What I Offer

Therapy that speaks your child's language

Every child and teen deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and free to be themselves. My approach combines the healing power of play and creative expression to meet young people exactly where they are.

Child engaged in play therapy session

Play Therapy

Healing through the language of play

Play is a child's natural language. Through carefully structured play sessions, children are able to express feelings, process difficult experiences, and work through challenges in a way that feels safe and natural to them — without needing to find the right words.

Play therapy is grounded in decades of research and is effective for a wide range of concerns including anxiety, behavioral challenges, trauma, grief, social difficulties, and family transitions. Sessions take place in a warm, fully equipped playroom where children lead the way.

Who it helpsBest for children ages 3–12 experiencing anxiety, behavioral challenges, trauma, grief, social difficulties, or family transitions.
What to expectSessions are 45–50 minutes. Parents receive regular updates and are involved in the process. Most children begin showing progress within 8–12 sessions.

Expressive Arts Therapy

Finding your voice through creativity

Expressive arts therapy uses drawing, painting, collage, movement, music, and storytelling as pathways to healing. When words feel impossible or inadequate, creative expression opens a door to emotions, memories, and inner wisdom that talk therapy alone cannot always reach.

No artistic talent is required — and none is expected. The process of creating is what matters, not the product. This approach is especially powerful for children and teens who feel stuck, shut down, or overwhelmed by traditional talk therapy.

Who it helpsIdeal for children and teens who struggle to verbalize emotions, those who are highly creative, or anyone who has found traditional talk therapy limiting.
What to expectSessions weave art, movement, and storytelling naturally into the therapeutic process. Materials are always available and never forced.
Child painting with watercolors in expressive arts therapy
Child in a warm therapy session with a caring counselor

Child Therapy

A safe space for little hearts

Children experience big emotions in small bodies — and sometimes those emotions show up as tantrums, withdrawal, school refusal, sleep problems, or changes in behavior. Child therapy helps young people understand and regulate their emotions while building the resilience they need to navigate life's challenges.

I work collaboratively with parents throughout the process, offering guidance, psychoeducation, and regular check-ins so that the healing that happens in the therapy room extends into daily life at home and school.

Who it helpsChildren ages 3–12 experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, ADHD, trauma, grief, school difficulties, or family changes.
What to expectParent consultation is included in the process. I offer parent-only sessions as needed and collaborate with schools and pediatricians when appropriate.

Teen Therapy

A confidential space to grow into yourself

Adolescence is one of the most complex and transformative periods of life. Teens face enormous pressure — from academics, social dynamics, identity exploration, and family expectations — often without the emotional tools to navigate it all. Teen therapy provides a confidential, non-judgmental space where young people can be honest about what they're really going through.

I use a blend of expressive arts, mindfulness, and evidence-based approaches tailored to each teen's personality and needs. My goal is to help teens build self-awareness, emotional regulation skills, and a stronger sense of who they are — so they can face life's challenges with confidence.

Who it helpsTeens ages 13–18 experiencing anxiety, depression, identity questions, peer relationship difficulties, academic stress, trauma, or life transitions.
What to expectTeen sessions are confidential within legal and ethical limits. I work collaboratively with parents while honoring the teen's need for privacy and autonomy.
Teenager journaling and expressing themselves creatively

Not sure which service is right for your child?

That's completely okay. Reach out through my Psychology Today profile and we can talk through what your family is experiencing. Together, we'll find the right path forward.

A warm, creative space where children and teens in Pleasanton, CA find their voice, build resilience, and grow through play and expressive arts therapy.

Get in Touch

📍 Pleasanton, CA

Serving children, teens, and families in the Tri-Valley area

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© 2026 Terese Ghilarducci, MFT #36326. All rights reserved.

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #36326 · Pleasanton, CA