Child Therapy in Los Angeles
Therapy for children ages 8+ struggling with anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, and life transitions.
Telehealth sessions throughout California, Florida, and Utah.
You Might Be Here Because...
Your child's anxiety has gotten worse, and you're not sure how to help
They're struggling at school with focus, friendships, or just getting through the day
Big feelings lead to meltdowns that leave everyone exhausted
A life change (divorce, move, new sibling) has thrown them off balance
They're harder on themselves than any kid should be
You've tried everything you can think of, and nothing seems to stick
Childhood struggles are real, and watching your child suffer is one of the hardest things a parent can experience.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Meet Brooke Sundin, LMFT
Hi, I'm Brooke. I'm the owner and founder of Light Minds Child and Family Therapy, and I've been helping children with anxiety for over ten years.
I get it. You're watching your child cry at drop-off, refuse birthday parties, or spiral at bedtime over something that happened three days ago, and you don't know how to make it better. That's exactly where I come in.
My approach meets kids where they are. We play, we draw, we build things, and somewhere in the middle of all that, real change happens. I use evidence-based techniques like CBT and play therapy, adapted so children can actually engage with them. And I keep you in the loop every step of the way, because the work we do in sessions sticks when you have tools to support it at home.
If you're looking for your own support as a parent, I also offer parent coaching using the SPACE program developed at the Yale Child Study Center.
CREDENTIALS & TRAINING
License Number: California #124192
Additional Licenses: TPMF1613 (Florida), 14231277-3902 (Utah)
Education: MS Marriage and Family Therapy, California State University, Long Beach
Certifications: SPACE (Yale Child Study Center), ACT (Institute for Better Health)
Years in Practice: 10+
Modalities Used: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Play Therapy, SPACE, and more
Child Therapy SpecialtiesAreas I Can Help With
Anxiety
The stomachaches before school, the "what if" questions that won't stop, the way a small change in plans can feel like the end of the world. I help children understand what anxiety in children and teens actually looks like and build real coping skills they can use when worry takes over.
Self-Esteem
"I'm stupid." "Nobody likes me." "I can't do anything right." When a child's inner critic is louder than everything else, it shows up in school, friendships, and willingness to try new things. I help kids find evidence for what's actually true about them.
OCD in Children
Washing hands until they're raw. Needing to check, count, or repeat until it feels "just right." OCD in children often looks different than adults expect. I use child-friendly ERP to help kids take back control from intrusive thoughts and rituals, one brave step at a time.
Life Transitions
Divorce, a move, a new sibling, a parent's new partner. Big changes can leave a child feeling unsteady even when the adults around them are trying their best. I help kids process what's shifted and find their footing again.
Grief & Loss
Children grieve differently than adults. They might seem fine one moment and fall apart the next, or act out in ways that don't obviously connect to the loss. I give kids age-appropriate ways to understand and express what they're feeling.
Depression
When a child stops wanting to play, withdraws from friends, or seems heavy in a way that doesn't lift, something deeper may be going on. I create space for kids to talk about what's weighing on them and help them reconnect with the things that bring them energy.
Family Conflict
Shouting matches at dinner, doors slamming, siblings at each other's throats. When things are tense at home, children absorb more than we realize. I give kids tools to express their feelings safely and help families find ways to communicate without everything escalating.
Oppositional Behavior
The constant pushback, the refusal to do anything you ask, the arguments over every little thing. Defiance is almost always a signal, not the problem itself. I help children and families understand what's underneath the behavior and find better ways to communicate.
School Anxiety
Crying at drop-off, begging to stay home, the Sunday-night dread that starts every week. When school feels overwhelming, I help children build confidence and coping skills so they can walk through the door with less fear. If your child struggles with social anxiety in children, that's something we can work on together too.
Your Child's JourneyWhat Child Therapy Looks Like
Play-Based & Engaging
Children learn through play, not lectures. Sessions include games, art, and activities that help kids express what words can't capture.
Evidence-Based Tools
I use CBT, ACT, and ERP, adapted to be kid-friendly. Your child learns real coping skills they can actually use.
Parent Involvement
You're part of the team. I share progress, teach strategies for home, and help you understand what's driving your child's behavior.
Online Child TherapyWhy Telehealth?
What are the benefits of telehealth for child therapy?
Telehealth gives children the chance to receive support at home, where they tend to feel most at ease. Being in a familiar environment helps them feel more relaxed and open as they begin therapy. For families, it reduces the stress of commuting and makes it easier to stay consistent with care.
Meeting in a child's natural environment allows me to better understand daily routines, family dynamics, and real-life challenges as they show up at home. I get more insight into the everyday life of my clients meeting with them via telehealth rather than in an office setting. I can observe, respond, and adapt in ways that feel relevant and practical for the child and family. I can offer real-time guidance, share observations, and partner with caregivers in a way that feels integrated into everyday life.
What does online therapy look like for children (ages 8+)?
Sessions take place through a secure video platform and may include conversation, play-based and creative activities, online games, drawing, or gentle skill-building exercises to help children strengthen their coping strategies. Parents are an essential part of this work. I meet with parents regularly at the beginning or end of sessions to reflect on progress, answer questions, and explore supportive strategies for home so we're working together as a team. If you're searching for a child therapist near me who keeps parents in the loop, that's central to how I work.
When is online therapy a good option?
Online therapy often works well for children who are comfortable using technology and can engage on a screen with gentle guidance. It's especially helpful for children who may feel anxious about new spaces, have difficulty with transitions, or feel more relaxed in a familiar, home-based environment. Telehealth often works well for children experiencing mild to moderate emotional or behavioral challenges and for families looking for flexibility.
Kind wordsWhat Parents say
★★★★★
“Brooke has been extremely helpful in supporting our little one around their anxiety. She's introduced a lot of tools for emotional regulation which has allowed our son to re-gain his confidence. Brooke also has done a great job at making sure we as parents have the tools and language to support our son at home.”
—H.L.★★★★★
“I've known Brooke for a few years in family reunification, she is AMAZING with kids. She also is so compassionate to adults who are struggling. She's someone you can trust in all kinds of situations.”
— J.D.★★★★★
Brooke is an outstanding clinician! I refer her children and teens with full trust that they will be in amazing hands. She is compassionate, wise, and determined to help. I highly recommend!
—C.G.YouR Questions, AnsweredFrequently Asked Questions
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If your child is struggling with emotions, behavior, or life changes in a way that's affecting their daily life, therapy can help. You don't need a diagnosis or crisis to reach out—early support often prevents bigger problems later.
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I work with children ages 8 and up. For younger children, I often recommend parent coaching as the primary intervention, since parents can make a huge impact on a young child's emotional development.
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Play is a child's natural language. Through play, children express feelings they can't put into words, work through difficult experiences, and practice new skills. It might look like "just playing," but there's a lot happening beneath the surface.
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I'll share general themes and progress, but I also protect your child's trust by keeping some things between us. If there's ever a safety concern, I'll always let you know.
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It varies. Some children benefit from a few months of focused work; others need longer support. We'll check in regularly about progress and adjust as needed.
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Light Minds is an out-of-network provider. I provide superbills you can submit to your PPO for potential reimbursement. I also offer a limited number of sliding scale slots.
Areas We Serve
Beverly Hills • Westwood • Venice • Pacific Palisades • West LA • Playa Vista
Help Your Child Build a Lighter Mind
Childhood should be a time of curiosity, play, and growth — not constant worry or struggle. I'd be honored to help your child find their footing and welcome your family to the Light Minds community.