Amanda Moore

Hello! I’m Amanda Moore, MA, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and Registered Play Therapist (RPT). I’ve dedicated my career to supporting the emotional well-being of children, teens, and families.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University. Following my undergraduate studies, I completed the EC-SEBRIS program—a year-long graduate-level training focused on social-emotional learning and behavioral support for young children. I then went on to complete my master’s degree in Child Development at SDSU, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Mental Health.

Since graduating with my master’s, I have worked in various private practice settings, always with a focus on children, adolescents, and families. I’ve remained deeply connected to the play therapy community since graduate school, serving as a chapter leader for the San Diego Association for Play Therapy from 2019 to 2023. Over the last few years, I’ve continued my education in this specialized field by earning a Play Therapy Certificate through the UCSD Extension Program and completing the additional education and supervised experience required to become a Registered Play Therapist.

As a play therapist, my approach is grounded in the belief that children communicate best through play. I use a child-centered, developmentally appropriate framework that allows clients to express their emotions, experiences, and inner world in a way that feels natural and safe. I integrate both non-directive and directive play therapy techniques, depending on the child’s needs, while always maintaining a supportive and attuned therapeutic relationship.

I also value collaboration with caregivers and view the parent-child relationship as central to a child’s healing and growth. I provide guidance and support to families throughout the therapeutic process, helping them understand their child’s emotional needs and strengthen connection at home.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a safe, creative, and empowering environment where children and teens can feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.

As a play therapist, my goal is to create a warm, supportive, and developmentally appropriate space where children and teens feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through play, art, and creative expression, clients are able to process emotions, build coping skills, and gain a stronger sense of self.