Play Based Therapy for Children
in-person in Temecula for children 3-12 years of age
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 Based Therapy?
Play based 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 Play Therapist supervisor.
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 Based Therapy Works
Our Play Therapy Room
Our play based 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.
Who Can Benefit from Play Based Therapy?
Play based 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If your child seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, or is struggling to cope, our play therapists are here to help.
Free 20min Consultation
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.
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.
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!
Meet Our Team
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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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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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Cynthia Nyberg, LCSW 116386
Clinical Supervisor
Cynthia is a Clinical Supervisor at Generational Wellness with over a decade of experience in trauma, perinatal mental health, mood disorders, and EMDR therapy.
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Maricela Cordova, LCSW 100992
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Maricela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Generational Wellness with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals, children, and couples through anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions.
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Nicole Johnson, ASW 120658
Registered Associate Social Worker
Supervised by Cynthia Nyberg LCSW 116386
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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Mark Weinfurter, ASW 124487
Registered Associate Social Worker
Supervised by Brandi Kulikov-Ramirez LMFT 134149
Mark is a therapist who helps individuals navigate grief, recovery, and life transitions with compassion and evidence-based care.
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Jani Dix, ASW 134397
Registered Associate Social Worker
Supervised by Cynthia Nyberg LCSW 116386
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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Allie Chapman, ASW 134932
Registered Associate Social Worker
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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Marisol Angarita, ASW 136400
Registered Associate Social Worker
Supervised by Brandi Kulikov-Ramirez LMFT 134149
Marisol specializes in supporting children, teens, and families navigating emotional regulation, trauma, anxiety, and life stressors, using a bilingual, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach.
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Blake McCarthy
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Brandi Kulikov-Ramirez, LMFT 134149
Blake specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families, offering compassionate, goal-oriented care that helps clients uncover strengths, heal underlying challenges, and build healthier relationships.
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Izabella Lopez
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Brandi Kulikov-Ramirez, LMFT 134149
Bella works with children, teens and families and utilizes Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to guide collaborative and meaningful therapeutic growth.
FAQS
Common questions about therapy for children
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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.
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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.
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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.