When a child starts melting down at preschool, refuses to go to school, or explodes into tears in the cereal aisle, parents are often left wondering: Is this just a phase, or something more?
Dr. Chandler Chang, clinical psychologist and founder of Therapy Lab, hears this question often—and believes that families don’t need to wait for a crisis to ask for help.
“Usually it’s one of two things,” she says. “There’s a real problem—maybe the child won’t go to school, is showing signs of ADHD or OCD—or, on the other hand, there’s really not a problem, but parents feel like they should get their child into therapy because everyone around them is doing it.”
But for Dr. Chang, the most meaningful reason to seek therapy isn’t to fix a problem—it’s to build a foundation.
“I really like the inverse of the ‘problem’ model,” she explains. “Instead of asking what’s wrong with your child, ask: What are the skills they’ll need to build a business, be an amazing adult, have their own family one day? Things like self-understanding, decision-making—knowing who they are.”
Tantrums in Aisle 5: A Coaching Opportunity
For Dr. Chang, few moments are as telling—or as full of potential—as a full-blown tantrum in the grocery store.
“I love to see kids throwing a temper tantrum at the grocery store,” she says with a smile. “And most importantly, I love to see the parents who ignore it—because when your child is throwing a temper tantrum and you’re ignoring it, you’re teaching them that that’s not how you get ahead. You just keep going—maybe give them a look of understanding or a gentle shoulder squeeze to acknowledge their frustration, but then move right along - you put the groceries on the checkout, you pay your bill, and you walk out.”
Rather than avoiding these scenes, she believes they’re vital learning opportunities—for both child and parent.
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed this,” she adds, “but kids don’t go to the grocery store anymore. Parents have figured out it’s difficult. But it’s such an opportunity to teach patience, and what to do when someone says no. These are real learning experiences.”
Therapy as Emotional Education
At Therapy Lab, therapy isn’t endless or aimless. Instead, families are guided through structured, short-term care plans—typically around 12 weeks—tailored to the child’s age and challenges. Sessions may include role play, storytelling, games, or emotion charts to help kids identify, express, and regulate their feelings.
“We’re not trying to fix kids,” Dr. Chang says. “We’re helping them name what they’re feeling, calm themselves down, and communicate more clearly. It’s emotional education.”
A First Step Toward Clarity
Sometimes families reach out not because they planned to—but because they’re suddenly in crisis.
“So let’s say we get a frantic phone call and it’s, you know, 11 a.m. on a Tuesday,” Dr. Chang recalls. “It’s a mom who has a busy career, or a dad, or any kind of family, and they say, ‘Oh no, the preschool just called. Our kid can’t go back until we’ve got his behavior under control.’”
She emphasizes: this really happens. And when it does, Therapy Lab responds quickly.
“That’s one reason why we don’t see people forever,” she says. “We like to get people in right away. We book you a session the next day. You’re not on a waitlist—we start with a one-hour intake conversation.”
From there, the process is both gentle and strategic. Dr. Chang and her team begin with basics—like sleep and nutrition—before guiding families into what’s called a functional analysis.
“We ask: when is your child acting the way you want him to? When is his behavior totally out of control?” she explains. “We’re like Sherlock Holmes. We find the precise moment things are breaking down and help parents fortify that moment so they know what to do.”
Whether the issue is bedtime chaos, emotional outbursts, or preschool dismissal, the goal is to give families clarity—and a plan.
Not Just for the Kids
Parents are a critical part of the process. They’re given language, tools, and insights that help make everyday life calmer and more connected.
“Therapy is most effective when it doesn’t stop at the office door,” Dr. Chang says. “It works best when families carry it into their routines.”
Final Takeaway:
Today’s kids are navigating a world that’s moving faster, expecting more, and offering fewer chances to slow down and reflect. Therapy isn’t just a safety net—it’s a skill-building environment. One where kids learn how to listen to themselves, regulate their emotions, and grow into the people they’re meant to become.
“Therapy is absolutely a way to get to know yourself,” Dr. Chang says. “And that’s a skill kids can carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Bedtime Battles
Opportunity: Regulating routine, sleep hygiene, and nighttime emotions
“One of the first things we ask about is sleep—because kids who aren’t sleeping properly go off the rails.”
A consistent bedtime routine supports not only rest, but self-soothing, cooperation, and daily rhythm.