Toddler Therapists in Paoli, PA
![Photo of Hattie Carroll-Ratliff - Carroll-Ratliff Counseling Services, EdS, LPC, NCC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee7ce159-d056-4f97-8e73-35f53bb4e868/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carroll-Ratliff Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
Hello, I'm Hattie. I am a Licensed Counselor and founder of Carroll-Ratliff Counseling services. This is a small practice with trained therapists. We see diverse populations of all ages. We use an out of the box approach and believe that positive change is possible for everyone. We are focused on supporting you in your journey of creating a happier life & healthy habits. Some common areas of our practice are: depression, anxiety, Autism, ADHD, trauma, BPD, children's issues, and parenting/family issues. We use evidence based practices such as mindfulness, CBT, ACT, social skills, parent training, & executive functioning skills
Hello, I'm Hattie. I am a Licensed Counselor and founder of Carroll-Ratliff Counseling services. This is a small practice with trained therapists. We see diverse populations of all ages. We use an out of the box approach and believe that positive change is possible for everyone. We are focused on supporting you in your journey of creating a happier life & healthy habits. Some common areas of our practice are: depression, anxiety, Autism, ADHD, trauma, BPD, children's issues, and parenting/family issues. We use evidence based practices such as mindfulness, CBT, ACT, social skills, parent training, & executive functioning skills
![Photo of Alexander Stefanini - Arrive Therapy -- LGBTQ & Gender Counseling, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/baa23204-a406-4ed8-8d1f-a501472baaea/1/320x400.jpeg)
Arrive Therapy -- LGBTQ & Gender Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
Arrive Therapy is a trans and queer focused counseling practice with all LGBTQ counselors. If you are trans, non-binary, gay, queer, or questioning it is my desire to create a safe space for you to find the support you are looking for. If you are the parent of a trans child or teen, we are here to support you, as well as your child. We work with LGBTQ folks of all ages, including parents and partners of trans folks. We can see you remotely or in person in Paoli. You can get started with a free phone consult so we can pick the right therapist for you. Or, you can book your first appointment online at Arrivetherapy.com.
Arrive Therapy is a trans and queer focused counseling practice with all LGBTQ counselors. If you are trans, non-binary, gay, queer, or questioning it is my desire to create a safe space for you to find the support you are looking for. If you are the parent of a trans child or teen, we are here to support you, as well as your child. We work with LGBTQ folks of all ages, including parents and partners of trans folks. We can see you remotely or in person in Paoli. You can get started with a free phone consult so we can pick the right therapist for you. Or, you can book your first appointment online at Arrivetherapy.com.
![Photo of Donna Dellaria - Drawing Room Therapy, LLC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9d4b632-2021-40e4-8671-ac5dd36024da/2/320x400.jpeg)
Drawing Room Therapy, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
An old proverb reminds us, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Exploring counseling is a courageous choice. I work with adults to address anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, and life transitions. Together we ease communication, build confidence, and heal old wounds. With over 20 years of licensed counseling experience, I offer highly confidential in-person and telehealth sessions for individuals pulling from evidence-based methods in the context of an authentic personal connection. My approach emphasizes safety, personal autonomy, and a sense of belonging. Early morning and daytime hours available
An old proverb reminds us, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Exploring counseling is a courageous choice. I work with adults to address anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, and life transitions. Together we ease communication, build confidence, and heal old wounds. With over 20 years of licensed counseling experience, I offer highly confidential in-person and telehealth sessions for individuals pulling from evidence-based methods in the context of an authentic personal connection. My approach emphasizes safety, personal autonomy, and a sense of belonging. Early morning and daytime hours available
![Photo of Anne Unterkoefler - Anne Unterkoefler LCSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bd8fea9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anne Unterkoefler LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist for 25+ years, I believe it is important to recognize a person's strengths to help them deal with emotional difficulties when they occur. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families and the elderly to enhance their coping skills, so they have a variety of options to deal with their life stresses. I enjoy working in collaboration with people of all ages and diagnoses to achieve their mental health goals. Being trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy I have a wealth of knowledge in teaching coping skills to help a wide variety of diagnoses.
