Therapists for Toddlers in Portland, ME
Our lives can be hectic, and there are times when we feel stuck, lacking the strength to move on, as if the weight of the world is on our shoulders. Trauma transforms our lives into a struggle, where we might feel trapped and hopeless.
My work is strongly based on Jung's Analytical Psychology, seeking meaning in all aspects of the human experience. through the therapeutic connection, symbolic analysis, sandtray, and giving an important place to spirituality. I work with trauma and dissociation through a Polyvagal-informed care, using EMDR, somatic, and IFS strategies. It is an honor to be with someone on their own path to healing.
Our lives can be hectic, and there are times when we feel stuck, lacking the strength to move on, as if the weight of the world is on our shoulders. Trauma transforms our lives into a struggle, where we might feel trapped and hopeless.
My work is strongly based on Jung's Analytical Psychology, seeking meaning in all aspects of the human experience. through the therapeutic connection, symbolic analysis, sandtray, and giving an important place to spirituality. I work with trauma and dissociation through a Polyvagal-informed care, using EMDR, somatic, and IFS strategies. It is an honor to be with someone on their own path to healing.
I have 15 years of clinical experience helping people change difficult behavioral and relational patterns. Initially trained in trauma-focused treatment for children and teens, my practice later expanded to include adult clients and couples. I base my work on a blend of therapeutic models that highlight attachment theory, trauma recovery, neurobiology, and psychodynamic theory. I have received specialized training supporting members of families formed through adoption. I have also worked with many families establishing boundaries and balance after conflict, loss, infertility, divorce, and remarriage.
I have 15 years of clinical experience helping people change difficult behavioral and relational patterns. Initially trained in trauma-focused treatment for children and teens, my practice later expanded to include adult clients and couples. I base my work on a blend of therapeutic models that highlight attachment theory, trauma recovery, neurobiology, and psychodynamic theory. I have received specialized training supporting members of families formed through adoption. I have also worked with many families establishing boundaries and balance after conflict, loss, infertility, divorce, and remarriage.
Welcome to The Comfy Place! I know that seeking out therapy can be a new and sometimes uncomfortable experience, but I appreciate you considering me to help you on your journey. My focus is on helping children, teens, young adults, and families heal. I understand that life has many ups and downs so, I aim to create a safe space where people can have fun, get real, and heal. I want everyone to feel like they are a part of our Comfy Place family where we welcome all with open arms no matter where they are on their walk in life. I currently serve the following states MA, PA, RI, VT, ME, NH, UT & FL via Telehealth ONLY.
Welcome to The Comfy Place! I know that seeking out therapy can be a new and sometimes uncomfortable experience, but I appreciate you considering me to help you on your journey. My focus is on helping children, teens, young adults, and families heal. I understand that life has many ups and downs so, I aim to create a safe space where people can have fun, get real, and heal. I want everyone to feel like they are a part of our Comfy Place family where we welcome all with open arms no matter where they are on their walk in life. I currently serve the following states MA, PA, RI, VT, ME, NH, UT & FL via Telehealth ONLY.
Childhood and adolescence are filled with big emotions, rapid changes, and challenges that can feel overwhelming for both children and parents. I work with children and teens, creating a supportive space where they feel safe, understood, and empowered. Through play and creative expression, I help young clients communicate and process difficult feelings. My treatment focus comes from a strengths based perspective with a cognitive therapy approach.
Childhood and adolescence are filled with big emotions, rapid changes, and challenges that can feel overwhelming for both children and parents. I work with children and teens, creating a supportive space where they feel safe, understood, and empowered. Through play and creative expression, I help young clients communicate and process difficult feelings. My treatment focus comes from a strengths based perspective with a cognitive therapy approach.
I am a play therapist who works with children ages 4 - 14 and their parents to help with issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, attachment, and more. My goal is to help children process, grow, and thrive, and to help parents understand their children and develop more ways of connecting.
I am a play therapist who works with children ages 4 - 14 and their parents to help with issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, attachment, and more. My goal is to help children process, grow, and thrive, and to help parents understand their children and develop more ways of connecting.
I have worked with all types of clients including kiddos, teen ages, adults, geriatric populace. I have worked in clinic and school settings. I also do a lot of work with Veterans as I’ve been at Bangor VA for over the last 5.5 years. I’ve been a clinical therapist for 13.5.
I have worked with all types of clients including kiddos, teen ages, adults, geriatric populace. I have worked in clinic and school settings. I also do a lot of work with Veterans as I’ve been at Bangor VA for over the last 5.5 years. I’ve been a clinical therapist for 13.5.
