Young children experience big emotions, too.

The difference is that they don't always have the words to tell us what's wrong which can be frustrating for caregivers and parents. Wouldn’t that be easier?

Sometimes those feelings show up as tantrums, aggression, clinginess, anxiety, trouble sleeping, difficulty separating from caregivers, or behaviors that leave parents wondering, "What am I missing?"

Children aren't trying to make life harder for the adults who love them- but it sure can feel that way. Their behavior is often the best way they know how to communicate that something isn't working.

My role is to help make sense of what those behaviors are trying to tell us.

Therapy Looks Different for Young Children

Therapy with young children isn't about sitting on a couch and talking about feelings.

Children communicate through play, movement, relationships, and everyday interactions. Therapy may include play, parent-child activities, caregiver coaching, observation, and opportunities to strengthen the relationship between you and your child.

Parents and caregivers are an important part of the process because lasting change happens in the relationships children depend on every day.

What We Can Work On Together:

• Big emotions and frequent meltdowns

• Anxiety and excessive worries

• Aggression or challenging behaviors

• Difficulty with separation

• Trauma or stressful life experiences

• Foster care, adoption, or changes in caregivers

• Attachment and relationship concerns

• Developmental and emotional challenges

• Parenting stress

• School or daycare concerns