Child Therapy
(ages 2-10)
Signs Your Kiddo May Benefit from Child Therapy
Every child experiences ups and downs, but some behaviors or emotional struggles can indicate that extra support might be helpful. Consider child therapy if your child:
Has trouble expressing feelings or talking about what’s bothering them
Shows frequent anxiety, sadness, or anger
Exhibits behavioral challenges at home or school
Struggles with social skills or forming friendships
Has experienced a major life change, trauma, or loss
Demonstrates fearfulness, withdrawal, or low self-esteem
Has difficulty coping with stress or transitions
Has experienced a regression in potty training or bed wetting
Struggles with difficult sleep patterns or frequent nightmares
Child therapy provides a safe, supportive space for children to process these challenges, build coping skills, and develop confidence in expressing themselves. If you notice one or more of these signs, it may be a good time to reach out to a therapist for guidance.
Why Child Therapy Works
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can be effective for adults, teens and tweens, younger children often don’t yet have the language skills to fully express their inner experiences. For this reason, child therapy is often used as the primary approach. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating—it allows them to share thoughts and feelings symbolically, practice problem-solving skills, and build stronger emotional awareness.
Benefits of Counseling for Children
In child therapy, children can explore relationships, navigate through complex emotions, and rehearse new coping strategies in a way that feels natural and engaging. To quote Garry Landreth, a pioneer in the study of how children process their feelings, “toys are like the child's words, and play is the child's language." Child therapy provides a safe, fun, and creative space that is also structured and intentional and allows children to:
Express feelings they may not have the words for
Work through difficult experiences, fears, or trauma
Learn healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Develop problem-solving and social skills
Build self-confidence and emotional resilience
Through play, children can explore their emotions, understand their experiences, and practice new skills in ways that feel natural and engaging for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most sessions last between 45 and 60 minutes, but every child is unique. Your clinician will tailor session lengths to fit your child’s needs, ensuring they have the time and space that will be most helpful and comfortable for them.
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Yes. Because your child is a minor, we ask that a parent or caregiver be available during sessions. This helps ensure your child’s safety and comfort—for example, in case of an emergency, a quick potty break, or if your child needs a little extra support.
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The length of therapy is different for every child. Some kids respond quickly to a few sessions, especially if they are working on a specific challenge, while others benefit from ongoing therapy to address deeper emotions, patterns, or experiences.
