Child Therapy Los Angeles
Hi, I’m Dr. Holly!
You may be seeking therapy services because you’ve noticed challenges that are affecting your child’s well-being, behavior, or development.
Perhaps your child is experiencing challenges with emotion regulation, delayed milestones, difficulties with social interactions, or exhibiting behaviors that concern you.
I provide specialized support tailored to your child’s developmental level, helping to overcome these challenges and promote healthy growth and parent-child relationships.
Our Services
Dyadic Parent-Child Interventions
(0-8 years)
Utilizing therapeutic techniques aimed at improving attachment, communication, development, and emotion regulation within the parent-child dyad.
Individual Therapy with Children
(5-8 years)
Supporting children with identifying emotions, teaching coping skills for managing big feelings, and understanding and navigating social interactions.
My approach to child therapy
My approach to child therapy is centered on creating a supportive and empathetic environment the promotes healing and growth. I utilize play-based and developmentally appropriate techniques that allow children to express their thoughts and feelings in their natural language (play).
By incorporating activities like art, games, storytelling, and imaginative play, I help foster emotional growth and resilience. This method is helpful because it allows us (parent and therapist) to observe and understand the child’s inner world. By engaging with the child in play, we can gently guide them to process emotions, develop coping skills, and address specific challenges, all within a safe and supportive environment that feels natural to the child.
Collaboration with parents and caregivers is integral to my practice as I believe a supportive home environment enhances the therapeutic process. My goal is to support families in strengthening relationships, helping parents gain a more meaningful understanding of their child’s emotional states and experiences as well as empower parents with practical tools and resources to support their child’s emotional needs, enhance communication, and reinforce positive behaviors. This involvement not only helps the child feel supported and understood but also strengthens the parent-child bond, promoting healing and healthy development both in and out of therapy sessions.
What to expect from your first session
Our journey begins with a free consultation call, where I’ll learn more about your child and your family’s needs. This initial conversation allows us to discuss your concerns, answer any questions, and determine how I can best support you and your child.
After the call, if we’ve determined we’re a good fit for therapy, I’ll send over the necessary paperwork (electronically) and schedule the initial intake appointment.
During the initial intake session, I will meet with you to gather detailed information about your child’s history, development, and any specific challenges they may be facing. This session is an opportunity for us to establish goals and collaborate on a plan tailored to your child and family’s needs.
The following session involves meeting your child in a warm and welcoming environment. Through play and developmentally appropriate activities, I begin to build a trusting relationship with them, allowing me to understand their perspective and make them feel comfortable. This approach helps set the foundation for effective therapy moving forward.
FAQs about Child Therapy
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
If your child is experiencing emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges that affect their daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, therapy might be beneficial. Signs can include difficulty regulating emotions, behavioral issues, social withdrawal, or developmental delays.
Will I participate in my child's therapy?
Yes, parental involvement is a crucial part of the therapeutic process. For children under 5 years old, the parent and child attend sessions together so that we may all play, reflect, and practice strategies in the moment. For older children (e.g., 5-8 years), there is an option for individual therapy or dyadic sessions (parent and child together). Either way, I work closely with parents and caregivers to share insights, strategies, and techniques that can be used at home to support your child’s growth and reinforce the progress made during sessions.
How do I prepare my child for therapy?
You can prepare your child by explaining that they’ll be meeting someone who helps kids by playing games and talking. Keeping the explanation simple and positive helps set the stage for a comfortable experience.
How often will my child need to attend therapy?
The frequency of sessions depends on your child’s specific needs and our agreed-upon treatment plan. Typically, sessions are held weekly to maintain continuity and progress.
Do you offer support for parents as well?
Absolutely. I provide guidance and strategies to help you in your parenting role, offering support that can enhance your confidence and effectiveness as a parent. I am also a certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy provider and offer live coaching to support parents with practicing skills learned.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by reaching out via phone or email. We’ll start with a free consultation call to discuss your needs and determine if we’re a good fit. Once we’ve established that we’re a good match, I’ll provide the necessary paperwork and schedule our first intake session.