Any age really, but I would recommend a verbal child over the age of five who is comfortable separating from their parent or guardian. Otherwise, family sessions can be an option. Any therapy with kids younger than five, I typically require parent involvement in session. Parent involvement at every age is crucial for the most effective change.

Therapy with children is often their first experience with the helping profession outside of school. It becomes the foundation of how they see utilizing help for the rest of their lives. It is so important to me for kids to feel comfortable in the therapy space. I will be silly, goofy, and I do my best to be up to speed on all the hottest kid trends. Having children of my own helps this come easily! I will play games (even virtually) but also be serious. I will provide the structure that is needed for kids to feel safe and know what to expect, but also provide them the sense of agency in the therapy space. They will have fun, but also learn and grow.

Being able to have a space to talk about their feelings and their lives to a neutral person is often the biggest factor in change. The ability to connect with a therapist who validates and listens to their worries is key. I will teach your child emotion regulation tools, how to identify feelings, and how to communicate feelings often through play therapy.