Therapists for Toddlers in East Town, Milwaukee, WI

Photo of Howard Thirus, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Howard Thirus
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
East Town, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Howard (Reggie) Thirus is a licensed professional counselor who graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 2016. Reggie works with adults, individuals and couples. Reggie has experience working with mood issues, LGBTQ+ issues, ADHD, Emotional Health, Emotional Intimacy, Connection, and cultural issues . Reggie works with clients to help them change their negative thought and behavior patterns, helps them to recognize and understand more about their feelings and helps clients develop a more authentic self. Reggie enjoys exercise, listening to good music and getting outdoors to spend time in the sun.
Howard (Reggie) Thirus is a licensed professional counselor who graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 2016. Reggie works with adults, individuals and couples. Reggie has experience working with mood issues, LGBTQ+ issues, ADHD, Emotional Health, Emotional Intimacy, Connection, and cultural issues . Reggie works with clients to help them change their negative thought and behavior patterns, helps them to recognize and understand more about their feelings and helps clients develop a more authentic self. Reggie enjoys exercise, listening to good music and getting outdoors to spend time in the sun.
(262) 686-4753 View (262) 686-4753
Photo of Kevin Patrick O'Brien - Kevin O'Brien Whole Life Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, IMH E
Kevin O'Brien Whole Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, IMH E
1 Endorsed
East Town, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Thank for finding your way to my page! Chances are, no matter what your specific concern, you arrived here because you want to feel better, and you want important relationships in your life to work better. I will facilitate your capacity to do both, as I have done with many children, adults, couples and families for 35 years. My practice is faith-, culture- and sexual orientation-friendly. Come as you are; we'll utilize every resource to undo the knots and reweave the fabric of your life in more satisfying ways. Living whole lives, for a whole lifetime is as possible as it is worthy of our best effort!
Thank for finding your way to my page! Chances are, no matter what your specific concern, you arrived here because you want to feel better, and you want important relationships in your life to work better. I will facilitate your capacity to do both, as I have done with many children, adults, couples and families for 35 years. My practice is faith-, culture- and sexual orientation-friendly. Come as you are; we'll utilize every resource to undo the knots and reweave the fabric of your life in more satisfying ways. Living whole lives, for a whole lifetime is as possible as it is worthy of our best effort!
(414) 255-0805 View (414) 255-0805
Photo of Dr. Nicole Shay, Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Dr. Nicole Shay
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
East Town, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dr. Shay provides neuropsychological evaluations for children and adolescents. Her specialty areas include assessments for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disabilities, as well as assessments for children with neurological, developmental, or genetic disorders. She has worked extensively in the areas of epilepsy and traumatic brain injury/concussion. As a neuropsychologist, Dr. Shay's goal is to help patients to reach their greatest potential.
Dr. Shay provides neuropsychological evaluations for children and adolescents. Her specialty areas include assessments for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disabilities, as well as assessments for children with neurological, developmental, or genetic disorders. She has worked extensively in the areas of epilepsy and traumatic brain injury/concussion. As a neuropsychologist, Dr. Shay's goal is to help patients to reach their greatest potential.
(262) 588-4261 View (262) 588-4261
Photo of Emma Smith-Knapp, Counselor, LPC, MS
Emma Smith-Knapp
Counselor, LPC, MS
1 Endorsed
East Town, Milwaukee, WI 53202
I work with individuals of all ages as well as couples and families. I primarily work with trauma, anxiety, depression, family reunification and gender identity, but am here to help with whatever may be troubling you. I am also a LGBTQIA+ affirming and multiculturally sensitive practitioner.
I work with individuals of all ages as well as couples and families. I primarily work with trauma, anxiety, depression, family reunification and gender identity, but am here to help with whatever may be troubling you. I am also a LGBTQIA+ affirming and multiculturally sensitive practitioner.
(414) 291-9487 x507 View (414) 291-9487 x507
Photo of Erik Stonecipher - LifeStance Health, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
LifeStance Health
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
East Town, Milwaukee, WI 53202
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.
(414) 209-3427 View (414) 209-3427
Photo of Rebekah Sandell, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Rebekah Sandell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
4 Endorsed
East Town, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Waitlist for new clients
If you're looking to go beyond talk therapy, I may be the right fit for you. Through a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive lens, we will work together to uncover and build upon your resilience. I am here to empathically support your therapeutic journey and when you feel comfortable, I will gently challenge your preconceptions about yourself and the world around you. This is where growth happens. I encourage you to bring your fullest self to sessions, whatever that may entail, ie. humor, colorful language, creativity, authenticity…and I will do the same.
If you're looking to go beyond talk therapy, I may be the right fit for you. Through a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive lens, we will work together to uncover and build upon your resilience. I am here to empathically support your therapeutic journey and when you feel comfortable, I will gently challenge your preconceptions about yourself and the world around you. This is where growth happens. I encourage you to bring your fullest self to sessions, whatever that may entail, ie. humor, colorful language, creativity, authenticity…and I will do the same.
(414) 441-4837 View (414) 441-4837
Photo of Katie Chin, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Katie Chin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Online Only
Welcome to Bayside Counseling! I'm Katie Chin, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 17 years experience serving the Greater Milwaukee area. I've worked across behavioral health levels—including inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs—gaining a comprehensive view of client challenges. A Wisconsin native, I earned my BA in Psychology and Criminology from Marquette University (2005) and MA in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (2009). Between degrees, I worked as a Montessori assistant teacher, fueling my passion for child development and family support.
Welcome to Bayside Counseling! I'm Katie Chin, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 17 years experience serving the Greater Milwaukee area. I've worked across behavioral health levels—including inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs—gaining a comprehensive view of client challenges. A Wisconsin native, I earned my BA in Psychology and Criminology from Marquette University (2005) and MA in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (2009). Between degrees, I worked as a Montessori assistant teacher, fueling my passion for child development and family support.
(414) 667-5197 View (414) 667-5197

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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.