Therapy for Children and Teens
Children and teens experience stress, fear, loss, and change in ways that often look different from adults. Big emotions can show up as anxiety, behavioral changes, emotional outbursts, withdrawal, sleep difficulties, or challenges at school or home. Therapy for children and teens offers a supportive, developmentally appropriate space where young people can process what they’re carrying and build skills for regulation, resilience, and confidence.
At EMDR Transformations Counseling, therapy for children and teens is grounded in trauma informed care, with EMDR therapy as a foundational framework. We understand that young people communicate through behavior, play, emotions, and relationships, not just words. Our approach meets children and teens where they are, helping them feel safe, understood, and supported.
What Therapy for Children and Teens Can Help With
Children and teens may benefit from therapy for many reasons, including anxiety or fears, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioral challenges, grief or loss, trauma or stressful experiences, family changes or transitions, school related concerns, sleep difficulties, social or peer challenges, and low self esteem.
Therapy can be especially helpful when a child or teen struggles to express what they are feeling verbally, or when emotions show up through behavior, mood shifts, or physical symptoms.
Our Approach
Our clinicians use trauma informed, developmentally appropriate approaches tailored to each child or teen’s age, needs, and stage of development. EMDR therapy serves as a foundational framework, supporting the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate distressing experiences without requiring detailed verbal retelling.
With children and teens, EMDR is adapted to be gentle, engaging, and age appropriate. Sessions may include play, drawing, movement, storytelling, or creative forms of bilateral stimulation such as tapping or visual tools. Therapy is paced carefully to support nervous system regulation and emotional safety.
When appropriate, caregivers may be involved to support understanding, consistency, and emotional safety outside of sessions, while still respecting the child or teen’s privacy.
What to Expect
Therapy typically begins with an intake session that includes parents or caregivers to gather background information, understand concerns, and discuss goals. From there, sessions focus on building trust and creating a sense of safety.
Ongoing therapy may include emotional identification, regulation skills, processing stressful experiences, strengthening coping tools, building confidence, and supporting healthy relationships at home and school. The length and structure of therapy varies based on individual needs and goals.
EMDR Therapy for Children and Teens
For many young people, EMDR can be especially helpful when traditional talk therapy feels overwhelming or ineffective. EMDR sessions are always guided by readiness, consent, and the child or teen’s sense of control.
Getting Started
Reaching out for therapy for your child or teen can feel like a big step. Our team is here to support you through the process and help match your child with a clinician who aligns with their needs.
If you have questions or would like to explore whether therapy is a good fit, we invite you to contact our client care team.
Children and Teen Therapy FAQs
What ages do you work with?
We work with children and teens across a range of developmental stages. Availability may vary depending on clinician specialty.
Do you use EMDR therapy with children and teens?
Yes. EMDR therapy is a foundational framework in our work with children and teens and is adapted to be developmentally appropriate, gentle, and engaging.
Does my child or teen need to talk about what happened?
Not necessarily. EMDR therapy does not require young people to verbally describe details of their experiences beyond what feels safe for them.
Will parents or caregivers be involved in therapy?
Caregiver involvement varies depending on age, needs, and goals. We collaborate with caregivers when appropriate while also respecting the child or teen’s privacy.
How long does therapy last?
The length of therapy depends on individual needs and goals. Some children and teens attend short term, while others benefit from longer support.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Therapy is confidential, with limits explained clearly at the start of treatment. Caregivers receive appropriate updates while honoring the young person’s privacy.
Do you offer virtual therapy for children and teens?
Virtual therapy may be available depending on age, needs, and clinical appropriateness. In-person sessions are often recommended for younger children.
Do you accept insurance?
We are an out-of-network practice. Documentation can be provided for possible reimbursement depending on your insurance plan.
How do we get started?
You can contact our client care team to ask questions, learn about availability, and begin the intake process.
Get In Touch
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Hours
Monday - Saturday: 8am - 8pm
Sunday: Closed
