About Kristen

Kristen Hurvitz, LCSW, RPT is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist, and certified EMDR Therapist.

Kristen’s clinical work is influenced by current research on play therapy, neurobiology, and the mind-body connection. Kristen incorporates EMDR, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and body-based interventions such as yoga, mindful movement, and sensory awareness into treatment.

Kristen’s area of focus includes anxiety, giftedness/twice exceptional, high sensitivity, and sensory processing challenges.

Families often want to seek therapy for their child, but the difficulty in doing so can be due to time constraints or a child that is uncomfortable/resistant to therapy. Berkeley Play Therapy provides sessions in the child’s home, which can be less stressful and time-consuming than office based visits.

Location

Berkeley Play Therapy can provide services in the following communities: Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, and Oakland.

Play Therapy

Play Therapy involves the use of play to communicate with children and to help children learn to solve problems and change negative behaviors. Children naturally engage in play to create meaning and organize experiences. This allows children to distance themselves from difficult feelings and memories through symbolic expression, using the toys as the medium to disclose these feelings.

To learn more about Play Therapy visit the Association for Play Therapy website

EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro is validated as an evidence-based approach and included in SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices.  EMDR therapy has been used with children and adolescents and is accepted by The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare as an evidence-based therapy for children.  For additional information on EMDR, visit EMDR International Association www.emdria.org.

Yoga

Yoga, mindful movement, and body based awareness can assist in developing social/emotional awareness, sensory integration, regulation, communication, and attention.

School Consultation Services

At times your child may be struggling in school and may benefit from specialized school supports. With a signed release of information, I am able to communicate with schools to advocate for your child’s social, emotional, and behavioral needs.