Young children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling or why they are struggling. Their emotions may instead appear as meltdowns, worries, behavioral challenges, difficulty separating, changes at school, sleep problems, or conflict at home.

Play-based therapy gives children a developmentally appropriate way to communicate, explore emotions, practice new skills, and build confidence. Through play, creative activities, and supportive conversation, children can begin expressing feelings that may be difficult to put into words.

Meet Maggie Ramos

Maggie Ramos is a Registered Psychological Associate at Coastal Behavior Consulting, practicing under the supervision of Dr. Tammy Dobbs, Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Maggie has more than 20 years of experience supporting children and families through her work with Head Start, Hancock College’s Children’s Center Lab School, and other community programs. She specializes in working with young children and offers play-based, developmentally appropriate therapy alongside other evidence-based approaches.

Maggie also works with school-age children who benefit from a creative and engaging approach to therapy. Her warm, collaborative style helps children feel safe, understood, and comfortable being themselves.

Could Play Therapy work for my child?

Maggie works with children and families experiencing concerns such as:

  • Play is a natural form of communication for children. In therapy, thoughtfully selected toys, games, art, stories, and imaginative activities can help a child express feelings, make sense of experiences, and develop healthier ways to respond to challenges.

    Depending on the child’s age and individual needs, therapy may focus on:

    • Recognizing and expressing emotions

    • Developing coping and calming skills

    • Increasing flexibility and frustration tolerance

    • Strengthening confidence and self-esteem

    • Improving communication

    • Practicing problem-solving

    • Building age-appropriate social skills

    • Creating healthier behavioral patterns

    • Strengthening relationships with parents and caregivers

    Play therapy is more than simply playing. Each activity is selected or guided with the child’s therapeutic needs and treatment goals in mind.

  • Parents and caregivers know their children best. Maggie partners with families to understand what is happening at home, identify meaningful goals, and develop strategies that can be used outside of therapy.

    Parent participation is especially important when working with younger children. Depending on the child’s age and needs, treatment may include parent check-ins, parent coaching, joint parent-child activities, or opportunities to practice new skills together.

    For children under age 10, regular parent participation is strongly encouraged.

  • The first appointment is a 90-minute, parent-only intake. Children do not attend this initial appointment. This gives Maggie time to learn about the child’s developmental and family history, current strengths and challenges, and the family’s goals for therapy.

    Following the intake, Maggie will recommend an individualized plan for care. Therapy is generally scheduled weekly. Sessions are typically 50 minutes, although 30-minute appointments may be recommended for younger children.

    Many families begin with approximately eight to ten sessions. The recommended length of treatment will depend on the child’s needs, goals, and progress.

  • Coastal Behavior Consulting offers therapy with Dr. Tammy Dobbs and members of her clinical team. We thoughtfully match families with a provider based on the child’s age, needs, treatment goals, clinical complexity, scheduling needs, and preferred rate.

    Maggie may be an especially good fit for families seeking:

    • A clinician with extensive experience working with young children

    • Play-based and developmentally appropriate therapy

    • Support and guidance for parents and caregivers

    • A collaborative, family-centered approach

    • A reduced rate compared with services provided directly by Dr. Dobbs

  • Reaching out for support does not mean that something is wrong with your child or that you have failed as a parent. It means you recognize that your child may benefit from additional tools, encouragement, and a safe place to work through what they are experiencing.

    Maggie currently has openings for new clients.

Magdalena “Maggie” Ramos is a Registered Psychological Associate PSB94029579 practicing under the supervision of Tammy Dobbs, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, California License #30073.