Child Therapy in Sherman Oaks
Child Therapy in Sherman Oaks with Julie Klamon, LMFT
Children do not always have the words for what is bothering them. A child who is struggling might melt down over small things, refuse to go to school, complain of stomachaches before a test, or pull away from friends they used to love. Parents often sense that something is off well before they can name it. When that worry settles in, having a place to bring your child can make a real difference.
I have spent more than 20 years as a licensed marriage and family therapist working with children, and a great deal of that time has been spent with kids who could not yet explain their inner world out loud. Through play, art, and conversation pitched to their level, children show me what they are carrying. My job is to help them understand those feelings and give them ways to handle them, and to help you support them at home.
My office in Agoura Hills is about 30 to 35 minutes from Sherman Oaks via the 101 West. For younger children I usually recommend meeting in person, since so much of the work happens through play and connection.
Signs a Child Might Benefit From Therapy
Childhood comes with normal ups and downs, and not every hard week means your child needs therapy. What I pay attention to is whether a struggle is lasting and whether it is getting in the way of everyday life. Some of the things parents bring to me include:
- Frequent worry, fearfulness, or trouble separating from a parent
- Sadness, irritability, or sudden changes in mood
- Meltdowns, anger, or behavior that feels out of proportion
- Trouble at school, refusing to go, or a drop in focus
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Reactions to a divorce, a move, a loss, or a frightening event
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or physical complaints with no medical cause
Child Therapy for the Sherman Oaks Community
Sherman Oaks is a family-dense neighborhood where parents take their children's development seriously. That care is a gift, but it comes with a particular kind of pressure. Kids here often grow up surrounded by high expectations, packed schedules, and a steady awareness of how they stack up against classmates. I work with children who are anxious about grades long before that should be on their minds, who are perfectionistic about schoolwork, or who feel they have to earn approval by performing.
Families in the area also navigate divorce, blended households, and the demands of careers that pull parents in many directions, including work tied to the entertainment industry. Children feel all of it, even when no one says a word. Therapy gives them a steady, private space that belongs only to them, where the goal is not to impress anyone but simply to feel better and understood.
How I Approach Child Therapy
With children, the relationship comes first. A child will not open up to someone who feels like another adult evaluating them. I take time to build trust, and I meet kids where they are using play, art, and the kinds of activities that help them express what they cannot yet put into words. From there we work on naming feelings, calming a worried body, and learning what to do when emotions get big. You can read more about my general approach on my child therapy page.
Parents are part of this. I meet with you regularly to share what I am noticing and to give you practical strategies you can use between sessions. Children do not exist in a vacuum, and the changes tend to stick when the whole family is rowing in the same direction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy in Sherman Oaks
Therapy may help if your child is struggling in a way that is interfering with daily life. Frequent worry, sadness, anger, trouble at school, low self esteem, or difficulty getting along with other kids can all be reasons to reach out. Therapy is also useful when a child is dealing with a big change such as a divorce, a move, a loss, or a frightening event.
Yes. Parents are an important part of the work. How involved you are depends on your child's age and what we are working on, but I meet with parents regularly to share what I am seeing, answer questions, and give you concrete things to try at home.
Very common. Sherman Oaks is a competitive, high-achieving area, and that pressure reaches kids early. I see children who are anxious about tests, perfectionistic about their work, or worried about keeping up with classmates. Therapy gives them tools to manage that stress and helps parents understand what their child actually needs versus what the environment is pushing.
My Agoura Hills office is about 30 to 35 minutes from Sherman Oaks via the 101 West. For children, I usually recommend meeting in person when possible, since play and connection work better face to face. I do offer secure virtual sessions anywhere in California when that fits a family's schedule better.
Who I Work With
Children (8+)
Teens
Adults
Seniors
In-Person and Virtual Child Therapy Near Sherman Oaks
My office is in Agoura Hills, CA 91301, a straightforward drive west of Sherman Oaks on the 101. I also see families from the surrounding communities, including Encino, CA, Studio City, CA, Van Nuys, CA, and Woodland Hills, CA. Virtual therapy sessions are available to anyone located anywhere within the state of California.
If you have been worried about your child and are not sure where to turn, I am glad to talk it through. Schedule a complimentary phone consultation and we can figure out the right next step together.