Play Therapy

When words are hard to express, play becomes the language.

Through play, children communicate, explore, and grow.

A child sitting on the floor building with colorful blocks
3–12Play Therapy
Ages 3–12
Voices

Every child has their own way of saying thank you.

Every child has their own way of saying thank you, and it is worth being heard.

Children drawing together on a large cardboard box with crayons
Their Stories
Worth being heard
Social Skills

Making friends is a skill, and skills can be learned.

UCLA-certified curriculum. Structured sessions. Real social confidence, step by step.

A woman and a young boy playing with dinosaur toys
4–17Social Skills
UCLA PEERS®
ADHD & Executive Functioning Coaching

A bright mind finding its own way forward.

A coaching approach for bright minds that need a different kind of road map.

A girl drawing at a table with her mother nearby
6–18ADHD & Executive Functioning Coaching
Executive Function
Counseling

A safe place to be heard, understood, and supported.

A safe space where children and teens are heard, understood, and supported.

Children's fingertips with colorful modeling clay
AllCounseling
All ages
For Parents

Understanding your child starts with understanding the why.

Parenting does not come with a manual. Guidance that fits your family.

Colorful building blocks scattered on a carpet
PParent Consultation
Guidance for families
10+ Years ExperienceM.A. Psychology & EducationPlay Therapy International CertifiedNational Certified CounselorUCLA PEERS® Certified
Portrait of Ellie Zhu, children and teens therapist
About Me

Professional, but kids will love it.

Behind my work with children is a lifelong curiosity about how people experience the world differently. My own journey has shaped the way I understand children who may feel different, struggle to express themselves, or wonder why certain things feel harder for them.

Learn more →
How It Works

Your Family's Journey

01
Connect

What happens when I reach out?

We start with a free 15-minute call. You share what you have noticed about your child, and we explore whether this feels like a good fit.

02
Intake Interview

How do you get to know my child?

A structured intake interview helps us understand your child's strengths and needs. Parents are part of the conversation. For younger children, this happens through play-based interaction.

03
Rapport Building

Will my child feel comfortable?

The first few sessions focus on building trust. Your child gets familiar with the space and with me, and we find a rhythm that works.

04
Ongoing Support

What happens during sessions?

Regular sessions build emotional awareness, coping skills, and confidence through play, conversation, and guided practice.

05
Review

How do I know it's working?

We check in together. Small wins get noticed, and we adjust the approach if needed.

06
Growth & Transition

When does this come to an end?

As your child grows more confident and capable, we gradually reduce the frequency of sessions. Our goal is not dependence on support, but helping your child build skills they can carry into everyday life.

Common Questions

FAQ

Every child experiences challenges differently. Some children may show changes in emotions, behaviors, friendships, learning, or confidence. If you are unsure whether support may be helpful, reaching out for a conversation can be a good first step. Together, we can explore your child's needs and discuss what type of support may be appropriate.

Children have different needs, and there is no one approach that fits every child. Ellie offers different forms of support, including Play Therapy, Counseling, ADHD & Executive Function Coaching, and Social Skills Programs. The first conversation helps identify which approach may best support your child.

After receiving your message, Ellie will review your concerns and respond with the next steps. This may include discussing your child's needs, answering questions, and exploring whether the service is a good fit.

We have a full guide with example scripts for different services and ages. Read the guide →

Ready to take the first step?

Choosing support for your child is an important decision. It is normal to have questions before taking the first step.

Free Consultation →