← All client groupsAges 6–12

Kids

Play-based, developmentally attuned therapy that meets kids where they are.

Overview

Kids don't always have the words for what's hard. Our clinicians use play, art, and story alongside evidence-based techniques so children can process anxiety, big feelings, family change, or behavioral concerns in a way that fits how they actually think.

Parents are partners in the work — we build in caregiver sessions so what happens in therapy carries home.

Who it helps

  • Kids managing anxiety, worry, or big emotions
  • Children navigating divorce, loss, or a family transition
  • Behavioral concerns at home or school

What a session looks like

  1. 145–50 minute sessions with the child, plus regular parent check-ins
  2. 2Play, art, and skill-building matched to developmental stage
  3. 3Coordination with schools or pediatricians when helpful

Often paired with

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child actually needs therapy?
Some common signals: persistent changes in mood, sleep, or appetite; withdrawal from friends or activities they used to love; new behavioral issues at home or school; big reactions that don't seem to match the situation; regression after a life change; or a specific event (loss, medical trauma, family stress) that's clearly affecting them. Even without a clear crisis, therapy can help kids build language for their emotions and coping skills that will serve them for years. Trust your gut — you know your kid best.
What does therapy with young kids actually look like?
It looks a lot like play. Kids don't process the way adults do — they don't sit and describe their feelings. Play therapy uses toys, art, and imaginative activities as the language kids use to work through what's happening in their world. It can look casual from the outside, but real therapeutic work is happening inside the play. For older kids, we blend play with more direct conversation.
Will I be involved in my child's therapy?
Yes, and how much depends on your child's age and needs. Parents are essential partners — you know your child best and you're the ones with them the other 167 hours of the week. Expect regular parent check-ins, coaching on how to support the work at home, and sometimes family sessions. For older kids and teens, we also protect their privacy so they feel safe being honest; we'll be clear with you about what that looks like.
My kid says they don't want to come. What do I do?
Very common. Kids often warm up once they meet their therapist and realize it's not scary or punitive. It helps to frame it in age-appropriate, non-shaming language: 'This is a place to talk about big feelings' rather than 'You're going because you're bad.' We take that first session slowly and let the child set some of the pace. If resistance persists after a few sessions, we can talk with you about whether the timing or fit needs to change.

Also explore