Child Therapy in Lacey, Washington
Grow Confidence, Restore Calm
Is Your Child’s Kind Nature Fading Under Worry and Frustration?
You see tears when they talk about school, friendships, or life changes. Homework battles and focus issues leave them feeling stuck with nowhere to turn. The ups and downs of big emotions are taking over—panic, stress, and anxiety rise when they least expect it. What used to feel easy now feels impossible.
Common signs your child may need professional support:
Worries about school and friends follow them everywhere—even at home
Homework ends in tears, meltdowns or giving up
They’re sure no one gets them and they don’t belong
They avoid school, friends or activities they used to love
When Struggles Take Over and Leave Your Child Feeling Isolated
These ongoing challenges are shaping how your child sees themselves. The worry in their eyes, the tears, the overwhelm—it all feels heavy.
You may recognize their struggles as anxiety, social challenges, or self-confidence issues. If ADHD is part of the picture, even seemingly small challenges pile up fast. Sometimes concerns overlap and continue as they grow into their teen years, making it even harder for them to know what's wrong or how to ask for help.
Yet underneath these struggles lies the child you know—capable of growth, connection and confidence. They don't have to stay stuck. Child therapy offers the tools and understanding they need to regain their self-confidence.
You've Tried So Much Already—And Your Child Still Feels Stuck
Many children face struggles with worries, focus challenges, social difficulties or school—but these problems often aren't talked about, leaving children feeling shame and self-doubt. These struggles are common in childhood and don't mean your child is broken—but they may feel overwhelmed, frustrated and alone.
Anxiety, frustration and big emotions often come with childhood challenges. Shifting friendships, school pressures, or family changes can bring emotional ups and downs that feel unmanageable. When these difficulties persist, they can affect how your child functions at school, impact their friendships and weaken their confidence.
Your child has probably heard plenty of advice—"just calm down," "try harder," or "think positive." Maybe you've worked together on strategies at home, read books about anxiety or ADHD, or adjusted routines hoping something would click. But the struggles persist, and your child still feels stuck.
This isn't because they're not trying hard enough or because you're missing something. Some challenges need more than well-meaning strategies—they need professional support. Child counseling offers a safe space where your child can process big emotions, learn practical tools, and rediscover their confidence.
Compassionate Child Therapy to Help Your Child Grow and Thrive
Starting child therapy is a big step, and children naturally wonder what it will be like. I create a space where your child can get comfortable at their own pace with no pressure or judgment. They're welcome to bring a favorite toy or game to play while we explore their feelings and experiences in ways that feel natural to them. At their first visit we’ll focus on getting to know each other, understanding their needs and begin building the trust that makes real progress possible.
As a child therapist with 17 years of experience as a school counselor, I've worked alongside hundreds of families navigating classroom challenges, friendship struggles and everyday ups and downs. This firsthand school experience means I understand the real pressures your child faces, including homework stress, social dynamics and managing big emotions. My clinical training gives me the tools to help your child develop lasting skills for emotional regulation, confidence and resilience.
Families in Lacey and throughout Washington choose to work with me because I celebrate your child's strengths and develop skills to meet their individual needs.
How I Support Your Child’s Growth and Confidence
As a child therapist, I create a judgment-free space where your child can express feelings, learn practical skills and rebuild confidence. We work together:
Using games, books and activities that put your child at ease
Building a toolkit for managing anxiety, frustration and overwhelm
Strengthening skills like focus, organization and perseverance
Growing confidence and healthy friendships
Throughout the process we look at what you’ve already tried, refine approaches and strategies while working on meaningful goals. You'll receive guidance and practical tools to reinforce progress at home, school and in daily life.
My Approach to Child Therapy
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Trust & Connection Come First
One of the most important parts of therapy for children isn't a specific technique—it's the relationship we build. A strong, trusting connection between me and your child is the best predictor of meaningful progress. That's why I prioritize creating a space where your child feels genuinely heard, understood, and accepted. I meet your child where they are—whether they love visiting Tumwater Falls, can't stop talking about their latest video game, or have a favorite book series, we'll connect through what matters to them. From that foundation of trust, real growth happens.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help your child recognize the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through psychoeducation woven throughout our sessions, children learn to name what they're experiencing—whether it's anxiety, frustration, or ADHD-related challenges. When your child understands what's happening, struggles that once felt overwhelming become manageable, and they can adapt their thinking and responses with confidence.
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Social-Emotional Skills
Your child will learn skills that translate directly to success at school, home, and with peers—communicating effectively, solving problems, navigating friendships, and handling conflicts. We'll also practice noticing emotions in the body and practice calming strategies to manage big feelings. My school counseling background means I understand how these skills work in real classrooms and social situations. When children understand themselves and have clear strategies, they feel more confident facing challenges.
“Tracy offers a truly warm and generous presence. Her thoughtful, engaged and caring approach creates space for clients to be met with compassion and insightful support, while learning practical tools for personal growth and connection.”
—Ashley Dahl, LSWAIC
Learn what other colleagues say on my endorsement page.
Maybe You Have Questions Before Starting Counseling for Your Child
Will you think I'm a bad parent?
Absolutely not. Seeking help for your child shows strength, not failure. I know every parent I work with cares deeply about their child, that's why they're here. You're not supposed to have all the answers, and recognizing your child needs support beyond what you can provide takes courage. My role as your child’s therapist isn't to judge your parenting, it's to partner with you in helping your child thrive. Many families in Lacey and the South Sound area find my collaborative approach makes all the difference.
Will my child actually talk to someone they don’t know?
This is a common concern and it's completely valid. Many children are hesitant at first, and that's okay. I don't expect your child to open up immediately. Building trust takes time, and I meet them where they are. There's no pressure to share until they're ready. My job is to create a space safe enough that eventually, they want to.
How will I know if therapy is actually working?
You'll notice changes, though they might be gradual. Maybe your child has fewer meltdowns, expresses their feelings with words instead of shutting down, or approaches school with less anxiety. We'll check in regularly about what you're seeing at home and at school. I'll also ask your child how they're feeling about our work together.
Have more questions? Reach out today!
Let's Talk About Your Child's Path Forward
Your child deserves support, and you don't have to figure this out alone. Whether you’re in Lacey or elsewhere in Washington, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. We can discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and explore whether child therapy is the right next step. Use my online scheduler to find a time that works for you. I look forward to connecting and learning more about your child.
Child Counseling Lacey
Foels Counseling & Consulting PLLC
Address:
4405 7th Ave SE Ste 200
Lacey, WA 98503
Phone:
(360) 299-5586
Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9am–7pm
Friday: 11am–5pm
Appointments:
Scheduled by request
I offer both in-person sessions at my Lacey office and online therapy throughout Washington state.