Compassionate Child Therapist Serving Geneva, IL
Children feel big emotions, but they rarely have the words to explain them. Instead, worry, sadness, or frustration may show up as meltdowns, stomachaches, trouble sleeping, or pulling away from friends. As a parent, it can be hard to know whether your child is going through a normal phase or needs extra support. At Consider Yourself Counseling Services, our child therapists help Geneva families understand what their child is experiencing and give kids the tools to feel calmer, more confident, and more like themselves.
Our office is in nearby St. Charles, just a few minutes from Geneva schools, parks, and neighborhoods. We welcome children and teens from across Geneva, and we also offer secure telehealth sessions for families located in Illinois when an online visit is a better fit.
Child Therapist in Geneva, IL
Signs Your Child May Benefit From Therapy
Every child is different, but some signs suggest it may be time to talk with a child therapist:
- Ongoing worry, fears, or clinginess that interfere with school or activities
- Frequent tantrums, anger outbursts, or defiance at home or school
- Sadness, irritability, or loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Trouble focusing, sitting still, or following through on tasks
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Struggles after a divorce, move, new sibling, or other family change
- Grief after losing a loved one or a pet
- Reactions to a frightening or traumatic event
- Low self-esteem or negative self-talk
You do not need to wait for a crisis. Early support often helps children build skills before small struggles become bigger ones.
How Child Therapy Works
Child therapy looks different from adult talk therapy. Young children often communicate best through play, art, and stories, so our therapists meet kids where they are. A session might include drawing, building, games, or role-play, all chosen with a clear purpose. Through these activities, children express feelings, practice new coping skills, and work through experiences that are hard to talk about directly.
Our child therapists use evidence-based approaches that fit your child’s age and needs, including:
- Play therapy to help younger children express emotions and process experiences naturally
- Art therapy to give kids a creative outlet for feelings they cannot yet put into words
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help children recognize unhelpful thoughts and replace them with calmer, more balanced ones
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills to support older children and teens with emotional regulation
- Trauma-focused approaches for kids healing from difficult or frightening experiences
Support for Common Childhood Challenges
Our team works with children and teens facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum challenges, anger, grief, trauma, school stress, and social difficulties. For teens ages 13 to 18, we also help with identity questions, peer pressure, academic pressure, and the emotional ups and downs of growing up. Teen sessions can be scheduled after school to limit missed class time.
When formal psychological testing is needed, such as for an ADHD or learning evaluation, we can refer you to trusted outside psychologists and continue supporting your child in therapy.
Parents Are Part of the Process
You know your child best, and your involvement makes a real difference. Your child's therapist will check in with you regularly, share general progress while respecting your child's trust, and offer practical strategies you can use at home. Many parents find these conversations help them feel more confident handling tough moments, from bedtime battles to school-morning anxiety.
Matched With the Right Child Therapist
The right fit matters, especially for kids. When you reach out, we learn about your child's age, personality, and concerns, then match your family with a clinician who has experience in that area. Our team includes licensed professional counselors and a licensed clinical social worker who enjoy working with young people and know how to help them feel safe.
More Counseling Services for Geneva Families
A child’s struggles often connect to what is happening in the wider family. Alongside child therapy, Geneva families can work with our team on:
- Family Therapy – Support for the whole household to improve communication, set consistent routines, and work through changes together.
- Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling – Help for parents who want to strengthen their partnership, parent as a team, and reduce tension at home.
What You’ll Gain
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you work with?
We work with children and teens, including adolescents ages 13 to 18. We match each child with a therapist experienced in their age group.
Will I be in the room during my child's sessions?
It depends on your child’s age and needs. Younger children sometimes have a parent join part of the session. Older kids and teens often meet privately, with regular parent check-ins.
How do I explain therapy to my child?
Keep it simple and positive. You might say they will meet someone whose job is to help kids with feelings, and that they may play games or draw together. Avoid framing it as a punishment.
Do you offer testing for ADHD or autism?
We do not provide psychological testing in-house. We can refer you to trusted outside psychologists for evaluation and continue to support your child in therapy.
Can my child attend therapy online?
Yes. Secure telehealth sessions are available for families located in Illinois. Online sessions often work well for older children and teens, while many younger kids do best in person.
Schedule With a Child Therapist Near Geneva
If you are worried about your child, you do not have to figure it out alone. Call Consider Yourself Counseling Services at (630) 222-7375 or send us a message through our contact form. We will help you find a child therapist who can support your child and your whole family.