Freddie Grunhuvd, LCSW, is a compassionate and skilled therapist at LifeStance Health, who has been dedicated to serving individuals and families across Maine since 2007. Freddie excels in building strong connections and rapport with her clients, providing a supportive and challenging environment that fosters growth and healing. Her relatable approach and extensive experience make her particularly adept at working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
Freddie Grunhuvd, LCSW, is a compassionate and skilled therapist at LifeStance Health, who has been dedicated to serving individuals and families across Maine since 2007. Freddie excels in building strong connections and rapport with her clients, providing a supportive and challenging environment that fosters growth and healing. Her relatable approach and extensive experience make her particularly adept at working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
Dr. Stacey Merrill, LCPC, is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. Serving communities across Maine, she offers support for children, adolescents, and adults through individual, couples, and family therapy. Dr. Merrill provides a warm and understanding environment where clients can work through concerns such as anxiety, depression, and life transitions with tailored strategies that foster resilience and lasting growth. Dr.
Dr. Stacey Merrill, LCPC, is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. Serving communities across Maine, she offers support for children, adolescents, and adults through individual, couples, and family therapy. Dr. Merrill provides a warm and understanding environment where clients can work through concerns such as anxiety, depression, and life transitions with tailored strategies that foster resilience and lasting growth. Dr.
My desire is for every client to feel truly heard, supported, and understood—because growth happens best in a safe, compassionate environment. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is exploring your experiences with you and supporting your journey toward healing, growth, stronger relationships, and lasting peace. I am an EMDR trained therapist who is passionate about using the most evidenced-based practices in order to bring the most effective tools to clients. I especially love EMDR for its holistic approach in engaging our entire system to promote healing quickly and effectively.
My desire is for every client to feel truly heard, supported, and understood—because growth happens best in a safe, compassionate environment. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is exploring your experiences with you and supporting your journey toward healing, growth, stronger relationships, and lasting peace. I am an EMDR trained therapist who is passionate about using the most evidenced-based practices in order to bring the most effective tools to clients. I especially love EMDR for its holistic approach in engaging our entire system to promote healing quickly and effectively.
Taylor M. Bolden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maine who has been practicing since 2016. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from University of Nevada Las Vegas and a Master of Social Work from University of New England. Taylor practices with a blend of empathy and accountability that supports her clients in continuing to move towards their goals. She values honesty, genuineness, and believes in the importance of the therapeutic alliance. Taylor enjoys working with children, teens, adults, and families. She tends to view people and their needs through an attachment-focused, strengths-based lens.
Taylor M. Bolden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maine who has been practicing since 2016. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from University of Nevada Las Vegas and a Master of Social Work from University of New England. Taylor practices with a blend of empathy and accountability that supports her clients in continuing to move towards their goals. She values honesty, genuineness, and believes in the importance of the therapeutic alliance. Taylor enjoys working with children, teens, adults, and families. She tends to view people and their needs through an attachment-focused, strengths-based lens.
Counseling and Trauma Therapy Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
7 Endorsed
Portland, ME 04103
Please Note: Due to extended wait times, we have unfortunately had to close our waitlist for children under 15, couples and family counseling at this time. We are a mental health agency proudly serving MaineCare clients. Our therapists help individuals and families to lead lives they feel good about. Couples, families, adults, and children have all benefited from the work we do. We look forward to working with all MaineCare clients. We have offices in Portland and Biddeford (catt-associates.com/locations) to serve the local community, and offer Telehealth sessions as well.
Please Note: Due to extended wait times, we have unfortunately had to close our waitlist for children under 15, couples and family counseling at this time. We are a mental health agency proudly serving MaineCare clients. Our therapists help individuals and families to lead lives they feel good about. Couples, families, adults, and children have all benefited from the work we do. We look forward to working with all MaineCare clients. We have offices in Portland and Biddeford (catt-associates.com/locations) to serve the local community, and offer Telehealth sessions as well.
I am a licensed Family Therapist with extensive clinical experience evaluating and treating children and families. My practice focuses on child therapy, family relationships, parenting issues and provides a safe space for inquiry.
I am a licensed Family Therapist with extensive clinical experience evaluating and treating children and families. My practice focuses on child therapy, family relationships, parenting issues and provides a safe space for inquiry.
People come to me for all reasons: family discord, relationship issues, trauma history, struggles with depression, anxiety, abuse, concerns for a child/teen to name a few. I work hard at connecting with my clients and helping them on their journey of exploring self, history and patterns of behavior. I believe that through understanding our internal parts originating from the past and specific experiences, and working with them it is possible to form a pathway toward self discovery, create change, heal from pain & become a happier, healthier person/family. I work with kids, teens, adults, couples & families
People come to me for all reasons: family discord, relationship issues, trauma history, struggles with depression, anxiety, abuse, concerns for a child/teen to name a few. I work hard at connecting with my clients and helping them on their journey of exploring self, history and patterns of behavior. I believe that through understanding our internal parts originating from the past and specific experiences, and working with them it is possible to form a pathway toward self discovery, create change, heal from pain & become a happier, healthier person/family. I work with kids, teens, adults, couples & families
I am a LCSW providing evidence-based, systems-oriented counseling. I have an excellent record assisting people in maintaining positive changes. As a therapist, I am more directive than passive in style, and quickly work to assess goals, and create an individualized treatment plan to address barriers. Treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (including TF-CBT, ACT, and Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy), MATCH, CollaborativePS, Solution-Focused Therapy, Parenting Support, Anxiety Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, Art and Narrative Therapy.
