Kathryn de Bruin Family Therapy and Training

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San Diego, CA
Kathryn de Bruin Family Therapy and Training

Emotionally Focused Therapy and Training; bringing abundance and renewal in relationships and in lif Schedule an appointment today: therapy@kathryndebruin.com

We are a community of Mental Health Professionals located in Mission Valley. Kathryn de Bruin Therapy & Training specializes in Couples Therapy utilizing proven Emotionally Focused Therapy, as well as Play Therapy for the family unit.

11/21/2025

Do you know why children love play therapy? Because play is their language.

Children naturally express themselves through movement, imagination, and story — not long conversations. In play therapy, they’re invited into a space where toys, art, and creativity become their words.

It feels safe, familiar, and fun — but underneath the play, something powerful happens:
- Feelings find expression
- Worries start to make sense
- Confidence and calm begin to grow
- Connection with parents deepens

When a child feels seen, accepted, and safe to be themselves, healing begins — and that’s why they love it.

If you'd like to learn more about the play therapy I offer in Utah, comment 'Play' and I'll send you more information.

11/19/2025

Therapy doesn't need to be a last resort — it can be a courageous step toward growth, understanding, and connection.

If you’re feeling stuck, navigating relationship challenges, or wanting more support for your family, therapy can help.

11/18/2025

Families are where we learn to love, communicate, and grow — but they’re also where we can hurt the most.

As a family and play therapist, I’m passionate about helping families find their way back to each other.
Family Therapy isn’t about blame — it’s about building safety, understanding, and connection. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels heard, where emotions can be shared without fear, and where new ways of communicating begin to take root.

Through guided conversations, play, and emotional exploration, parents and children learn how to:
- Listen with empathy instead of defensiveness
- Resolve conflict with compassion
- Reconnect after distance or stress
- Build secure, trusting bonds that last

I believe every family deserves a safe place to connect, heal, and thrive — and I’m honored to now offer Family Therapy here in Utah.

If your home could use a little more understanding, peace, or closeness, you don’t have to do it alone.

11/17/2025

Life’s daily pressures can easily build up — even when we think we’re coping “just fine.”

Here are five small practices that can help you slow down, reset, and stay connected to yourself and those around you:

Pause and Breathe.
A few slow, deep breaths can shift your body from “fight or flight” to calm and grounded. It’s the simplest way to reset your nervous system.

Name What You Feel.
When you can identify an emotion — “I’m overwhelmed,” “I’m tense,” “I’m sad” — your brain starts to regulate it. Awareness is the first step to peace.

Move Your Body.
Gentle movement like stretching, walking, or dancing helps release stress hormones and brings you back into your body.

Set One Small Intention.
Instead of trying to fix everything, focus on one meaningful step today — a call, a break, a boundary.

Reach Out.
Connection heals. Share what you’re feeling with someone safe — a friend, a loved one, or a therapist. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Even a few mindful minutes each day can create a powerful ripple of calm through your life.

11/14/2025

When children can’t find the words for what they feel, art gives them another language.

Drawing helps kids process emotions safely — turning invisible feelings into something they can see, touch, and begin to understand.

Here are a few ways to guide that process at home:
Create a safe space.
Offer paper, crayons, paints — and no judgment. Let your child know there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to draw.

Follow their lead.
Resist the urge to interpret or correct. Simply notice: “I see lots of dark colors today,” or “That’s a big storm cloud.” This shows curiosity without pressure.

Name emotions gently.
If your child is ready, help them link pictures to feelings: “It looks like your picture feels angry,” or “Maybe that’s a bit of worry?”

Use drawing for stories.
Ask open questions like, “What happens next?” or “Who helps the character in your picture?” Storytelling helps kids find agency in tough emotions.

Keep it regular, not reactive.
Encourage drawing as part of daily life, not only when emotions are high. It becomes a familiar, healthy outlet.

Through creative play and drawing, children learn that feelings can be expressed, understood, and transformed — and that they’re never too big to be held.

11/13/2025

Self-care is a vital part of emotional health. Schedule moments of rest, reflection, or joy—it makes you stronger for those around you.

11/08/2025

Theres not been a day in the past 4 months of living here, that’s I havent thought these mountains….. how incredible. It’s different each day
Utah!

11/07/2025

Children don’t always have the words to describe what’s happening inside them — but they do have play.

Through play therapy, children use toys, art, and storytelling to express what they feel, explore challenges, and discover new ways of coping.

In a safe and supportive space, play becomes their language, and healing becomes possible.

It helps with:
✨ Emotional regulation and resilience
✨ Managing anxiety or big life changes
✨ Building confidence and healthy relationships
✨ Processing trauma or loss in a gentle, age-appropriate way

As a certified play and family therapist, I help children and parents connect more deeply — because when a child feels seen and understood, everything changes.

11/05/2025

Most couples get caught in repeating cycles of conflict without realizing it. Emotionally Focused Therapy gives tools to recognize those patterns, change them, and build healthier communication.

11/03/2025

If you’re in Utah and looking for support, I’m now offering Play Therapy and Family Therapy in the area. Play Therapy helps children express emotions through play, while Family Therapy gives families tools to reconnect and thrive.

10/31/2025

Halloween excitement is fun—but some kids feel scared.

Prepare in advance, talk through fears, and reassure them afterward.

Address

2851 Camino Del Rio South
San Diego, CA
92108

Telephone

+16193520054

Website

http://www.kathryndebruin.com/

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