Stage 2: Therapy for Toddlers
Around 18 months to 3 years, children are discovering the joy—and sometimes frustration—of doing things on their own. It’s the “I can do it myself!” stage. Erikson described this stage as autonomy vs shame and doubt. Autonomy is the child’s emerging sense of self-control, self-confidence, and independence. Shame and doubt develop when children feel overly criticized, punished, or restricted, causing them to question their abilities. Successful resolution helps the child develop the ability to make choices and act on them with confidence.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy provides a safe space for children to try new things, make mistakes, and practice independence. It also helps them regulate frustration, and build confidence. Some techniques we use for kiddos in therapy at this stage are:
Encouraging Choice: We give children small, meaningful decisions in sessions, helping them feel in control and heard.
Celebrating Effort: Success isn’t just about getting it right—it’s about trying. We cheer on attempts, guide gently, and normalize mistakes.
Support Problem-Solving: We model ways to tackle challenges and then let children try themselves, stepping in only when safety or overwhelm is a concern.
Provide Predictable Structure: Children feel confident when routines are consistent. We balance safety and independence so kids feel brave enough to explore.
Why It Matters
Helping children develop autonomy now lays the foundation for lifelong confidence, resilience, and self-efficacy. They learn that it’s okay to try, fail, and try again—and that they have support along the way. Therapy becomes a place where “I can do it” turns into “I can do it—and I’m okay if I don’t get it perfect.”
STAGE 3