Child Therapy Services | Deep Centered Care & Support

Childhood is a time of growth, curiosity, and joy. But, for some kids, it can be overwhelming. When your child is struggling, it can be very tough for you as a parent. Your child may have emotional outbursts that are much bigger than the situation. Discussions about homework may turn into shouting matches. This can throw the whole family system off kilter.

As a parent, you may feel that you have tried everything. You have adjusted routines, offered support, and set strong boundaries. Yet, nothing seems to be working. You feel overwhelmed and frustrated as a result.

You may be hoping that your child will simply “grow out of it.” However, when children are having serious challenges like these, the problem often doesn’t go away by itself. It’s a sign that outside support may be needed.

We want you to know: “help is available.” You and your child don’t have to face these challenges alone. With support from a trained therapist, your child can learn to manage their emotions, strengthen relationships with peers, and thrive at school.

Working with a therapist can make a huge difference. We have had many parents tell us that seeking therapy for their child was the best thing in the world. It made all the difference. Therapy can open the door to a more balanced, brighter future for your child and your entire family.

Our Approach To Child Therapy

We take a child-centered and family-inclusive approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your child’s developmental stage, personality, and challenges. Parents are an important part of child therapy. You will be continually involved in the process so your child can continue to grow at home.

Our therapists also collaborate with parents, teachers, and other supports to ensure that there are consistent routines and support at home and school. Your therapist will share information and strategies to ensure that your child continues to make progress outside of therapy.

There are many ways that therapy can help kids who are struggling. During sessions, your child’s therapist will listen to them without judgment, but rather with compassion and care. Therapy is a safe and supportive place where your child can open up in the way that is most natural to them.

A therapist can help your child express what is going on — even if they don’t yet have the words to explain it. They will use age-appropriate therapeutic approaches to help your child make sense of their emotions and express them more appropriately. Your child will learn that feelings aren’t something to avoid, but rather signals that something is wrong.

Your child’s therapist will help them understand things that trigger strong emotions. Whether it’s feeling left out at school, frustration over not being able to focus at school, or conflicts with siblings, your child will become more aware of things that cause them to act out.

Therapy can help your child develop skills to manage anxiety, stress, and anger. Your child will identify how to improve communication, both at home and school. They will come to feel more in control of their world.

Childhood is a time of learning and significant growth. But it can also be a challenging time for kids who have a difficult time with life at home and school due to social and behavioral challenges.

Childhood mental health problems can show up in many different ways. Some children struggle with attention and concentration, especially at school. Other children have a difficult time getting along with their peers. Sometimes emotional problems can show up in the body in the form of headaches, stomachaches, and other physical complaints that a doctor can’t find a cause for. They may complain of feeling sick and refuse to go to school.

Sometimes, the signs are subtle. For example, your child used to be outgoing and motivated. Now, they are sullen and withdrawn. Or, they were once carefree and happy. Now, they blow up at the small things.

As a parent, it can be difficult to know if your child truly needs help. Are the problems truly worth a mental health evaluation? When the struggles start to interfere with learning, relationships, and other areas of daily life, then it’s a good idea to reach out for help. A therapist can provide the guidance and tools your child needs to cope more effectively.

It’s important to remember that some children, especially younger ones, may not have the words to express how they feel. That’s why it’s essential for parents to notice when their child is struggling.

Child Therapy can provide support with:

Nightmares or trouble sleeping
Reluctance to go to school
Excessive fears or worries
Frequent conflict with peers or siblings
Difficulty keeping up with academic expectations
Changes in mood, such as frequent sadness
Meltdowns or temper tantrums (especially over small things)
Physical complaints (ex, stomachaches or headaches) that your child’s doctor can’t find a cause for

Why It’s Hard to Reach Out

As a parent, you may feel embarrassed or worry about what others will think. You may ask yourself, “Will my child grow out of this?” or “Am I overreacting?” Or, you may simply be too exhausted to seek out help. Many parents feel the same way.

The truth is that needing support from a therapist doesn’t mean that you are failing as a parent. It’s also not about labeling your child. It’s about giving your child the support and tools that they need to feel confident and capable.

I have always had a passion for working with children and, as a result, I have over 20 years of training and experience in the education and treatment of children and their families. This experience has provided me with an in-depth understanding of how children learn and grow and the concerns parents can have about their child’s development. I have spent most of my career working in the context of a multidisciplinary team of professionals dedicated to helping children continue on their developmental trajectories.

The primary issue that children present with in therapy is behavioral in nature. As a child therapist, my first task is to look beneath the surface and identify what is driving the behavior. This is primarily done through the use of play therapy as children communicate best through their play. Children use objects and toys in the room to enact their wishes, worries and ideas and child therapists join in the metaphor of play as a method of healing.

Play Therapy: This approach gives kids a safe way to express emotions they may not yet have words for.

Family Therapy: Strengthens problem-solving and communication between parents and children. Addresses conflict with siblings as well.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy can help kids by teaching them how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This therapy is designed for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. It can help them process difficult memories and emotions in a safe, supportive environment.

Social Skills Training: Social skills training can teach your child how to manage conflict effectively and communicate better with peers and sibling relationships.

Step 1

Initial Consultation

Our therapist meets with parents and gathers information about the child’s challenges, needs, and goals to build a tailored therapy plan.

Step 2

Personalized Sessions

Based on the child’s age and concerns, sessions incorporate techniques like play therapy, skill-building, or psychoeducation in a comfortable, engaging setting.

Step 3

Parental Involvement and Progress Monitoring

Regular guidance sessions keep parents informed, provide actionable strategies, and track their child’s progress, fostering collaboration and connection.

Why You Should Choose Deep Centered Mental Health

Our therapists and psychiatrists are widely regarded as some of the best in Texas. We’ve been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and CNN. While this is important, what makes us truly unique isn’t just our clinical expertise — it’s the way in which we show up for our clients and families.

Every child is unique, and therapy should reflect that. That’s why we take the time to truly understand what your child is going through. We assess their unique strengths and personality. Then, together with your input, we create a personalized plan that reflects your child’s needs.

We believe that part of child therapy is supporting the family as a whole. We involve parents in the process. You will discover strategies to help you better understand and communicate with your child.

In addition to therapy, we offer a range of services, including medication management and psychiatric services, so your child can get what they need in one place. There’s no need to bounce between multiple locations. Our goal is to reduce stress and streamline services for you.

Here are some of the many advantages that make our online care program so popular and effective.

No Commute, No Stress: Transform your lunch break or free time into a session.
Care from Anywhere: Your perfect provider might not be down the street or you may simply prefer the convenience of doing online therapy. Our therapists and psychiatrists are just a click away throughout Texas.
Privacy: Attend sessions from wherever you feel most comfortable.
Consistency: Never miss an appointment due to travel or a busy schedule, which helps you maintain the progress you’ve earned.

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Expert & Compassionate Care For Your Child

Our Approach To Child Therapy

Why It’s Hard to Reach Out

A Professional Approach to Child Therapy

Kathleen Fahrner, Ph.D.

Therapeutic Approaches We Use

How Child Therapy Works

Initial Consultation

Personalized Sessions

Parental Involvement and Progress Monitoring

Why You Should Choose Deep Centered Mental Health

Online Therapy & Psychiatry

Journeys to Healing

Understanding the Process

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What is the role of parents in child therapy?

Can child therapy help with issues like anxiety, trauma, or behavioral challenges?

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