Child And Adolescent Therapy

Child & Teen Therapy in Newport Beach, CA

Name: Lisa Enneis M.A MFT Inc
Address: Newport Beach, CA

Children don’t always have the words to explain what’s wrong. Worry may appear as a stomachache before school; frustration may turn into an outburst; sadness may look like withdrawal. As a parent, you want to understand what’s happening and how to help.

I’m Lisa Enneis, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 35 years of clinical experience. I provide child counseling in Newport Beach, helping families explore anxiety, child behavior problems, emotional challenges, school worries, and changes at home. My approach considers each child’s developmental needs and family circumstances.

When Your Child Struggles, Look Beyond the Behavior

Growing up involves learning to express feelings, handle disappointment, make friends, and adapt to new situations. Occasional difficulties are normal, but persistent changes deserve attention.

Child counseling helps families understand the experiences behind these patterns. The aim isn’t simply to stop a behavior; it’s to support emotional understanding and healthier responses.

Parents May Notice:

Frequent emotional outbursts or trouble calming down
Worry about school, separation, or unfamiliar situations
Withdrawal from friends or favorite activities
Changes in sleep, motivation, or school participation
Difficulty with routines, transitions, or communicating needs

What Can Child Counseling Help With?

Childhood Anxiety and Separation Worries

School mornings, unfamiliar situations, or time away from caregivers can trigger intense worry. Counseling helps children recognize fears and practice age-appropriate coping skills.

Families can also explore my anxiety therapy services for related concerns.

Emotional Outbursts and Child Behavior Problems

Meltdowns, anger, defiance, and difficulty managing disappointment can disrupt home or classroom routines. We explore triggers, unmet needs, and ways to help children communicate frustration more constructively.

Friendship and Social Difficulties

Peer conflict, shyness, exclusion, or difficulty sharing can affect a child’s confidence. Counseling supports emotional awareness, communication, boundaries, and problem-solving.

Low Confidence and Emotional Withdrawal

A child who avoids challenges, speaks negatively about themselves, or loses interest in activities may need additional emotional support. Therapy provides space to explore these feelings and recognize strengths.

Family Changes, Separation, and Grief

Moving, parental separation, bereavement, or changes in caregiving can unsettle a child’s sense of security. Counseling helps children express their experiences and supports caregivers through transitions.

When relationships across the household need attention, learn about my family counseling services.

Attention, Learning, and Sensory Concerns

Challenges with focus, organization, transitions, or sensory experiences may affect school and home life. Understanding the child’s needs helps families identify appropriate support.

Explore my ADHD therapy and autism and sensory processing services for more information.

When Should You Seek a Child Therapist?

Consider reaching out when difficulties persist, intensify, or interfere with friendships, sleep, school attendance, or family life. The comparison below offers general guidance, not a diagnosis.

What Parents May Notice

When Additional Support May Help

Repeated school refusal or intense distress
Frequent outbursts disrupting routines
Ongoing avoidance of friendships or activities
Persistent withdrawal or loss of interest
Continuing distress affecting sleep or family life

If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis in the United States, call or text 988.

How I Approach Child Therapy in Newport Beach

I begin by learning about your child’s strengths, developmental stage, family relationships, school experiences, and current concerns. Children express themselves in different ways, so communication and therapeutic activities should fit their age and individual needs.

Together, we explore emotional triggers, build practical coping and communication skills, and identify ways caregivers can support progress at home. I discuss appropriate parent involvement and confidentiality expectations as part of the treatment process.

What Happens During the First Counseling Sessions?

Initial Conversation

We discuss your concerns, developmental background, and relevant school or family experiences.

Building Trust

I get to know your child’s interests, strengths, and communication needs.

Setting Goals

We identify meaningful changes to work toward at home, at school, or with peers.

Reviewing Progress

We revisit goals and adjust support based on your child’s needs.

Five Ways Parents Can Support Progress at Home

Name Emotions Without Judgment

Help your child identify worry, anger, sadness, and excitement.

Keep Routines Predictable

Consistency can make transitions feel more manageable.

Listen Before Correcting

Ask what happened and what your child was feeling.

Recognize Effort

Notice attempts to ask for help, try again, or solve a problem.

Model Calm Communication

Show how to handle frustration and disagreements respectfully.

Parent involvement varies with the child’s age, clinical needs, consent, and legal requirements. I explain how privacy and communication will work before treatment begins.

How Child Therapy Differs From Teen Therapy

Child therapy emphasizes developmentally appropriate emotional expression, everyday routines, school adjustment, and caregiver guidance. Teen counseling typically places more emphasis on independence, identity, peer relationships, and privacy. Keeping these services distinct helps families find support suited to their child’s stage of development.

For older adolescents, visit my Adolescent Therapy in Newport Beach page.

Meet Lisa Enneis, LMFT — Child Therapist in Newport Beach

Choosing a therapist for your child involves trust. I’m Lisa Enneis, a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 35 years of clinical experience supporting individuals and families. I consider each child’s strengths, emotional needs, and relationships rather than applying the same plan to every family.

Experience

35+ years of clinical experience with emotional, behavioral, and relationship concerns.

Credentials

California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License #30245.

Individualized Support

Counseling shaped around developmental needs and family circumstances.

Family Guidance

Appropriate caregiver involvement to support understanding and consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy

How do I know whether my child needs therapy?

Seek guidance when distress or behavior changes last, become more intense, or interfere with daily life. You do not need to wait for a crisis.

What ages do you work with?

The appropriate age range depends on the services and the child’s needs. Please contact me to confirm whether I currently work with your child’s age group.

Do parents attend child counseling sessions?

Caregiver participation is often important, especially for younger children. The format depends on treatment goals, consent, confidentiality, and clinical needs.

Can counseling help with school anxiety?

Yes, counseling can address school-related worries and coping skills. Learning, attention, bullying, or other concerns may also require additional support.

How long does child therapy take?

There is no fixed number of sessions. We review goals and progress as treatment continues.

How can I ask about an appointment?

You can contact me to discuss your child’s concerns, age, and appointment availability.

Child Counseling in Newport Beach, California

I see families at 1151 Dove Street, Suite 105, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Serving families in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Irvine, with telehealth options available where clinically and legally appropriate. Please confirm current availability and eligibility when scheduling.

Help Your Child Feel Understood and Supported Today

You don’t need to have every answer before asking for help. Whether you’re concerned about anxiety, emotional outbursts, friendships, or changes at home, we can begin by understanding your child’s needs and discussing appropriate next steps.