therapy for children and teens
Unapologetically You
Compassionate Support for Children and Teens at Unapologetically You
At Unapologetically You, we understand that growing up isn't always easy. From emotional struggles to behavioral challenges, today’s children and teens face a wide range of stressors that can impact their overall well-being. Our child therapy services are designed to provide a nurturing, judgment-free space where young individuals can express themselves, develop coping skills, and heal—at their own pace.
Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral outbursts, trauma, or difficulty adjusting to family changes, therapy can offer meaningful support. Using a blend of play-based therapy techniques and evidence-based interventions, we help your child reconnect with themselves, their caregivers, and the world around them.
Why Choose Child Therapy?
Children and adolescents often lack the vocabulary or insight to express complex emotions like sadness, fear, anger, or confusion. Instead of verbalizing these feelings, they may “act out,” withdraw, or struggle in school and at home. Therapy helps uncover the root causes of these behaviors and equips young clients with the emotional tools they need to thrive.
Some of the most common reasons families seek out child counseling services include:
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Emotional regulation difficulties
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Aggressive or defiant behavior
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Anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias
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Attention-deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD)
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Depression or persistent low mood
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Self-harming or risky behaviors
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Difficulty adjusting to divorce or blended family dynamics
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Social challenges, bullying, or peer conflicts
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School-related stress or academic struggles
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Selective mutism or extreme shyness
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Trauma, abuse, or grief
No matter the issue, we tailor each therapy session to suit your child’s individual personality, needs, and developmental stage.
How Therapy Works: What to Expect
Initial Assessment
The therapeutic process begins with a comprehensive intake session where we learn more about your child’s emotional, behavioral, and developmental history. This helps us tailor a treatment plan to your child’s specific needs and goals.
Weekly Individual Sessions
Your child will typically attend weekly therapy sessions, each lasting around 50 minutes. Depending on age and preference, these sessions may incorporate talk therapy, play activities, or a combination of both. Adolescents may prefer more direct conversation, while younger children may communicate better through imaginative or expressive play.
Parent Involvement: Consultation Calls Every 4–6 Weeks
We believe therapy is most effective when parents and guardians are involved. That’s why we schedule parent consultation calls every 4 to 6 weeks. These sessions are essential for:
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Monitoring your child’s progress
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Discussing new coping strategies or behavioral tools
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Reviewing challenges and successes at home or school
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Addressing any parental concerns or questions
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Ensuring a consistent support system outside of therapy
This collaborative model ensures your child gets consistent support and reinforces therapeutic skills in everyday life.
Child Therapy for Specific Life Situations
Therapy for Children of Divorce
Divorce can be confusing and overwhelming for children. Therapy provides a neutral space where kids can express sadness, anger, fear, or guilt about the family changes. We help children adjust to new routines, process their emotions, and maintain secure bonds with both parents.
Support for Blended Families
Introducing stepparents, stepsiblings, or new family dynamics can be challenging for kids. Therapy can help smooth this transition by encouraging healthy communication, setting realistic expectations, and validating the child’s experience.
Help for School Behavioral Challenges
Struggles in the classroom—whether academic, behavioral, or social—often reflect deeper emotional issues. We work with children to improve attention, reduce defiance, build self-confidence, and develop better peer relationships. When appropriate, we collaborate with teachers or school counselors for a holistic support system.
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A Holistic, Child-Centered Approach to Healing
At Unapologetically You, our therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, creativity, and collaboration. We use therapeutic play, attachment-based interventions, and parent-inclusive models to create a comprehensive path to healing.
Play Therapy: Speaking the Language of Children
For young children, play is more than just fun—it’s how they communicate. Through therapeutic play, children can express feelings, work through trauma, and experiment with new ways of thinking and behaving in a safe environment. Play therapy allows us to explore underlying emotions, build trust, and support positive behavior changes—all while engaging in age-appropriate activities.
Common play therapy techniques include:
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Art and drawing
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Storytelling
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Role play and puppetry
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Sand tray therapy
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Imaginative games
These tools help children externalize internal struggles in a way that feels natural and non-threatening.
Theraplay: Strengthening Connection Through Joy
Theraplay is a structured, interactive approach designed to enhance attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. This model uses games and nurturing activities to improve the child-parent relationship, reduce behavioral challenges, and promote emotional healing. Sessions may involve both the child and caregiver and are guided by the therapist to support healthy connection and responsiveness.
Filial Therapy: Empowering Parents as Agents of Change
Filial therapy blends child-centered play therapy with parenting support. In this model, parents or caregivers are trained to conduct special play sessions with their child under the guidance of the therapist. This not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also helps caregivers gain confidence and emotional insight.
Filial therapy can be particularly effective for:
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Children with trauma histories
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Families dealing with attachment disruptions
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Improving parental sensitivity and communication
Enhancing cooperation and reducing power struggles
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Benefits of Therapy for Children and Teens
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Improved emotional awareness and regulation
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Reduced anxiety, depression, and anger
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Healthier communication skills
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Strengthened self-esteem and resilience
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Greater success in school and peer relationships
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Improved family dynamics
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Enhanced coping with trauma and stress
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Strengthened bonds with caregivers
A Safe Space to Be Unapologetically You
At Unapologetically You, we honor the unique identity and emotional world of every child and teen we work with. We don’t try to “fix” children—we help them understand themselves, process what they’re feeling, and build healthier patterns moving forward. Every session is an invitation for your child to feel safe, empowered, and unconditionally accepted—just as they are.
Ready to Begin? We're Here to Support Your Family
Choosing therapy for your child is an act of love. Whether your family is facing a specific crisis or simply navigating life’s many ups and downs, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
To learn more about child therapy at Unapologetically You, or to schedule an initial consultation, [insert contact method – phone number, email, or link if available].
Let’s help your child thrive—emotionally, socially, and unapologetically.