Child Counseling

Do Any of These Statements Sound Familiar?

"My child is acting out at home or school and we’re not sure why."

Behavioral issues are often signs of underlying emotional stress. Therapy can uncover the root cause and help your child express themselves in healthier ways.

"There’s been a big change in our family, and my kid is having a hard time coping."

Life changes like a move, divorce, or loss can deeply affect a child. A therapist can gently help them work through their feelings and adjust in healthy ways.

"They get easily frustrated or overwhelmed and can’t calm down."

Teens often need a neutral adult to open up to. We offer a safe, confidential environment where they can explore what’s really going on.

"My child has been anxious, withdrawn, and isn’t their usual self."

Many children struggle with anxiety or sadness that they can’t express. Therapy provides a safe outlet for kids to talk about what’s bothering them and learn ways to feel calmer and happier.

"My child has trouble making or keeping friends."

Therapy can help kids build social skills, improve communication, and gain confidence in group settings.

"My child’s self-esteem is low, and they seem to feel ‘not good enough.’"

Therapy can boost a young person’s confidence by identifying their strengths, challenging negative thoughts, and teaching them to value themselves.

Benefits of Counseling for Kids

  • Healthier Emotional Expression
    Children learn to name and share their feelings in developmentally appropriate ways, helping reduce tantrums, outbursts, or emotional shutdowns.

  • Better Coping Skills
    Through play, stories, and structured activities, kids build practical tools to manage everyday stressors and overwhelming emotions.

  • Improved Self-Esteem
    Therapy helps children recognize their strengths, learn from mistakes, and feel more confident in who they are.

  • Stronger Family Relationships
    By improving communication and emotional regulation, counseling strengthens the connection between parents and children at home.

  • Enhanced Social Skills
    Kids practice how to make and maintain friendships, express themselves clearly, and handle conflict in a respectful way.

  • Healing from Trauma or Loss
    Whether from grief, divorce, or other difficult experiences, therapy provides a safe space for children to process what happened and begin healing with support.
    Therapy provides a gentle, supportive space for children to process painful experiences and regain a sense of safety and stability.

Common Issues Addressed in Child Counseling

Therapist for Depression

Depression & Low Mood

Children may show depression as sadness, irritability, or loss of interest. We help them express emotions and re-engage with joy and connection.

Anxiety and Depression Treatment

Anxiety & Worries

Many kids experience overwhelming fears about school, friends, or separation. Therapy helps them identify triggers and practice calming techniques.

black icon for behavioral problems

Behavioral Problems & Anger

Tantrums, defiance, or aggression often signal emotional distress. We help kids understand their feelings and learn better ways to cope.

icon of kid sitting down sad

Trauma & Grief

Loss, divorce, accidents, or medical trauma can leave kids feeling scared or withdrawn. Therapy provides a safe space to process and begin healing.

icon for social challenges

Social Challenges

Some children struggle with shyness, bullying, or understanding social cues. Therapy builds confidence, empathy, and friendship skills so they can thrive with peers.

Person stressed out

Life Transitions & Family Changes

Big changes like moving, changing schools, or welcoming a new sibling can feel overwhelming. We help children adjust and express what they’re feeling.

What to Expect in Child Counseling

Initial Assessment

Our first session is all about getting to know your child in a gentle, welcoming way. We’ll talk with you (the parent or caregiver) and your child to understand what’s been going on, what challenges you’re seeing, and what you hope therapy will help with. This helps us create a plan that’s personalized to your child’s unique needs and personality.

Discussion of Key Topics

Anxiety & Worries: We help children understand what anxiety feels like in their body and mind, and teach calming strategies to manage those big worries.

Depression & Mood Issues: We support children who are feeling sad, withdrawn, or irritable, and help them reconnect with activities and relationships that bring joy.

Trauma & Grief: For children who have experienced scary or sad events, we provide a gentle, safe space to process and begin healing.

Life Transitions & Family Changes: Whether it’s a new sibling, a move, or a divorce, we help children adapt to changes with more confidence and understanding.

Social Challenges: We work on things like friendship skills, reading social cues, and standing up for themselves in healthy ways.

Practical Exercises and Tools

Therapy is interactive and kid-friendly. Depending on their age, your child might draw, play, tell stories, or use games to practice emotional skills. We also teach calming strategies, communication techniques, and coping tools they can use in everyday life.

Personalized Guidance

Everything we do is based on what works best for your child. As a parent, you’ll receive feedback, tools, and ideas to help support your child at home, so progress continues beyond the session.

Building Personal Resilience

The goal of therapy is to help your child feel more confident and capable—whether it’s handling big emotions, making friends, or bouncing back from hard days. We work together to give them lifelong tools they can carry with them as they grow.

counselor working with a child in therapy
Hope Saunders - child therapist

Hi, I’m Hope! Let’s work together to help your child feel more confident, calm, and emotionally supported.

As a therapist who specializes in working with children, I know that kids often don’t have the words to express what they’re going through. That’s why I create a safe, playful, and supportive space where they can explore their feelings, build healthy coping skills, and feel truly seen.

Whether your child is struggling with big emotions, behavioral challenges, anxiety, or social issues, I’ll meet them at their level and help them feel empowered. Therapy with me isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about helping your child grow stronger from the inside out. Let’s give them the tools and support they need to thrive at home, at school, and in life.

What Our Clients Say

FAQs

Do You Accept Insurance?

We do not accept insurance but can provide superbills for reimbursement. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

60 minutes - $140

90 minutes - $210

How Long Does Child Counseling Typically Last?

Many kids see improvement in 8–12 sessions, though each case is unique. Some children benefit from longer-term support. We regularly check in on progress and adjust the plan as needed—therapy moves at your child’s pace, not on a fixed timeline.

Is Therapy Confidential?

Yes, therapy is confidential. At South Denver Therapy, we prioritize your privacy and adhere to strict confidentiality standards. Information shared in therapy sessions remains private and is protected by law, with few exceptions such as imminent risk of harm or legal requirements. Our commitment is to provide a safe, trusting environment where you can openly discuss your concerns without fear of disclosure. Your confidentiality is paramount to us.

Previous
Previous

Individual Therapy

Next
Next

Teen Counseling