Child & Teen Counseling

You've noticed something. Maybe the attitude that isn't really attitude, the withdrawal, the meltdowns, the worry that seems too big for their small shoulders. Maybe your teen has gone quiet in a way that worries you. You want to help, and you're not sure how.

Cultivate Your Essence offers warm, culturally responsive counseling for children and teens — and support for you as their parent along the way.

When a child or teen might need support

Kids don't always have the words for what they're feeling, so it often shows up in behavior. Counseling can help when you notice:

• Big emotions, frequent meltdowns, or anger that seems to come from nowhere
• Anxiety, worry, perfectionism, or trouble sleeping
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they used to love
• A recent change or hard experience — a move, loss, divorce, bullying, or trauma
• Struggles with self-esteem, identity, or navigating the world as a young Black girl or boy

How therapy helps kids and teens

In a safe, affirming space, our therapists help young people name what they feel, build coping skills, and feel understood. For teens, that often looks like real conversation and practical tools drawn from client-centered, narrative, and CBT-based approaches. For younger children, feelings come out through play — which is exactly why play therapy works.

Our team for teens and kids

Teens can begin now with Lillar Burton, MA, LPC or Lynese McIntosh, MA, LPC — both work with teens and are welcoming new clients. For younger children, Haile Pollard-Durodola, LCPC, specializes in play therapy, a way for kids to express and work through feelings they can't yet put into words, and also works with teens.

Culturally responsive care for your family

Our team understands the specific joys and pressures of raising Black children and teens. We create a space where your child's identity is affirmed, not questioned — and where you, as a parent, are a valued partner in the work. We'll keep you appropriately involved and equipped to support your child at home.

Getting started

Reaching out is one of the most loving things you can do. If your teen is ready, we can often match them with Lillar or Lynese right away. For younger children and play therapy with Haile, spots can be more limited — so reach out and we'll share the soonest availability or add you to the waitlist.

Child & teen counseling across Illinois & Georgia

We offer telehealth counseling for children and teens throughout Illinois and Georgia, including Chicago and Atlanta, with in-person options available at our Chicago office when that's the better fit for your child. We'll talk through what makes the most sense during your consultation.