Child Therapy in Encino
Child Therapy in Encino with Julie Klamon, LMFT
Children notice more than adults give them credit for. They feel the tension when a household is stretched thin, when a parent is working late again, when something at home has changed and no one has explained it. They just do not always have the words. A child who is struggling may get clingy, melt down over small things, complain of stomachaches, or go quiet. Child therapy gives your son or daughter a place to sort through those feelings with someone trained to hear what kids are saying even when they are not saying much.
I have spent more than 20 years as a licensed marriage and family therapist, and a good part of my early career was at a Los Angeles agency working directly with children recovering from trauma. That background gave me real skill in understanding how young minds process hard experiences, and it shapes how I work with every child I see in Encino today.
My office is in Agoura Hills, about 30 minutes from Encino on the 101 West. For younger children, in-person sessions usually work best, though virtual sessions are also available across California.
Child Therapy for the Encino Community
Encino is a family-focused, high-achieving place, and that shapes the children growing up here. School matters a great deal to Encino parents, and kids pick up on that early. By third or fourth grade some are already worried about grades, comparing themselves to classmates, or feeling like they have to keep up. Whether your child is at a sought-after public school like Lanai Road Elementary, another LAUSD campus, or a local private school, the pressure to perform can land harder on a young child than the adults around them realize.
Many of the struggles I see in Encino kids are the same ones children face everywhere: worry about school, trouble making or keeping friends, big feelings that come out as tantrums or shutdowns, and adjusting to a move, a new sibling, or a separation at home. Busy households add their own layer, since two working parents and a full schedule can leave little quiet time for a child to be heard. Whatever is going on, I meet your child where they are and help them build the skills to feel steadier and less overwhelmed.
My Approach to Child Therapy
Children ages 8 through 10 are in a particular spot developmentally. They are old enough to have complicated feelings and to grasp cause and effect, but they often cannot put what is happening inside into words. So I do not rely on talk alone. I use play, art, age-appropriate mindfulness, and therapeutic games to help a child name what they are feeling and learn what to do with it. You can read more about my general approach on my child therapy page.
Parents are part of this from day one. We start with a conversation about what you are seeing at home and at school, and I check in with you throughout. Your child's sessions are their own private space, but I make sure you leave with the information and tools to support them between appointments.
What Parents Should Know
You do not need to have it all figured out before you call. A lot of Encino parents reach out unsure whether what they are seeing is serious enough for therapy. Here is the honest answer: if something feels off to you, that instinct is worth listening to. A child does not have to be in crisis to benefit from working with a therapist. Sometimes early support is exactly what keeps a small problem from growing into a big one. I am glad to talk through what you are noticing and help you decide whether therapy is the right step.
Who I Work With
Children Ages 8-10
Parents and Caregivers
Families
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy in Encino
I work with children ages 8 through 10 for child therapy. Kids in this range are old enough to talk about their feelings but still do best with creative and activity based work in session. For children 11 and older, I offer teen therapy, which fits the developmental needs of adolescents.
Look for changes that stick around longer than a couple of weeks. A child who was outgoing and has gone quiet. Trouble at school or with friends that is new. Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause. More anger or tears than usual, or slipping back into younger behaviors. These can be signs your child is carrying something they cannot manage alone.
Yes. Encino families place a high value on school, and many local students feel that early. Whether your child attends a sought-after public school like Lanai Road Elementary, another LAUSD campus, or a private school, I take academic pressure and the social dynamics of high-achieving families into account when I work with them.
Yes. I usually meet with parents at the start to understand what is happening at home and at school, and I check in regularly to share what I am seeing and suggest things to try. Your child's individual sessions are their own private space, but I keep you informed and part of the overall plan.
My office is at 28310 Roadside Dr. #249 in Agoura Hills, about 30 minutes from Encino on the 101 West. For younger children, in-person sessions usually work best, though I also offer virtual sessions across California.
Yes, virtual sessions are available to families anywhere in California. For most younger children I find in-person work more effective because so much happens through play and activity, but virtual can be a good fit for check-ins or for families with scheduling that makes the drive hard.
In-Person and Virtual Child Therapy Near Encino
My office in Agoura Hills, CA 91301 is convenient for in-person child therapy near Encino. I also see families from neighboring communities, including Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, and Woodland Hills. Virtual sessions are available for families located anywhere in California.
If your child is struggling and you are not sure what to do, a conversation can help bring things into focus. Schedule a complimentary phone consultation and we can talk about what you are seeing and whether therapy is the right next step.