Therapy for Children in
Agoura Hills And Encino, CA
Are You Concerned About Your Child’s Symptoms And Behaviors?
Children struggle with a range of symptoms for which therapy can be a beneficial treatment, including learning issues, behavioral challenges, and difficulties with emotional regulation. These setbacks are common, and they can affect everything from a child’s relationships to their
academic performance to their daily routine.
Depending on what your child’s symptoms are, they may be acting “out”—experiencing emotional outbursts, anger, and big feelings—or they may be acting “in” by withdrawing or becoming avoidant. Especially if your child has become quieter or less engaged lately, you may be having a hard time determining the underlying cause of their distress.
Therapy is helpful because it allows your child to work with a clinician who specializes in early development, paving the way to more insight and understanding for all. Not only is this process beneficial for helping you identify your child’s main struggles; your child, too, will learn skills for coping and regulation that they can use for life.
What To Expect In Child Counseling
Usually, when a child begins counseling, it’s because a parent, relative, or teacher has observed an issue that could be addressed with the help of a therapist. Sometimes, these issues are ongoing and have been present for a while, while other times, there may be a disruption to a child’s life (such as a divorce or death in the family) that has triggered new symptoms or behaviors. Often, such symptoms and behaviors are worsened in our fast-paced world where slowing down and being patient aren’t always modeled effectively.
A therapist helps by developing the therapeutic relationship with the child through trust and safety. It’s important for children to feel engaged in the treatment process, which is why individualized, child-centered therapy is important for making the experience as comfortable as possible. Unlike traditional talk methods used in therapy for adults, counseling for children is designed in a way that meets them where they are—using the tools, vocabulary, and level of developmental understanding unique to them.
Child & Family Therapy Center
Specializes In Treatment For Children
Our practice uses treatment techniques that get to the root to some of the common struggles that develop in childhood. Working with both you and your child in counseling, we can get to the bottom of their challenges in a way that creates new emotional outlets and opportunities for growth.
Therapy is available to children who may be experiencing symptoms of:
● Anxiety
● Depression
● Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning difficulties
● Sleep problems
● Sensory issues and neurodivergence (including autism)
● Stress following a change at home, at school, or in the family
Using age-appropriate treatment approaches, we personalize the counseling process to each unique child.
Our Approach
Our therapists are trained in a variety of methods that help children slow down their emotional response, appropriately express themselves, and develop skills for self-soothing. We individualize the treatment plan based on presenting concerns and goals for counseling, but it’s likely that we
will draw from the following:
● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – as children learn how to slow down thinking patterns and emotional responses, they can feel a stronger sense of control over their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
● Mindfulness – allows children to develop self-awareness in mind and body through grounding exercises that help them better regulate their nervous system.
● Solution-Focused Therapy – paying close attention to presenting concerns and symptoms, a therapist can identify aspects of treatment (i.e., nutrition, sleep regulation, etc.) that may help alongside skills-building.
The therapeutic process
Parental Involvement In Counseling
When children struggle, it can create a lot of stress and frustration at home. While a key aspect of therapy is understanding and validating your experience as a parent, we believe it’s important to view your child’s struggles as based in behavior rather than those struggles being indicative of a child who’s “difficult” or “willful.” Children internalize feelings of guilt and shame that often exacerbate their symptoms, and part of our therapists’ approach is to guide you as a parent in understanding what’s happening on a developmental level.
We welcome parents to the counseling process; your input is essential. Depending on your child’s age and the severity of their symptoms, we will work together to incorporate your feedback and insights into the counseling process.
There Is Hope For Your Child
Even though your child’s struggles may be isolating for them, for you, and for your family, they are not rare. Our therapists have years of experience working with children, and we have seen so many kids overcome their challenges with the right approach. As your child gets back on track with the skills and support they receive through therapy, your family can return to a sense of peace, harmony, and togetherness.
Common Questions About Therapy For Children…
Do you accept insurance? I am worried about the cost of therapy.
We do not accept insurance. However, we do offer a sliding-scale option in an effort to offset the cost for those who qualify. You can contact us to learn more.
What role will I play in my child’s counseling process?
Our therapists believe that parents are very important to the child counseling process.
In addition to incorporating you into your child’s treatment as appropriate, we will also teach you tools to help support your child at home on a daily basis.
As you feel empowered with new skills, you’ll be able to model those skills to your child so you can work together cooperatively to strengthen the parent-child bond.
How should I approach the topic of counseling with my child?
Depending on your child’s age, they may not be very familiar with therapy or therapeutic concepts. We suggest framing any discussions about therapy in terms that they will understand.
For instance, instead of “therapist,” you might refer to your child’s clinician as a “feelings teacher” or “feelings coach.” Using concepts that are familiar to them will allow them to feel more comfortable about the prospect of therapy.
Therapy Paves The Way To A Brighter Future
If your child struggles with symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other behavioral/learning issues, counseling through Child & Family Therapy Center can teach them skills for healthy emotional regulation and self-soothing. For more information, contact us.
Counseling for Children in Agoura Hills, CA
30101 Agoura Ct #204, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(818) 706-0040
