When a child is struggling, it rarely shows up as a child saying “I am struggling.” It shows up as meltdowns over small things, notes home from school, trouble sleeping, refusing to go to class, or a kid who used to be easygoing and suddenly is not. Child and behavioral therapy at Challenges Conquered Counseling gives Fort Lauderdale families a place to figure out what is underneath the behavior and what to do about it.

We work with children roughly from early elementary age through middle school, and we work with the parents right alongside them. Kids do not process things the way adults do, so we meet them where they are. That can mean play, drawing, stories, movement, or simply talking with someone who is not going to lecture them. Over time, a child learns to name what they are feeling instead of acting it out, and that alone changes a lot at home.

Families come to us for a wide range of reasons: big feelings and anger that boil over, anxiety and worry that keeps a child from sleeping or separating, behavior that teachers keep flagging, a divorce or move that shook things up, grief, or a hard experience the family is still recovering from. Some parents arrive certain something is wrong. Others just know their child is not okay and want an honest opinion.

Parents are part of the work, not spectators. After we get to know your child, we talk with you about what we are seeing and give you concrete things to try at home, along with language for talking to the school. Consistency between the therapy room and the living room is what makes progress stick.

Our Fort Lauderdale office is at 800 E Cypress Creek Rd, Suite 431, and we also offer secure telehealth sessions throughout Florida, which helps on weeks when getting everyone into the car after school is not realistic. We accept many major insurance plans and will check your benefits before the first appointment so you know your costs up front.

If your gut is telling you your child needs support, that is worth acting on. Request an appointment or call (954) 600-9403 and we will walk you through what a first session looks like.