How to Find an Anxiety Therapist in San Jose for Children
Childhood anxiety can feel overwhelming—not just for your child but for the entire family. If you’re a parent in San Jose searching for the right support, this guide will help you understand childhood anxiety, how an anxiety therapist can help, and how to find the right professional for your child. No parent should feel lost when it comes to their child’s well-being, and you’re taking an important first step by seeking guidance.
My name is Hannah Ly, and I’m an anxiety therapist in San Jose specializing in working with children and teens. Finding the right therapist for your child’s anxiety can feel overwhelming, and I understand how important it is to find someone who truly connects with your child and meets their unique needs. I’m here to guide you through this process, helping to make it easier and less stressful for you and your family.
Understanding Childhood Anxiety
What Is Childhood Anxiety?
Anxiety in children isn’t just about occasional nerves—it’s a constant, overwhelming presence that can make life incredibly hard, not just for the child, but for the entire family. Kids with anxiety often worry excessively about school, friends, and even the simplest routines. This can lead to frequent stomachaches, sleepless nights, irritability, trouble focusing, and emotional outbursts that leave parents feeling helpless and drained.
Anxiety’s Impact on Families
When a child struggles with anxiety, the whole family feels the strain. It can disrupt daily routines, create tension, and leave parents unsure of how to help or where to turn. Left untreated, anxiety doesn’t just hold the child back—it affects their emotional, social, and academic growth, making it harder for them to feel confident or build healthy relationships. But there’s hope. Recognizing the signs and seeking professional support can not only help your child thrive but also bring relief and balance to your family. You’re not alone in this struggle, and with the right steps, healing is possible for everyone.
The Role of an Anxiety Therapist for Children
How an Anxiety Therapist Can Help
An anxiety therapist works with children to help them manage their feelings and develop healthy coping skills. Therapy often uses creative, engaging techniques like play therapy, which allows children to express their emotions in a safe and non-threatening way. Through play, children can communicate feelings they may not have the words to share, building trust and fostering emotional growth.
Anxiety therapists also focus on uncovering the root causes of anxiety, such as separation anxiety, social anxiety, or past trauma. By addressing these underlying issues, therapists help children process their experiences in a healthy and constructive manner. This personalized care ensures your child not only learns to manage their anxiety but also gains a deeper understanding of their emotions and triggers.
Additionally, many therapists offer parent coaching to equip you with effective strategies to support your child’s progress at home, creating a strong foundation for long-term emotional well-being.
Finding the Right Anxiety Therapist in San Jose
San Jose is rich with resources, but finding the right therapist requires some know-how. Here are key steps to take when searching for a therapist who will understand and connect with your child:
1. Research Local Anxiety Therapists
Turn to trusted sources like school counselors, pediatricians, or local parenting groups for recommendations. Exploring directories such as Psychology Today and local community boards can also help you find licensed therapists in San Jose who specialize in anxiety and child therapy.
2. Look for Experience with Children with Anxiety
Not all therapists are trained to work specifically with children and teens. Seek therapists with a background in treating childhood issues, such as separation anxiety, social anxiety, or trauma. Therapists who offer tools like play therapy or art therapy often create a safe space for children to express themselves.
3. Check the Therapist’s Approach
Ask potential therapists how they address anxiety in children. Are sessions activity-based or conversational? Do they include family involvement? Additionally, inquire about how you, as a parent, will be involved in the process. Will you receive updates, strategies to use at home, or opportunities to participate in sessions? The more aligned their approach is to your child's and your family's needs, the more productive therapy sessions will be.
4. Ask Questions
During an initial consultation or phone call, ask questions such as:
What techniques do you use to help children with anxiety?
How would you handle meltdowns or behavioral challenges?
Do you provide updates or involve parents in the therapy process?
How often do you assess progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan?
Asking relevant questions will not only help you get a better sense of the therapist's expertise but also give them an opportunity to understand your concerns and address them effectively.
5. Trust Your Gut
Therapy is a collaborative process, and it's essential for both the therapist and your child to establish trust and rapport. Pay attention to how you feel during the initial consultation or phone call - are you comfortable, heard, and understood? The right therapist should listen with empathy and compassion while also providing reassurance that they can support your child in their journey towards managing anxiety.
6. Trust Connection Over Credentials
While qualifications are important when choosing a therapist, your child’s comfort and connection with them play an equally crucial role in the effectiveness of therapy. A qualified therapist with the right approach and techniques may still struggle to make progress if your child doesn’t feel safe or understood. Look for someone who creates a warm, supportive environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. Building this sense of trust and safety can make all the difference in helping your child engage fully in the therapeutic process and achieve lasting results.
Meet Hannah Ly – San Jose Anxiety Therapist for Children
Hi, I’m Hannah Ly—a dedicated child therapist based right here in San Jose. I specialize in helping kids and teens find their inner strength while navigating anxiety and trauma. My sessions are designed to be playful and hopeful, ensuring your child feels supported in a judgment-free space.
With a holistic focus, I work closely with both children and their parents to develop strategies tailored to unique challenges. Whether anxiety stems from school stress, social pressure, or family dynamics, we’ll tackle it together with therapeutic play and other evidence-based methods.
I also provide parent coaching to equip you with practical tools to support your child beyond sessions, creating a nurturing home environment filled with empathy and understanding.
Every child deserves to thrive, and I’m here to make that happen—one session at a time. Schedule an appointment today to get started!
About the Author Hannah Ly, Anxiety Therapist in San Jose for Children
Hannah Ly is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in San Jose, specializing in working with children, teens, and families. With a Master's degree from Western Seminary, Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to her role as an anxiety therapist. She is well-versed in play therapy techniques, making therapy sessions engaging and accessible for younger clients. Hannah is also a skilled Brainspotting Therapist, helping clients process trauma and find healing. Whether you're seeking support for your child or teenager Hannah creates a safe, nurturing environment to address anxiety, trauma, and emotional challenges with care and understanding.
