Helping children heal, grow and thrive.
Children don't always have the words to explain what they are feeling. Instead, big emotions often show up as tantrums, worries, trouble sleeping, clinginess or changes at school. At Pivotal Counseling Center we meet children where they are, using approaches built around the way kids naturally communicate: through play. We work alongside parents and caregivers so that the progress your child makes in our office carries over at home. Pivotal Counseling Center has child therapists at our Woodstock, Lake in the Hills and Elgin locations.
Play Therapy
Sand Tray Therapy
Play is a child's language, and toys are their words. In play therapy, children use toys, art, puppets and games to express feelings and experiences they can't yet put into words. In a safe, welcoming playroom, your child can work through difficult emotions, practice new ways of coping, build confidence and strengthen problem-solving skills, all while doing what comes naturally to them.
In sand tray therapy, children choose from a large collection of miniature figures, such as people, animals, buildings and natural objects, and arrange them in a tray of sand to create their own world. These scenes give children a hands-on way to show what is going on inside of them. It can be especially helpful for kids who have experienced trauma, loss or big changes, or who find it hard to talk about their feelings directly.
Common Reasons Children Seek Help
- Anxiety and worry
- Separation anxiety
- Sadness or Depression
- Tantrums, anger outbursts or trouble managing emotions
- Behavior problems at home or school
- Attention and focus concerns
- Fears and phobias
- Sleep concerns or nightmares
- Low Self-Esteem
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Shyness or social withdrawal
- Dealing with divorce or family changes
- Grief & Loss
- Trauma or frightening experiences
- A move, new school or new sibling
- Bullying
- Medical challenges or hospitalization
- Adoption or foster care
- Regression, such as bedwetting or baby talk
- Losing interest in play or activities previously enjoyed
- Hurting themselves or others, or talking about wanting to
What can parents expect?
Parents are an important part of their child's therapy. We usually start by meeting with parents or caregivers to learn about your child's history, your concerns and your goals. From there, your therapist will spend sessions with your child in the playroom, building a trusting relationship where your child feels safe to express themselves.
We check in with parents regularly to share general themes and progress, and to offer strategies you can use at home. While we respect the space your child needs to play and explore freely, we will ALWAYS let you know if we feel your child is in danger of hurting themselves or others. When it will help, we may also include parents or siblings in sessions through family counseling.
Our Child Therapists
We offer therapy services in Woodstock, Lake in the Hills, Elgin, and anywhere in the state of Illinois for telehealth and online counseling.