Why I Love Working with Kids

After working for many years in early childhood education, I developed a deep appreciation for the unique ways children learn, grow, and express themselves. Transitioning into therapy, I’ve been fortunate to continue this journey—supporting kids not just in their learning, but in their emotional and mental well-being in my private practice in San Jose, California. There’s something truly special about working with children in therapy. I have the privilege of witnessing their emotional growth, resilience, and unique ways of understanding the world. Kids bring so much life, honesty, and joy into the therapy room, and every day I feel grateful to be part of their journey. Here are a few reasons why I love working with kids so much.

1. The Opportunity to Make a Lasting Impact Early

Helping children develop healthy emotional habits and coping skills early on can have a profound impact on their lives. It’s empowering to know that the support and guidance I provide can help set them on a path toward greater well-being—not just now, but for years to come.

2. Their Honesty and Openness

Children often express their feelings and thoughts in ways adults might find challenging—through play, art, or simple, straightforward honesty. This authenticity allows for creative and genuine therapeutic approaches that can be both fun and deeply effective.

3. Witnessing Resilience and Growth

One of the most inspiring parts of working with kids is seeing their incredible resilience. Even after experiencing trauma, loss, or hardship, children often have a remarkable capacity to bounce back and grow stronger. Their strength humbles me and motivates me every day.

4. Supporting Families as a Whole

Therapy with children often involves collaborating closely with parents, teachers, and caregivers. I find it rewarding to be part of a larger support system that helps children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

5. The Joy and Humor Children Bring

Kids have a natural sense of wonder, curiosity, and humor. Their fresh perspectives and lightheartedness often bring laughter and joy to therapy sessions, reminding me of the simple beauty in life.

Working with children as a therapist is truly a calling and a joy. Their resilience, honesty, and spirit continually inspire me to be a better clinician and a better human. I’m honored to support them as they grow, learn, and find their own voices.

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Why Aren’t We Using Child-Centered Play Therapy More?

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is one of the most developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approaches for children under 11. Yet it remains surprisingly underutilized.

Rooted in the work of Virginia Axline and Carl Rogers, CCPT allows children to explore emotions and experiences through the language they know best: play. The therapist doesn’t direct or instruct—they follow the child’s lead, creating a safe space where healing unfolds naturally.

Why It Matters

Young children aren’t wired for traditional talk therapy. Their brains are still developing abstract reasoning and verbal processing. CCPT meets them where they are developmentally—and research backs it up:

-Significant reductions in anxiety, trauma, and behavioral concerns
-Increases in self-esteem, coping, and emotional regulation
-Culturally responsive and adaptable across settings

Meta-analyses (Ray et al., 2001; Bratton et al., 2005) confirm CCPT’s lasting impact. So why isn’t it the standard?

Too often, adults default to talk-based methods or behavior systems that simply aren’t designed for young minds. When children resist or disengage, we blame the child—when we might just be using the wrong approach.

Play-Based Learning vs. Academic Preschools

This misunderstanding of child development shows up in early education too. Academic preschools focus on early literacy, worksheets, and test prep. But research says play-based learning leads to better long-term outcomes.

Play-Based Learning Supports:

-Cognition: Enhances executive functioning, problem-solving, and memory (Barker et al., 2014)
-Mental Health: Reduces stress and increases emotional resilience
-Social Development: Builds empathy, cooperation, and communication
-Academic Success: Kids in play-based settings often outperform academically later on (Miller & Almon, 2009).

In contrast, early academic pressure has been linked to increased anxiety, lower motivation, and behavioral issues (Bassok et al., 2016).

Here’s the Truth: Play Is the Work!

Whether in therapy or school, play isn’t fluff—it’s the foundation for emotional, social, and cognitive development. When we treat play as secondary to “real” learning or treatment, we miss the mark completely.
It’s time we normalize what the research already tells us:

-Use Child-Centered Play Therapy as a frontline intervention for young children
-Support play-based education instead of pushing premature academics
-Respect developmental readiness instead of rushing outcomes

Let’s stop asking kids to perform like little adults—and start supporting them in ways that truly work.

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