Therapy for Kids

Helping Children Overcome Life’s Challenges

Children face unique challenges as they grow, and sometimes they need a little extra support to navigate the ups and downs of life. Whether it’s dealing with big feelings, managing difficulties at school, or adjusting to significant life changes, children can experience many of the same mental health struggles that adults face, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Therapy offers kids a safe space to explore their emotions, build coping skills, and gain the tools they need to thrive.

At Blue Square Counseling, we specialize in working with children ages 7-13 to help them overcome life’s challenges. We understand that kids are still developing emotionally and mentally, so our approach is designed to meet them where they are—using techniques that engage them and help them grow in ways that make sense for their age and developmental stage. We offer in-person and telehealth sessions to help children work through issues in a comfortable, supportive environment.

Common Issues Children Face

Children are constantly learning and growing, which can bring about many challenges. It’s normal for kids to face difficulties, but when these challenges become overwhelming or persistent, therapy can help. Some of the common reasons parents may seek therapy for their children include:

  • Difficulty with School: Struggles with learning, focusing, or navigating social dynamics at school can leave children feeling frustrated and anxious. Whether it’s academic pressure, peer conflicts, or school-related anxiety, therapy can help kids process their feelings and develop strategies to cope.

  • Social Challenges: Many children face difficulties in forming friendships, managing peer pressure, or dealing with bullying. Therapy can help children gain confidence, build social skills, and learn how to navigate their relationships with others.

  • Trauma: Traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one, witnessing violence, or experiencing abuse, can leave lasting emotional scars. Therapy can provide children with a safe space to process trauma, work through their emotions, and start the healing process.

  • Behavioral Issues: Children may exhibit challenging behaviors due to frustration, anxiety, or other emotional struggles. Therapy helps children understand the reasons behind their actions and provides them with tools to manage their behavior in healthier ways.

  • Life Events: Major life changes, such as parents’ divorce, moving to a new home, or adjusting to a blended family, can be difficult for children to navigate. Therapy can help children understand and cope with these transitions, making them feel more secure and supported.

What to Expect in Therapy

When your child begins therapy at Blue Square Counseling, we work closely with you as a parent to ensure their needs are met. While parents are not always included in individual therapy sessions, we make sure to maintain regular communication with you to provide updates and ensure a cohesive treatment plan.

Each therapy session will be a safe, supportive space for your child to express their emotions and work through challenges. Our therapists are highly trained in working with children and utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Art Therapy, to help kids build skills and gain insight into their emotions.

Therapeutic Approaches for Kids

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps children recognize and change negative thought patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues. By learning to identify and challenge distorted thinking, children can develop healthier perspectives and coping strategies.

  • Play Therapy: Play therapy is particularly effective for younger children as it allows them to express their feelings and work through issues in a non-verbal way. In a play therapy session, children use toys, games, and art materials to communicate and explore their thoughts and emotions. This process helps children make sense of difficult experiences and learn to manage their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Art Therapy: Art therapy provides children with an alternative form of expression that can be particularly helpful when they struggle to put their emotions into words. Through drawing, painting, and other creative outlets, children can express their inner world and work through difficult emotions or experiences. Art therapy allows children to process complex feelings in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Parental Involvement

Parents play an essential role in their child’s therapeutic process. While children meet with their therapist individually, regular check-ins with parents are a key part of the treatment process. These meetings allow the therapist to share insights, provide updates, and discuss progress with parents. Parental involvement ensures that children have the support they need both inside and outside of therapy, helping to reinforce the skills they are learning in sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take the First Step

If your child is struggling with anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, or any other emotional challenges, therapy can provide them with the tools they need to feel better and thrive. At Blue Square Counseling, we’re here to support your child on their journey toward emotional well-being.

To schedule your child’s first appointment, please reach out to our Client Care Coordinator. We look forward to helping your child build resilience and emotional strength for the future.

What Happens in a Play Therapy Session?

One common question parents have is about what actually happens during a play therapy session. In play therapy, the therapist provides children with a range of materials—such as toys, puppets, art supplies, or even sand trays—to help them express themselves. The therapist observes how the child interacts with these materials to gain insights into their feelings and thoughts.

The goal of play therapy is not to direct the child, but to give them the space to explore their emotions in a safe, non-judgmental environment. For example, a child may act out a difficult experience through play, which allows the therapist to identify underlying issues and help the child process their emotions.

  • The length of therapy varies depending on the child’s needs and the nature of the issues they are facing. Some children may benefit from a few months of therapy, while others may need longer-term support. It’s important to trust the process and allow your child the time they need to heal.

  • It’s common for children to feel nervous or unsure about therapy, especially in the beginning. Our therapists are skilled in creating a comfortable environment where kids feel safe to express themselves at their own pace. Using tools like play therapy and art therapy, children can communicate without the pressure of verbalizing everything they feel.

  • Even if a child’s struggles seem minor to adults, they can still have a significant emotional impact. Therapy helps children develop coping skills and address issues before they become bigger problems.