Early Childhood

therapy for children ages 0-5

Our team offers specialized therapy services for young children and their families. We are highly trained and certified in supporting early development and the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children.

“In play therapy, toys are like the child’s words, and play is the child’s language. Through play, children express what may be difficult to put into words.”

— Garry L. Landreth

Young children communicate and experience life very differently from adults. Instead of using words, they often express their thoughts and feelings through behavior and play. Because of this, they benefit from therapy that is specifically designed for their stage of development.

Children may come to therapy for many different reasons, and our team has specialized training and experience in early childhood mental health. We work closely with both children and their families to understand what’s going on and how to best support them.

Therapy at this age is play-based, interactive, and centered on relationships…especially the connection between a child and their caregiver. Continue reading to learn more about how therapy can support young children and their families.

We Help Young Children with

Anxiety

Excessive fears, worries, or clinginess that may show up as difficulty separating, avoiding situations, or becoming easily overwhelmed.
Trauma & Stress

Responses to stressful or overwhelming experiences (e.g., medical events, transitions, loss) that may show up through play, behavior, or regression.
Emotional Regulation

Big emotions and behaviors (e.g., tantrums, hitting, biting) that reflect difficulty managing feelings, communicating needs, or calming after distress.
Connection

Difficulties feeling safe, connected, or understood by others, which impacts behavior and relationships.
Development

Concerns related to communication, social engagement, sensory processing, or early signs of autism or ADHD.
Life Changes

Difficulty adjusting to changes, like starting school, new caregivers, moves, medical experiences, or shifts in family structure.

what therapy looks like

Therapy with young children looks different than therapy for older children or adults. Instead of sitting and talking, young children express themselves through play, movement, and connection.

Sessions are interactive and often involve both parent and child, since children this age learn and feel safest within their relationships. Depending on your child’s needs, some sessions may also include individual time with your child, or time focused on supporting you as a parent.

Our approach is centered on understanding your child’s development and supporting your relationship with them. We use well-researched, child-focused approaches such as Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), DIR-Floortime, and play therapy, all tailored to your child and family.