Child Therapy in Encino, CA
Helping Children Feel Safe, Understood, and Capable
Play-based and talk therapy for children aged 5–12 — supporting kids through anxiety, big emotions, family changes, and the challenges of growing up.
Children Communicate Differently — Therapy Should Too
Children don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling. They show it — through behavior, play, withdrawal, outbursts, or physical complaints like stomachaches before school. When a child is struggling, it often shows up everywhere: at home, in the classroom, in friendships, and in the body.
Dr. Carrie Jacobs works with children aged 5–12 using approaches tailored to how kids actually process the world. That means meeting them at their developmental level — using play, creativity, and age-appropriate conversation to help them make sense of difficult feelings and build the skills to manage them.
Parents are an essential part of the process. Dr. Jacobs works closely with families to ensure that what happens in the therapy room is supported and reinforced at home.
What Brings Children to Therapy
How Dr. Jacobs Works With Children
Every child is different. Dr. Jacobs draws on a range of evidence-based, child-friendly approaches — adapting to each child's age, temperament, and what they need most.
Play Therapy
Play is a child's natural language. Through structured and free play, children express feelings, work through difficult experiences, and develop coping skills in a safe, non-threatening way.
Child-Focused CBT
Age-adapted cognitive behavioral techniques help children identify unhelpful thoughts and feelings, and build practical strategies for managing anxiety, worry, and low mood.
Trauma-Informed Care
For children who have experienced abuse, loss, or frightening events, therapy prioritizes safety and stabilization before gently processing what happened.
Emotion Coaching
Children learn to name, understand, and regulate their emotions — building the emotional vocabulary that helps them communicate needs rather than act them out.
Parent Coaching & Collaboration
Parents receive guidance on how to respond to their child's behaviors and emotions at home — extending the work of therapy into everyday family life.
School Collaboration (When Needed)
With parental consent, Dr. Jacobs can coordinate with teachers and school counselors to ensure consistent support across the child's environments.
What Parents Can Expect
You know your child better than anyone. The initial consultation is just for parents — a chance to share what you've been observing, ask questions, and decide together whether therapy is the right step.
Once therapy begins, Dr. Jacobs provides regular parent check-ins to share progress, discuss strategies for home, and keep you informed without compromising the child's sense of privacy and safety in the therapy room.
In some cases, family sessions are incorporated — especially when family transitions, communication patterns, or parenting strategies are part of what the child needs support with.
Start with a free parent consultation
No commitment required. Just a 20-minute conversation to share what you're seeing and find out if therapy is the right next step for your child.
Book a Free ConsultationWhat to Expect
Parent Consultation
A free 20-minute call with parents to discuss your child's challenges, answer your questions, and determine whether therapy is the right fit.
Child Intake Session
The first session is designed to help your child feel comfortable — low-pressure, playful, and focused on building trust before any deeper work begins.
Ongoing Weekly Sessions
Regular 45–50 minute sessions using play, creative activities, and age-appropriate conversation to work toward your child's goals.
Parent Check-Ins & Home Support
Regular updates for parents, practical strategies to use at home, and family sessions when they support the child's progress.
Give Your Child the Support They Deserve
Early support can change the trajectory of a child's emotional development. Schedule a free 20-minute parent consultation and let's talk about how therapy can help your child thrive.