Child Therapist in Oak Park IL Courtney Bledsoe LCSW

play. connect. thrive.

Therapy for children in Oak Park IL

Virtual in Chicago and across Illinois

Child Therapist offering full evaluations as well as ongoing therapy for children with ADHD, anxiety, friendship challenges, meltdowns, big feelings, and sibling conflict.

Parenting can fill your heart when you see your child shine and be heartbreaking when you see them struggle.


Are you concerned that your child…

  • struggles to to handle day to day expectations

  • reacts with big feelings to any frustration or disappointment

  • feels afraid and nervous most of the time

  • creates a power struggle in almost any situation

  • resists getting ready for school, mealtimes, bedtimes

  • feels unhappy and isn’t enjoying things in same the way

  • struggles at school and you are getting frequent phone calls

You love your child so much, but it is so hard for both of you right now.


You see your friends' families and it just doesn’t look like what happens in your house. You wake up determined to have the day go smoothly and to show your child patience. But by the end of breakfast that feels impossible. 

You avoid certain outings because you are worried your child might have a meltdown. Family gatherings are not fun anymore because you receive so many unhelpful suggestions or feel judged when your child is having a hard time.

It feels impossible to balance all of your responsibilities because your child just seems to need so much from you. You have read parenting books, listened to podcasts, talked to friends, but you are more confused than ever. It is affecting your sleep, your relationship with the rest of your family and you feel fear about what the future holds for your child.

 What if your child

  • Used positive coping skills when they are upset?

  • Learned to be more flexible?

  • Took part in your family’s everyday routines?

  • Helped out with chores around the house?

  • Developed skills to make friends and do well at school?

What if you

  • Knew what to do and say when your child was upset?

  • Understood your child’s behavior and felt empowered to take action?

  • Felt warm and loving rather than frustrated and angry?

  • Went to bed feeling positive and confident about your parenting?

  • Woke up hopeful about how the day would go?

How therapy works

Your child can learn to manage big feelings.

Therapy for children can help to…

  • Identify the core difficulties that are getting in the way of your child being their best 

  • Improve your connection with your child so you can be their advocate and biggest support

  • Improve your child’s ability to label and talk about their feelings so they aren’t acting those feelings out through difficult behavior

  • Improve your child’s ability to handle the day to day frustrations so meltdowns are less intense and less frequent

  • Capture time and energy back for work, other relationships and yourself

  • Rediscover fun and playfulness with your family

Frequently asked questions about therapy for children

FAQs

 Your child and family is worth investing in.