and teens are the experts on their own inner worlds. My role is to create the conditions for that wisdom to emerge.
Child-led
I follow the child's lead. Whether that means building a sandtray world, painting something abstract, or simply sitting together quietly, I trust that children know what they need when given the space to show us.
Creative & expressive
Play and art are not just activities — they are languages. For children and teens who struggle to find words for their inner experience, creative expression becomes a pathway to healing that talk therapy alone cannot offer.
Family-inclusive
Parents and caregivers are essential partners in the healing process. I work collaboratively with families, offering guidance, psychoeducation, and regular check-ins so that growth extends beyond the therapy room.
Trauma-informed
Everything I do is grounded in an understanding of how early experiences shape the nervous system. I approach each child with curiosity and compassion, never judgment — and I move at a pace that feels safe for them.
Ready to take the first step?
I'd love to connect and learn more about your family. Reach out through my Psychology Today profile or send me a message directly.