In-Person Play Therapy in San Jose for Children

Helping Anxious, and Overwhelmed Kids Learn to Express In Healthy Ways That Let You Love Family Time Again

You want what’s best for your kid.

You are determined to ensure your kids have every opportunity to succeed and thrive. You enroll them in all sorts of enriching activities—music lessons, sports, art classes, and more. You want them to have every advantage and chance to shine.

So Why Are Outings and Vacations a Nightmare?

Things don’t seem right with your kid. They have outbursts. In public places, it becomes a scene. You want peaceful family time, but instead, you're met with palpable stares and silent judgments from others as your child screams and cries inconsolably.

Family vacations and outings, once a source of excitement, have become dreaded events filled with tantrums, crying fits, and moments where your children are utterly overwhelmed by their feelings.

You can’t help but feel like you’re failing them, despite doing everything you can think of to help them manage their emotions.

You’ve Tried Everything

You've researched numerous tactics—breathing guides, feeling charts, behavioral star charts—and read countless articles and books on children, hoping to find a solution to help your kids manage their emotions. But nothing seems to work.

You Want to Be Able to Enjoy Life with Your Child and See Them Happy and Healthy

You've read extensively about how child therapy can aid in emotional regulation and anxiety, but you feel conflicted. You want your children to be happy and to regain that carefree spark of childhood that seems to be slipping away. You want to reignite their joy, to see their faces light up with excitement rather than frustration and anxiety.

Yet, the thought of adding another appointment to their already packed schedules fills you with dread. You fear that therapy will become just another task, another thing that saps their energy and leaves them feeling even more overwhelmed.

Play Therapy in San Jose with Hannah Ly

I’m Hannah Ly, a play therapist in San Jose, and I specialize in working with busy parents and their children in the fast-paced environment of Silicon Valley. I’ve seen many families like yours transform through play therapy, where children not only learn to manage their emotions but also rediscover the fun and excitement of childhood.

I understand the challenges you’re facing. Balancing a career while ensuring your children thrive can be overwhelming. It's clear you want the best for your kids, and it’s disheartening when your efforts seem to backfire, leading to outbursts and anxiety instead of joy and success.


Play therapy is unique. It leverages the natural way children express themselves—through play.

My approach is designed to make children feel safe and understood.

They don’t just attend therapy sessions; they run into my office.

They find a place where their feelings and thoughts are acknowledged and explored through engaging activities.

Imagine walking into my office and seeing your child smiling, laughing, and fully engaged. I get down on my knees to meet them at their level, listening to their stories, playing alongside them, and truly connecting.

Many call me a child whisperer because of the deep, intuitive bond I form with each child. This connection is not just built on my extensive education but also on my genuine demeanor and ability to attune to their needs.

Transform the Life of your Child with Play Therapy

Imagine tantrums and meltdowns become rare as your kids learn to manage stress in healthy ways.

They smile more, enjoy their activities, and show excitement for learning. Family vacations and outings become truly relaxing. Picture yourselves at the beach, watching your kids play joyfully in the sand without any stress.

Weekend trips to parks or museums are filled with laughter and curiosity, not overshadowed by busy schedules. You feel more present, enjoying every moment with your family and creating lasting memories.

Your home becomes a calm and supportive place instead of a hectic one. As your kids prepare for college and future careers, you feel confident they are ready without losing their well-being.

You and your kids face each day with joy and confidence, knowing you have the tools and support to handle whatever comes your way.

Ready to start this journey towards a happier, more balanced family life? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today and take the first step towards transforming your family's well-being.

About Play Therapy

Areas of Specialization for Play Therapy:

  • Dealing with the ups and downs of kids' behavioral issues can be tough. You're not on your own—I’m here to help you make sense of and manage your child's meltdowns and tantrums. With parent coaching and teamwork, we'll come up with practical strategies to tackle these behaviors and create a nurturing home environment. Play therapy can also be incredibly beneficial, providing children with a safe space to express themselves and work through emotions. Through play, kids can explore their feelings, develop problem-solving skills, and build resilience. Together, we'll turn those challenging moments into chances for growth and connection.

