Child Issues

Today’s children face a variety of unique issues. As children grow, they go through many mood and behavior changes. Although these changes can be difficult – both for the children and for the caregivers – they are usually normal, predictable and no cause for concern. However, when a child is having trouble at home, school or with friends, or is struggling to process a routine or traumatic event (for example the birth of a sibling, death of a loved one, bullying, or abuse), the help a professional may be needed. A mental health professional who specializes in child issues can be a great asset in helping a child (or their caregivers) navigate this distinctive time in their lives. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s experts today!

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Meet the specialists

 

We absolutely love taking care of children & teens, and we have excellent outcomes. We are trained to bring therapy to the developmental level of your child, making it effective and resonant. We use Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Bibliotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, & Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), to name few of the best treatments available for minors. We always include parents in the care, so you are always in the loop. Contact us today.

— Heather Hecht, Psychologist in Arlington, VA

In my work with children, I create a playful, engaging space where kids feel safe to express themselves. Using age-appropriate modalities like art and play therapy, we'll explore their inner world through creativity and imagination. My specialty is supporting kids managing big emotions or undergoing life changes. I partner with parents, providing psychoeducation and coaching around neurodiversity, social-emotional needs, and gentle parenting.

— Bee Cook, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Seattle, WA
 

Child/Play Therapy helps children to improve communication and interpersonal skills. It focuses on a child's interests and encourages interaction based on the child's favorite activities. Our professionals, collaborate to help children deal with emotional trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioral problems, neurological conditions and mental illness.

— Washington Psychological Wellness, Mental Health Practitioner in Gaithersburg, MD

I utilize play therapy and sand tray therapy to create a comfortable and fun environment where children are able to express and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without facing the pressure of needing to understand or verbalize these things. With limited life experience and verbal repertoires, traditional talk therapy is difficult and frustrating for children.

— Ginger Ingersoll MacDuff, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Fircrest, WA
 

I work with parents of children who may have a learning, attention, or behavior disorder, struggle to complete classwork and homework, are fearful of certain situations, have sleep problems, have difficulty regulating emotions and self-control, experience separation anxiety at home and school, become easily frustrated or overwhelmed, or are stubborn and defiant with adults. I offer psychoeducational/psychological evaluations, child therapy, and parent support sessions.

— Dr. Kristin Edwards, Psychologist in Tampa, FL

The children I work with struggle with a range of issues including tantrums, anger management, trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation. In therapy I focus on the child's strengths as well as their struggles. I use a child-directed play therapy model which teaches children emotion regulation tools through modeling. Parent involvement is vital to a child's success in therapy and I include parents in the therapy process through coaching and parent-child interaction therapy.

— Chana Halberg, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Boulder, CO
 

I help kids (& their families) who long to be themselves, but are held back by believing they are "too much" or "not enough." Kids whose voices get buried under past hurts, worries, shame & anger. Kids who have tried everything (fighting, running away, hurting themselves, perfectionism) to get away from mean voices stuck in their heads--the ones saying, "You're not good enough," "No one would believe you," "You're too loud/sensitive/not tough enough."

— Christina Borel, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Litchfield, CT

I serve clients across the lifespan. However, I have significant experience working with minors ages 4 to 17 in private practice, community clinics, ADHD camps, and school settings. My approach is to "keep it real" with my tiny human clientele and integrate evidence-based interventions that fit THAT client with THEIR identities in their current life situation. I prioritize strength-based approaches and help reframe client behavior from "attention-seeking" to "connection-seeking."

— Casey Brasfield, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Winston Salem, NC
 

I have helped countless children and their families overcome a wide range of issues. The family has to be a part of this process, as the hope is that therapy continues outside of sessions and into the homes and school.

— Brent Harrison, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in LOS GATOS, CA

I work with children 0-5 years old using play based models. I work closely with the parent to help the understand age appropriate and developmental concerns. I help the parents with behavior modification and how to handle negative behaviors. I use different approaches that help your child respond better to you.

— Kemi Alemoh, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in San Dimas, CA
 

At Newport Academy, we believe that true transformation occurs as our teens learn to see themselves as beautiful, bright, and powerful people who can take control of their own lives. In order to help our patients achieve that goal, we maintain the highest possible standards for our services, and commission third-party evaluations of our programming. By consistently gathering and analyzing data related to our outcomes, we’re able to make more strategic and tailored decisions for our patients.

— Newport Academy, Mental Health Counselor in Atlanta, GA

Children's play therapy is a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. Using sand tray, art, games and other tools to guide and facilitate healing, I create a safe space for them to explore all aspects of their inner world.

— Nicola Gosen, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Bellingham, WA
 

When working with youth, I typically integrate Play Therapy, Strengths-Based, and Mindfulness techniques to establish a foundation for them to trust themselves and learn how to show themselves self-compassion. I love working with kiddos, preteens, and teens to help them through tough things in life and be more fully themselves.

— Eva Belzil, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fort Collins, CO

I have been working with children under that age of 10 using play therapy and art therapy. I truly enjoy working with this population and continue to attend continued education courses to gain more information and insight on how best to work with children and their changing needs.

— Lindsay Callahan, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Colorado Springs, CO
 

With children, I use non-directive play therapy to build self-esteem and confidence as children are provided space to process and integrate their experiences. Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of the child as well as the parents. I also work with parents to explore their experiences and to support them through the challenges they are facing. Parents can expect a nonjudgmental and supportive space where we explore their concerns and ways to help support the child in and out of sessions. I i

— Emma Virden, Licensed Master of Social Work in Oakdale, MN

Kids are so fun and difficult to figure out. They can have "big feelings" and responses that confuse us adults. I have extensive experience with Play Therapy. Play is the language of kids and helps them identify and express their feelings, regulate emotions, learn new skills, and process current and past feelings. Whether experiencing parent separation, loss, anger, anxiety, school stress, or disconnection; play can help. I also use books, art, narrative therapy, and skill building.

— Susan Ponton, Clinical Social Worker in Portland, OR
 

"Get in the game of mental health! Our video game therapy program offers a unique approach to therapy, using immersive games to help you develop coping skills, manage emotions, and improve your overall mental wellbeing."

— Dr. Tim Hill, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arlington, TX