Child & Teen Therapy - North Little Rock
Therapy for Kids That Meets Them Where They Are
Some children can tell you exactly what's wrong. Others act it out, shut down, or carry it quietly in ways that are hard to name. Either way, when something is weighing on your child, whether they're 2 or 17, they deserve a space where they can work through it in a way that actually makes sense for them. If you've been searching for a counselor for kids near you, you're in the right place.
Common Child Therapy Questions (FAQ)
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Child therapy is a structured, supportive process where a trained therapist works with children ages 2 to 17 to help them understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sessions are shaped around how children naturally communicate through play, movement, art, and conversation depending on the child's age.
Caregivers are involved throughout, because what happens at home is just as important as what happens in the therapy room. Learn more about how child therapy works at the American Psychological Association.
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Two of the most widely used and research-backed approaches in behavioral therapy for kids are:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) helps children and teens process trauma by exploring the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is recognized by SAMHSA as an evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and behavioral challenges. Learn more at tfcbt.org.
Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is designed for children ages 2 to 5 and focuses on healing through the parent-child relationship, helping caregivers understand and respond to their child's behavior after trauma or loss. Learn more through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
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Based on DSM-5 criteria and clinical best practices, signs that a child may benefit from child counseling include persistent sadness or irritability, excessive worry or fear, sudden behavioral changes, withdrawal from family or friends, declining school performance, sleep disturbances, and difficulty managing emotions. Exposure to trauma, abuse, or significant family disruption are also important indicators.
If several of these signs are present and ongoing, consulting a child therapist early leads to better outcomes. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a helpful guide for parents.
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The benefits of child therapy extend to the whole family. Children gain emotional language, coping skills, stronger self-esteem, and healthier relationships.
Parents gain insight into what is driving their child's behavior and practical strategies to support them at home.
Families experience reduced tension and improved communication overall.
For children who have experienced trauma, approaches like TF-CBT and CPP can significantly reduce symptoms and restore a sense of safety and stability.
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For young children, try something like: "We're going to meet someone whose job is to help kids with big feelings."
For older children and teens, emphasize that therapy is a private space where they can talk freely.
Normalize the experience, answer their questions honestly, and avoid overpromising results.
Children take cues from their caregivers, so approaching the appointment with calm confidence goes a long way.
The Child Mind Institute offers additional guidance on talking to kids about therapy.
Behavioral Therapy for Kids Ages 2-17
For Families: What to Expect
Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, trauma, behavioral changes, or something harder to name, this is a space for all of it.
Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) — Ages 2-5
CPP is an evidence-based form of behavioral therapy for kids that brings caregivers into the healing process. Sessions strengthen the parent-child bond and help caregivers understand what their child is communicating through behavior and play.
Trauma-Focused CBT Therapy for Kids (TF-CBT) — Ages 2-17
TF-CBT is one of the most researched forms of CBT therapy for kids and teens. It helps children and adolescents process trauma, anxiety, and depression by exploring the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors at a pace that feels safe.
Therapy for Teens — Ages 13-17
Therapy for teens is built for where adolescents actually are. Whether your teen is navigating identity, relationships, academic pressure, or something that has left a real mark, therapy for teens near me shouldn't be hard to find or hard to start.
Session Format:
Schedule individual appointments with me 1-3 times per week in person or online. Sessions work best when attended for at least 10-12 weeks.
We are in network with most major insurance providers. We accept debit and credit card payments for out of pocket and out of network provider coverage. We accept Arkansas Medicaid.
