Child & Teen Therapy in Costa Mesa Serving Orange County
Supporting emotional growth, resilience, and confidence in children and adolescents
When children and teens are struggling, it often shows up in ways that can feel confusing or overwhelming—for both them and their families.
At Essence Therapy Services, we offer child and teen therapy in Costa Mesa, helping young individuals throughout Orange County better understand their emotions, develop coping skills, and feel more confident in themselves.
A Supportive Space for Growth
Therapy offers children and teens a space where they can slow down, explore their emotions, and begin to make sense of what they are experiencing—without pressure or judgment.
Each child is different. Our work is tailored to meet them where they are, helping them build emotional awareness, confidence, and a stronger sense of self over time.
You May Be Noticing
Children and teens often express emotional distress in ways that are not always easy to understand.
You might notice:
• increased anxiety or constant worry
• difficulty managing emotions or frequent overwhelm
• withdrawal, isolation, or changes in behavior
• irritability, frustration, or mood shifts
• struggles with confidence or self-esteem
• challenges at school or with peer relationships
Working with a child and teen therapist in Costa Mesa can help your child better understand and express what they are experiencing.
How Therapy Supports Your Child
Therapy offers more than just a space to talk—it provides a structured and supportive environment where children can begin to understand their emotional world in a way that feels safe and manageable.
Many young individuals struggle not because something is “wrong,” but because they have not yet been given the tools to navigate what they are experiencing.
Over time, many parents begin to notice meaningful shifts—not only in behavior, but in how their child sees themselves and engages with the world around them.
Through our work together, your child can begin to:
coping skills for big emotions
calming tools for anxiety and stress
healthy ways to express feelings
confidence-building skills
problem-solving strategies
emotional regulation tools
communication skills for home and school
In-person child therapy in Costa Mesa helping children build coping skills, confidence, emotional regulation, and communication skills in a supportive environment.
Support for Teens Navigating Complex Challenges
Adolescence is a time of significant emotional, social, and developmental change. Many teens today are navigating pressures that can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage alone.
Therapy provides a space where teens can explore these experiences with support, privacy, and understanding.
We support teens who may be navigating:
• self-esteem challenges and negative self-perception
• social pressure, fitting in, and peer relationships
• bullying or difficult social experiences
• identity exploration and sense of self
• academic stress, performance pressure, and burnout
• preparing for college and future transitions
Our work helps teens develop greater confidence, emotional awareness, and the ability to navigate these challenges with resilience and clarity.
Our Specialized Approach
We integrate evidence-based and developmentally appropriate approaches to support your child’s emotional growth and wellbeing.
🎨 Play Therapy
Play therapy allows children to express emotions in a natural and developmentally appropriate way.
Through guided play, children can explore experiences, process emotions, and develop new ways of coping.
🧠 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps children and teens understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
They learn practical tools to manage anxiety, build confidence, and respond to challenges more effectively.
🔄 EMDR Therapy
Play therapy allows children to express emotions in a natural and developmentally appropriate way.
Through guided play, children can explore experiences, process emotions, and develop new ways of coping.
🧩 Problem-Solving & Emotional Skills
We support children and teens in developing practical tools such as emotional regulation, communication, and decision-making.
These skills support both immediate challenges and long-term resilience.
Supporting Parents and Families
We understand that when a child or teen is struggling, it can impact the entire family.
Our work includes supporting parents by:
• offering insight into your child’s emotional needs
• providing guidance on communication and boundaries
• helping you respond to challenges with greater clarity
• creating a more supportive home environment
This collaborative approach helps reinforce the progress your child is making in therapy.
Child & Teen Therapy in Costa Mesa and Orange County
We provide child and teen therapy in Costa Mesa, serving families throughout Orange County, including:
• Newport Beach
• Irvine
• Huntington Beach
• Tustin
• Santa Ana
We also offer online therapy throughout California and Oregon for teens when appropriate.
Begin Supporting Your Child
If your child or teen has been struggling, therapy can provide a supportive space for them to feel understood and develop healthier ways of coping.