At Child Therapy Specialists, we specialize in counseling children. 

We offer counseling for Wichita children, parents, and families in a private, comfortable setting so that children can deal with their issues, thrive, and grow to their potential.   Depending on the age of the child, we may use talk therapy, play therapy, family therapy, or a mixture of interventions.  Our staff includes a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor. We have a special play therapy room for young children—we do not expect children to do therapy like an adult.

Children have struggles in their lives. They are developing fast and going through many rapid changes.  They may be coping with changes in their families, schools, or neighborhoods as well.  Many times they are not able to communicate well about the things that bother them to the people that love them.   They become anxious, angry, or misbehave, and their parents become concerned and confused, uncertain how they can help them or whether the child needs professional help.

Sometimes children get through the changes fine without professional intervention, especially with the help of stable, supportive caregivers who know what they need to do to help.  Sometimes, however,  children develop dysfunctional coping behavior and develop issues and insecurities that  leave effects that will last throughout their life if left unaddressed.

The most effective time to address these issues is at the earliest possible time. 

It is more effective to address the issues early than waiting and letting them try to address these old issues and behaviors in adulthood, when the behaviors are habitual, the emotional effects are a part of their personality and they may lack the skills needed for good emotional control and good personal relationships which are essential for happy adult life.  Therapy for children is designed to understand and support them at their developmental level, and teach them helpful social and emotional skills so they can grow and develop in the healthiest manner and "be all they can be". 

Children are different from adults and they need a special kind of therapy designed to meet their developmental needs. 

Children communicate differently and therapy for them needs to be different than therapy for adults.  Play is a part of every normal childhood and is the natural form of communication for youngsters.  The parts of the brain involved in creativie activities like drawing, storytelling and play are directly linked to their emotions.  Play can often be effectively used to enable behavioral change even after parents, teachers, or other counselors have not had success using logic and telling children what they need to do to change. 

Susan Huebert is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Workers with advanced training in play therapy.  She has met the Association for Play Therapy's standards and hold the Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor credential. In addition to a master's degree, these standards include academic coursework specific to children and their play, 2 years of clinical experience, and a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised play therapy experience.  Ingrid Dennis and Judi Emerson also have training and experience in play therapy, but are not Registered Play Therapists.  Michael Bonebrake does not use play therapy, and limits his practice to older children, adolescents, and adults.

Why is this important?  Even talkative and intelligent children are not always developmentally able to express and work through their feelings verbally like adults.  Play therapy allows children to use their natural creativity and ability to heal in ways best suited to their developmental level.  Through the use of dolls, puppets, trucks, artwork, games and other toys, children share their experiences and give the therapist a view of the world through their eyes.

When a child is in emotional pain, you want the best possible care.  Select a therapist with the training to give it. 

Call today! (316) 729-9965 For an appointment ortelephone consultation.

What if I’m not sure if professional help for my child is needed?   

How should a child be prepared for counseling?

How long does child therapy take? 

What is play therapy?

Why use play in therapy with children?

What is a play therapist?

Who can be a Registered Play Therapist?  

Is play therapy an accepted, effective treatment method?

Why are some health professionals, and even mental health professionals, not well informed about play therapy with children?

What does the scientific research say about play therapy?