Therapists for Toddlers in South Portland, ME
Bill Lagasse is a Clinical Social Worker with a 22 year history in social services working in some of Maine's top organizations and has provided care and direction to the homeless, the drug or alcohol addicted, those with trauma & identity related disorders, the LGBTQ, couples, and those struggling with mental health related issues. Bill treats adults and couples. Bill has extensive training and practice using CBT, having been formally trained by the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Bill Lagasse is a Clinical Social Worker with a 22 year history in social services working in some of Maine's top organizations and has provided care and direction to the homeless, the drug or alcohol addicted, those with trauma & identity related disorders, the LGBTQ, couples, and those struggling with mental health related issues. Bill treats adults and couples. Bill has extensive training and practice using CBT, having been formally trained by the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
The Family Center of Maine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCPC, LMFT
South Portland, ME 04106
We are a collaborative of providers with experience in providing counseling services to children, families, individuals, and couples. The mission of The Family Center of Maine is to encourage each individual in all areas of development and stages of life. We are committed to the wellness of individuals, children, families and our community through prevention, intervention, treatment and education.
We are a collaborative of providers with experience in providing counseling services to children, families, individuals, and couples. The mission of The Family Center of Maine is to encourage each individual in all areas of development and stages of life. We are committed to the wellness of individuals, children, families and our community through prevention, intervention, treatment and education.
Julie M. Paquette, MSW, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
3 Endorsed
South Portland, ME 04106
I work with every age- because managing difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviors is a human experience. I serve VT, NH, ME, and MA. I teach everyone how to manage difficult life experiences and transitions. My work focuses on the mind and the heart; I focus on reducing unnecessary suffering by learning how to explore the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that created the suffering. I help you overcome life obstacles while respecting your soul's journey. My goal is to pass my skills and knowledge onto parents, adults and children, so you don't need me anymore. I provide online counseling Monday-Thursday,late afternoons and evenings.
I work with every age- because managing difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviors is a human experience. I serve VT, NH, ME, and MA. I teach everyone how to manage difficult life experiences and transitions. My work focuses on the mind and the heart; I focus on reducing unnecessary suffering by learning how to explore the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that created the suffering. I help you overcome life obstacles while respecting your soul's journey. My goal is to pass my skills and knowledge onto parents, adults and children, so you don't need me anymore. I provide online counseling Monday-Thursday,late afternoons and evenings.
As a Registered Play Therapist, my approach is child/person centered, gentle, individualized, comprehensive, PLAYful and non-judgmental.. I have had experience in working with children who are anxious, aggressive or withdrawn, children of divorce, children on the autism spectrum, ADD or ADHD. My experience as a special educator include working with children with neurological disorders affecting their motor, sensory, communication, social and cognitive domains. I work closely with families to provide guidance and support and to help develop strategies and techniques to deal positively with the presenting problems in the home or educational environments.
As a Registered Play Therapist, my approach is child/person centered, gentle, individualized, comprehensive, PLAYful and non-judgmental.. I have had experience in working with children who are anxious, aggressive or withdrawn, children of divorce, children on the autism spectrum, ADD or ADHD. My experience as a special educator include working with children with neurological disorders affecting their motor, sensory, communication, social and cognitive domains. I work closely with families to provide guidance and support and to help develop strategies and techniques to deal positively with the presenting problems in the home or educational environments.
Jaycie Conkin, LCSW, is dedicated to helping her clients navigate life’s challenges in a compassionate and supportive environment. Practicing in Maine, she brings extensive experience in trauma-informed therapy, offering a safe space for individuals to express their fears, hopes, and full personalities. Jaycie works with a wide range of ages, from young children to adults and seniors, and is particularly skilled in supporting children and adolescents through difficult times. Her approach also extends to families, ensuring parents and caregivers feel involved and supported in the therapeutic process.
