Therapy for Children
At Eastside Center for Healing, we provide counseling for children ages six and up who are experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges. Children often communicate distress through play, behavior, or changes at school or home rather than through words. Anxiety, grief, trauma, anger, and major family transitions can all show up in ways that feel confusing or concerning for caregivers.
We offer a nurturing, developmentally appropriate therapeutic space where children can begin to feel safe, understood, and supported as they make sense of their experiences.
Our Process
Our work with children is trauma-informed, play-based, and relationship-centered. Therapy begins with a gentle but thorough assessment process that may include observation, play-based interaction, and caregiver input.
Typically:
- The first one to two sessions focus on understanding your child’s emotional world, strengths, and developmental needs
- By the third session, we collaborate with caregivers to develop a treatment plan aligned with your child’s needs and your family’s values, goals, and communication patterns
We believe therapy is most effective when families are included as partners in the process.
Helping Children Thrive
Younger children often express distress through play, movement, or behavior rather than language. Our therapists use expressive and play-based approaches to help children externalize feelings, build emotional vocabulary, and develop self-regulation skills.
Therapeutic tools may include:
- Sand tray therapy
- Art, clay, or movement
- Social storytelling
- Puppets and role play
- Visualization and body awareness
These approaches allow children to explore difficult experiences safely and at their own pace.
The role of Family
Parents and caregivers are essential partners in the healing process. We work collaboratively with families to support children both in and outside of therapy.
Family involvement may focus on helping caregivers:
Improve emotional communication
- Understand behavior through a relational and developmental lens
- Develop effective boundaries and parenting strategies
- Support children through transitions, trauma, and recovery
Our family-based approach is respectful, inclusive, and tailored to your family’s unique needs. Therapy works best when children are supported by the relationships that matter most to them.
Common Reasons Families Seek Therapy
- Emotional regulation challenges
- Anxiety or school avoidance
- Trauma, grief or loss
- ADHD or executive functioning concerns
- Family conflict or communication breakdown
- Identity exploration including gender and sexuality support
Ready to Begin?
We welcome families at any stage of concern, from early signs to more complex challenges. Whether you are seeking support for your child, your teen, or your whole family system, we are here to help.
Treatment Recommendations
Following assessment, recommendations may include:
- Individual therapy for children
- Family counseling
- Trauma-informed play therapy
- Parent coaching and support
- Referral to psychiatric or higher-level services when appropriate
Each child and family is unique. Treatment plans are individualized to support resilience, emotional safety, and healthy development.