Child Therapy Chicago

01/09/2026

Play as a Window to the Soul: How Therapists Listen to What Children Can’t Yet Say

Children are constantly learning to navigate a complex world and, sometimes, the feelings and challenges they face feel too overwhelming or too abstract for words. As adults, we often have the vocabulary and emotional awareness to articulate our struggles. But what about a child who is experiencing anxiety, sadness, or anger without the means to express it verbally? This is where play therapy becomes a powerful and invaluable tool.

At Child Therapy Chicago, we understand that play isn’t just about fun and games, it’s about communication and connection; it’s a child’s natural language. Through play, children can process experiences, explore emotions, and communicate their inner world in a way that feels safe and natural to them. Think of a child building a towering block structure to represent their sense of power, or gently tending to a doll to mirror their desire for care and comfort. Every action, every choice of toy, every narrative they create in their play offers a unique glimpse into their feelings, fears, and hopes.

Read more at https://www.childtherapychicago.com/2026/01/play-as-window-to-soul-how-therapists.html

12/11/2025

The best way to help a child or teen who is struggling with big feelings is simply to pause. Giving yourself a moment to be calm and reminding yourself that this behavior has meaning allows you to respond with compassion and understanding. This is the key to helping your kiddo regulate their emotions.

www.ChildTherapyChicago.com

12/04/2025

Raising a deeply feeling kid is both a gift and a challenge.

Their emotions arrive in full color—bright joys, big worries, tender hearts.

And behind every intense moment is something meaningful: a need, a fear, a wish, a story they can’t yet put into words.

When we stop trying to “manage” the behavior and start trying to understand the feeling beneath it, everything softens.

Deeply feeling kids don’t need fixing.

They need connection, curiosity, and a steady adult to help them carry all that depth.

www.ChildTherapyChicago.com

11/20/2025

11/13/2025

11/07/2025

For parents of children and teens with big feelings…

Parents often bring their kids to therapy feeling frustrated, confused, or worn down by their child or teen’s behavior. The emotional outbursts, the withdrawal, the snarkiness or refusal to talk — it can all feel overwhelming. In those moments, it’s natural to reach for strategies: What consequence will work? How can I stop the yelling? What can I say to get through?

But from a psychodynamic perspective, we start somewhere deeper.

We begin with understanding — because behavior, especially intense behavior, is almost always a messenger.

Read more at www.childtherapychicago.com

10/09/2025

🧠 Building Emotional Resilience in Children
Emotional regulation and resilience are skills that can be developed with patience, time, and support. This week, we’re sharing actionable tips to help your child build emotional strength. 💪💚

💬 Emotional Regulation Explained
Kids experience intense emotions, and that’s normal. Emotional regulation is learning to manage those feelings effectively.
With your guidance, kids can develop emotional resilience. 🌊
Remember, it’s a journey.

🌱 Why It Matters
When kids develop emotional regulation skills, they:
✅ Manage stress more effectively
✅ Build stronger, healthier relationships
✅ Develop lifelong resilience
It’s a valuable gift.

👣 Supporting Emotional Growth
Here are 4 ways to help:
1️⃣ Label and acknowledge emotions
2️⃣ Model healthy emotional regulation
3️⃣ Establish routines
4️⃣ Focus on effort
Small actions, significant impact. 💚

💛 You’re Doing Great
You don’t need to be perfect. Your presence, empathy, and consistency are key. Own up to mistakes!
You’re supporting your child’s emotional growth.

📩 More Resources?
Follow us for weekly insights on parenting, mental health, and child development.
DM us with questions or topics you’d like us to cover.
We’re here for you and your family. 💬

03/04/2025

Ways to nurture an authentic self in pre-teen girls:

1. Encourage self-reflection
2. Promote open communication
3. Foster independence
4. Model authenticity
5. Encourage positive peer relationships
6. Support interests and passions
7.Address media influences

02/18/2025

Understanding Mood Swings in Preteens

Navigating the emotional rollercoaster of pr***en years can be challenging for both kids and parents. Mood swings are a normal part of development as pr***ens experience hormonal changes and grapple with new social and emotional experiences.

Here are some tips for parents:

Be patient and understanding: Remember that your pr***en’s emotions are valid, even if they seem irrational to you.

Communicate openly: Encourage your pr***en to talk about their feelings and listen without judgment.

Set boundaries: While it’s important to be understanding, it’s also important to set clear expectations for behavior.

Seek professional help: If you’re concerned about your pr***en’s mood swings or if they’re impacting their daily life, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Remember, you’re not alone! Many parents experience similar challenges with their pr***ens. By understanding the causes of mood swings and implementing healthy coping strategies, you can help your pr***en navigate this challenging stage of life.

***enmoods