Jaycie Conkin, LCSW, is dedicated to helping her clients navigate life’s challenges in a compassionate and supportive environment. Practicing in Maine, she brings extensive experience in trauma-informed therapy, offering a safe space for individuals to express their fears, hopes, and full personalities. Jaycie works with a wide range of ages, from young children to adults and seniors, and is particularly skilled in supporting children and adolescents through difficult times. Her approach also extends to families, ensuring parents and caregivers feel involved and supported in the therapeutic process.
Alex Sinsmyr is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maine who has been practicing since 2021. She holds a BA in Counseling Psychology from Delaware Valley University and a MSW from the University of New England. Alex was born and raised in the state of Maine which gives her an inside perspective of the needs of the people in her state/community. She is grounded in the biopsychosocial theory of practice, which means understanding that all facets of people are important when working and treating them.
Alex Sinsmyr is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maine who has been practicing since 2021. She holds a BA in Counseling Psychology from Delaware Valley University and a MSW from the University of New England. Alex was born and raised in the state of Maine which gives her an inside perspective of the needs of the people in her state/community. She is grounded in the biopsychosocial theory of practice, which means understanding that all facets of people are important when working and treating them.
Jasmine Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years of experience. Jasmine specializes in treating children who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or are adjusting to a big life change. Jasmine also works with children and teens who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. She treats patients between the ages of 2-14 and their families utilizing Child Centered Play Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapy and Child and Parent Psychotherapy.
Jasmine Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years of experience. Jasmine specializes in treating children who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or are adjusting to a big life change. Jasmine also works with children and teens who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. She treats patients between the ages of 2-14 and their families utilizing Child Centered Play Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapy and Child and Parent Psychotherapy.
Emily received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky in 2005. She practices from an attachment and mindfulness based perspective, honoring the mind-body connection, and works with individuals of all ages. She has received training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Theraplay, Modular Approach to Therapy for Children (MATCH), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), somatic interventions and is a level II trained EMDR therapist. Her previous work includes working in home based, residential, psychiatric hospital and outpatient settings.
Emily received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky in 2005. She practices from an attachment and mindfulness based perspective, honoring the mind-body connection, and works with individuals of all ages. She has received training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Theraplay, Modular Approach to Therapy for Children (MATCH), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), somatic interventions and is a level II trained EMDR therapist. Her previous work includes working in home based, residential, psychiatric hospital and outpatient settings.
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.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
Are you feeling lost, stuck, or uncertain about the direction of your life? At Wandering Tides Therapy, I believe that every person has the capacity to rewrite their story. I specialize in addressing a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, parenting, stress management, couples and relational issues, LGBTQIA+, and significant life transitions. I work with children, teenagers, young adults, adults, couples, and families.
Are you feeling lost, stuck, or uncertain about the direction of your life? At Wandering Tides Therapy, I believe that every person has the capacity to rewrite their story. I specialize in addressing a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, parenting, stress management, couples and relational issues, LGBTQIA+, and significant life transitions. I work with children, teenagers, young adults, adults, couples, and families.
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.
At Horizons Counseling Services I use a theoretical approach that strives to illicit change through one’s awareness of discrepancies between their lives now and their hopes and goals for the future. Together, we can sort through the different areas of your life and find your path to feeling whole.
At Horizons Counseling Services I use a theoretical approach that strives to illicit change through one’s awareness of discrepancies between their lives now and their hopes and goals for the future. Together, we can sort through the different areas of your life and find your path to feeling whole.
Taking the first step toward therapy or evaluation can feel daunting, but finding the right fit is key. I provide a warm, welcoming space where children, teens, young adults (up to age 26), and families feel supported and respected. I focus on building strong relationships, meeting clients where they are, and helping them feel understood and empowered while navigating challenges like anxiety, ADHD, trauma, depression, or family stress.
