Developmentally-Informed Therapy for Children Indianapolis, Indiana
Support for Anxiety, ADHD, Attachment & Behavioral Challenges
Children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling.
Big emotions often show up as tantrums, withdrawal, anger, defiance, school avoidance, or anxiety. Sometimes behavior is the child’s way of saying, “Something doesn’t feel safe or manageable.”
At Maitri Counseling Collective (MCC), we provide developmentally-informed therapy for Children in Indianapolis and telehealth across Indiana. We help children and families understand the emotional needs underneath behavior and build tools for regulation, resilience, and connection.
What We Help With
We support children experiencing:
Social anxiety and fear
School avoidance
Temper tantrums
Anger and defiance
ADHD / ADD
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Anxiety and depression
Attachment issues
Trauma and abuse (physical, sexual, emotional)
Family conflict
Relationship struggles with caregivers or siblings
Emotional regulation challenges
Every child is different. Therapy is tailored to their developmental stage, personality, and family system.
Our Approach to developmentally-informed therapy for children
Children heal through safety, connection, and play.
We integrate evidence-based approaches including:
Informed Play Therapy
Play is a child’s language.
Through therapeutic play, children can:
Express emotions safely
Rehearse problem-solving
Work through trauma
Practice social skills
Build confidence
Informed Play therapy allows children to process experiences in ways that feel natural and non-threatening.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps children:
Recognize anxious or negative thought patterns
Build coping tools
Strengthen emotional awareness
Practice new behavioral responses
CBT is especially effective for anxiety, depression, and school-related stress.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
For children with intense emotions, DBT skills help build:
Distress tolerance
Emotional regulation
Interpersonal effectiveness
Mindfulness
We adapt DBT skills in age-appropriate ways.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps children:
Understand feelings without being overwhelmed
Build flexibility in thinking
Identify values (even at young ages)
Take small brave steps toward goals
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS helps children understand their “parts”:
The angry part
The scared part
The worried part
The protective part
Rather than labeling behavior as “bad,” we explore what each part is trying to protect.
Children exist within relationships.
Attachment-Based & Systems Therapy
We work closely with caregivers to:
Strengthen attachment bonds
Improve communication
Create consistent structure
Reduce power struggles
Increase emotional safety at home
Parent involvement is often a key component of successful child therapy.
Child Therapy Near Me in Indianapolis
If you are searching for:
Child therapist near me
Informed Play therapy Indianapolis
ADHD therapy for kids Indianapolis
Therapy for school avoidance
Child anxiety therapist Indiana
MCC provides in-person child therapy in Indianapolis and telehealth services throughout Indiana when appropriate.
When Should I Consider Therapy for My Child?
It may be time to seek support if:
Emotional outbursts feel frequent or intense
School refusal becomes ongoing
Your child seems withdrawn or fearful
Behavior feels escalating or hard to manage
Trauma or abuse has occurred
Family stress is impacting your child’s wellbeing
Early support often leads to better long-term outcomes.
Supporting Families, Not Just Children
At MCC, we believe children thrive when families feel supported.
We collaborate with caregivers to:
Understand behavioral patterns
Build consistent strategies
Improve emotional communication
Reduce shame and blame
Strengthen connection
You are not failing as a parent. Sometimes families simply need new tools.
Child & Play Therapy in Indianapolis & Indiana
In-person sessions in Indianapolis
Telehealth across Indiana (when clinically appropriate)
We provide compassionate, developmentally informed therapy for children navigating anxiety, trauma, ADHD, attachment struggles, and behavioral challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age do you see children?
We work with children at various developmental stages and tailor therapy accordingly.
Do parents participate in therapy?
Often, yes. Parent involvement helps reinforce progress outside sessions.
Is Informed Play therapy effective?
Yes. informed play therapy therapy is a research-supported approach that allows children to process emotions and experiences safely.
Do you treat ADHD and ODD?
Yes. We use structured, skill-based approaches alongside attachment-informed care.
Begin Child Therapy at MCC
If your child is struggling, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Child therapy at Maitri Counseling Collective creates a steady space for healing, emotional growth, and stronger family connection.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation.

