Play Therapy for Children

Expert Play Therapy Services in Orange County and Throughout California

When children struggle emotionally, they often lack the words to express their feelings. At Full Vida Therapy, our experienced play therapists provide virtual play therapy services that help children communicate, heal, and thrive through their natural medium—play.

Based in Yorba Linda and serving families throughout Orange County, Anaheim, Irvine, and across California, our group practice offers accessible, effective play therapy tailored to your child's unique needs.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that utilizes play—children's natural medium of expression—to help young clients explore their inner world, process experiences, and develop coping strategies. The Association for Play Therapy defines it as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth."

Unlike casual play, therapeutic play is structured and facilitated by mental health professionals who understand how children learn through play. Our play therapists create opportunities for emotional expression, skill development, and healing through careful observation and guided interaction.

Benefits of Play Therapy for Children

Research published in the International Journal of Play Therapy shows that play therapy leads to significant improvements in:

  • Emotional Development: Children express complex feelings through play that they cannot yet verbalize, processing emotions in a safe environment.

  • Skill Building: During sessions, children naturally develop problem-solving abilities, emotional regulation, communication strategies, and healthy coping strategies.

  • Parent-Child Relationship: Play therapy strengthens family bonds by improving communication and understanding of your child's inner world.

  • Behavioral Improvement: Children learn appropriate ways to express feelings, reducing behavioral difficulties and aggressive behavior.

  • Self-Esteem Enhancement: Through play therapy, children develop confidence and a positive self-image as they achieve optimal growth.

When Play Therapy Can Help Your Child

Our child-centered play therapy approach is particularly beneficial for children experiencing:

Emotional Challenges

  • Anxiety, fears, and worries

  • Mood changes or depression

  • Difficulty expressing feelings

  • Low self-esteem

  • Grief and loss

Behavioral Difficulties

  • Emotional outbursts or tantrums

  • Difficulty following few rules or expectations

  • Aggressive behavior

  • Withdrawal or isolation

  • Changes in sleeping or eating patterns

Life Transitions

  • Family changes (divorce, remarriage)

  • Moving to a new home or school

  • Starting school or changing classrooms

  • Adjustment to blended family dynamics

  • Other significant life changes

Social and Academic Concerns

  • Trouble making or keeping friends

  • Bullying experiences

  • School-related stress or anxiety

  • Learning disabilities

  • Performance anxiety

Our Virtual Play Therapy Approach

While traditional play therapy takes place in a playroom with specialized toys, our virtual play therapy sessions bring effective therapeutic interventions into your home through secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms.

How Online Play Therapy Works

Secure Digital Environment

  • Private, encrypted video sessions

  • User-friendly platforms accessible from any device

  • Flexible scheduling options for busy families

Adapted Play Techniques

  • Guided activities using toys and materials found at home

  • Interactive storytelling and expressive arts

  • Movement-based activities for whole-body engagement

  • Play with stuffed animals and figurines

  • Digital drawing and art therapy interventions

Enhanced Parent Involvement

  • Regular parent consultations

  • Practical strategies to support therapy goals at home

  • Resources for continuing play therapy work between sessions

Comfortable Familiar Setting

Virtual play therapy occurs in your child's natural environment, helping them feel comfortable and accelerating therapeutic progress.

Child-Centered Play Therapy Philosophy

At Full Vida Therapy, our approach is rooted in child-centered play therapy principles developed and researched at institutions like the University of North Texas. This approach recognizes each child as a unique individual with inherent capabilities for growth and healing.

In child-centered play therapy, our therapists create an accepting therapeutic relationship that empowers children to:

  • Express themselves authentically through play

  • Make choices with few rules imposed

  • Explore solutions at their own pace as the child grows

  • Develop self-awareness and confidence

  • Process difficult emotions safely

Integrated Therapeutic Methods

While maintaining a child-centered foundation, our play therapists integrate techniques from various evidence-based approaches, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping children identify and change unhelpful thought patterns

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy: Using play to process difficult experiences

  • Narrative Therapy: Helping children rewrite their stories through creative expression

  • Family Therapy: Including family members in the therapeutic process when appropriate

  • Expressive Arts: Utilizing drawing, painting, and other creative media for emotional expression

This integrative approach allows our play therapists to tailor sessions to each child's unique needs and presenting concerns.

