Child Therapy in Woodland Hills, CA
Child Therapy in Woodland Hills with Julie Klamon, LMFT
When a child is struggling, it can be hard to know exactly what is wrong. They may not have the words for it yet. What you see instead are behavioral shifts: more tantrums than usual, trouble sleeping, pulling away from friends, refusing to go to school, or a sudden change in mood that does not match anything obvious. If your child is between the ages of 8 and 10 and you live in or near Woodland Hills, therapy can help both of you understand what is going on beneath the surface.
With two decades of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT #37704), I have spent much of my career working with children. That includes more than a decade at a Los Angeles agency supporting young people recovering from difficult experiences. My office in Agoura Hills is about 15 minutes from Woodland Hills via the 101, and virtual sessions are available for families anywhere in California.
Child therapy in Woodland Hills does not have to feel clinical or scary for your kid. My sessions are warm, relaxed, and built around what makes each child comfortable. Kids at this age are perceptive and capable of real growth when they feel heard.
Supporting Children in Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills is part of LAUSD, and children here face the same pressures common across the district: large classrooms, standardized testing, and limited access to on-campus counseling. For families who moved to the neighborhood expecting strong schools and a stable environment, it can be disorienting when their child starts showing signs of distress. Some kids thrive in this setting, but others need extra support that the school system is not equipped to provide on its own.
Beyond academics, children in Woodland Hills grow up in a neighborhood that blends suburban calm with big-city energy. They are exposed to more information, more stimulation, and more social comparison than previous generations. A child who seems fine on the surface may be quietly struggling with worry, self-doubt, or difficulty managing strong emotions. Therapy gives them a place to work through those feelings with someone trained to listen at their level.
How I Work with Children
Children ages 8 to 10 are at a stage where they are developing a stronger sense of self and becoming more aware of the world around them. They can talk about feelings, but they also communicate through behavior, body language, and the way they interact during sessions. I pay attention to all of those channels. My goal is to help your child feel understood, build skills for handling difficult emotions, and develop confidence in their ability to cope with whatever they are facing.
You can learn more about how I work with young clients on my Child Therapy page. Parents are kept in the loop throughout the process, and I regularly share updates so you can support your child's progress at home.
A Note for Parents
Parents often ask me how involved they should be in their child's therapy. The answer depends on the child and the situation, but here is the general idea: I keep you informed and involved without turning your child's sessions into a report card. You will hear from me regularly about how things are going, and I will give you specific things you can do at home to support your child's progress. At the same time, your child needs to trust that what they say in our sessions stays between us, with exceptions for safety. That balance is something I have worked out with hundreds of families, and I will help you find the right level of involvement for yours.
Common Reasons Families Seek Child Therapy
Every child and family is different, but here are some of the concerns that bring Woodland Hills parents to my office:
- Anxiety: Persistent worry, school avoidance, stomachaches before school, fear of separation from parents. Learn more about anxiety therapy.
- Behavioral changes: Increased aggression, defiance, meltdowns, or withdrawal that seems out of character.
- Family transitions: Divorce, a new sibling, a move, or the loss of a grandparent or pet. Learn more about family therapy.
- Trauma: Reactions to accidents, abuse, witnessing something frightening, or other distressing events. Learn more about trauma therapy.
- Depression: Sadness that does not lift, loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite. Learn more about depression therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy in Woodland Hills
What does child therapy in Woodland Hills involve?
Child therapy starts with getting to know your child in a comfortable, low-pressure setting. I use age-appropriate methods to help children express their feelings and work through whatever is troubling them, whether that is anxiety, family changes, behavioral issues, or something else. Sessions are at my Agoura Hills office.
What ages do you work with for child therapy near Woodland Hills?
I work with children ages 8 through 10 for child therapy. Children in this age range are old enough to engage meaningfully in sessions and young enough that early support can make a lasting difference.
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Common signs include persistent worry or fearfulness, changes in eating or sleeping, frequent meltdowns beyond what is typical for their age, school avoidance, withdrawal from friends, or a noticeable shift in behavior after a family change or difficult event. If something feels off, a conversation with a therapist can help you figure out the next step.
Will you keep me updated on my child's progress?
Yes. Parents are an essential part of the process. I check in with you regularly to share general progress and offer guidance on how to support your child at home, while still maintaining your child's trust in the confidentiality of their sessions.
Can LAUSD school stress be a reason to seek child therapy in Woodland Hills?
Absolutely. Many children in LAUSD schools face academic pressure, social challenges, and adjustment difficulties that show up as anxiety, behavioral changes, or school refusal. Therapy can help your child develop the skills to handle these pressures more effectively.
Do you offer virtual child therapy for families in Woodland Hills?
Yes. I offer secure virtual sessions for children in California. Some children actually open up more easily from the comfort of their own home. We can discuss whether in-person or virtual would be the better fit for your child during an initial consultation.
Conveniently Located Near Woodland Hills
My office is at 28310 Roadside Dr. #249, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, just west of Woodland Hills on the 101 freeway. I also work with families from Tarzana, Encino, Calabasas, West Hills, Canoga Park, and other neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley.
Virtual sessions are available too. Some families looking for child therapy near Woodland Hills prefer the convenience of online sessions, especially when after-school schedules are tight or the commute is not practical on a given day.