Counseling for Children (Ages 4-12)

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord...

-Psalm 127:3

Children don’t always have the words to say what’s wrong , but they do show us in other ways. They act it out in play, express it through behavior, or carry it in silence. Whether your child is anxious, overwhelmed, grieving, or just struggling to adjust to the world around them, therapy can offer a safe space to begin untangling the mess and rebuilding resilience.

At Grace and Nature Group, we believe every child is made in the image of God, with a heart that is naturally open to wonder, connection, and healing. We work with children ages 4 to 12 using developmentally appropriate approaches, including parent-child play therapy, to support the whole child and the whole family.

When Your Child is Hurting

As a parent, you might notice:

Big emotions that seem to come out of nowhere
Aggression, withdrawal, or tantrums beyond the usual
Difficulty adjusting to school, friendships, or family changes
Worries that don’t go away, or sadness that doesn’t lift
A sense that something is "off," but no clear explanation

It’s okay to trust that gut instinct. It’s not about labeling your child. It’s about offering them a space to be seen, supported, and strengthened — in ways that match their stage of development and their spiritual identity.

A Child is Not Just a "Small Adult"

Therapy for children is different. It doesn’t start with questions. It starts with relationship. Children process through play, metaphor, and movement, and so we meet them right there. As Chesterton reminds us, “The most unfathomable schools and sages have never attained to the gravity which dwells in the eyes of a baby of 3 months old.” In other words: children carry dignity that deserves to be taken seriously.

Our Approach to Child Therapy

Child-centered play therapy to help kids express themselves safely
Parent-child interactive therapy to strengthen emotional bonds
Cognitive and emotional skill-building to improve regulation and confidence
Faith-integrated language (as appropriate to your family) that supports their spiritual development

We also believe you, the parent, are part of the process. You won’t be left out, instead, you’ll be invited in as a key player in your child’s healing. Together, we’ll explore how you can respond to behaviors with both insight and connection.

What Might a Child Benefit from Therapy?

Therapy can support children navigating:

Anxiety or excessive fears
Behavioral issues or emotional dysregulation
Divorce, loss, or family changes
Social struggles or bullying
Adoption or identity issues
Sleep, toileting, or developmental challenges
Spiritual questions or worries about God, death, or sin

We tailor each child’s care plan to their needs, not a one-size-fits-all protocol, but a responsive and respectful journey of healing.

What Counseling Can Offer

At Grace and Nature Group, we create a space where your child can feel safe, playful, and free, and where you, the parent, can feel empowered and understood.

Therapy can help:

Strengthen the bond between parent and child
Build emotional language and self-regulation skills
Reduce anxiety, sadness, or behavior challenges
Create routines and rhythms that promote security
Nurture the child’s spiritual and emotional identity

Your child is not a problem to be solved. They are a person to be loved and supported through whatever they’re facing. We’re here to walk with your family through it all.