Maria Lentzou, LMFT, NTP
Play Therapy for your Child
supporting your child to be happy, well-nourished and thrive
Society does not always provide ideal environments for children to thrive, and life can sometimes present unexpected challenges.
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As a result, children may struggle to cope with experiences that are difficult to understand, leading to BIG feelings that affect their behavior and social life. Challenges such as the birth of a sibling, divorce, moving, or a death in the family can further impact their well-being at home or school.
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In my therapy sessions, I help your child process these big feelings, regulate their behaviors, and express their unique creative voice through play. Additionally, I integrate insights from nutritional therapy, recognizing the crucial role of diet and nutrition in emotional and cognitive development.
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My goal is to facilitate not only their emotional and cognitive growth but also to help them gain better social skills and navigate challenging transitions more effectively. Furthermore, I guide parents and children in reconsidering food choices, understanding how proper nutrition can support overall improvement in well-being.
Some signs that your child might benefit from therapy include:
~ Irritability or mood swings
~ Defiance, such as refusing to follow rules or talking back
~ Increased physical or verbal conflicts
~ Sadness, isolation, or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed
~ Sleeping and eating disturbances
~ Difficulty focusing on school work
~ Regression to earlier developmental stages, like bedwetting
~ Increased fears, worries, or avoidances
~ Excessive clinging or difficulty separating from a parent or caretaker
~ Challenges with transitions
~ Repetitive behaviors impacting daily life
​​In my sessions, I use a relational, dynamic, and deep play therapy approach. Art and play are natural ways for children to communicate, express themselves, regulate emotions, learn, and cope with their inner and outer realities. This approach is complemented by nutritional guidance to support their overall health and well-being.
I meet weekly with your child and collaborate as needed with parents and significant others, fostering a supportive environment for holistic growth, emotional well-being, and nutritional health.
Expressive Arts Therapy for Teens
Empowering your teen to navigate life’s complexities
with creativity and confidence
The teenage years bring a unique set of challenges as young people navigate the complexities of identity, social pressures, academic demands, and emotional changes. During this critical time, teens may experience intense feelings that can be overwhelming and difficult to express.
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In my therapy sessions, I use a combination of expressive arts, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques to help teens explore their emotions, develop self-awareness, and build emotional resilience. Art, movement, and other creative methods offer powerful ways for teens to process feelings and express their inner worlds. I offer specialized support to increase frustration tolerance and impulse control, equipping them with practical tools to manage their thoughts and behaviors effectively. This approach is effective in addressing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, school stress, peer conflicts, and self-esteem issues.
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My approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy by meeting teens where they are, using Expressive Arts to facilitate self-expression and growth. Additionally, I integrate parent coaching and nutritional insights to support your teen’s overall well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of emotional, cognitive, and physical health.
Some signs that your teen might benefit from therapy include:
~ Struggles with anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed
~ Changes in mood, such as irritability or sadness
~ Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
~ Difficulties with focus, motivation, or academic performance
~ Challenges in managing social dynamics and peer relationships
~ Heightened concerns about body image or self-esteem
~ Behavioral changes, including risk-taking or defiance
~ Difficulties navigating transitions or life changes
​​Through a relational, dynamic approach, I guide your teen in understanding and managing their emotions, fostering self-confidence, and building positive coping strategies. Together, we uncover their strengths and explore new ways to navigate life’s challenges, empowering them to express their unique voice.
I meet weekly with your teen, offering a supportive space for them to explore, create, and grow. As needed, I collaborate with parents to ensure a holistic approach to your teen’s journey toward well-being.
Parent Coaching
nurturing confident parents for confident kids
In our sessions, my goal is to help you understand and positively transform your intense child's behavior. We collaborate as a team to better manage your parenting challenges. This approach involves offering alternative perspectives on family situations, uncovering strategies to shift behavior and family dynamics, and supporting you in achieving your parenting goals.
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Incorporating a nutritional perspective, we will also explore how diet and nutrition can impact your child's emotional and behavioral health, providing guidance for making healthier choices that support overall well-being.
