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.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation and begin rebuilding your connection.