Supportive, specialized child therapy in Oak Park & across Illinois
Helping your child rediscover the joy, play, and ease of being a kid.
This sure doesn’t feel like “just a phase.”
Kids don’t typically have the words to say “I’m overwhelmed,” “I’m feeling really sad,” or “I need some space to breathe.” Their emotions show up in other ways—meltdowns over board games, refusing to go to school, snapping at family members, or panicking when it’s time to sleep alone.
Maybe your child was once cheerful, upbeat, or even carefree, but now is completely withdrawn. They’re tightly wound and stressed out about everything—tests, friendships, bugs, the dark, being left out, or what might happen to you if you leave the room.
Other times, there’s anger, defiance, and behavior that feels hard to manage. Everything becomes a negotiation. The smallest things (the wrong color, a missing shoe, or driving a different way to school) spark a full-blown spiral.
You’ve tried being patient. You’ve tried being firm. You’ve read the parenting books. And still, nothing’s changed. You’re frustrated, tired, and if you’re really honest with yourself, very worried.
The goal isn’t to avoid the hard stuff, it’s to build your child’s capacity to handle it.
I know this is hard. Big feelings don’t come with instructions, and even though you know they’re “just a kid” sometimes it’s frustrating not being able to communicate or make a difference. That’s why I start with building trust—not just with your child, but with you, too. Before anything else, we hone in on what’s working, what’s not, and what your child actually needs from therapy. This allows me to understand your family’s unique story and challenges so we can move forward together.
The first sessions with your child aren’t about rushing to fix anything. Kids don’t always get therapy right away. Just like it is for some adults, meeting a new person and talking about hard stuff isn’t easy. So I focus on connection: playing, listening, and learning what lights them up. This foundation is essential. It sets the stage for your child to feel safe enough to open up and try new ways of handling tough feelings.
Your child can be anxious and still be brave.
Meanwhile, I keep you (the parents) in the loop every step of the way. We meet regularly because your role in their progress is crucial. Kids don’t grow new skills in isolation—they need support, guidance, and connection. And that always includes you. We’ll work together on clear goals, celebrate small wins (because those matter, a lot!), and figure out practical tools that make sense in your daily life.
Therapy isn’t magic, and it’s not instant. But with patience, intention, and the right support, your child can build the emotional skills they need to handle big feelings—and your whole family can find more calm, connection, and hope.
MY APPROACH
Here, your child can learn…
How to name, express, and move through feelings in safe ways
They aren’t a “bad kid” for feeling a certain way
That they are unique, loved, and capable
Tools to manage tough moments without acting out
How to face fear, try new things, and bounce back from mistakes
Therapy helps kids understand:
“My feelings are real. And I can handle them.”
Frequently asked questions about therapy for children
FAQs
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A few things are worth looking for. First, genuine specialization — someone whose practice is built around childhood anxiety, not a generalist who sees the occasional anxious kid.
Second, evidence-based approaches: CBT, ERP for OCD, and SPACE are the three with the strongest research behind them for children and adolescents.
Third, parent involvement — especially if your child’s anxiety has started affecting the whole family, you want a therapist who works with you, not just your child behind a closed door.
At Courtney Bledsoe LCSW PLLC, childhood anxiety is the core of everything we do. Courtney is one of only 19 certified SPACE providers in the world and the only one in Illinois. Kelly Owen, LSW, brings dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and Child Development from the Erikson Institute. If you’re not sure whether we’re the right fit, our free consultation is a good place to start — no pressure, just a conversation.
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The most well-researched approaches for childhood anxiety include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, and SPACE for families where parental accommodation is a significant factor. I offer all three at Courtney Bledsoe LCSW PLLC in Oak Park, with in-person and virtual options available throughout Illinois. Learn more.
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That’s okay! It’s common for kids to be hesitant at first. I focus on connection before conversation — whether that’s through play, art, games, or simply being together. And if talking takes time, that’s not a barrier to progress. I also work closely with parents—through SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and other parent-focused strategies—to create meaningful change at home. Even if your child isn’t ready to engage, there’s still so much we can do together to support growth, healing, and momentum. Learn more.
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I can provide a diagnosis when it’s appropriate, and I often collaborate with pediatricians—especially when a diagnosis may be helpful for things like school support or accommodations. While I don’t offer formal testing (like neuropsych or OT/PT evaluations), part of my role is helping you make sense of what’s going on and figuring out what kind of support will be most helpful. If additional evaluations are needed, I’ll walk you through the process and connect you with trusted providers.
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You’re not alone in that experience—many families come to me after other therapy hasn’t led to real change. My approach is relationship-first and deeply individualized. I take time to build trust, involve parents meaningfully, and focus on tools that actually help beyond the therapy room.
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Very involved! You are the most important person in your child’s life, and your insight is essential. I regularly meet with parents, not just to update you but to collaborate—because sustainable change happens when we’re all on the same page.
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I work directly with kids ages 5 to 14, and I also support parents of younger children—especially those with 3- or 4-year-olds who are navigating big emotions or challenging behaviors. That said, every family and situation is unique. If you're not sure whether it's the right fit, that’s exactly what the initial consultation call is for. I’d love to hear more about what’s going on and help you figure out the best next step. Schedule one HERE.