Child and Play Therapy in Newport Beach
Sometimes, children carry big feelings without knowing exactly why.
It’s confusing and frustrating for them, and often just as worrying for you as a parent.
My Approach to Child Therapy:
Every child has a unique emotional world. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where your child can express their feelings and experiences — even when they can’t yet find the words.
Parents often reach out when their child is:
having frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts
struggling with anxiety or fears
having difficulty at school or with friendships
withdrawing or seeming “not like themselves”
dealing with big changes or stressful experiences
I specialize in:
Play Therapy: Helping children process emotions through play, a child’s natural language.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring underlying emotional patterns that may be causing distress.
Attachment-Focused Work: Strengthening emotional security and relationships with caregivers.
Learn more about my approach to therapy here.
What Your Child Can Expect in Therapy:
A special time just for your child — a safe space where they can express themselves through play, drawing, or talking.
Understanding big feelings — I help your child make sense of their emotions and learn to manage them with confidence.
Calming emotional overwhelm — therapy gives your child tools to regulate strong feelings like anxiety, frustration, or sadness.
Parents are part of the journey — I stay in close communication with you to understand your child’s world and guide you in supporting them.
Respecting your child’s privacy — therapy is their space to feel safe, heard, and supported, while you stay involved and informed.
No fixing, just growth — your child isn’t broken. Therapy helps them build self-awareness, resilience, and emotional strength at their own pace.
If your child is older, you can also read more about teen therapy here.
I use creative, child-friendly methods—like drawing, stories, and imaginative play—to help kids express what they can’t yet say in words.
Why Play Therapy?
How Play Therapy Helps
In child therapy, especially play therapy, children express themselves through play, creativity, and symbolic expression.
Play therapy is a research-backed way to help children deal with tough emotions and challenges
It allows children to develop healthier ways to cope, all while doing something they enjoy
It's a way of communicating when words can’t be found
If you’d like to get a sense of who I am and how I work, you can read more about me here.
How Does Play Therapy Work?
Creating a Safe Space where children can explore and express their feelings without fear of judgment.
Using Play as a Tool (toys, art materials, and other creative activities) allows children to communicate their thoughts and emotions naturally.
Observing and interpreting the child’s play and interactions, looking for patterns and themes that may reveal their emotional struggles or experiences.
Facilitating Understanding by guiding them through their play, asking questions, and reflecting on what they express.
Building Coping Skills to find healthier ways to cope with their emotions, solve problems, and navigate relationships.
Involving Parents or Caregivers to support the child’s progress and enhance understanding at home.
A Collaborative Process with Parents
You know your child best — and your involvement is an important part of the process.
Therapy offers a space not only for your child, but also for you to:
better understand your child’s emotions and behavior
feel supported in challenging moments
learn how to respond in ways that strengthen the connection
Read more about parent and caregiver support here.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Therapy is also a space for you, as a parent, to feel supported, to understand your child more deeply, and to learn how to respond to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy
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Many parents reach out when they notice changes in their child’s emotions or behavior. This might include frequent meltdowns, anxiety, sleep difficulties, withdrawal, school struggles, or challenges with friendships. If something feels persistent, overwhelming, or different from your child’s usual self, child therapy can help you better understand what’s going on and how to support them.
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Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate way for children to express their thoughts and emotions. Instead of relying only on words, children use play, art, and imagination to communicate their inner world. Through play therapy, children can process difficult experiences, work through fears, and develop healthier ways of coping and relating to others
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Sessions are tailored to your child’s age and needs. Younger children often engage in play, drawing, or creative activities, while older children may also talk more directly. I follow your child’s lead while gently guiding the process to help them express and understand their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
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The length of therapy varies depending on your child’s needs and the concerns you’re addressing. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others may need longer-term therapy. The focus is always on creating meaningful, lasting change rather than quick fixes.
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Yes. Parent involvement is an important part of child therapy. I offer regular check-ins to share observations, support you in understanding your child, and help you respond to their needs in a way that strengthens your relationship.
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It’s common for children to feel unsure at first. I create a welcoming, non-pressuring environment where children can build trust at their own pace. Over time, most children begin to feel comfortable and engaged in the process.
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You’re welcome to reach out through my contact page to schedule an initial consultation. We can talk about your concerns, your child’s needs, and whether therapy feels like the right next step.
Not Sure If This Is the Right Step?
If you’re wondering whether therapy might help your child, you don’t have to decide on your own.
You’re welcome to reach out for a consultation — we can talk through what you’re noticing and what support might look like.