  • Welcoming a foster or adopted child into your family is a wonderful yet intricate journey. I offer a caring environment to help you and your child navigate and settle into new family dynamics. With personalized therapy, I assist in building trust and tackling unique behaviors so your family can flourish together. Whether we use play therapy or expressive arts, we'll focus on making strong connections and creating a solid foundation.

    Learn more about how I specialize in Foster and Adoption Competent Therapy

  • Divorce can be a confusing and stressful time for kids. With empathy and care, I help them navigate the emotions that come with having parents who are splitting up. By offering coping strategies and communication tools, I support your child in understanding their feelings, making sure they feel heard and supported throughout the process. Play therapy is a valuable tool in this journey, allowing children to express themselves and explore their feelings in a safe and creative environment. Through play, they can gain insights and develop resilience, making the transition smoother and less overwhelming.

  • Creating a healthy, stable environment for your child amidst co-parenting challenges is possible. I work with parents to develop consistent approaches and communication strategies that prioritize your child's well-being. Together, we’ll create a harmonious co-parenting framework that supports your child’s emotional and psychological health. Additionally, incorporating play therapy can be incredibly beneficial, as it provides children with a safe space to express their feelings and navigate complex emotions. Play therapy helps children develop coping mechanisms, enhances their emotional intelligence, and fosters resilience, all of which are crucial for their overall development.

  • School is meant to be a place of learning and joy, yet behavioral issues can sometimes get in the way. I help parents tackle these challenges, whether it's attention issues or social interactions. Play therapy is a powerful tool in this process, as it allows children to express themselves in a safe and nurturing environment, helping them to process emotions and develop coping strategies. By collaborating with schools and using innovative therapeutic techniques, including play therapy, we can boost your child's school experience and support their academic and social success.

  • Anxiety can be daunting for both children and parents. Whether it’s separation anxiety or generalized anxiety, I offer effective coping strategies and tools tailored to your child’s needs. Through a comforting and engaging therapeutic process, including play therapy, your child will learn to manage their anxiety. Play therapy allows children to express their feelings and thoughts in a safe and imaginative environment, helping them process emotions and develop problem-solving skills. This approach helps them explore the world with confidence and curiosity.

  • Healing from childhood trauma is a delicate process that requires patience and understanding. I provide a safe space for your child to express their feelings and begin their healing journey. Play therapy is particularly effective as it allows children to express themselves in their natural language—play. Through play, children can process complex emotions and experiences in a non-threatening way. Techniques like play therapy and expressive arts gently process traumatic experiences, helping your child build resilience and regain a sense of safety and trust.

    Every step of the way, my commitment is to empower you with the tools and insights necessary to support your child's emotional and psychological well-being. Together, we’ll create a path towards healing and growth, ensuring your child feels supported and understood.

    Learn more about how I specialize in Trauma Therapy for Children

FAQ About Play Therapy with Hannah Ly

  • Each 45-minute play therapy session costs $250.

  • While it is possible to conduct play therapy online, I prefer to do it in-person. The engaging and tactile nature of play therapy makes in-person sessions more effective. Children benefit from interacting with physical toys and materials, which helps them express their feelings and experiences more freely.

  • The duration of play therapy varies for each child, but most children see significant progress within six months to a year. Play therapy is a long-term process that aims for deep, meaningful changes. We will set goals and track progress regularly to ensure your child is benefiting from the sessions.

  • Parent involvement is crucial in play therapy. I require mandatory monthly coaching sessions for parents. During these sessions, I will update you on your child's progress, discuss any concerns, and provide guidance on how you can support your child's therapeutic journey at home.

  • Play therapy is most effective for children aged 3 to 10. This age range benefits the most from the play-based techniques used to explore and express their emotions.

  • I provide play therapy in San Jose, CA. My office is located on 2901 Moorpark Ave. Suite 270, San Jose, CA, 95128.

Meet with the Child Whisperer today for your Free 15-minute Consult

Currently I have limited availability for new clients. Schedule today to get started