What to Expect in Your Child's Play Therapy Journey

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a parent consultation where we'll discuss:

  • Your child's current challenges and strengths

  • Goals for therapy

  • How our virtual play therapy process takes place

  • Any questions or concerns you might have

Assessment and Goal Setting

After the initial consultation, we'll conduct a developmentally appropriate assessment of your child's needs and collaborate with you to establish clear therapeutic goals.

Regular Play Therapy Sessions

Virtual play therapy sessions typically occur weekly for 45-50 minutes. During these sessions, your child will:

  • Engage in therapeutic play activities guided by our specialist

  • Express and process emotions in a safe environment

  • Develop new skills and coping strategies

  • Build confidence and self-awareness

  • Explore their inner world through play

For younger children, parents may be more actively involved, while older children might prefer more independence with regular parent check-ins.

Parent Involvement

Parents are vital partners in the play therapy process. Throughout your child's therapeutic journey, we provide:

  • Regular updates on progress and themes emerging in therapy

  • Practical strategies to reinforce therapeutic goals at home

  • Guidance on responding to behavioral difficulties

  • Resources for supporting your child's emotional development

Professional Qualifications of Our Play Therapists

At Full Vida Therapy, our mental health counseling professionals maintain high standards of training and expertise. Our play therapists typically have:

  • A master's degree or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or related field

  • Specialized play therapy education and training

  • Registration or working toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT)

  • Ongoing professional development in child development and play therapy techniques

School counselors and other mental health professionals often refer children to our specialized services when children need more intensive support than can be provided in educational settings.

Play Therapy for Special Populations

Children with Learning Disabilities

Play therapy offers a non-verbal approach beneficial for children with learning disabilities who may struggle with traditional talk-based interventions. Through play, these children can express themselves and develop strategies to navigate their unique challenges.

Children Experiencing Trauma

For children who have experienced traumatic events, play therapy provides a safe way to process overwhelming experiences using toys, art, and other expressive arts media.

Research Supporting Play Therapy Effectiveness

Research from leading institutions like the University of North Texas demonstrates that play therapy helps children:

  • Process traumatic experiences

  • Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

  • Improve behavioral control

  • Enhance social skills

  • Build emotional regulation capabilities

  • Develop healthier attachment patterns

Studies comparing play therapy to control groups consistently show significant positive outcomes for children receiving this intervention. According to the Association for Play Therapy, this approach is particularly effective for children ages 3-12, though it can be adapted for all age groups.

Creating a Successful Virtual Play Therapy Environment

To maximize the benefits of virtual play therapy, we recommend these simple preparations for where play therapy takes place:

Technical Setup

  • A device with a camera and microphone

  • Stable internet connection

  • Private, quiet space for the session

Therapeutic Space

  • A clear play area visible to the camera

  • Basic supplies like paper, crayons, art supplies, and toys

  • Stuffed animals or dolls that can be incorporated into play therapy work

Our team will provide detailed guidance to help you create an optimal environment for your child's virtual therapy experience.

Play Therapy Throughout California

Our virtual play therapy services extend throughout California, making professional mental health counseling accessible to families regardless of location. Whether you're in Orange County, Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Irvine, or elsewhere in the state, our secure online platform brings expert play therapy directly to you.

This accessibility is particularly valuable for:

  • Families in rural areas with limited access to specialized services

  • Children with physical limitations or medical conditions

  • Busy families balancing multiple commitments

  • Children who feel most comfortable in their home environment

Invest in Your Child's Emotional Wellbeing Today

At Full Vida Therapy, we believe that addressing emotional and behavioral difficulties early helps children resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth. Our specialized play therapy services provide children with the tools and support they need to navigate challenges and build resilience.

Every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves and develop skills for lifelong emotional wellbeing. Our compassionate team of play therapists is committed to supporting your family on this journey.

Full Vida Therapy offers virtual play therapy services to children and families throughout Yorba Linda, Orange County, Anaheim, Irvine, and across California. Our group practice specializes in providing personalized mental health counseling to help your child thrive emotionally and behaviorally.