The Marriage & Family Institute

Child Counseling

Counseling to help children (5+) understand their emotions, manage challenging behaviors, develop healthy coping skills, and build confidence. In-person sessions in Columbus and online child counseling available across Ohio.

Children navigate a world of big emotions that they’re still learning to understand

It’s not always easy for them—or for you as their parent. It can be confusing for them to experience such intense emotions, and when those feelings come out as tantrums, meltdowns, or withdrawal, it can leave everyone feeling stuck and unsure of what to do. But these struggles don’t mean your child is “bad” or “difficult”—it simply means they need support and guidance to make sense of their emotions.

At The Marriage & Family Institute, we offer patience, understanding, and the right tools to help your child navigate challenges and feel more confident, supported, and in control.

Child Counseling in Columbus

What Is Child Counseling And How Can It Help?

Child counseling is designed to help kids in practical, hands-on ways that make sense for their age and developmental stage. Since traditional talk therapy doesn’t always click with younger kids, our counselors use creative, interactive methods like play therapy, art therapy, and sand play therapy. These approaches let children express themselves naturally—through play and imagination—without needing to put their thoughts and feelings into words, which can be hard for them at a young age.

Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, emotional outbursts, behavioral challenges, or unresolved trauma, we use proven techniques to help them understand their emotions, recognize triggers, and learn healthier ways to handle stress and frustration.

At The Marriage & Family Institute, we believe that when children are given the right tools and support—amazing changes can happen. They can build stronger relationships with friends and family, learn to manage their emotions and grow into more confident, resilient versions of themselves. Our goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where your child feels understood and supported so they can take on life’s ups and downs with confidence and balance.

When your child is working through:

We can help them develop the skills to navigate these challenges at their level.

Child Counseling Columbus

How Child Counseling Can Help

At The Marriage & Family Institute, we believe every child has the potential to thrive when given the right tools and support. Our therapists use fun, creative, and evidence-based approaches—like Play Therapy, Sand Play Therapy, and CBT—to help kids feel safe, understood, and empowered. We focus on meeting children at their level, giving them practical skills to manage emotions, feel safer in their world, and build stronger relationships.

Manage Anxiety & Stress

Does your child worry a lot or seem constantly on edge? Child counseling can help them understand what’s behind their anxiety and teach simple, kid-friendly tools like deep breathing and calming strategies. Through play and conversation, kids learn to manage big feelings and feel more in control of their emotions.

Teach Emotional Regulation

If your child often has meltdowns, outbursts, or struggles with frustration, child counseling can help. We work with kids to recognize what triggers their emotions and show them ways to calm down and express how they feel in healthier ways. Over time, they’ll learn to pause, think, and respond instead of reacting impulsively.

Build Confidence & Self-Worth

For kids who feel “not good enough” or who struggle with self-doubt, child counseling offers a safe space to explore their strengths and feel good about who they are. Through encouragement, games, and creative activities, we help kids develop confidence in themselves and approach challenges with a positive mindset.

Improve Peer & Family Relationships

Whether your child struggles to make friends, argues with siblings, or feels disconnected at home, counseling can help them learn to communicate better, set boundaries, and work through conflicts. We also provide parent coaching and family sessions so everyone can learn ways to connect and support each other more effectively.

Process Difficult Experiences

If your child has gone through something hard, like a loss, trauma, or big life change, they may not know how to talk about it. Through approaches like Play Therapy, Sand Play Therapy, and EMDR, we help kids process their feelings in a way that feels safe and approachable—helping them heal and move forward.

Support for Behavioral Struggles

If your child is acting out, having trouble following directions, or getting in trouble at school, we’ll work with them to build self-control and problem-solving skills. Through fun and interactive activities, they’ll learn how to handle frustrations, make better choices, and feel proud of their progress.

Get started today!

Book an appointment or free consultation online or contact us directly.

Why Us

The Marriage & Family Institute

We understand that while we can't change the difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and overcome the challenges you face today.

With decades of combined experience, we take an integrative, compassionate, and genuine approach to therapy, rooted in the philosophy that all parts of the human person need to be addressed to bring long-lasting and substantial change. We believe in a holistic therapy approach that considers all aspects of your experience — psychological, spiritual, and physical to help you heal from trauma, improve relationships, and live a fulfilling life.

At The Marriage & Family Institute, our mission is to strengthen individuals and families by promoting healthy relationships, building resilience, and fostering secure attachments. We provide evidence-based, compassionate, and comprehensive services to help couples, individuals, and families navigate life’s challenges and achieve a fulfilling life together.

Dr. Sarah Cordonnier, LPCC-S

Founder & Executive Director

Together, we support you in creating a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

Meet Our Team

Match With A Child Therapist

Cara Buenz

Independently Licensed Social Worker

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Weekdays, Weekends

Dr. Sarah Cordonnier

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Supervisor Designation

Not Accepting New Clients

Kate Hamblin

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Afternoons, Evenings