CHILD THERAPISTS IN LAKELAND, FL

This is the support you’ve been looking for.

Learn more about Star Psychology & how we work.

When it comes to raising kids, it can feel like every decision is up for debate and every mistake you make is permanent.

And when your child has big feelings, big reactions, or needs that don’t fit the standard mold, parenting always feels like you’re in the dark.

We know you just want something to work. You’re holding onto hope that there are answers—and steps you can actually take—that will actually make a difference.

We’re here to help with:

Signs of ADHD or autism
Academic struggles & learning difficulties
Trouble with transitions or routines

IEP & school support questions
Explosive behavior & power struggles
Speech, developmental, or language delays

Sibling conflict & family stress
Social challenges or trouble making friends
Anxiety, worry, or perfectionism

...and more! Our mission is to find the right way to make a difference.

We do what we do because we know that too often, parents and children end up on opposite sides—when really, they’re on the same team.

How We Work:

A personalized, full-picture approach

We start by getting to know your child and family beyond the symptoms or behaviors. Whether through play-based neuropsych testing or child-centered therapy, we tailor our work to match your values, goals, and pace.

A true partnership with caregivers

We believe parents are the experts on their kids. Our job is to listen, guide, and support you with tools that actually make a difference, in the moment and in the long term.

Therapy grounded in empathy, not charts or metrics

We don’t view kids as “bad” or “broken.” Oftentimes, they’re doing the best they can with what they have and struggling because of what they don’t have (yet). We know that with kindness and compassionate support, they can grow in powerful ways.

Explore Our Specialties

A Note From Our Founder

I started this practice because I believe that when we take the time to truly understand a child—without rushing or judgment—everything can change. Families can stop feeling stuck, kids begin to feel safe enough to show us what’s really going on, and parents finally get the clarity and support they’ve been looking for.

I’m a school psychologist, play therapist, and a mom—so I get how overwhelming it can feel when your child is struggling and you’re not sure what to do next. My goal is always to create a warm, honest, and encouraging space where families feel heard, respected, and genuinely supported in their challenges.

Dr. Shey Cunha, PsyD, NCSP, ABSNP, SB-RPT
Founder of Star Psychology

Our Methods

Everything we do is individualized. We look at the whole child, the context of their environment, and the relationships that shape them. Our goal is to bring clarity, direction, and support to the areas that feel uncertain while always centering the connection between the child and you, the caregiver.

Child-Centered Play Therapy

This method is rooted in the belief that children process experiences and express emotions through play. Rather than relying on verbal explanations or behavior charts, we use age-appropriate, therapeutic play to observe and support a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. As we’re consistently and empathetically engaged, children learn how to understand and manage their emotions while building meaningful connections to the people that are closest to them.

School Neuropsychology

Our assessments are comprehensive and developmentally sensitive, informed by school neuropsychology principles. We explore how a child’s brain functions in areas like attention, memory, executive functioning, and emotional processing, and how these impact learning and behavior. This approach helps us with accurate diagnoses (e.g., ADHD, autism, learning differences) and provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for home, school, and therapeutic interventions. Learn more about testing & evaluation HERE.

Child–Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)

CPRT is a structured approach centered around play therapy principles. Parents learn specific strategies to strengthen the parent-child relationship, tackle challenging behaviors, and increase connection. This method has been shown to improve emotional regulation and resilience in children, while also increasing confidence and effectiveness in parenting.

Parent Coaching & Psychoeducation

We actively involve caregivers in all of our work, offering support that’s both skill-building and collaborative. This includes addressing discipline strategies, communication breakdowns, or emotional co-regulation—our coaching helps parents understand the “why” behind their child’s behavior and equips them to respond in more connected and effective ways. Regular progress check-ins ensure that these strategies remain aligned and impactful.