Photo of Patricia R. Francis - Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center, Pastoral Counselor
Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center
Pastoral Counselor
Verified Verified
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
You may be searching for ways to cope with a difficult transition or painful circumstance in your life. Perhaps you find yourself struggling with shifts in key relationships or the feelings you have towards those relationships. Our pastoral counselors provide compassionate support and professional direction. Counseling services are offered to assist individuals, couples and families.
You may be searching for ways to cope with a difficult transition or painful circumstance in your life. Perhaps you find yourself struggling with shifts in key relationships or the feelings you have towards those relationships. Our pastoral counselors provide compassionate support and professional direction. Counseling services are offered to assist individuals, couples and families.
(630) 812-0621 View (630) 812-0621
Toddler Therapists

What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?

Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.

Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?

Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.

What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?

In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.

What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?

What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.