Child PTSD Therapy for Adults in Scottsdale, AZ
What is PTSD in Children?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children can develop after they experience or witness a terrifying or deeply distressing event—such as abuse, natural disasters, accidents, violence, or the sudden loss of a loved one.
Unlike adults, children often struggle to express their emotional trauma in words. It may show up instead as nightmares, emotional outbursts, regression in behavior, separation anxiety, or becoming unusually withdrawn.
Signs of PTSD in Children
- Repetitive play that reenacts the trauma
- Nightmares or trouble sleeping
- Fear of being alone
- Angry outbursts or extreme irritability
- Emotional numbness or detachement
- Physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches
- Avoidance of reminders related to the trauma
Therapy for PTSD: How We Can Help
Our trauma-informed therapists use proven techniques tailored to your child’s age and needs, including:
- Play Therapy (for younger children)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- EMDR Therapy for Children
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- We also work closely with parents and caregivers to create a nurturing environment that reinforces healing at home.
How PTSD Affects Your Child’s Life
When left unaddressed, PTSD can affect every part of a child’s development—emotionally, socially, and even physically. It can lead to trust issues, low self-esteem, difficulties in school, and long-term anxiety or depression.
But with the right support, healing is possible. At Pathways, we help children reclaim a sense of safety and strength.
Support for Parents and Caregivers
You may feel helpless watching your child struggle—but you’re not alone. We help parents understand PTSD symptoms, respond in supportive ways, and strengthen the parent-child bond as part of the healing process.
A Message from Our Team
At Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, we’ve helped hundreds of children and families navigate PTSD and trauma recovery. Our compassionate, trauma-informed team creates a safe, welcoming space for your child to feel seen and heard.
Whether your child is just beginning to show signs or has been struggling for a while, our team is here to help.
Call us at 480-235-1682 book a free 15-minute consultation to get started or contact us through our form.
Our Therapists
Sofia Softas-Nall, MS, MA, LPC, NCC Licensed Professional Counselor | Nationally Certified Counselor Sofia Softas-Nall is a therapist in Scottsdale AZ and a Nationally Certified Co
Read MoreSofia Softas-Nall, MS, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC Licensed Professional Counselor | EMDR Certified Therapist in Scottsdale, AZ Helping Adults, Teens, Couples. Trauma and Anxiety,
Read MoreStephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Chloe Cheek, MA, LAC Licensed Associate Counselor in Scottsdale AZ Modalities: teens, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and major life tran
Read MoreChloe Cheek, MA, LAC
Therapist
Child PTSD Counseling
Why choose us?
Meet your Therapist
Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor in Scottsdale, Arizona, with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and fear-based challenges. She is trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches, including exposure therapy, SBT and EMDR.
Stephanie believes in walking beside her clients with empathy, clarity, and clinical skill-offering a personalized approach to every individual. Her mission is to help you regain your confidence, reduce avoidance, and feel empowered again.
Outside the therapy room, Stephanie has been featured on. podcasts, radio shows, and panel discussions, where she speaks about trauma recover,, woman’s mental health, and practical therapy techniques.
Contact us today!
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