As a therapist for 25+ years, I believe it is important to recognize a person's strengths to help them deal with emotional difficulties when they occur. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families and the elderly to enhance their coping skills, so they have a variety of options to deal with their life stresses. I enjoy working in collaboration with people of all ages and diagnoses to achieve their mental health goals. Being trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy I have a wealth of knowledge in teaching coping skills to help a wide variety of diagnoses.
![Photo of Marissa Kiepert Truong, PhD, MS, C-SLDI](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc0389a0-a0ee-4aca-bfb4-a8ad2efaf4e8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Does your child get frustrated easily with homework? Guess frequently at words? Have poor handwriting? Read slowly or inaccurately? Lack self-esteem? Dislike reading? I can help! My practice recognizes the interplay of academics, mental health, cognition, and behavior, which is why we incorporate social-emotional learning, self-regulation strategies, and growth mindset to foster whole child development in addition to using a structured literacy approach. Customized services meet children where they are so they can build the confidence they need and deserve to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Does your child get frustrated easily with homework? Guess frequently at words? Have poor handwriting? Read slowly or inaccurately? Lack self-esteem? Dislike reading? I can help! My practice recognizes the interplay of academics, mental health, cognition, and behavior, which is why we incorporate social-emotional learning, self-regulation strategies, and growth mindset to foster whole child development in addition to using a structured literacy approach. Customized services meet children where they are so they can build the confidence they need and deserve to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
![Photo of Sherira J Fernandes, PhD, NCSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b7e73c8-04de-4074-bb27-27a271ae0236/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sherira J Fernandes
Psychologist, PhD, NCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301 (Online Only)
It feels like there's some sort of rule book for life that you missed. How do other people know what's going on? how to be happy? You have/wonder about ADHD or Autism, or maybe people tell you that you should, but what does that really mean? I can help you understand what this means for you; how impacts you, and what this might mean in relationships. This might include work on anxiety, sadness, executive functioning, burnout, working on personal goal setting/finding direction, or a diagnostic evaluation. You'll have a safe place to be yourself, insight into your life, and concrete tips for moving forward, allowing you to be you.
It feels like there's some sort of rule book for life that you missed. How do other people know what's going on? how to be happy? You have/wonder about ADHD or Autism, or maybe people tell you that you should, but what does that really mean? I can help you understand what this means for you; how impacts you, and what this might mean in relationships. This might include work on anxiety, sadness, executive functioning, burnout, working on personal goal setting/finding direction, or a diagnostic evaluation. You'll have a safe place to be yourself, insight into your life, and concrete tips for moving forward, allowing you to be you.
![Photo of Paul Kesselman - Kesselman Clinical Associates, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ab06b26-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
At Kesselman Clinical Associates, we are creating a community where you and your family can find understanding and support. We have clinicians who specialize in an array of areas, from anxiety, depression, and personality disorders to parenting and family issues, addiction, trauma, ADD/ADHD, ASD, and impulse control disorders. We provide individual treatment for children, teens, and adults, as well as group, couples, and family therapy, and we offer in-person or telehealth sessions.
At Kesselman Clinical Associates, we are creating a community where you and your family can find understanding and support. We have clinicians who specialize in an array of areas, from anxiety, depression, and personality disorders to parenting and family issues, addiction, trauma, ADD/ADHD, ASD, and impulse control disorders. We provide individual treatment for children, teens, and adults, as well as group, couples, and family therapy, and we offer in-person or telehealth sessions.
![Photo of Tari Lyn Getz, LPC, CHT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06b7390b-5666-40d8-83e7-7a0d91ee2f54/2/320x400.jpeg)
I began my career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Hypnotherapist (CHT) later in life, and I have great passion for the work I do. I have 10+ years of experience as a therapist for children/teens, adults, and families. I have worked in outpatient, school-based, in-home, and community settings. With younger children and parents, I use the principles of Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, focusing on relationship-building through play. For family therapy, I use a relational approach based on positive communication, mutual respect, and active listening skills. I enjoy guiding my clients toward desired change.
