Dr. April Vogensen, Psy.D.
Psychologist, PSY19928
(650) 762-8742
Begin Your Journey to Heal and Grow
Meet Dr. April Vogensen
We all have the natural ability to heal and grow to our full potential. In children and adolescents this ability is enormously powerful but can be disrupted by stress and obstacles, both internal and external.
You are probably here for yourself or your child, to find a way to overcome these obstacles and move forward with healing and growth. Please explore my site to find out more about me and the services I provide that can help.
For 20 years, I have helped children, adolescents and their families find the skills they need for healthy emotional development. In working with me, you will find that humor, creativity, compassion and warmth are key qualities I bring to the therapy relationship and I think they are essential to helping families feel understood and empowered. Your voice is at the center of our treatment plan as we closely collaborate on your therapy goals.
I have successfully treated youth with a wide range of difficulties, and I hold specific expertise in treating Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Trauma. I utilize evidence-based therapy strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I manage an active therapy practice at Kaiser Permanente Child and Adolescent Mental Health, where I also supervise post-doctoral residents in psychological testing and therapy.
A native of Northern California, I value being in nature and I appreciate the amazing diversity of our community. When I am not providing treatment, I love playing with my two active children and relaxing with friends and family.
Practice Areas
Every situation is unique, and my patients respond best to treatments that are specifically tailored to their needs. I draw from several different approaches to psychotherapy to find the most effective treatment path for each individual and family.
01
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents focus on teaching youth and/or their parents specific skills. CBT differs from other therapy approaches by focusing on the ways that a child or adolescent’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and how they each affect one another. CBT is well suited to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD).
04
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy to help people resolve symptoms resulting from unresolved life experiences. It is a structured approach that helps us reprocess past, present, and future aspects of disturbing memories. Many studies support EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) anxiety, phobias, and depression.
02
Play therapy is a form of therapy primarily geared toward children ages 3 to 12. Through play, a child can express their feelings and thoughts in a creative and supportive environment. Children can improve communication, behavior and problem-solving skills. The therapist encourages a child to explore life events that may have an effect on current circumstances, in a manner and pace of the child's choosing.
05
Parenting Consultation
Parenting consultation focuses on supporting parents' journey in developing effective strategies and deepening parents' understanding of their own personal emotions and dynamics that effect their children. Often through effective parenting work, children and teen's behavioral issues resolve quickly and easily.
03
Family Therapy
A form of treatment that can help families improve relationships and resolve conflicts. This modality of treatment views psychological problems in terms of the interactions among family members. Families are seen as an integrated, interconnected unit in which psychological functioning is influenced by each and every family member individually and collectively as an entire system.
06
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention is the most evidence-based treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety and Specific Phobias. Through developing coping strategies and gradually facing fears, children can build confidence, re-learn the fear response and reduce avoidance behaviors.