Child Therapy · Play Therapy · Newport Beach · Ages 4+
Child Therapy & Play Therapy in Newport Beach
Parenting a child who's struggling is one of the loneliest feelings there is.
You love them fiercely — and you still don't know how to reach them. That's not a failure. That's a signal.
Your child isn't broken. They're communicating the only way they know how right now.
Behind every outburst, every shutdown, every "I don't know" — there's a feeling that hasn't found words yet. My job is to help your child find those words. Or when words aren't available — to find another way entirely.
Parents usually reach out when their child is:
Having frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts
Anxious, worried, or scared in ways that feel hard to manage
Withdrawn, shut down, or "not like themselves"
Struggling at school or with friendships
Going through a big change — divorce, new school, loss
"I just want my kid to be okay — and I don't know how to help them get there."
That's exactly where we start.
Play Therapy — because Play is a child's natural language
In my therapy room, your child leads. They choose what we play, what we create, where we go. I follow closely — paying attention to the themes, the patterns, the moments that tell me what they can't yet say out loud.
A child knocking down a block tower. Acting out a story with puppets. Drawing something that "just came to mind." These aren't random. They're meaningful. And they're how real change begins.
Play therapy is one of the most well-researched approaches for children — and one of my favorite things to do. It never gets old.
Learn more about my approach here.
If you’d like to get a sense of who I am and how I work, you can read more about me here.
What your Child can expect
A warm, unhurried space. No tests, no pressure, no right answers.
A warm, unhurried space that's entirely theirs
No tests, no pressure, no right answers. Just a place to show up exactly as they are — big feelings and all.
Sessions once a week, 50 minutes
Your child sets the pace. I follow their lead while gently paying attention to what emerges.
Small shifts you'll notice at home too
More words for feelings. A little more flexibility. A little more ease — over time.
Parents — you're part of this too
Huge. You know your child better than anyone, and your involvement is part of what makes therapy work.
I offer regular parent check-ins where we talk about what you're noticing at home, what I'm seeing in sessions, and how you can support your child between appointments. You're not just dropping them off — you're part of the team.
Want to read more about the parent side of things? I have a whole page just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy
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Trust your gut. If something feels persistent, different from your child's usual self, or just won't shift no matter what you try — that's worth exploring. You don't need a diagnosis to reach out.
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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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Your child plays, creates, and explores in a space that's warm and safe. I follow their lead while paying close attention to what emerges. Younger children use play and art; older children often mix that with conversation.
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It depends on your child and what's going on. We check in regularly and adjust as we go — you're always part of that conversation.
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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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Totally normal! Most children warm up within the first few sessions — often faster than parents expect. There's no pressure, ever.
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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.
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I'm currently out-of-network. Many families use out-of-network benefits or HSA/FSA funds. I'm happy to provide a superbill — just ask on our call.