Child and Behavioral Therapy in Fort Lauderdale
Child and behavioral therapy at Challenges Conquered Counseling helps Fort Lauderdale families work out what is underneath a child's behavior and what to do about it. We see children from early elementary through middle school at our Cypress Creek office or by secure video, with parents involved throughout.
Behavior is how kids say it
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.
We work with children roughly from early elementary age through middle school, and 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 feel instead of acting it out, and that alone changes a lot at home.
Why families come to us
Families come for big feelings and anger that boil over, worry that keeps a child from sleeping or separating, behavior 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. When it is a parent's own temper that is getting in the way at home, our page on anger and temper counseling describes how adults can work on their reactions in private sessions. Some children's worries come with repeated rituals, checking, or intrusive thoughts, and our OCD therapy page explains how those sessions are approached.
If a divorce or separation is behind the strain, our co-parenting coaching in Fort Lauderdale helps parents keep the kids out of the middle. Parents going through the separation themselves can read about divorce and separation counseling, which offers private sessions for the adults.
Parents are part of the work
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.
Your therapist will tell you what is working and what to adjust, without turning each session into a report. With your permission, we can also talk with your child's school or pediatrician so everyone is working in the same direction.
A first visit, step by step
The first visit is usually time with you and your child to hear what has been happening, then time with your child to get comfortable. Nothing is rushed, and no one is graded. We explain what we noticed and what a plan could look like before you decide anything.
Children who are older, and starting to want more privacy, may be a better fit for our teen and adolescent therapy in Fort Lauderdale page. Anxiety is a common thread too, covered at anxiety therapy in Fort Lauderdale. When strain is spreading through the whole household, family therapy in Fort Lauderdale brings parents and children into the same room, and parents who need a place to talk about their own stress can read about parenting support counseling.
Where we see children
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 says your child needs support, that is worth acting on. Call (954) 600-9403 or request an appointment and we will walk you through what a first session looks like.
Frequently asked questions
What ages do you see?
We work with children roughly from early elementary age through middle school. Older teens are a better fit for our adolescent services. Call and tell us your child's age and what you are seeing, and we will point you to the right therapist.
Will I be involved in my child's therapy?
Yes. Parents are part of the work, not spectators. We talk with you about what we are seeing, give you concrete things to try at home, and help with language for school. Your therapist will tell you what is working without turning each session into a report.
What does a session look like for a young child?
It may include play, drawing, stories, movement or simple conversation, depending on the child. Kids do not process things the way adults do, so we meet them where they are. Over time a child learns to name feelings instead of acting them out.
Can you talk to my child's school or pediatrician?
Yes, with your permission. We ask first and share only what is needed, so everyone is working in the same direction on your child's behalf. We can also help you find words for talking to the school about what your child needs.
Can therapy be done by video?
Yes. Secure telehealth is available throughout Florida, which helps on weeks when getting everyone into the car is not realistic. Ask your child's therapist which format fits your child's age and attention span, and whether a mix of video and office visits would work best for your family.