Counseling for Young Children

Young children need a completely different approach

Young children don't have the language skills or emotional maturity to sit across from a therapist and explain what's bothering them. Trying to pull information out of a 6-year-old through direct questions rarely works — and can make a child feel pressured or defensive.

That's why I use play. Children reveal what they're experiencing through the toys they choose, how they play with them, and the stories they tell. It's not just fun — it's clinically proven to be one of the most effective ways to understand and treat what a young child is going through.

A simple but innovative approach

I offer a carefully selected range of games, toys, and art materials in a specially designed children's room. Your child chooses what they want to explore. As I observe their mannerisms, expressions, and choices, they unknowingly reveal valuable information about themselves — without ever feeling put on the spot.

This approach allows children to process grief, anxiety, trauma, and difficult emotions in a way that feels natural and safe to them. The results can be remarkable.

For online sessions

For younger children who work with me online, I use a virtual playground. Children get very excited about this — we share a screen, they select toys from a virtual shelf, and we work through their feelings together. It's engaging, effective, and something kids genuinely look forward to.

The tween years (Ages 10–12)

As children reach their tween years, they develop more verbal skills. I typically use a combination of talk therapy and play therapy during this stage — transitioning gradually as each child becomes more comfortable expressing themselves directly.

Benefits of specialized child counseling

I have spent the majority of my career helping young children — sometimes several times a week. Chances are, I have worked with a situation very similar to yours. Every child is different, so I conduct thorough assessments at the start to fine-tune the treatment plan for each individual child.