Child therapy in Bismarck, ND
Play-based, developmentally matched care for young children, with parents coached alongside them.
When a child needs more than a firmer routine
Young children do not usually say what is wrong. It comes out as meltdowns, aggression, refusing to follow directions, trouble at daycare, sleep that falls apart, or a child who suddenly seems like a different kid. Parents often arrive exhausted, having already tried everything they know.
Therapy for children looks different than therapy for adults. Little kids do not sit and talk through their feelings. They play, and a trained clinician reads what the play is telling them. For the youngest children, much of the work happens through you rather than around you.
What we help with
- Frequent tantrums, meltdowns, and defiance
- Aggression, hitting, or difficult behavior at home or daycare
- Not listening or refusing to follow directions
- ADHD-related behavior and trouble with transitions
- Anxiety, worry, and separation difficulty
- Trauma, loss, or a frightening experience
- Big feelings a child cannot yet name or manage
- Strained or exhausting parent-child relationships
How we work with children
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is our most specialized offering for this age group. For children roughly 2.5 to 7, you and your child play while your therapist coaches you live through an earpiece. It changes the daily patterns at home rather than only the behavior in a therapy room, and it is available at no cost to eligible families through the FamilyFirst program.
For trauma, Trauma-Focused CBT is built specifically for children and involves caregivers throughout. EMDR is adapted for younger clients when it fits. For anxiety and behavior, we use CBT approaches scaled to a child’s developmental level.
Who works with children here
- Talia Biederstedt, LCSW is certified in PCIT through PCIT International and trained in EMDR with children.
- Tim Gienger, LCSW works in family systems and behavioral concerns, helping parents understand what is driving behavior.
- Mariah Banse, LCSW specializes in complex and developmental trauma and works with children ages 3 and up.
- Kaydee Baker, LMSW brings more than a decade supporting children with developmental disabilities and diverse behavioral needs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How young is too young for therapy?
PCIT starts around age 2.5. For younger children than that, the work is almost entirely parent coaching. Call and we will tell you honestly whether now is the right time.
Will I be in the room?
For young children, usually yes. In PCIT you are in every session, because you are the one being coached.
Do you diagnose ADHD?
We assess and treat ADHD-related behavior and emotional regulation. We do not prescribe medication, and we will coordinate with your pediatrician if medication becomes part of the picture.
How long does it take?
Many families complete PCIT in about 12 to 20 sessions. Other work varies. Your therapist will give you a realistic sense after the first few sessions.
Ready when you are.
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. A short conversation, at no charge, is usually enough to know whether we are a fit. In person in Bismarck, or by telehealth anywhere in North Dakota.
Book a free 15-minute consultCall (701) 805-1939