I began my career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Hypnotherapist (CHT) later in life, and I have great passion for the work I do. I have 10+ years of experience as a therapist for children/teens, adults, and families. I have worked in outpatient, school-based, in-home, and community settings. With younger children and parents, I use the principles of Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, focusing on relationship-building through play. For family therapy, I use a relational approach based on positive communication, mutual respect, and active listening skills. I enjoy guiding my clients toward desired change.
![Photo of Matthew Weldon Gelber, MS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5285d927-a0f0-4f4a-a438-4ef0cfb95efb/4/320x400.jpeg)
As a certified Master’s Level psychotherapist with over 19 years experience and “face of therapy and counseling” 2024 Main Line Today Magazine, I’m able to offer experience and understanding that gets to the heart of the issue for my clients.Are you unhappy, stressed or depressed at home? At Work? At School? Do you find yourself yet again in another relationship doomed for failure? Is Intimacy or trust or sex lacking in your relationship? I am a compassionate therapist who helps individuals, couples and families achieve favorable outcomes in different areas of their lives. My focus is specific to your needs and your goals.
As a certified Master’s Level psychotherapist with over 19 years experience and “face of therapy and counseling” 2024 Main Line Today Magazine, I’m able to offer experience and understanding that gets to the heart of the issue for my clients.Are you unhappy, stressed or depressed at home? At Work? At School? Do you find yourself yet again in another relationship doomed for failure? Is Intimacy or trust or sex lacking in your relationship? I am a compassionate therapist who helps individuals, couples and families achieve favorable outcomes in different areas of their lives. My focus is specific to your needs and your goals.
![Photo of Rebecca Weidler, MS, LBS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68650812-9066-40e9-a458-54fc72591020/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Weidler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LBS, LPC
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301 (Online Only)
No matter what life brings you, treatment can bring you "home." All walks of life and all experiences are unique, so your treatment will be tailored to fit for you. Direction, support, guidance and healing available now.
No matter what life brings you, treatment can bring you "home." All walks of life and all experiences are unique, so your treatment will be tailored to fit for you. Direction, support, guidance and healing available now.
![Photo of Jen Quigley, PhD, BCBA-D, LBS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/116ffd9e-9459-4c58-a212-4c97a27a3076/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there! I work with children ages 2-21 and their families on decreasing challenging behavior and increasing your child's skills to improve the quality of life for your family! With over 15 years of experience working in homes, schools, and communities, We will work together to support your child and create goals that make sense for your family. Oftentimes, children are waiting to receive a behavioral health diagnosis such as autism or ADHD to access services, but I also provide services to children who may just be experiencing a temporary barrier and would benefit from support in specific areas of their life.
Hi there! I work with children ages 2-21 and their families on decreasing challenging behavior and increasing your child's skills to improve the quality of life for your family! With over 15 years of experience working in homes, schools, and communities, We will work together to support your child and create goals that make sense for your family. Oftentimes, children are waiting to receive a behavioral health diagnosis such as autism or ADHD to access services, but I also provide services to children who may just be experiencing a temporary barrier and would benefit from support in specific areas of their life.
15 Second Videos
Carroll-Ratliff Counseling Services
Arrive Therapy -- LGBTQ & Gender Counseling
Marissa Kiepert Truong
Sherira J Fernandes
Kesselman Clinical Associates
Jen Quigley
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Philadelphia
![Photo of Philip Grimes - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Philadelphia, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25f90120-b5ad-4d68-a532-775e752d69d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
![Photo of Mike Fogel, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a132cab4-7794-4851-b5d9-27e8aadd4db3/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an art & play therapist & child-adolescent specialist who helps children and parents develop powerful coping skills to overcome challenges & succeed at home, school, & in relationships. Parents who engage me in therapy are looking for an effective therapist with whom their child will feel supremely comfortable & not resist. I know how children think & my waiting rooms, offices, & every move I make is designed to help children & teens enjoy therapy. I treat a range of emotional-behavioral challenges & have a sub-specialty in social skills groups for neurodiverse children. Located in Haverford, Paoli, Blue Bell, & Center City.
