6190 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Suite 520, Atlanta, GA 30339 | In-Person and Online Therapy Sessions | 678-888-1717
Child Therapy in Atlanta
Helping Your Child to Grow and Thrive
IS YOUR CHILD STRUGGLING WITH EMOTIONS, BEHAVIOR, OR DAILY ROUTINES?
Are you looking for child therapy in the Atlanta area because your child is:
Refusing to listen or saying “no” to everything?
Having frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts?
Getting easily frustrated or giving up quickly?
Feeling worried, overwhelmed, or tense?
Struggling with routines like mornings, meals, or bedtime?
If so, you’re not alone —and it can feel exhausting.
Many parents reach out when daily life starts to feel like a constant battle. What used to be simple routines can turn into power struggles, and it becomes hard to know how to respond in a way that truly helps.
You may find yourself wondering:
“Why is my child reacting this way?”
“Am I being too strict—or not strict enough?”
“Do we need a child therapist or child counselor?”
When a child is struggling, it impacts the entire family.
One of the biggest concerns parents share when seeking child therapy is not knowing how to help their child feel better—and behave differently.
The encouraging news is that with the right support from an experienced child therapist, these patterns can change.
At Georgia Family Therapy, our child therapists are here to help families move from chaos to calm using evidence‑based therapies that allow children to heal, grow and become resilient. Our Atlanta-based therapy practice serves various neighborhoods including, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Midtown, Smyrna, East Cobb, Marietta, Dunwoody & Brookhaven.
MANY CHILDREN NEED EXTRA SUPPORT — AND CHILD COUNSELING CAN HELP
Many families across the Atlanta area seek child counseling at some point because they may notice some of these childhood challenges:
Rigid routines
Some children cope with uncertainty by seeking extreme control. This often looks like intense frustration when plans change or a paralyzing fear of making mistakes.
Big emotions and tantrums
Temper tantrums are common between 18 months and age 4 and can include whining, crying, screaming, throwing things or lying on the floor.
Social withdrawal
A sudden retreat from friendships or social activities can signal distress. You may notice your child spending more time alone or losing interest in hobbies they once enjoyed.
Avoidance and fear
They may refuse sleepovers, avoid school or constantly ask for reassurance when faced with uncertainty
Physical symptoms
Anxiety can look like stomachaches, headaches or trouble sleeping.
Hesitation and clinginess
Children with anxiety often become shy, clingy, tearful or may protest during separations
These behaviors are not simply “bad behavior.”
Research shows that children’s behavior is closely connected to their ability to regulate emotions and manage stress (Harvard Center on the Developing Child).
Even highly engaged parents can feel stuck—especially when typical parenting strategies are not working.
The good news is that child counseling and therapy can help children develop the skills they need to feel calmer, more confident, and more in control.
Research shows that about 1 in 5 children experience emotional or behavioral challenges, making child therapy a common and helpful step for many families (CDC – Children’s Mental Health Data).
Early intervention teaches children coping skills and gives parents tools to feel confident handling challenging moments.
CHILD THERAPY IN SANDY SPRINGS AND ATLANTA THAT BUILDS REAL-LIFE SKILLS
At Georgia Family Therapy, child therapy is designed to help children develop practical emotional and behavioral skills they can use every day.
Families looking for a child therapist often want support that goes beyond temporary fixes—and focuses on long-term change. Our work together may help your child:
Develop problem-solving skills
Reprocess distressing memories and reduce emotional distress
Learn new ways of relating to others
Build resilience, regulate feelings, and rediscover joy
Recognize unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more realistic ones
Grow self-esteem and confidence
OUR EVIDENCE-BASED CHILD THERAPY TREATMENT IN ATLANTA
Child therapy is active, engaging, and adapted to each child.
What Child Therapy Sessions Look Like
Research shows that children learn best through play-based and experiential approaches (American Academy of Pediatrics), which is why therapy is designed to meet them at their developmental level.
Play Therapy
Children naturally communicate through play rather than words. In our play therapy sessions, carefully selected toys, art supplies and games become the child’s “language,” allowing them to express feelings, develop problem‑solving skills and learn new ways of relating. Play therapy is especially effective for children ages 3–12 and helps with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, autism and other challenges.
Specialized Approaches
Theraplay : focuses on strengthening the bond between child and parent through playful, structured, and nurturing activities that promote connection and trust.
AutPlay integrates play and behavioral therapy for neurodivergent children, supporting emotional regulation, social interaction, and sensory integration.
TraumaPlay, for children who have experienced trauma, offers a structured yet flexible approach to help them process difficult memories safely through play.
Sandplay Therapy offers a creative, sensory-based technique where children build scenes in a tray of sand—giving form to inner experiences and allowing unconscious thoughts and emotions to surface in a non-verbal, healing way.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT teaches children to recognize unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more realistic ones. We tailor CBT activities to be developmentally appropriate and incorporate games, stories and parent coaching so children can practice skills at home.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
For children dealing with trauma or intense fears, EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing memories. Through an eight‑phase approach that includes preparation, assessment, desensitization and installation of positive beliefs, EMDR has been extensively researched and shown to reduce the emotional distress associated with traumatic experiences.
Brainspotting
At Georgia Family Therapy, we offer Brainspotting for children in Atlanta to help kids process anxiety, trauma, and overwhelming emotions in a gentle, brain-based way. Because children often struggle to put feelings into words, Brainspotting works directly with the brain and body using eye positions (“brainspots”) to release stored emotional experiences. Integrated with play and creative activities, it can be especially helpful for child anxiety, OCD, trauma, nightmares, emotional outbursts, and performance anxiety, supporting lasting healing and greater emotional regulation.
