Where Healing Begins Through Connection, Play, and Compassionate Expertise
Parenting Isn’t What You Expected Right Now
You care deeply about your child. You’ve tried everything from time-outs and rewards to staying calm and reading all the books but nothing seems to help. Maybe your child’s behavior has become unpredictable, or your teen is withdrawing, anxious, or overwhelmed. Family time feels tense, and you’re constantly second-guessing yourself.
You’re doing your best. And you’re not failing.
You just need a different way forward and that’s where we come in.
We Understand What You’re Going Through
Hi, I’m Crissy Himelstein, founder of Sunshine Child & Family Counseling. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor.
Since 2003, I’ve walked alongside families navigating emotional struggles, behavioral challenges, and moments of deep uncertainty. I’ve worked in community mental health, hospital settings and private practice sitting with overwhelmed parents, shut-down children, and teens who felt completely lost. And through all of it, I’ve learned something essential:
When a child’s world feels out of control, behavior becomes their voice.
Everything shifted for me in 2010 when I started working towards my Registered Play Therapy credential. Suddenly, I had a developmentally appropriate, deeply relational way to help children express what their behavior was really saying. I watched children come alive in the playroom communicating, healing, and growing in ways that words alone couldn’t reach. And I saw how this healing rippled into the home, strengthening the connection between children and their parents.
That discovery was the catalyst for starting Sunshine Child & Family Counseling in 2012. I wanted to create a space where families could access this kind of healing where children were understood, parents were empowered, and relationships were repaired.
Over the years, Sunshine has grown from a solo practice to a trusted group practice serving children, teens, and families throughout our community. As owner and director, I lead a team of passionate, highly trained therapists who share a common mission: to help families move from chaos to connection. I provide ongoing supervision and mentorship to our clinicians to ensure that every family receives thoughtful, compassionate, and expert care.
This practice isn’t just my profession, it’s my calling. And it’s an honor to support families like yours.
We believe every child deserves to feel seen, every parent deserves support, and every family deserves a path toward healing.
Here’s how we help you get there:
Our Approach
Step 1: See the Story Behind the Behavior
We look beyond surface struggles to understand what your child is really communicating. Behavior is just the beginning.
Step 2: Support the Child, Empower the Parent
We help your child feel capable and safe, and we give you tools that actually work with your child’s nervous system—not against it.
Step 3: Rebuild Connection
We guide your family toward trust, security, and relationships that feel easier, lighter, and more meaningful again.
inquiry@sunshinechildcounseling.com
What Change Looks Like
Imagine your child feeling safe and secure in who they are.
Picture fewer meltdowns, more connection, and a home that feels less like a battleground and more like a place to exhale.
Visualize yourself responding calmly, not reacting in frustration. Feeling confident in how you show up for your child even on the hard days.
We help make this possible.
Who We Help
We work with children, teens, and families navigating anxiety, behavior concerns, emotional regulation, trauma, and parent-child relationship struggles.
Here’s how we support you:
Play Therapy
When your child’s behavior is confusing and traditional strategies aren’t working
Adolescent Counseling
When your teen needs help managing emotions, stress, or social pressures
Parenting Support
When you need new strategies and a calm, clear plan that fits your child’s needs
Family Therapy
When disconnection has taken root and your family needs a reset
Online Therapy
When you need consistent, convenient support that works with your life
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
We know how heavy it can feel when nothing seems to help. But there’s a way forward and we’re here to walk it with you.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here.
Let’s take the next one together.