Westside Children's Therapy

12/12/2025

Westside Children's Therapy 🤝 Al's Cookie Mixx

We are thrilled to share Al's Cookie Mixx's locally-made gourmet cookies with our community partners! Their commitment to building careers for adults with disabilities goes hand-in-hand with our mission to help kids develop life skills with confidence. Thank you so much to everyone on the Al's team for their incredible work! 🍪✨

12/10/2025

🎧 New episode of In Session is here!

We’re talking all about counseling for older kids and teens—what sessions look like, how therapy supports them, and why these years matter so much.

Westside’s Dr. Joyce Kraus and Kevin Stromberg break down how counseling helps with stress, anxiety, friendships, school pressure, identity, and everything that comes with growing up.

If you have teens, work with teens, or just care about youth mental health, this one’s a must-listen. 💛

🎧 Listen now on YouTube or your favorite streaming platform! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUH6ktQi7s4

12/09/2025

We have another gift recommendation on deck from one of our SLPs, Erika! 💬

With this toy set, your kiddos can expand their vocabulary and visual identification skills through finding numbers and surprises in every box. For more surprises you can share this holiday season, check out our 2025 Sensory Gift Guide on our blog! 🎁

12/05/2025

Snowy skies made the Rockford Stroll on State Parade even more magical! ❄️

After the parade, Westside proudly hosted Sensory Santa, giving kiddos a calm, welcoming space to meet the big guy himself, and their smiles said it all. Needless to say everyone made the nice list this year!

A huge thank you to the Rockford Public Library for partnering with us to help create these special moments for families in our community. ❤️ 🎅

12/04/2025

Part 2 of “All About ABA” is here! 🎧

Chief Clinical Officer Sarah Trautman, M.A., BCBA, is back—this time breaking down how family dynamics play a huge role in every child’s ABA journey. From routines to communication to daily rhythms, ABA supports the whole family system. Don’t miss it!

12/02/2025

This month, our therapists are highlighting sensory gifts you can give your kiddos this holiday season! 🎁❄️

Whether you use kinetic sand, rice, or even soapy water, sensory bins are a great way to provide sensory input at home while enriching fine motor skills, communication, and emotional regulation.

Check out our latest blog for more gift recommendations! ➡️ https://westsidechildrenstherapy.com/blog/

12/01/2025

✨ Back by popular demand… our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide is here!
Discover this year’s top therapist-recommended gifts that make playtime fun and functional.
🎁 Check it out now! https://westsidechildrenstherapy.com/2025-annual-holiday-gift-guide-fun-therapeutic-and-developmentally-supportive-gift-ideas/

11/29/2025

Stroll on State is ON! If you plan to attend please be careful and use caution when driving! We will see you at the parade and at the sensory Santa at the Rockford Public Library!

11/27/2025

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from Westside Children’s Therapy!

We’re so grateful for our incredible staff, our amazing kiddos and families, and the community partners who support our mission every day.

Thank you for helping make Westside such a special place.
Wishing you all a warm and joyful holiday! 🧡🍂

11/26/2025

🎙️ New Podcast Episode: ABA – Fact or Fiction?

There’s a lot of information out there about ABA… but what’s true and what’s not? 🤔

In our latest episode, Chief Clinical Officer Sarah Trautman breaks down common myths, talks about what good ABA really looks like, and shares tips to help parents choose quality providers.

If you’ve ever had questions about ABA, this one’s for you. 💡💛

🎧 Listen now on YouTube or your favorite streaming platform! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyykj4Or4BY

11/24/2025

Parent Counseling Now Available! -

We know supporting a child with unique needs can be both rewarding and overwhelming, and our experienced therapists are here to help with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep challenges, and more. Caring for yourself is an important part of caring for your child and we’re here to support you every s...