Art Therapy
Our art therapists for children provides a creative and supportive way for kids to express emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills. Many children find it easier to communicate through drawing, painting, and other forms of art rather than words. Through art therapy, children can safely explore feelings related to anxiety, trauma, behavior challenges, and life transitions while developing emotional awareness and confidence. Our child therapists gently guide the process, helping children make sense of their inner world in a way that feels natural, engaging, and empowering.
How Child Counseling Helps with Behavior and Emotions
Child counseling focuses on the root of the challenges—not just the behavior itself.
For example:
Emotional outbursts → children learn emotional regulation skills
Refusal or defiance → children build flexibility and frustration tolerance
Anxiety or worry → children develop coping and calming strategies
This approach helps create lasting change, not just short-term improvement.
What Families Often Notice
With consistent support from a child therapist, many families notice:
Fewer meltdowns and emotional outbursts
Improved listening and cooperation
Reduced daily power struggles
Greater confidence and independence
More peaceful routines at home
Research shows that evidence-based child therapy can significantly improve emotional and behavioral functioning (American Psychological Association).
WHAT TO EXPECT IN CHILD THERAPY: OUR THREE-STEP PROCESS IN ATLANTA
Connect with us. Schedule a free consultation (10–15 minutes) using the button below or call our office. We’ll listen to your concerns and match your family with a therapist who specializes in your child’s age and challenges.
Comprehensive assessment. During the first session, we’ll gather information about your child’s history, strengths and goals. You’ll learn more about evidence‑based therapies and together we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan.
Ongoing therapy and support. Regular sessions (in‑person in Sandy Springs) will focus on helping your child build coping skills, understand emotions and practice new behaviors. You’ll receive regular progress updates and home exercises to reinforce skills between sessions.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE GEORGIA FAMILY THERAPY ?
Families across Sandy Springs and the Atlanta area choose Georgia Family Therapy because of:
A collaborative approach that supports both children and parents
Practical, step-by-step strategies that lead to real changes at home
Personalized therapy adapted to each child
Therapists with advanced training in evidence-based child therapy, allowing them to effectively support anxiety, behavior challenges, and emotional regulation
Our child therapists are compassionate, licensed professionals with advanced training in play therapy, CBT, EMDR Brainspotting, Art Therapy, and Positive Discipline. They specialize in working with children and families and are committed to creating a safe, fun and engaging environment for your child.
Aurélie Weinstein, Ph.D., LPC, RPT, CPCS
Founder and Director
Courtney Watson LPC, NCC, MEd, MS
Child, Teen, Family, and Adult Therapist
Candace Johnson, MCMHC, APC, NCC
Child/Teen Therapist
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I consider seeing a therapist for my child's anxiety or OCD?
You may want to consider therapy if your child’s anxiety or OCD is interfering with school, friendships, or daily routines, or if they are avoiding activities and experiencing significant distress. Early support can help children and teens learn effective coping skills and build confidence in managing their fears.
How can I recognize signs of anxiety or OCD in my child or teen?
Common signs include persistent worry, avoiding certain situations, frequent reassurance seeking, trouble concentrating, irritability, or physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches. Children with OCD may also engage in repetitive behaviors such as checking, washing, or repeating actions. If these patterns become frequent or start interfering with daily life, it may be helpful to seek support.
How do anxiety and OCD look in children and teens?
In children and teens, anxiety may show up as frequent worry, avoidance of certain situations (like school or social activities), irritability, or physical complaints such as stomachaches or headaches. OCD may involve intrusive thoughts along with repetitive behaviors or rituals, such as checking, washing, repeating actions, or needing things to feel “just right.” These behaviors are often attempts to reduce distress or anxiety.
Do you work with children and teens?
Yes. Our therapists work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety and OCD. Treatment is tailored to each person’s age and individual needs.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. Georgia Family Therapy offers both in-person therapy and secure telehealth sessions across Georgia.
What areas do you serve?
Our office is located in Sandy Springs near Buckhead, and we welcome families from across Atlanta, Dunwoody, East Cobb and other nearby communities. Virtual therapy is available statewide.
How do I know if my child’s worry is serious?
Occasional nervousness is normal, but persistent worry, avoidance of activities, trouble sleeping or physical symptoms like stomachaches could indicate anxiety. A consultation with a child therapist can help determine whether intervention is appropriate.
Is it normal for children to have tantrums?
Yes. Tantrums often begin around 18 months and can continue until about age 4. They are a normal part of development as children learn to navigate autonomy and emotions. Severe or daily tantrums, violence or self‑harm, or tantrums with no obvious trigger may signal a need for professional support.
GET STARTED WITH CHILD THERAPY AT GEORGIA FAMILY THERAPY
If your child is struggling, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Taking the first step toward child counseling can feel overwhelming—but it often brings relief and clarity.
Our compassionate team in Sandy Springs will partner with you to help your child build resilience, regulate feelings and rediscover joy. We are conveniently located in Sandy Springs, serving the Atlanta area including Buckhead, Cumberland, Bookhaven, Dunwoody, East Cobb/Marietta, and Smyrna/Vinings.
Schedule a free consultation today with Georga Family Therapy.
Georgia Family Therapy offers a free consultation to:
Talk through your concerns
Answer your questions
Support is here for your family when you’re ready.
