Helping Children Heal Through Play Online Play Therapy in Orange County and Across California

When children feel overwhelmed, anxious, or confused, they don’t always have the words to explain what’s going on. Play Therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way for children to express emotions, process experiences, and build confidence—all through the natural language of play. At Full Vida Therapy, we offer virtual Play Therapy for children and families in Orange County and throughout California.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a research-based approach that uses toys, creative expression, games, and stories to help children explore feelings, resolve problems, and learn coping skills. It’s more than just “playing”—it’s an intentional, therapeutic process guided by a trained clinician who understands how children communicate through play.

For kids, play is how they process the world. In therapy, play becomes a safe space for emotional healing and growth.

Play Therapy Can Help With:

  • Anxiety, fears, and phobias

  • School stress or academic struggles

  • Social difficulties or bullying

  • Emotional outbursts or tantrums

  • Trauma or big life changes (divorce, grief, moves)

  • ADHD or impulse control

  • Difficulty with transitions or routines

What to Expect in Virtual Play Therapy

While traditional play therapy takes place in person, virtual play therapy has been shown to be highly effective when adapted thoughtfully. Through creative engagement, strong therapeutic rapport, and active parent involvement, online sessions can still support deep emotional healing and growth.

Here’s how we make it work:

  • We use secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms to meet with your child in a safe, private space.

  • Sessions incorporate expressive tools like drawing, storytelling, role-play, movement, and games—many of which translate beautifully to virtual sessions.

  • We guide children in using everyday items in their environment for play-based activities, helping them feel grounded and empowered in their own space.

  • Parent collaboration is a key component—we’ll check in with you regularly and offer simple strategies to support your child at home.

Virtual play therapy works because it meets kids where they’re most comfortable—in their own environment—and invites connection, creativity, and safety in a format many children are already used to.

Our Play Therapist:

Cylest Lyles, AMFT is experienced in working with children and families using play-based interventions and a person-centered approach. Her warm, calming presence creates a safe space for children to express themselves and for parents to feel supported and empowered.

Online Play Therapy in California:

We provide virtual play therapy to children and families across Orange County and throughout California—from larger cities like Los Angeles and San Diego to smaller or rural communities where in-person services may not be available. All sessions are secure, HIPAA-compliant, and built to meet your child where they are.

Give Your Child a Safe Space to Grow

If your child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, play therapy can help them find relief and build confidence in a way that feels natural and supportive. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help.