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Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most magical humans on the earth, for what they believe is what they will become.

Children, Adolescent, and Family Therapy

Are you concerned about your child or adolescent's  emotional wellbeing?

Do they have difficulty expressing their emotions or communicating their experiences? Perhaps they struggle with stress or coping with life's challenges? Do they have big emotions, difficulty transitioning, attending to a non-preferred activities. Are they not quite living up to their potential? 

Maybe they fall into the category of twice exceptional (both gifted and challenged) or spirited? Are you concerned about how this impacts their social relationships or how anxiety or high sensitivity is impacting their ability to enjoy being a kid? 

At the Art of Healing we offer a unique approach to therapy that can help address these issues and more.

Art Therapy for Children and Adolescents

Art therapy is a powerful and creative approach that uses the process of art-making to support emotional growth, healing, and self-discovery. Through drawing, painting, sculpting, or other creative practices, children and adolescents are able to explore their inner world in ways that words alone cannot always capture.

This process offers a safe and supportive environment where young people can express themselves freely, develop healthier ways of coping, and build resilience. Art becomes a tool for communication, insight, and empowerment.

Art Therapy Can Help With:

  • Anxiety and stress management

  • Depression or low mood

  • Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Self-esteem and body image concerns

  • Relationship challenges with peers, siblings, or family

  • Behavioral difficulties or oppositional behaviors

  • Grief and loss

  • Adjusting to major life changes or transitions

  • ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions (including autism spectrum disorder)

  • Difficulties with emotion regulation

  • Heightened sensitivity (HSP – Highly Sensitive Person)

The Benefits of Art Therapy

Through art therapy, children and adolescents learn to better understand and express their emotions, cultivate self-confidence, and discover creative pathways for problem-solving. The creative process allows them to release stress, strengthen communication skills, and feel empowered in navigating both internal challenges and the world around them.

At The Art of Healing, art therapy is not about artistic skill—it’s about using creativity as a pathway toward growth, connection, and lasting positive change.

Play Therapy

Play therapy provides children with a safe, supportive space to process their feelings, experiences, and challenges in a way that feels natural and developmentally appropriate. Because play is a child’s primary language, therapy that honors their play allows for deep emotional expression and healing without forcing them into adult-centered conversations.

At The Art of Healing, our play therapy is:

  • Child-Led and Non-DirectiveWe believe in letting children guide the process at their own pace. Therapists provide a safe, structured environment where children can explore, create, and communicate through play, honoring their autonomy and self-expression.

  • Neurodivergent-AffirmingOur approach recognizes and celebrates neurological differences. We support children with ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, Tourette’s, OCD, anxiety, and other neurodivergent experiences. Therapy is never about masking or changing who they are, but about helping them feel safe, understood, and empowered.

  • Attachment and Relationship FocusedParent-child relationships are central to growth. Through floor time, family play sessions, and reflective parent work, we help strengthen connection, communication, and co-regulation skills.

  • Creative and ExperientialPlay therapy may include art, sandtray, stories, movement, role play, or child-led games. These tools help children explore emotions, problem-solve, practice social skills, and build resilience.

  • Respectful of Developmental NeedsWe do not use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or behavior modification systems. Instead, we honor each child’s developmental stage and emotional needs, supporting them in ways that foster self-esteem, agency, and long-term well-being.

Play therapy can be especially effective for children navigating:

  • Anxiety, stress, or emotional dysregulation

  • School challenges or peer relationships

  • Grief and loss

  • Family transitions (divorce, moves, blended families)

  • Trauma or overwhelming experiences

  • Social skills and confidence building

  • Neurodivergent needs (ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, etc.)

Our GoalThrough play therapy, children learn to regulate emotions, develop coping skills, and strengthen relationships. Parents gain insight into their child’s inner world and learn strategies to support them at home. Together, we create a space where children feel safe, capable, and celebrated for who they are.

Through art therapy and play therapy, children and adolescents can:

Develop Emotional Awareness 

Through art and play therapy, children and adolescents learn to recognize, understand, and express their emotions in healthy, constructive ways. Building this awareness lays the foundation for stronger self-regulation and more positive relationships.

Enhance Creativity & Self-Expression

Creative expression allows young people to explore their imagination, discover new outlets for communication, and develop flexible ways of approaching challenges. Therapy becomes a space where self-expression is encouraged, celebrated, and deeply healing.

Build Confidence & Self-Esteem

Engaging in art and play within a supportive environment helps children and adolescents feel seen, valued, and capable. As they explore and share their inner world, they develop confidence in their voice and trust in their ability to handle challenges.

Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Art and play therapy offer calming, accessible tools to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and foster resilience. Children learn coping strategies they can carry into everyday life, helping them face difficulties with greater ease.

Develop Skills for Unique Challenges 

Whether neurological, emotional, or situational, every child faces obstacles. Our work together supports their ability to navigate these challenges while cultivating stronger self-awareness, improved communication, and meaningful life skills.

Family Therapy & Parenting Support

Family therapy is a powerful way to strengthen connections and improve communication within the family system. Sessions provide a supportive environment where family members can safely share their perspectives, explore challenges, and work toward healthier patterns of interaction.

Through guided conversations and collaborative activities, families learn to:

  • Improve communication and listening skills

  • Develop strategies for managing conflict in constructive ways

  • Deepen empathy and understanding for one another

  • Strengthen bonds and create a greater sense of unity

Family therapy also complements individual therapy for children and adolescents, reinforcing the progress made in sessions and ensuring that positive changes extend into the home. 

Parenting Support

Parenting support is also an important part of this work. Raising children can bring moments of joy as well as unique challenges, especially when navigating developmental differences, emotional struggles, or big life changes. In therapy, parents receive guidance and practical strategies to support their child’s growth while also caring for themselves. Together, we focus on enhancing communication, fostering resilience, and creating a family environment that nurtures trust, understanding, and connection.

Our approach is collaborative and affirming, recognizing that every family has its own unique strengths and challenges. By focusing on those strengths, we help families navigate difficulties, build resilience, and foster more harmonious relationships.

“Behind every young child who believes in themselves is a parent who believed first.” – Matthew Jacobson