Psychologists and Therapists for Toddlers in Buffalo City

Photo of Staci Francis, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Staci Francis
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Dealing with adjustment & emotional difficulties can be overwhelming. Therapy can be a space to acknowledge your growth, achievements & strengths too. I provide a compassionate & natural approach to therapy. I enjoy integrating alternative and natural forms of treatments with other practitioners to best suite my client's needs.
Dealing with adjustment & emotional difficulties can be overwhelming. Therapy can be a space to acknowledge your growth, achievements & strengths too. I provide a compassionate & natural approach to therapy. I enjoy integrating alternative and natural forms of treatments with other practitioners to best suite my client's needs.
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Photo of Nosiphiwo Ntweni, Psychologist, MSocSci, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Nosiphiwo Ntweni
Psychologist, MSocSci, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
I work with a diverse group of clients; from children to old age, all sexes and genders, and all races and ethnic groups. My ideal client may be an individual who is struggling with grief, navigating a different phase in life, dealing with divorce or separation, a teenager who is trying to figure out their identity, someone who is struggling with depressive symptoms, anxiety, post traumatic stress, work related difficulties and any other life stressors. Some of my clients may just be at a stage where they are pursuing personal growth and development. The primary goal of therapy is to build resilience in the face of life challenges.
I work with a diverse group of clients; from children to old age, all sexes and genders, and all races and ethnic groups. My ideal client may be an individual who is struggling with grief, navigating a different phase in life, dealing with divorce or separation, a teenager who is trying to figure out their identity, someone who is struggling with depressive symptoms, anxiety, post traumatic stress, work related difficulties and any other life stressors. Some of my clients may just be at a stage where they are pursuing personal growth and development. The primary goal of therapy is to build resilience in the face of life challenges.
087 250 0160 x63 View 087 250 0160 x63

Online Therapists

Photo of Lieva Starker, MA
Lieva Starker
Verified Verified
As a psychodynamic music therapist (HPCSA registered), I work with clients to access unconscious material through both verbal and non-verbal arts processes. This allows us to explore deep-rooted thinking patterns and behaviours, helping clients become aware of their origins and facilitate meaningful change. In today’s busy society, many experience a disconnection between mind, body, and spirit – our sessions focus on restoring that connection, fostering a sense of wholeness and integration. Authenticity and creating a safe, containing space are essential to my practice.
As a psychodynamic music therapist (HPCSA registered), I work with clients to access unconscious material through both verbal and non-verbal arts processes. This allows us to explore deep-rooted thinking patterns and behaviours, helping clients become aware of their origins and facilitate meaningful change. In today’s busy society, many experience a disconnection between mind, body, and spirit – our sessions focus on restoring that connection, fostering a sense of wholeness and integration. Authenticity and creating a safe, containing space are essential to my practice.
087 250 0719 x28 View 087 250 0719 x28
FAQ - About Therapy for Toddlers and Preschoolers
What are the behavioural signs indicating a toddler might need counselling?
Common behavioural signs that a child may need counselling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behaviour or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioural changes can be most impactful on behaviour, 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 counsellors, 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 behaviour 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 specialised forms of therapy, such as Applied Behaviour 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 behaviour and behaviour change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviours and reduce strain on families.