CHILD THERAPY
Supporting Children’s Emotional Growth with Compassion and Care
When Your Child Is Struggling, You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone
At Orange County Couples Counseling (OCCC), we support children and families through the emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges that arise throughout childhood. Our Child Therapy services in Orange County, including in-person care in Irvine and Laguna Beach and secure Telehealth, are designed to help children feel safe, understood, and supported.
Our therapists use developmentally informed, trauma-informed approaches to help children express emotions, build resilience, and strengthen family relationships. Supervised by Kathleen Wenger, M.A., LMFT, LPCC, our team creates a nurturing environment where children can grow emotionally while parents receive guidance and support along the way.
What Is Child Therapy — and Why It Looks Different Than Adult Therapy
Child therapy is a specialized form of counseling that focuses on how children understand and communicate their inner world. Because young children often don’t yet have the language to describe big emotions, therapy uses play, creativity, and relational work as the primary tools for healing.
At OCCC, child therapy may include:
- Play-based interventions
- Child-Parent Psychotherapy
- Family-centered support
- Trauma-informed approaches
Through these methods, children learn emotional awareness, coping skills, and healthier ways to communicate their needs — all in a way that feels natural and safe for their age and development.
Childhood Can Be Overwhelming — Support Should Feel Safe and Steady
Emotional and behavioral challenges in childhood are common, especially during periods of growth, transition, or stress. Early support can make a meaningful difference.
Families across Orange County, including Irvine and Laguna Beach, often seek child therapy when they notice:
- Anxiety, worry, or ongoing fear
- Emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating emotions
- Behavioral challenges at home or school
- Early childhood mental health concerns
- Childhood trauma or stressful experiences
- Social difficulties or low self-esteem
- Grief, loss, or family transitions
Child therapy provides children with tools they can carry with them throughout life — strengthening emotional resilience, confidence, and family connection.
Meet Our Orange County Child Therapy Team
Our therapists provide warm, client-centered care tailored to each child’s unique emotional and developmental needs. We work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to support healthy family functioning and long-term growth.
Kathleen Wenger, M.A.
Rozy Pishvaiy, AMFT
Natasha Gaffaney, M.A.
Christy Hill, M.A.
Austin Whitman, M.A.
Every Child Is Different — That’s Why We Offer More Than One Path Forward
Individual Child Therapy
Individual sessions provide children with a safe space to explore emotions, develop coping skills, and build emotional regulation in a way that feels age-appropriate and supportive.
Child-Parent & Family Therapy
Family-centered sessions strengthen the parent-child bond, improve communication, and help caregivers better understand their child’s emotional needs.
These flexible options allow us to tailor care to your child’s personality, age, and family dynamic.
Child Therapy Helps Children Thrive — at Home, at School, and Beyond
Child therapy supports children in developing skills that benefit both their emotional world and their relationships. Through therapy, children can:
Learn healthy ways to recognize, name, and communicate emotions.
Develop tools to manage stress, frustration, and anxiety.
Improve trust, communication, and emotional safety within the family.
Process experiences in a supportive, developmentally appropriate way.
What to Expect During Child Therapy
Session Structure
Sessions are structured yet flexible, designed to meet your child where they are developmentally and emotionally.
Parent Involvement
Parents are active partners in the process. We provide guidance, gentle-parenting support, and practical tools for use at home.
Privacy and Confidentiality
All services follow HIPAA standards. We prioritize trust, safety, and ethical care.
In-Person & Telehealth Options
We offer therapy in Irvine, Laguna Beach, and through secure Telehealth, making care accessible for busy families.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy
Understanding the support available can help you make informed decisions about child therapy. Here are some common questions about our services.
How can child therapy help my child?
Child therapy supports emotional growth, behavioral regulation, and healthy development while strengthening family relationships.
What if my child is hesitant?
This is very common. Our therapists use gentle, engaging approaches that help children feel safe and understood over time.
Do you offer online child therapy?
Yes. Secure Telehealth sessions are available and effective for many children and families.