Parent Guide: a therapist’s advice on children’s emotional health

Plain answers from a child and family counselor near Tigard, Oregon: anxiety, trauma, big feelings, and what therapy is really like. Written for parents first, and for adults looking after themselves.

Is play therapy right for my child? How to tell, and what to expect

If you are wondering whether your child needs help, you have probably already noticed something. Maybe bedtime has turned into a battle,…
Is play therapy just playing? What happens in the playroom, and does it work?

It is one of the most common things parents ask me, sometimes a little apologetically: “Isn’t it just playing?” Often a grandparent…
How childhood trauma affects adults: what the research shows

There is a common belief that children are resilient, that they “bounce back” from hard experiences and leave them behind. Children do…
How often should a child see a therapist, and how long does child therapy take?

When parents call me for the first time, two practical questions nearly always come up before we hang up. How often will…
What to tell your child about therapy: simple words for every age

You have made the decision to get your child some support. Then comes a question that can feel surprisingly hard: how do…
Does my child need therapy? Signs your child may need a therapist, and what’s just growing up

Most parents who call me start with some version of the same sentence: “I’m not sure if this is serious, but…” Then…
How to help a child with anxiety: what works at home, and when to get support

When your child is anxious, every instinct tells you to make the bad feeling go away. You reassure them. You let them…
What to expect in your first therapy session

Deciding to start therapy is often the hardest part. Once you have made that decision, a new set of worries tends to…
How to help your child after a frightening or traumatic event

A car accident. A house fire. A frightening medical stay, a sudden death in the family, violence at school or at home.…
7 grounding techniques for anxiety

When anxiety takes hold, it can feel as if your mind has left the building. Your thoughts race ahead to the worst…