I am an art & play therapist & child-adolescent specialist who helps children and parents develop powerful coping skills to overcome challenges & succeed at home, school, & in relationships. Parents who engage me in therapy are looking for an effective therapist with whom their child will feel supremely comfortable & not resist. I know how children think & my waiting rooms, offices, & every move I make is designed to help children & teens enjoy therapy. I treat a range of emotional-behavioral challenges & have a sub-specialty in social skills groups for neurodiverse children. Located in Haverford, Paoli, Blue Bell, & Center City.
![Photo of Mike Fogel - Child and Family Art Therapy Center, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbec5f68-8984-4ee2-97a3-55cfe6a41de3/2/320x400.png)
Child and Family Art Therapy Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
We are child-adolescent art & play therapy specialists who help clients ages 3-22 develop powerful coping skills to overcome challenges to succeed at home, school, & in relationships! Parents who engage us in therapy seek an effective therapist with whom their child will feel supremely comfortable & not resist. You found us! We KNOW how children think, & our waiting rooms, offices, & approaches are designed to help children & teens enjoy therapy. We treat a range of emotional-behavioral challenges & have a sub-specialty in social skills groups for neurodiverse children. Located in Haverford, Paoli, Blue Bell, & Center City.
We are child-adolescent art & play therapy specialists who help clients ages 3-22 develop powerful coping skills to overcome challenges to succeed at home, school, & in relationships! Parents who engage us in therapy seek an effective therapist with whom their child will feel supremely comfortable & not resist. You found us! We KNOW how children think, & our waiting rooms, offices, & approaches are designed to help children & teens enjoy therapy. We treat a range of emotional-behavioral challenges & have a sub-specialty in social skills groups for neurodiverse children. Located in Haverford, Paoli, Blue Bell, & Center City.
![Photo of Michele Dietrich, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1763250-c375-45cb-8a72-553efddf749f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michele was raised in eastern Pennsylvania where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in psychology. She has held a Pennsylvania counseling license since 2002 and Michele is an Advanced ART Practitioner. She is the founder of Heart of the Matter LLC. Michele focuses on a broad range of treatment issues including PTSD, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, OCD from preschool through adult clients. Also, Michele works with families to improve family dynamics and relationships.
Michele was raised in eastern Pennsylvania where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in psychology. She has held a Pennsylvania counseling license since 2002 and Michele is an Advanced ART Practitioner. She is the founder of Heart of the Matter LLC. Michele focuses on a broad range of treatment issues including PTSD, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, OCD from preschool through adult clients. Also, Michele works with families to improve family dynamics and relationships.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Suzanne Carlin, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03680654-dada-44cc-8f0d-9492a3a254a7/1/320x400.jpeg)
There is nothing more important than the relationships we have with both ourselves and others! Without a healthy feeling of belonging and connection to others, problems will exist. Be it parent/child conflicts, problems at school, adolescent issues, marital/premarital, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and/or issues with life transitions, I can help you! .
There is nothing more important than the relationships we have with both ourselves and others! Without a healthy feeling of belonging and connection to others, problems will exist. Be it parent/child conflicts, problems at school, adolescent issues, marital/premarital, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and/or issues with life transitions, I can help you! .
![Photo of Linda Falasco - Linda Falasco, LCSW, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28f0c044-ecf9-4ba5-92ed-3d97df090c60/2/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Falasco, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berwyn, PA 19312
At some point in life's journey you may experience a time where you feel you may benefit from some extra support and guidance, let me help you on the road to hope and healing. The following are some common issues that I am able to assist you with: anxiety, depression, divorce, loss and grief, trauma work, parenting and co-parenting issues, relationship issues, stress, sports and work performance and teen issues. I have extensive training in grief and trauma. Helping individuals, families and couples find hope, healing and strength during life's difficult times.
