Rachel Del Dosso
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Registered Clinical Art Therapist
Play Therapy in Thousand Oaks
Maggie Knobbe Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Jared Del Dosso Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Play therapy works because play is a child’s natural language, and toys are their words. While adults often process emotions through conversation, children express and make sense of their experiences through play. In a safe, therapeutic environment, play allows children to explore feelings, resolve inner conflicts, build problem-solving skills, and gain a sense of control over their world. Through carefully selected activities and the supportive presence of a trained therapist, children can access emotions they might not yet have words for—making healing possible in a developmentally appropriate and deeply effective way.
Play therapy can help with:
Developmental and Social Concerns
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Struggles related to autism spectrum traits
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Delays in social skills/emotional development
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Difficulty making or keeping friends
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Communication challenges
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Adjusting to new environments
Family and Relational Challenges
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Parent-child conflict
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Sibling rivalry or jealousy
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Adjusting to a new sibling
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Attachment disruptions
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Conflict related to blended families or custody issues
Emotional Difficulties
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Anxiety and fears (e.g., separation anxiety)
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Depression or persistent sadness
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Low self-esteem
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Grief and loss
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Emotional regulation difficulties
Behavioral Issues
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Aggression or acting out
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Oppositional or defiant behavior
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Impulsivity or hyperactivity
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Social withdrawal
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Difficulty following rules or routines
Trauma and Stress
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Exposure to abuse or neglect
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Medical trauma or hospitalization
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Witnessing violence
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Divorce or separation of caregivers
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Adoption or foster care transitions
Play therapy can include:
Play therapy can include a wide range of activities tailored to the child’s developmental level, interests, and therapeutic needs. Here’s a list of what it can include:
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Art activities (drawing, painting, sculpting)
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Sand tray play with miniature figures
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Dollhouse or family play to explore relationships and dynamics
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Puppets and puppet shows
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Storytelling and therapeutic books
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Role play
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Board games and card games that teach emotional regulation and social skills
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Building toys (blocks, Legos) for expression and problem-solving
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Sensory play (playdough, kinetic sand)
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Emotion identification games
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Creative visualization or guided imagery
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Play with animal or superhero figures for projection, empowerment, and feelings and needs identification
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Therapeutic journaling or comic strip creation
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Coping skills practice through play
Our Team of Child Therapists Provide Play Therapy
in Thousand Oaks for Los Angeles and Ventura County Residents
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Registered Art Therapist
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist