What Happens in Child Therapy? A Parent’s Guide
If you’ve ever Googled “child therapy near me,” closed the tab, and then opened it again five minutes later with a sigh—you’re not alone.
Starting therapy for your child can feel like a big step, especially when you don’t know what actually happens in those sessions. At Sunburst Psychology, we work with families across Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland who want to do right by their kids—but feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar terms, vague websites, and a dozen different therapy models.
Let’s clear the fog.
Here’s what to expect when your child begins therapy with us.
First: It’s Not Just Talking
Younger kids don’t always process emotions by talking them out like adults. (Actually, let’s be real—most adults don’t either.)
That’s why child therapy in Redmond and Bellevue often involves:
Play-based techniques that help kids express big emotions safely
Creative modalities like drawing, stories, or role-play
Body-based tools to teach emotional awareness and calming strategies
This isn’t fluff. It’s developmentally appropriate emotional work—and it helps build skills from the inside out.
The First Session Isn’t a Test—It’s a Relationship Starter
The first appointment is about making your child feel safe.
That might look like exploring the therapy room, playing a game, or drawing. It’s less about “fixing” and more about building trust with the therapist.
For older kids and teens, it might look like a conversation—with space for both you and your child to share what’s going on and what you hope therapy will help with.
Yes, You’ll Be Involved (In a Supportive Way)
At Sunburst Psychology, we believe parents are essential partners in the process.
That means:
You’ll have check-ins and collaborative discussions with the therapist
You may get home strategies to support what your child is working on
For younger kids, you might be invited into part of the session
This isn’t about blame or evaluation. It’s about giving you the tools to support your child’s growth between sessions.
We Focus on More Than Just Symptoms
Sure, we help with big emotions, tantrums, anxiety, and behavior challenges. But we’re not just managing symptoms—we’re helping kids understand themselves, connect with others, and feel more confident in who they are.
That’s why our approach combines:
Emotional skill-building
Relational and attachment-based support
Behavior strategies rooted in connection
Affirming, neurodivergence-informed care
We Work with the Whole Ecosystem
If it helps your child, we’ll collaborate with teachers, schools, pediatricians, and specialists—with your permission. Because your child doesn’t live in a vacuum, and support should follow them outside the therapy room.
Therapy for Kids in Redmond, Bellevue & Kirkland
If your child is struggling with emotions, behavior, transitions, or simply seems overwhelmed, child therapy can offer more than just coping—it can offer clarity, confidence, and connection.
At Sunburst Psychology, our child psychologists are here to help your child feel understood and supported—and to help you feel less alone in parenting them.
