Who We Help
Child Therapy in Laguna Beach
Child Therapy at Third Street Counseling in Laguna Beach
Third Street Counseling provides therapy for children in Laguna Beach with a clinician who spent 18 years as a credentialed special educator. Parents are part of the process from the first free consult, and the therapy dogs often help with introductions.
- Quick facts
- Who it is for
- Children
- Formats offered
- In person in Laguna Beach and telehealth across California
- Clinician
- Elaine Pike, AMFT
- How to start
- Free consult with parent involvement from the start
What This Looks Like
What does child therapy look like at Third Street Counseling?
In Laguna Beach or by telehealth across California. You would see Elaine Pike, AMFT.
Child therapy at Third Street Counseling is led by Elaine Pike, AMFT, who spent 18 years as a credentialed special educator. Children rarely have the words adults do for what they are going through. Instead, they show us: trouble at school, changes in sleep or appetite, big reactions to small things, or pulling back from the people and activities they usually love.
Parents are part of the work from the start. The first conversation is a free consult where we learn what is going on and whether we are the right fit. From there, sessions are paced to the child, with parent involvement shaped by the child's age and what they need. The therapy dogs, Paix and Luz, are often the ones who help with introductions.
Elaine Pike, AMFT, brings a deep understanding of how children develop and how to read behavior as communication. A child who is acting out is often telling you something they cannot say in words. The therapy is about understanding what that something is and helping the child and the family respond to it together.
For children experiencing anxiety, the work involves helping them build a vocabulary for what worry feels like in their body and giving them practical tools to manage it. Parents learn how to support the process at home. You can read more about our approach to anxiety therapy for children on its dedicated page.
For children with ADHD or autism, Elaine Pike, AMFT, draws on 18 years of special-education experience to understand the wiring underneath the behavior. The therapy works with the child's neurodivergence rather than against it. Our ADHD therapy and autism therapy pages have more detail.
If the challenges your child is facing are affecting the whole family system, family therapy may also be relevant. The free consult is the place to talk through what fits your situation.
Free, no obligation. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Is This You?
What brings people to child therapy
If any of this sounds familiar, a free consult is the place to start.
Your child is showing it, not saying it
Trouble at school, changes in sleep or appetite, big reactions to small things, or pulling back from the people and activities they usually love.
You are not sure how to help
You can see your child is struggling, but you do not have the words for it either, and you want someone who does.
You want to be part of it
You are looking for therapy where parents are included from the start, not kept at arm's length.
Free, no obligation. No pressure, no sales pitch.
How to Start
How do I get started with child therapy?
You talk with a clinician, we learn what is going on, and we match you with the right therapist.
Every new client begins with a free consult. For children, this means a conversation with the parent to understand what is going on and whether we are the right fit. There is no paperwork to fill out before this call, and no commitment to continue.
If it is a fit, we schedule the first session at our Laguna Beach office or by telehealth. The therapy dogs, Paix and Luz, are often part of the first meeting. You can also learn more about what to expect on our insights page about your first therapy session in Laguna Beach.
Common Questions
Common questions about child therapy
Four questions we are asked most, answered before you call.
How involved will I be in my child's therapy?
Parents are part of the process from the first free consult. The level of involvement is calibrated to the child's age and needs. Younger children typically have more parent involvement, while older children and teens may have more private space. Your clinician will talk with you about what makes sense for your child.
What age range do you work with for child therapy?
Elaine Pike, AMFT, works with children across a range of ages, drawing on 18 years of special-education experience. If you are unsure whether your child is the right age for this practice, the free consult is the place to ask.
Can my child do telehealth sessions?
Telehealth can work for children, depending on the child's age, attention, and the family's preferences. Some younger children do better in person, where the therapy dogs can also be part of the session. The free consult is the place to discuss what fits your child.
What if my child has an IEP or special education needs?
Elaine Pike, AMFT, spent 18 years as a credentialed special educator and is deeply familiar with IEPs, school accommodations, and the intersection of therapeutic and educational needs. She can coordinate with your child's school if that would be helpful.
Related
Related to child therapy (3)
Nearest to this one: teen therapy, family therapy, and autism therapy.
Free, no obligation. No pressure, no sales pitch.