Taking the first step toward therapy or evaluation can feel daunting, but finding the right fit is key. I provide a warm, welcoming space where children, teens, young adults (up to age 26), and families feel supported and respected. I focus on building strong relationships, meeting clients where they are, and helping them feel understood and empowered while navigating challenges like anxiety, ADHD, trauma, depression, or family stress.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're repeating the same patterns despite your best efforts? Perhaps anxiety has become your constant companion, past experiences continue to shape your present, or you know there's more to life than simply getting through each day. Insight alone isn't enough for lasting change. That's why I integrate approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy. I help clients explore not only the "why" behind their struggles but also help to create new patterns in the brain and nervous system that support healing, resilience, and the freedom to move beyond surviving and toward a life of greater joy.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're repeating the same patterns despite your best efforts? Perhaps anxiety has become your constant companion, past experiences continue to shape your present, or you know there's more to life than simply getting through each day. Insight alone isn't enough for lasting change. That's why I integrate approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy. I help clients explore not only the "why" behind their struggles but also help to create new patterns in the brain and nervous system that support healing, resilience, and the freedom to move beyond surviving and toward a life of greater joy.
Rise Up is NOW accepting new couples, parents, families, and individuals clients! Are you or your child struggling with school/work, socialization, focus, anxiety or depression? Do you or your family need more tools? I invite you and your child to visit Rise Up to learn the skills to draw strength from overcoming challenges. I'm Jessica Packard and I founded Rise Up. I firmly believe that we are strong because of our challenges, not in spite of them. We work with children, adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD and general stuckness.
Rise Up is NOW accepting new couples, parents, families, and individuals clients! Are you or your child struggling with school/work, socialization, focus, anxiety or depression? Do you or your family need more tools? I invite you and your child to visit Rise Up to learn the skills to draw strength from overcoming challenges. I'm Jessica Packard and I founded Rise Up. I firmly believe that we are strong because of our challenges, not in spite of them. We work with children, adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD and general stuckness.
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.
Rise Up Center for Growth and Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
1 Endorsed
Brunswick, ME 04011
We are NOW accepting new clients! Are you, or someone you know, struggling with sleep disturbance, irritability, perfectionism, or digestive issues without any medical cause? Do you feel stuck, obsessed, fixated, your mind plays in a loop? Does your child refuse to attend school, fights trying new things, have unexplained outbursts, or toileting issues? Is your pre-teen or teen seeming unlike themselves? Are you a parent unsure of what boundaries to hold and when to be flexible? Are you a couple, confused about the barrier to your effective communication or connection?
The problem might be anxiety, or anxiety related challenges.
We are NOW accepting new clients! Are you, or someone you know, struggling with sleep disturbance, irritability, perfectionism, or digestive issues without any medical cause? Do you feel stuck, obsessed, fixated, your mind plays in a loop? Does your child refuse to attend school, fights trying new things, have unexplained outbursts, or toileting issues? Is your pre-teen or teen seeming unlike themselves? Are you a parent unsure of what boundaries to hold and when to be flexible? Are you a couple, confused about the barrier to your effective communication or connection?
The problem might be anxiety, or anxiety related challenges.
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
Fall 2026 Availability. I am a child psychologist and deeply respect parents who seek support for themselves and their children. My therapeutic approach is nonjudgmental, creative, and respectful of each individual's unique experience. I invest significant time and energy in establishing a strong partnership with your child and help him/her develop a personal investment in therapy. By prioritizing these two important elements, I have helped many children who have not benefited from therapy in the past. I also provide a therapeutic experience that is comfortable for children who are initially opposed to or skeptical of therapy.
Fall 2026 Availability. I am a child psychologist and deeply respect parents who seek support for themselves and their children. My therapeutic approach is nonjudgmental, creative, and respectful of each individual's unique experience. I invest significant time and energy in establishing a strong partnership with your child and help him/her develop a personal investment in therapy. By prioritizing these two important elements, I have helped many children who have not benefited from therapy in the past. I also provide a therapeutic experience that is comfortable for children who are initially opposed to or skeptical of therapy.
See more therapy options for South Portland
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.