We begin with a conversation with parents to understand your child’s challenges, history, and goals for therapy
The child and therapist play while therapist assesses the child
Sessions may include play, conversation, and creative activities that help children express feelings and develop coping skills.
Parents receive guidance and updates to help reinforce emotional skills and support their child’s growth at home.
Children may experience strong emotions like sadness, frustration, or anger that feel overwhelming and hard to manage in daily life.
Changes in routine or lack of structure can impact productivity, motivation, and overall sense of stability.
Emotional struggles can affect a child’s ability to focus, remember things, or stay engaged in school and everyday activities.
Children may experience self-doubt, negative thinking, big emotions, and uncertain.
Children may struggle with changes in routine, showing resistance, confusion, or difficulty adjusting to new situations.
Children may feel disconnected or othered by peers.
Some children may pull away from friends, family, or social activities, or have trouble connecting with others.
Persistent emotional difficulties can interfere with your child’s wellbeing, emotional regulation, and behavior.
Yes, parent involvement is an important part of the process. You’ll receive guidance, updates, and practical strategies to support your child at home, while respecting your child’s autonomy during session
Yes, therapy provides a safe and confidential space for children to express themselves. Therapists may share important insights with parents, especially if there are safety concerns, while maintaining trust with the child until the child reaches age 13. In Washington State, the age of 13 is considered to have the same level of confidentiality as parents.
Child therapy can support a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, behavioral issues, bullying, school stress, emotional regulation, grief, family changes, and low self-esteem.
Keep the conversation simple and reassuring. You can explain that therapy is a safe place where they can talk, play, and get help with big feelings. Avoid making it feel like a punishment.
Typically no, your child does not need a diagnosis for therapy; however to be able to bill insurance, the insurance company may require a billable diagnosis and treatment plan.
Sessions are tailored to your child’s age and needs. Younger children often express themselves through play, drawing, or storytelling, while older children may talk more directly. The goal is to help them feel safe, understood, and supported.
Children can begin therapy as early as 5 to 6 years old with collaborative parental involvement. Therapists adapt techniques based on developmental stage, using play-based or creative approaches for younger children and more structured conversations for older ones.
