Play Based Therapy for Children in Temecula

in-person in Temecula for children 3-12 years of age

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Every child deserves a safe, welcoming place to express feelings, work through challenges, and grow into their best self. At Generational Wellness, play-based counseling helps kids in Temecula build healthy emotional skills through the power of play. All play-based therapy services are guided by passionate therapists who strive for high-quality and evidence-based care.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of counseling that uses play — a child’s natural language — to help them process emotions, build coping skills, and gain confidence.

Through toys, art, games, and storytelling, children safely express feelings and work through challenges at their own pace.

All sessions are child-led and designed to meet each child’s unique needs, with support and guidance from a Registered Play Therapist supervisor.

A child's playroom with a wall sign reading 'The world needs who you were made to be'. Contains a shelf with toys, a small table with four stools, and a sand tray, all arranged on neutral carpet and window blinds across the room.
A young boy with light brown hair and a pink t-shirt playing with a sandbox toy on a white table, with toys and a turtle figurine nearby, in a well-lit room with shelves and wall decor.

Play-based counseling can help your child:


✔️ Express feelings and worries safely
✔️ Manage big emotions in healthy ways
✔️ Develop social and problem-solving skills
✔️ Build self-esteem and confidence
✔️ Strengthen coping skills for stress
✔️ Improve family and peer relationships

Parents are included along the way — we provide regular updates and ideas to help you support your child’s growth at home.

How Play Therapy Works

Our Play Therapy Room

Our play therapy room is thoughtfully designed to be a safe, welcoming space where children can feel at ease and free to express themselves. Filled with carefully selected toys, art supplies, and therapeutic tools, the room encourages creativity, exploration, and healing through play. Every detail — from the calming colors to the child-friendly setup — is meant to help kids feel comfortable and supported as they work through big emotions and build new skills.

Children's playroom with small round table and chairs, a circular rug, a white ladder shelf with toys, and a white sand table.

Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?

Play therapy can help children ages 3–12 who may be experiencing:

  • Anxiety, worry, or fearfulness

  • Sadness or mood changes

  • Behavioral issues at home or school

  • Family changes, such as divorce or a move

  • Grief or loss

  • Trauma or difficult experiences

  • Trouble making friends or getting along with others

If your child seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, or is struggling to cope, our play therapists are here to help.

Book Now

Free 20min Consultation

A children's play area with a dollhouse, a magazine rack with children's books, and a small outdoor cafe setup with a picnic table, umbrella, and toy figures.
Colorful toys, LEGO pieces, and Scrabble tiles spelling "FRIENDS" on a wooden surface.

What to Expect

Your child’s first session focuses on building trust and comfort in the playroom. Over time, they’ll use play to express feelings, practice new skills, and build resilience — supported by child therapists working closely with a Registered Play Therapist supervisor.

Parents are encouraged to stay involved, ask questions, and participate in check-ins as needed.

Logo for Generational Wellness, featuring a stylized dove and the company name in beige text on a dark background.

Why Families Choose Generational Wellness

  • Safe, Child-Friendly Playrooms: Designed to help kids feel calm, welcome, and free to express themselves.

  • Family-Centered Approach: We believe parents are essential partners in a child’s healing journey.

  • Flexible Scheduling: Convenient in-person sessions in Temecula and supportive parent meetings online.

If you’re concerned about your child’s emotions or behavior, don’t wait. Play therapy can make a meaningful difference.

Book Now

Schedule a free 20-minute parent consultation today and let’s see how we can help your child grow and thrive.

We are currently accepting Aetna, Cigna, United Health & Blue Shield California Insurance!

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Meet Our Team

  • A smiling man with dark hair, glasses, and a blue button-up shirt against a neutral background.

    Elliott Alcala, LCSW 74235

    Chief Clinical Officer & Clinical Supervisor

    Elliott is the Chief Clinical Officer and Clinical Supervisor at Generational Wellness, specializing in trauma, addiction, and EMDR. With a deep commitment to mentoring early-career therapists.

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  • Portrait of a woman with black hair and blue eyes, smiling, wearing a white collared shirt, against a gray background.

    Brandi Kulikov, MA, PhD, LMFT 134149

    Clinical Supervisor

    Brandi is a Clinical Supervisor at Generational Wellness with over a decade of experience in child and family therapy, perinatal mental health, and trauma-informed care.

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  • A young woman with long, wavy brown hair, wearing a white blouse and layered gold necklaces, smiling at the camera against a plain gray background.

    Carolina Schubert, AMFT 154106, APCC 19041

    Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

    Supervised by Brandi Kulikov-Ramirez LMFT 134149

    Carolina specializing in helping teens, couples, and families heal from trauma, emotional dysregulation, and relationship challenges.

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  • Portrait of a woman with long red hair wearing a light pink knit cardigan and black top, smiling against a plain gray background.

    Nicole Johnson, ACSW 120658

    Associate Social Worker

    Supervised by Brandi Kulikov-Ramirez LMFT 134149

    Nicole specializes in helping children, teens, and families navigate anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. With a client-centered approach using CBT, DBT, and Acceptance Therapy.

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  • A smiling man with black glasses and short black hair wearing a red and black plaid shirt against a plain gray background.

    Mark Weinfurter, ACSW 124487

    Associate Clinical Social Worker

    Supervised by Elliott Alcala LCSW 74235

    Mark is a therapist who helps individuals navigate grief, recovery, and life transitions with compassion and evidence-based care.

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  • A woman with long blonde hair styled in loose waves, wearing a black top, smiling against a plain gray background.

    Jani Dix, MSW

    Associate Social Worker (Pending Registration Number)

    Supervised by Elliott Alcala, LCSW74235

    Jani specializes in supporting children, teens, and families facing anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. With a trauma-informed and client-centered approach.

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  • Headshot of a smiling woman with light brown hair, wearing a dark blazer and a red blouse, against a neutral background.

    Allie Chapman, MSW

    Associate Social Worker (Pending Registration Number)

    Supervised by Brandi Kulikov-Ramirez LMFT 13149

    Allie is a trauma-informed therapist who supports adolescents, families, and individuals by combining ACT, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to build resilience and lasting change.

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  • A young woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, smiling, wearing a light pink dress with puffed sleeves and a smocked bodice, standing against a plain gray background.

    Lex Stopsen, PCC Intern

    Professional Clinical Counselor Student

    Supervised by Elliott Alcala, LCSW74325

    Lex specializes in supporting teen girls and women navigating the emotional challenges of adolescence, motherhood, and postpartum life, offering compassionate & empowering care.

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FAQS

Common questions about therapy for children

  • Therapy is a safe space for your child to explore their feelings and behaviors. While parent involvement is important, it can sometimes hinder a child’s progress if present during sessions. We encourage parents to allow their child the time to explore their inner world independently. However, there are times when parental involvement is necessary, and your therapist will advise you when it’s beneficial for your child’s therapeutic journey.

  • The length of child therapy varies depending on the child’s needs and progress. Some children may benefit from short-term therapy over a few months, while others may need longer-term support. Your therapist will regularly review progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to best support your child.

  • In the first session, the therapist will focus on building trust and creating a safe, welcoming environment for your child. The therapist will ask questions to better understand your child’s concerns, behaviors, and emotional needs. This session often involves both conversation and play to help the therapist assess how best to support your child moving forward.