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I can assist you in creating a better relationship with your children by addressing common issues such as power struggles, meltdowns, separation anxiety, anger, and discipline. These sessions are designed not just to address immediate concerns but also to foster deeper understanding, empathy, and connection between you and your child.
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Parent coaching sessions can be conducted while I meet weekly with your child or as a standalone service. Together we aim to create a harmonious and nurturing family environment conducive to the growth and well-being of both you and your children.
Inner Child Reparenting
healing past wounds to cultivate joy in the present
We all have been, in our own unique way, a curious, carefree, creative, and joyful child. However, struggles, challenges, and traumas may have dimmed that inner sparkle.
No matter your age, I am here to support you in reconnecting with and becoming lovingly responsible for your inner child, to rekindle the sparkle of enthusiasm and joy within you. As George Bernard Shaw insightfully said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
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In our sessions, we work together to heal your inner child wounds and learn how to reparent your inner self. This is a journey of increasing self-love and finding more joy in everyday life, integrating the principles of Authentic Movement Soul Freedom. We focus on both emotional nurturing—embracing your true self, understanding and caring for your emotional needs—and physical nurturing, including the crucial role of nutrition in overall well-being.
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My approach is ideal for adults seeking to increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and lighten the burden of responsibilities. By embracing a holistic methodology that incorporates play therapy, emotional and physical nurturing, and Authentic Movement, we aim to expand your life with more ease, self-compassion, and joy.
My Philosophy
I am a relentless advocate for the emotional well-being of our children, whose fundamental rights include the freedom to imagine and play. I am captivated by the curious, authentic, and uninhibited nature of children – those who live out in the world and those residing within our hearts.
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I trust in our inherent capacity for creativity and believe in the power of play, expressive arts, and Authentic Movement to help our children thrive. These practices are also vital in healing our inner child wounds, allowing us to rediscover the sparkle of enthusiasm in our lives.
I am honored to support both your child and inner child, guiding them to navigate life's challenges with greater ease, recover their joy, and enhance their cognitive, social, and emotional well-being.
My intention is to nurture your journey through parenthood, increasing confidence in both yourself and your child. This involves embracing a holistic approach to therapy that considers all aspects of a child’s well-being, including emotional, mental, and physical health, with a particular focus on the importance of nutrition.
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Research has consistently shown that a healthy diet is essential in supporting a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Collaborating with nutritional practitioners, schools, and other professionals involved in a child’s care allows us to create a comprehensive support system. This approach helps children achieve balance and wellness in all life areas, profoundly impacting their overall well-being.
Originally from Greece, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Fluent in English, Greek, and Spanish, I hold an MA in Expressive Arts Therapy from CIIS. With over 15 years of experience working with children and adults as a teaching artist, psycho-educator, and therapist, I bring a unique blend of skills to my practice. This includes the creation of 'MarlaGran', a bilingual interactive creative kit designed to foster children's social-emotional growth, enhancing their ability to express, understand, and manage emotions effectively.
Maria Lentzou, LMFT, NTP
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #125237
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
Founder of Authentic Movement Soul Freedom
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Affiliate with the Child Therapy Institute, a nonprofit organization providing affordable psychotherapy and school based services to children and adults throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Member of CAMFT ; the California Association of Marriage and Family therapists.
Resources
igniting imagination & awakening creativity to flourish
MarlaGran's Bilingual Adventure
A Creative Kit for Children's
Social-Emotional Growth
Explore 'MarlaGran,' a uniquely crafted creative kit for kids featuring a 60-page illustrated book and interactive tools available in both English and Spanish. Designed as an ideal resource, it fosters children's social-emotional growth, echoing my emphasis on holistic child development and nurturing parenting approaches. 'MarlaGran' is more than just a kit; it's a bridge to deeper understanding and connection, supporting children in expressing their emotions, enhancing creativity, and developing empathy – key aspects of their emotional and social development.
Contact me
Please contact me with any questions or schedule a free
20-min phone consultation.
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I only work with private pay
and I can provide superbill
for out-of-network benefits. I can help you with the reimbursement process through Mentaya:
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I look forward to meeting you!
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Maria Lentzou, LMFT, NTP
3195 California Street, #D
San Francisco, CA 94115
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