MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE

Child Therapy

 Managing Big Emotions, Building Lifelong Resilience

In-office sessions in Encino and Brentwood, CA and online across California.

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Welcome to MILIKA Center for Therapy & Resilience: Nurturing Mental Health and Resilience in Children

MILIKA is dedicated to promoting mental health and resilience in children through evidence-based interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, positive psychology, and trauma-informed care.

Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, anger, navigating social challenges, or experiencing behavioral problems, we are here to support their journey towards emotional wellbeing and a thriving childhood.

OUR SERVICES

CHILD THERAPY

Individual therapy sessions tailored to the unique needs of children, focusing on emotional expression, coping skills development, and building self-esteem.

PARENT CONSULTATIONS

Collaborative sessions with parents to provide developmental guidance, support, and parenting strategies for promoting their child's mental health and resilience.

RESILIENCE TRAINING

A customized 10-12 session resilience skill-building program is crafted to equip children with an array of essential life skills, including emotion regulation, stress management, problem-solving, communication, and goal setting.

For further information, please refer to our program,

Resilience Training for Children & Teens

Child Therapy Approaches at Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience

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Child Therapy Can Provide Support For:

Anxiety

Anger/Irritability

Depression

Medical Illness/ Medical Trauma

Trauma

Motivation Issues

Stress

Acting Out Behaviors

Grief / Loss

Conflict with Parents, Siblings, Peers

What is Play-Therapy?  

Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate and structured approach to therapy for children that uses play to help them express their feelings and process life experiences.

In child play therapy, a trained therapist uses evidence-based techniques to gently guide emotional growth through activities your child already engages in every day. It’s more than just “playing”—it’s a a research-backed approach that supports mental health for kids in a way that feels safe and familiar.

Through play therapy, children can:

  • Explore emotions that they may not be able to express with words.
  • Build emotional regulation and problem-solving skills.
  • Process trauma, stress, or big life transitions.
  • Improve communication and confidence.
  • Strengthen resilience and self-esteem.

What Issues Can Play Therapy Help With?  

Children may not always have the words to say they’re overwhelmed, but changes in behavior, mood, or relationships often tell the story. Whether your child is withdrawing, acting out, or just not quite themselves, play therapy can offer a safe space to explore what’s beneath the surface.

Play therapy for kids can help with:

    • Anxiety and fear, including separation anxiety, school stress, phobias, and general worries.
    • Trauma and grief. Supporting children in processing painful experiences like loss, accidents, or witnessing violence.
    • Behavioral challenges. Helping kids understand and manage impulsivity, aggression, meltdowns, or defiance.
    • Social and peer difficulties. Addressing friendship struggles, bullying, or challenges with communication and boundaries.
    • Life transitions, such as divorce, a new sibling, moving homes or schools, or changes in family dynamics.
    • Chronic illness or medical trauma. Providing a safe outlet to process medical experiences, procedures, or long-term health conditions.
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Timely Therapy Is Key. 

Addressing challenges early and seeking timely therapy is critical for children. Waiting too long to get help can prolong their suffering and make it more difficult to overcome their struggles. Therapy provides a safe and supportive space for children to explore their feelings, learn coping skills, and develop resilience.

By seeking therapy early, children can:

  • Learn healthy coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety before symptoms become paralyzing and have a bigger ripple effect.
  • Build self-esteem, self-compassion, and confidence in themselves.
  • Develop social skills and navigate peer relationships more effectively.
  • Strengthen family bonds and communication.
  • Thrive academically and emotionally.

At MILIKA, we prioritize timely support.  That's why we strive to schedule your initial free phone consultation within 24-48 hours, and the intake with one of our expert therapists within one week. 

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ABOUT US

Why Work With Milika Center For Therapy & Resilience

Here at Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we understand that seeking help for ​mental health concerns is a courageous and transformative step.

Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, significant life changes, or are on a ​quest for personal growth, know that you are not alone. Our team is here to offer support ​and expert guidance every step of the way. Together, we can work towards building ​unshakable resilience, fostering self-awareness, and unlocking the potential for positive ​change.

As the MILIKA Founder and Clinical Director, I am committed to fostering a safe and ​nurturing environment where individuals can embark on their journey towards healing ​and personal growth.

Thank you for choosing us as your partner in your mental wellness journey. We are so ​honored and excited to be here for you and help you unleash your inner resilience!

 

Warmest Regards,
Dr. Kanchi

Meet The Team

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Clinical Director
Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.

Jasmine Chow

Associate Clinical Therapist
Jasmine Chow, AMFT.

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Clinical Psychologist
Venus Mirbod, Psy.D.

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Doctoral Clinical Trainee
Isabella "Bella" Vigna, M.A.

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Associate Clinical Therapist
Lindsay Merrill, AMFT.

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Care Coordinator
Hailee Strong, M.A.

Matthew Banooni, AMFT

Associate Clincial Therapist
Matthew Banooni, AMFT.

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Yoga Instructor
Laily Gallo

Live Life To The Fullest

If your child is struggling, don't wait any longer to seek help.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards supporting their mental health and resilience. 

 

Ready to get started?

Ready to get started? Start your journey towards resilience and mental well-being today by contacting us to schedule a consultation.