At some point in life's journey you may experience a time where you feel you may benefit from some extra support and guidance, let me help you on the road to hope and healing. The following are some common issues that I am able to assist you with: anxiety, depression, divorce, loss and grief, trauma work, parenting and co-parenting issues, relationship issues, stress, sports and work performance and teen issues. I have extensive training in grief and trauma. Helping individuals, families and couples find hope, healing and strength during life's difficult times.
![Photo of Katie Gentile, LPC, ATR-BC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/827b3453-3de9-49e3-867b-fe98c1b5189a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Gentile
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malvern, PA 19355 (Online Only)
You are deserving of peace and happiness. Often times life has a way of throwing us challenges that feel overwhelming and unmanageable. These challenges can make us feel alone, stressed, and unsupported. These feelings tend to stay with us even when we are separated from the challenge itself and leak into other aspects of our life. This then prevents us from focusing on other important life events and the challenges we face may become all-consuming. This can feel as though you are not present and are missing out on the simple joy’s life can bring. You are not alone.
You are deserving of peace and happiness. Often times life has a way of throwing us challenges that feel overwhelming and unmanageable. These challenges can make us feel alone, stressed, and unsupported. These feelings tend to stay with us even when we are separated from the challenge itself and leak into other aspects of our life. This then prevents us from focusing on other important life events and the challenges we face may become all-consuming. This can feel as though you are not present and are missing out on the simple joy’s life can bring. You are not alone.
![Photo of Dr. James Chok, PhD, BCBA-D, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25a54de6-127d-4ecc-bd5d-6f5757a1b60b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a neuropsychologist, licensed psychologist, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. For the last 20 years, I have helped well over 1000 individuals and families navigate challenging issues based upon their unique circumstances. I will work with you to identify a plan that suits your particular needs, and adapt it along the way as we work together. I work with patients of all ages, across a range of anxiety and mood disorders, and have expertise in OCD, AD/HD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Panic Disorder. I use a blend of CBT, DBT, and ACT principles to help patients overcome their difficulties.
I am a neuropsychologist, licensed psychologist, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. For the last 20 years, I have helped well over 1000 individuals and families navigate challenging issues based upon their unique circumstances. I will work with you to identify a plan that suits your particular needs, and adapt it along the way as we work together. I work with patients of all ages, across a range of anxiety and mood disorders, and have expertise in OCD, AD/HD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Panic Disorder. I use a blend of CBT, DBT, and ACT principles to help patients overcome their difficulties.
![Photo of Dr. Ayesha Ludhani, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ffeef36-707c-41ac-869d-a6dddaa4837c/3/320x400.jpeg)
You don’t know where to turn anymore. Some days are so overwhelming it feels like you’re barely keeping it together. Balancing it all—work, family, and relationships—just feels too much to handle. You’re feeling directionless & defeated with no solution in sight. You keep telling yourself it shouldn’t be this hard, but thoughts like “Am I good enough?” or “This shouldn’t be happening to me” keep playing on a loop in your head. Life changes have only made things harder. You could be returning to work after maternity leave, starting a new job, or your kids are going to a new school—these transitions bring a whole new level of stress.
You don’t know where to turn anymore. Some days are so overwhelming it feels like you’re barely keeping it together. Balancing it all—work, family, and relationships—just feels too much to handle. You’re feeling directionless & defeated with no solution in sight. You keep telling yourself it shouldn’t be this hard, but thoughts like “Am I good enough?” or “This shouldn’t be happening to me” keep playing on a loop in your head. Life changes have only made things harder. You could be returning to work after maternity leave, starting a new job, or your kids are going to a new school—these transitions bring a whole new level of stress.
See more therapy options for Paoli
Nearby Toddler Therapists Searches for Paoli
- Berwyn
- Bridgeport
- Bryn Mawr
- Devon
- Exton
- King Of Prussia
- Malvern
- Newtown Square
- Phoenixville
- Radnor
- Wayne
- West Chester
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.