Our Mission at Pawsitive Play Counseling
Our mission is to support the holistic development and empower children, adolescents, and adults by providing them with skills and strategies to understand and effectively regulate their emotions during times of stress. Through canine-assisted activities, play therapy interventions, and traditional talk therapy we aim to support clients to effectively cope with stressors, develop trusting relationships with peers, family, and community supports, and foster self-confidence in a nonjudgmental environment. By leveraging the unique bond between clients and therapy dogs, we aim to help each client reach their maximum potential. For school age clients, we work with both special education and general education students and work closely with parents to identify academic and social needs and collaborate with teachers and educational supportive staff to develop individualized school-based supports.
At Pawsitive Play Counseling, we provide accessible, holistic, and culturally-affirming canine-assisted mental health interventions within private practice and academic settings. Through these interventions, we aim to enhance one’s self-esteem, develop the ability to regulate emotions, improve verbal and non-verbal communication, and foster connections among peers, family, and community supports.
Meet the Team
Rebecca rabe, lmft, rpt
I am a compassionate and experienced Registered Play Therapist and Therapy Dog Handler who combines the therapeutic power of play with the unique benefits of working with therapy dogs. My approach creates a nurturing environment where children, adolescents, adults, and families can express themselves through play while also building emotional connections with a therapy animal. With a client-centered and nonjudgmental approach, I create a safe and supportive environment where individuals of all ages can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop meaningful connections. Grounded in a strengths-based perspective, I empower clients to recognize their inherent abilities and achieve personal growth. Through creative and engaging interventions such as interactive games, imaginative play, and animal-assisted interventions, I tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs, fostering healing, self-expression, and overall well-being.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Registered Play Therapist, and certified in Animal Assisted Human Health. I have earned my Bachelor or Arts degree (Psychology) from the University of California, San Diego and a Master or Arts degree (Marriage and Family Therapy) from the University of Southern California, my Play Therapy certification from the Extended Studies program through the University of California, San Diego and my credential in Animal Assisted Human Health from the Firefly Institute in Hillsboro, OR.
Mushu, Therapy Dog
Mushu is a 6-year-old tri-color Border Collie-Australian Shepard mix. She is a certified therapy dog with a Canine Good Citizen certification, specializing in providing comfort and support through animal-assisted interventions. Mushu brings a warm and empathetic presence to therapeutic settings, helping clients feel at ease. Known for snuggling up on the couch and engaging with clients in a gentle, intuitive manner, Mushu plays an integral role in fostering emotional connection, reducing stress, and enhancing the therapeutic experience.
Miso soup, Therapy Dog
Miso is a 5-year-old blue merle Border Collie. He is a certified therapy dog with a Canine Good Citizen certification specializing in animal-assisted interventions within academic settings. Playful yet gentle, Miso thrives in environments with larger groups, especially when working with younger children. Whether leading agility groups or simply offering a calming presence, Miso brings joy and connection to every interaction. With a natural ability to engage and comfort, Miso helps foster positive emotional experiences, enhance social skills, and create a supportive atmosphere for students and staff alike.
Individual Counseling:
Children (6-12)
Adolescents (13-17)
Adults (18+)
My approach to individual therapy is a personalized and client-centered process designed to support emotional growth and well-being. I incorporate a variety of interventions, including play therapy, animal assisted therapy, and traditional talk therapy, tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Through these methods, we will work to together to foster self-confidence and self-esteem, and enhance communication skills, flexible thinking, and emotional expression to nurture healthy relationships in family, academic, social, and community settings. Additionally, our process will strive to decrease mental health symptoms, build effective coping strategies, and improve overall life functioning, empowering you to navigate challenges and lead a more fulfilling life.
The cost for 50-minute individual session is $200 and an extended 75-minute session is $300.
Couples and Family Therapy
My approach to couples and family therapy is a collaborative process designed to strengthen relationships and foster a deeper understanding among partners and family members. I incorporate interventions aimed at enhancing effective communication skills, resolving conflicts constructively, and promoting positive parenting practices. By addressing relational dynamics, I work with couples and families to build empathy, establish healthy boundaries, and develop strategies for navigating challenges. Additionally, family therapy often includes advocacy in academic settings, equipping families with tools to support children’s educational success and collaborate effectively with schools. Together, we will work to create a cohesive and nurturing environment where all members feel empowered and thrive.
The cost for a 50-minute couple or family session is $250 and an extended session 75-minute session is $375.
additional services:
clinical assessment
crisis counseling
clinical supervision
My clinical assessment services involve comprehensive evaluations to identify strengths, challenges, and specific needs related to mental health, behavior, or other concerns. These services play a critical role in creating individualized treatment plans and any additional recommendations that may be beneficial during the course of treatment. Assessment services are typically completed in 2-3 sessions at the commencement of treatment.
The cost for a 50-minute assessment session is $275.
While I am not a crisis center, I do provide crisis counseling and provide targeted support during times of acute need or uncertainty. Crisis counseling offers immediate, short-term interventions to help individuals and families stabilize emotions, navigate overwhelming situations, and develop safety plans.
The cost for a 50-minute crisis counseling session is $225.
Clinical supervision is a structured and supportive process that fosters professional growth and competency development in emerging therapists, counselors, and social workers. I provide a safe space for associates to explore clinical cases, reflect on their therapeutic approach, and gain insight into their strengths and areas for growth. Through guidance, feedback, and mentorship, our clinical supervision will focus on building core skills such as case conceptualization, ethical decision-making, effective intervention strategies, and professional self-awareness. The process emphasizes fostering confidence, maintaining client-centered care, and adhering to best practices, equipping associates with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective and ethical clinicians.
A 60-minute individual clinical supervision session is $150 and a didactic session is $225.
LOCATION

Our Office
2305 Historic Decatur Road
Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 376-6085
rebeccarabemft@gmail.com
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please complete the form.
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Member since 2010.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #51295
Safe Space Provider
As an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, the space at Pawsitive Play Counseling is accepting and safe space to all.
Photography of Mushu and Miso by Michaela Trujillo of BMAC Photography and photography of our team by Matthew Davis of MJD Creative.