Child Therapy in Pasadena, Md
Flexible, grounded therapy from the comfort of your own space — for adults, teens, families, and couples across Maryland.
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When Your Child Is Struggling, It Can Feel Overwhelming
Most parents don’t seek child therapy because they want to — they reach out because something feels off.
Maybe your child is having big emotional reactions, constant worries, or behaviors that feel confusing or exhausting to manage. You may find yourself asking:
Why is my child so anxious lately?
Why do small things turn into huge meltdowns?
Why won’t my child talk to me about what’s wrong?
Did I do something wrong?
Is this just a phase, or does my child need help?
Many parents carry a quiet worry that their child is struggling internally in ways they don’t fully understand.
Child therapy provides a space where children can safely explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and begin to feel more confident navigating their world. And just as importantly, it supports parents in understanding what their child needs most.
Signs your Child may Benefit from Counseling
Children don’t always say “I’m struggling.” Instead, their emotions often show up through behavior, mood, or physical complaints. Some common signs that a child may benefit from therapy include:
- Frequent anxiety or excessive worrying
- Emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating feelings
- School refusal or academic struggles
- Difficulty with friendships or social confidence.
- Sleep difficulties or nightmares
- Persistent sadness or withdrawal
- Behavioral challenges at home or school
- Trouble adjusting to life changes (divorce, moves, new siblings)
- Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches without clear medical cause
Sometimes parents simply notice their child doesn’t seem like themselves anymore. Trusting that instinct is often the first step toward helping them.
What Can Therapy for Children Help With?
Child therapy is designed to meet children at their developmental level. Younger children often communicate emotions through play, creativity, and imagination, rather than long conversations.
Through therapy, children can learn to:
What Child Therapy Looks Like
Child therapy often looks different from adult therapy.
Sessions may include:
Play-based activities
Drawing or creative expression
Games that help explore emotions
Gentle conversations about feelings and experiences
Play is the natural language of children.
Through play, therapists can better understand what a child is experiencing internally. Parents are also an important part of the process.
Therapy typically includes:
Parent consultations
Feedback about progress
Guidance for supporting your child at home
Child therapy works best when parents and therapists work together as a team.
Ashley Augustine LCSW-C
Agest 4+
Brielle Gourley LGPC
Agest 8+
Is This Normal… Or Should I Be Concerned?
Many parents struggle with the question:"
Is this just part of growing up, or is my child really struggling?"
Children naturally go through phases of emotional development, and occasional meltdowns, worries, or behavior changes are part of childhood. However, it may be helpful to consider child therapy when challenges begin to:
- Happen more frequently
- Last longer than expected
- Interfere with school or friendships
- Create ongoing stress within the family
- Prevent your child from enjoying activities they used to love
You do not need to wait until things feel severe. Sometimes therapy simply provides extra support and skills during a difficult stage of development.
When Therapy May Not Be Necessary
Sometimes parents reach out because they want to be proactive—and that’s a good thing. Not every challenge requires ongoing therapy. In some situations, a parent consultation may be enough to provide guidance and reassurance.
Children often experience temporary struggles during:
- School transitions.
- Friendship conflicts
- Developmental stages
- Short-term stressors
A consultation can help determine whether your child would benefit from therapy or whether simple strategies at home may be enough. The goal is always to recommend the level of support that is truly needed.
Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Growth
Frequently Asked Questions about Child Therapy
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Children naturally go through emotional ups and downs as they grow. However, therapy may be helpful when emotional or behavioral challenges begin to interfere with your child’s daily life.
Some signs that a child may benefit from child therapy include:
Frequent anxiety or excessive worrying Intense emotional reactions or meltdowns Difficulty managing frustration or anger Withdrawal from friends or activities
School avoidance or academic struggles Ongoing sadness or irritability
Trouble adjusting to changes such as divorce, moves, or family stress
Parents often notice that their child just doesn’t seem like themselves anymore. Trusting that instinct is often the first step toward getting support.
What ages do you work with in child therapy?
Child therapy can be helpful for children across many developmental stages. Therapists often work with children from early elementary through adolescence, adapting the approach based on the child’s age, developmental level, and emotional needs.
Younger children often benefit from play-based therapy, while older children and adolescents may engage in more conversation-based sessions.
What happens during a child therapy session?
Child therapy sessions often look different from adult therapy. Children frequently express emotions through play, drawing, games, and creative activities, rather than traditional conversation.
These activities help children feel comfortable while also allowing the therapist to understand their emotional experiences.Sessions may include:
Play therapy activities
Drawing or creative expression
Emotion identification games
Gentle conversations about thoughts and feelings
The therapist uses these activities to help children develop emotional awareness, coping skills, and confidence.
Will my child have to talk about things they don’t want to talk about?
No. Children are never forced to discuss difficult experiences before they feel ready. Therapists focus on building trust and safety first. As the child becomes more comfortable, they may gradually begin sharing their thoughts and feelings in ways that feel natural for them.
Will I be involved in my child’s therapy?
Yes. Parents play an important role in the success of therapy for children.
While children need a private space to express themselves, therapists often provide parent consultations that include: Updates about progress
Guidance on supporting your child at home Strategies for responding to challenging behaviors
Help understanding your child’s emotional needs
Therapy tends to be most effective when parents and therapists work together as a team.
How long does child therapy usually take?
The length of therapy depends on the child’s needs and the challenges they are facing.Some children benefit from short-term support during a specific transition or stressor, while others may engage in longer-term therapy to address concerns such as anxiety, emotional regulation, or behavioral challenges. Progress typically occurs gradually as children build trust and develop new emotional skills.
What if my child refuses to go to therapy?
It is common for children to feel uncertain about something new.
Therapists often help ease this transition by explaining therapy in age-appropriate ways and focusing on making the environment welcoming and engaging.
Parents can help by presenting therapy as a supportive space rather than a punishment, and by emphasizing that the therapist is there to help.
Can therapy help with anxiety and big emotions?
Yes.
Many children attend therapy for challenges related to anxiety, emotional regulation, and big feelings.
Through therapy, children can learn to: Recognize and name their emotions Manage anxiety and worry
Develop coping strategies for stress Improve emotional regulation
Build confidence in social and school settings
These skills can support children not only in the present but throughout their development.
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Location
3100F Mountain Rd. Pasadena, MD 21122
Phone Number
410-841-9647
intake@turningstonecounseling.com