Therapy for Children

Therapy for Children in Lancaster, Hershey, Lebanon, Pittsburgh, State College, York, or Online Anywhere in Pennsylvania

Therapy for Children

Being a kid can be difficult sometimes. It’s a crucial developmental period of growth and change during which children learn about the world and themselves. This can be overwhelming to some children since many are still learning all the tools and skills to help them cope with their emotions and life’s stressors. This is where therapy can provide support. Move Forward Counseling’s Therapy for Children can help your child learn the strategies and skills to take on the world.

Common Reasons Children Begin Counseling

You may be wondering if therapy could be helpful for your child. There are many reasons that parents seek counseling for children.

emotional outbursts or trouble managing strong feelings
difficulty with family dynamics or big transitions (such as big moves, divorces, or losses)

behavioral problems at home or in school

trouble separating from parents

difficulty with managing ADHD symptoms
aggression towards self or others

difficulty with making friends

difficulty with social cues

experiencing problems with anxiety

difficulty with self-esteem and confidence

How MFC's Counseling for Children Can Help

Building these essential life skills early on can help navigate the world a little easier. If you have questions about whether counseling might be right for your child, please don’t hesitate to chat or call scheduling.

Every child and family is different, so we tailor our therapy to each person’s unique needs. Therapy with children is often focused on skill-building so they can learn to understand themselves and the world around them. It can also help support the impact of trauma and provide families with evidence-based resources for healing.

What does MFC Counseling for Children look like?

Work during therapy sessions may include:

teaching children to identify and communicate their feelings.

building coping and mindfulness skills.

helping them have more positive and accurate/realistic thoughts.

building social skills.

It is common for parents or guardians to be included in their children’s therapy. This helps support your child in learning new skills, gives you tips to manage your own stress, aids life transitions, helps alleviate caregiver stress, and brings out your strengths as a parent.

Begin Therapy for Children in Pennsylvania

You and your child do not need to feel alone in learning skills and managing behavioral problems. Therapy services can provide the support you need. Our practice has many therapists who are ready and willing to help your child.

To start your child’s counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Contact our scheduling team to be matched with the right therapist.
- Schedule your initial appointment.
- Meet with one of our caring therapists for your intake appointment.
- Start learning skills and strategies to improve your child’s well-being.
- Visit resources like Psychology Today for articles and tests that can help you understand your parenting style and gain new perspectives.

Confidentiality and Therapy for Children

In Pennsylvania, children under the age of 14 must access services through a parent or legal guardian. The law requires at least one parent or guardian (with legal custody) to sign consent forms. While you, as a parent, have the right to know everything that occurs in the session, it is important to note that your child’s therapist may be intentional about not sharing every detail your child shares in the session.

Children often build trust by knowing that their therapist will only share the important, must-know information with their parents. Rest assured, if there are risks of your child harming themselves or someone else, the therapist will inform you and take appropriate actions to ensure your child is safe.

Meet Our Therapy for Children Therapists

Move Forward Counseling has caring and experienced therapists specializing in counseling and therapy for children.

Choose Your Location

Emily Moore

State College

Julia Litman

Lancaster

Amanda Richardson

Lebanon

Maggie Myers

York

Richard Hale

York

Natasha Schmidt

Online Therapy PA

Nicol Grim

Lancaster

Amber Butzer

Lancaster

Amber Butzer

Lancaster

Stephanie Rineer

Hershey

Lauren Shandler

Online Therapy PA

Angela Miller

Online Therapy PA

FAQs About Therapy for Children

How do I know if bullying or cyberbullying is affecting my child?

Childhood can be a particularly challenging time socially. Friend groups shift, children become more sensitive to peer acceptance, and much of their social life may extend into texts, group chats, gaming, and social media. If your child is experiencing bullying or cyberbullying, they may not tell you directly. There isn’t one sign that proves a child is being bullied.

Instead, pay attention to new or unexplained changes. If your child opens up, listen before jumping into problem-solving mode. Knowing that you believe them and will involve them in deciding what happens next can make it easier for them to continue talking.

Why is my child angry or irritable all the time?

Children can be angry or irritable for many reasons. Sometimes it’s a temporary response to stress, frustration, or developmental changes. Other times, frequent anger may be a sign that your child is struggling with feelings they don’t know how to express. Teaching children to learn to recognize what’s happening underneath their anger, identify triggers, communicate difficult emotions, and develop healthier ways to cope is a strategy that often helps. The goal isn’t to eliminate anger—anger is a normal emotion. The goal is to understand what the anger may be communicating and help your child learn what to do with it.

How do I know if my child's anxiety is more than normal worrying?

Children worry about tests, friendships, how they look, what’s next. The line into something more clinical is less about whether they worry and more about intensity, duration, and impact.

Anxiety has lasted more than a few weeks and isn’t improving

It’s interfering with school, friendships, or family functioning

Your child is avoiding more and more situations

Physical symptoms are frequent and unexplained

Your child talks about being unable to control the worry, or the worry feels bigger than they can handle

Therapy can help middle schoolers understand what happens in their minds and bodies when they’re anxious, identify patterns that keep anxiety going, and develop healthier ways to respond to worries.

How do I set boundaries without damaging my relationship with my child?

Healthy boundaries don’t have to create distance. When they’re clear, consistent, and respectful, they can actually help children feel more secure.

Be clear about the reason for the boundary

Give them a voice without giving them the final decision

Validate feelings without changing the boundary

Choose which boundaries really matter

When your child breaks a rule, focus on the behavior rather than their character. A child should be able to experience a consequence while still knowing the relationship is secure.

How can I help my child cope with being left out?

It can be tempting to immediately fix the situation or reassure your child that it doesn’t matter. Instead, give them space to tell you what happened. Acknowledging their feelings doesn’t mean you’re agreeing with everything they believe about the situation. It lets them know their feelings are safe to share with you.

Encourage friendships in more than one setting. The goal isn’t to immediately replace one friendship. It’s to help your child discover that their sense of belonging doesn’t have to depend on a single person or group.

Find Relief For Your Teenager

Reach out today to get started with counseling for teens. Our supportive staff will help guide you through the scheduling process, discuss special requests and consult your insurance needs.