Children’s Therapy
Child Counseling in Suwanee, GA – Helping Kids with Anxiety, ADHD & Life’s Challenges
Does My Child Need Counseling?
Watching your child struggle with emotions, anxiety, or focus issues can feel heartbreaking. You want to help, but you may not know where to start. If your child is having trouble with big feelings, school challenges, or sudden changes in behavior, counseling can provide the support they need to thrive.
Why Consider Counseling for Your Child?
Have you noticed your child acting differently lately—more anxious, withdrawn, or struggling at school? Maybe they’ve stopped wanting to go to school, are having more frequent meltdowns, or just don’t seem like themselves anymore. When kids feel overwhelmed but don’t have the words to express it, their emotions often show up in other ways—like sudden outbursts, tummy aches, or trouble sleeping.
Big life changes, such as a divorce, a move, the loss of a loved one, or school-related stress, can feel especially overwhelming for children. Because their brains are still developing, they may struggle to process their feelings in a healthy way. Instead, they might act out, shut down, or become extra clingy.
If you’re looking for support, we’re here to help. We provide child counseling for families in Suwanee, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and surrounding areas, including Duluth, Cumming, Buford, and Peachtree Corners. Whether you're in Forsyth, Gwinnett, or North Fulton County, our therapists offer a safe, supportive space where your child can process emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills.
Does This Sound Familiar?
Mornings used to be easy, but now, getting out the door feels like a struggle. Maybe your child used to love school, but lately, they cling to you, beg to stay home, or complain of tummy aches. You’re not sure what changed, but something doesn’t feel right.
Maybe your child comes home exhausted, snapping at everyone, slamming doors, or refusing to do homework. When you ask what’s wrong, they just shrug or say, "I don’t know."
Some nights, they crawl into your bed, scared of bad dreams, or complain of stomachaches before big events. Other times, they seem to shut down completely, spending more time alone and avoiding friends or family.
If you’ve noticed these changes, you’re not alone—and neither is your child. Kids often struggle to put their feelings into words, so they show their emotions through their actions instead. The good news is, with the right support, they can learn how to cope, express their emotions, and feel like themselves again.
Signs Your Child Might Need Extra Support
If your child is struggling, they may show signs such as:
Emotional Signs:
Excessive sadness, anxiety, or worry
Low self-esteem or loss of confidence
Making alarming statements like, “No one would care if I ran away”
Behavioral Signs:
Frequent anger outbursts or aggressive behavior
Withdrawing from family, friends, or favorite activities
Difficulty handling transitions or change
Physical & Academic Signs:
Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue
Declining grades or lack of motivation in school
Refusing to go to school
How We Can Help Your Child
Our trained therapists take a personalized approach to child therapy. We begin with a comprehensive assessment, meeting with parents to understand the concerns and gather a complete history. Using age-appropriate therapeutic techniques such as play therapy, sand tray therapy, and expressive activities, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
You’re an important part of your child’s healing journey. That’s why we work closely with you—providing updates, tools, and strategies you can use at home to reinforce their progress. We want to empower you to support your child every step of the way.
Our Children’s Therapists at Paraclete Counseling Center
Kami Legg works with children ages 2 and up. She uses a variety of play-based and creative approaches to help kids express themselves and work through challenges like anxiety, school struggles, trauma, and more in a fun, engaging way.
View Full Bio →
Charlotte Handel works with children ages 5 and up. She incorporates Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and bibliotherapy, creating a safe and expressive environment where kids can explore their emotions and experiences through creative activities, helping them build emotional regulation and resilience.
View Full Bio →Children’s Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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We encourage you to have an honest discussion with your child prior to bringing your child to counseling. Listen to your child’s concerns. Tell your child that you have found someone who is good at helping kids and families with the type of struggle he is having. Let him know that the counselor is on his side. You may also discuss with your child that coming to counseling is like seeing a medical doctor but focuses on feelings and behaviors not on the physical body. You can make counseling more pleasant by pairing it with a pleasant activity such as dinner out afterward or having time alone with a parent.
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1️⃣ Meeting the Therapist Together
At the start of the session, you and your child will meet the therapist in a warm, welcoming space. This helps your child feel comfortable and safe.2️⃣ Sharing Your Concerns
The therapist will ask about your child’s behaviors, emotions, and any specific challenges they’re facing. Parents are encouraged to share observations, past experiences, and any concerns they have.3️⃣ Explaining the Therapy Process
The therapist will walk you through how sessions work, what approaches they may use (like play therapy or talk therapy), and what to expect moving forward. You’ll also have a chance to ask any questions.4️⃣ Getting to Know Your Child
Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, the therapist may spend time talking or engaging in activities (such as drawing or playing) to help them open up in a natural way.5️⃣ Creating an Initial Treatment Plan
Based on what’s shared in the session, the therapist will outline next steps, including therapy goals and strategies to support your child’s emotional well-being.6️⃣ Providing Parent Guidance
Before you leave, the therapist will offer initial insights and tips on how you can support your child at home between sessions. -
Children’s therapy often includes a combination of play therapy, talk therapy, and creative techniques like art, games, or storytelling. This allows children to express their thoughts and feelings in a way that feels natural to them. Therapy may also involve parents or caregivers in the process to improve communication and strengthen family dynamics.
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Yes, confidentiality is an important part of therapy. Your child needs to feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings without fear of getting in trouble. In therapy, it’s okay to not feel okay, and kids are encouraged to share whatever is on their minds.
However, there are some limits to confidentiality. The therapist will explain to your child that what they share in therapy stays private unless:
Someone is hurting them,
They want to hurt themselves,
They want to hurt someone else, or
They give permission for the therapist to talk to a parent or guardian.
Your therapist will make sure your child understands confidentiality in an age-appropriate way and will keep you informed as needed, while also respecting your child’s sense of privacy.
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Parental involvement is an important aspect of children’s therapy. Parents may be asked to participate in sessions or provide feedback on their child’s progress. This helps create a strong support system at home. Your child’s therapist will collaborate with you to provide strategies and tools to use outside of therapy to support your child’s progress between sessions.
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Children’s therapy can address a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns, including:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Behavioral problems
ADHD
Self-esteem and body image issues
School-related stress or challenges
Family conflicts (e.g., divorce, blended families)
Grief and loss
Social skills and peer relationships
Get Support for Your Child in North Metro Atlanta
If your child is struggling with emotions, behavior, or life changes, they don’t have to go through it alone—and neither do you. Our compassionate therapists are here to help families in Sugar Hill, Braselton, Norcross, and surrounding areas of North Metro Atlanta. Contact us today to learn more about our children’s counseling services and schedule an appointment.