Child and Adolescent Services ~ C.O.O.L.

The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center has developed a unique approach to treating children and adolescents. We call our practice “C.O.O.L.” which is short for “Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life.” C.O.O.L. is an experiential approach to counseling. We integrate play, art, food, music, literature, the outdoors and physical movement into the therapeutic process to help kids communicate their inner life.

Issues Addressed and Services Offered for Children and Adolescents:

  • Behavioral Problems
  • Depression/Anxiety/Emotional Concerns
  • Emotional/Sexual/Physical Abuse Issues
  • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
  • Developmental Disorders, including Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
  • Parenting and Parent/Child Relations
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Loss and Grief Responses
  • Substance Abuse
  • Evaluation/Testing

Please call the Center for further information about C.O.O.L. or to make an appointment with a C.O.O.L. counselor (515-274-4006).

The work of play

What is play? It is spontaneous, fun, free – a means with no end. A seemingly purposeless process from which springs joy. It is the creative expression of Self through every age and stage that says “I am alive!” READ MORE

More about C.O.O.L.

Children are born with varying degrees of potential for growth – physically, cognitively, emotionally, and relationally. They rely on and look to the adults in their environment to not only keep them safe, but to help in the monumental and awesome task of realizing their potential to understand and integrate the world around them. READ MORE