I am a LCSW providing evidence-based, systems-oriented counseling. I have an excellent record assisting people in maintaining positive changes. As a therapist, I am more directive than passive in style, and quickly work to assess goals, and create an individualized treatment plan to address barriers. Treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (including TF-CBT, ACT, and Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy), MATCH, CollaborativePS, Solution-Focused Therapy, Parenting Support, Anxiety Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, Art and Narrative Therapy.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
I believe wholeheartedly that all people possess the innate ability to grow and heal. I see myself as an ally and guide on your personal journey of self-discovery. Life can be overwhelming and uncertain. I offer a place for clients to experience respite from the demands of everyday life, and focus inward. I work with children and adults. My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and collaborative. In my work, I draw on Existential Therapy, Depth Psychology, Buddhist Psychology, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy.
I believe wholeheartedly that all people possess the innate ability to grow and heal. I see myself as an ally and guide on your personal journey of self-discovery. Life can be overwhelming and uncertain. I offer a place for clients to experience respite from the demands of everyday life, and focus inward. I work with children and adults. My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and collaborative. In my work, I draw on Existential Therapy, Depth Psychology, Buddhist Psychology, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy.
We work with individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling with life stressors, relationships, mood disorders, or substance use. Many of our clients are looking for support but do not want to wait weeks to be seen. We offer virtual therapy across multiple states and can typically schedule appointments within 24–48 hours. Our team uses evidence-based approaches, including cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy, to help clients gain clarity, stability, and practical tools to move forward.
We work with individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling with life stressors, relationships, mood disorders, or substance use. Many of our clients are looking for support but do not want to wait weeks to be seen. We offer virtual therapy across multiple states and can typically schedule appointments within 24–48 hours. Our team uses evidence-based approaches, including cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy, to help clients gain clarity, stability, and practical tools to move forward.
Are you a parent of a child who is struggling? Are you struggling as a parent? Could you use someone to connect with and process male or dad-specific challenges? We can often reach a place where our coping skills and strategies are no longer serving us, whether due to a traumatic event, clinical diagnosis, personal change or stubborn family patterns. If this speaks to you or what you are experiencing, the hope I can offer is that you already have the internal capacity to make meaningful changes that will affect positive outcomes.
Are you a parent of a child who is struggling? Are you struggling as a parent? Could you use someone to connect with and process male or dad-specific challenges? We can often reach a place where our coping skills and strategies are no longer serving us, whether due to a traumatic event, clinical diagnosis, personal change or stubborn family patterns. If this speaks to you or what you are experiencing, the hope I can offer is that you already have the internal capacity to make meaningful changes that will affect positive outcomes.
Life doesn’t always go the way we planned, in those moments of change, pain, or uncertainty, it’s okay to ask for help. I’m Taylor, a licensed (AR, ME, LA) mental health counselor dedicated to supporting individuals navigating the challenges of daily stressors, anxiety, and depression. Whether you're facing emotional strain of a separation, struggling with overwhelming thoughts, or simply feeling stuck, you're not alone. My approach is compassionate, practical, and tailored to you. Together, we’ll work to understand what you’re experiencing, build coping tools, and move toward healing and renewed strength. Your well-being matters.
Life doesn’t always go the way we planned, in those moments of change, pain, or uncertainty, it’s okay to ask for help. I’m Taylor, a licensed (AR, ME, LA) mental health counselor dedicated to supporting individuals navigating the challenges of daily stressors, anxiety, and depression. Whether you're facing emotional strain of a separation, struggling with overwhelming thoughts, or simply feeling stuck, you're not alone. My approach is compassionate, practical, and tailored to you. Together, we’ll work to understand what you’re experiencing, build coping tools, and move toward healing and renewed strength. Your well-being matters.
I am an LCPC, with 30+ years of experience helping children and adults heal from trauma, including 5 years specializing in sexual abuse. I use evidence-based therapies like EMDR and Play Therapy to help clients process trauma, reduce anxiety, and overcome negative feelings about themselves related to the past.
Working through trauma is very personal and we will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, while learning coping skills specific to trauma. If you are ready, I invite you to reach out for a consultation call. I am inspired by the transformation that is possible when people are given the right tools and support.
I am an LCPC, with 30+ years of experience helping children and adults heal from trauma, including 5 years specializing in sexual abuse. I use evidence-based therapies like EMDR and Play Therapy to help clients process trauma, reduce anxiety, and overcome negative feelings about themselves related to the past.
Working through trauma is very personal and we will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, while learning coping skills specific to trauma. If you are ready, I invite you to reach out for a consultation call. I am inspired by the transformation that is possible when people are given the right tools and support.
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See More Toddlers Therapists FAQ - About Therapy for Toddlers and Preschoolers
What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?
Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.
Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?
Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.
What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.
What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?
What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.