Lafayette , Louisiana Child Life Services & Counseling
Less Alone. Less Scared.
More Empowered.
At Red Oaks Coping, we take the challenges your child is facing and empower them with age-appropriate understanding, the tools to cope, and the confidence to move forward in all of life's ups and downs. Through play, conversation, and gentle care, your child can thrive even when circumstances feel heavy.
Meet Your New Child Life Specialist
Jenn Schaefer
'My journey to Child Life services has truly come full circle. At just four years old, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and underwent two years of chemotherapy and cranial radiation. During that time, my own Child Life Specialist, Christie, became an unwavering advocate for my family and me—bringing comfort, understanding, and moments of normalcy during an incredibly difficult chapter.
At the time, I had no idea that this experience would one day shape my calling.
Years later, after pursuing extensive education in child development and mental health, I returned to the field that once supported me and founded my own child life practice here in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Today, I work with children of all ages, backgrounds, diagnoses, and family dynamics. My goal is to help children feel less alone and less afraid of what the future holds. Through therapeutic support, education, and play, I help children and families navigate life’s hardest moments with greater confidence and connection.
Because bravery comes in all sizes—and every child deserves the support to discover their own.
How Red Oaks Coping Helps
We offer a quite extensive list of services that are personal to each child and their families, but here are some of our most powerful confidence-builders. Don't forget your free consultation to see which fit your story best.
Child Counseling
Play is the language of children.
Through play, children can safely explore and process experiences like trauma, medical diagnoses, and life changes. In a supportive environment, Jenn helps children express their thoughts and emotions, building confidence, understanding, and healthy coping skills.
Medical Play Therapy
Medical Play Therapy offers mastery and control over frightening medical equipment and procedures - whether it be to overcome past medical trauma or prepare for the future, both children and adolescents can benefit! With less fear and more confidence, appointments for themselves or for people they love will become easier and easier.
Teddy Bear Clinic
Lafayette’s only Teddy Bear Clinic is offered four times a year! During this interactive clinic, children bring their favorite stuffed animal and learn about medical procedures such as shots, IVs, and surgery in ways that make sense to them. When children understand what to expect, fear decreases and confidence grows, helping them feel more capable in real medical settings.
Free Resources from Jenn
FREEBIE
Support Your Child During a Medical Procedure
Need help in a pinch? Download the free guide to supporting your child during a medical procedure to help ease their anxiety and fears.
FREEBIE
For Child Life Students
Jenn works with students working toward their Child Life Specialist degree through consultations, resume writing, and interview prep! Learn more with this freebie.
FREEBIE
COMING SOON
FREEBIE COMING SOON
Kind Words from ROC Families
"My son has significant anxiety and is on the Autism spectrum, he has his struggles, but is a beautiful light to our lives. Jenn has been exponentially helpful to him on several occasions. She meets him where he is, makes him feel comfortable and has contagious compassion. Her knowledge is vast, and her kindness is life changing. Whether with a sleep study, an orthodontist appointment, anything in between or for helping my son gain valuable self-calming skills, Jenn has been such a huge help. For me as a parent, she has lifted a burden of stress off of my shoulders as well. Having her on our side is an extremely special part of our 'village' and I am forever grateful. I recommend her every chance I get; you will lose nothing and gain everything by having her on your side."
"Divorce, a new house, new school, and a cancer diagnoses of his father. So many changes for an 8 year old. My child went from bubbly, happy, never really getting in trouble at home and rarely getting in trouble at school to getting in trouble at school and having meltdowns at home. It was like a light flip switched and my sweet boy was lost in his emotions and as a parent, I felt completely helpless. We came across Jenn from a family friend and since our first visit, I felt like we were exactly where and who we needed to be with. After only a few sessions with Jenn, there was a noticeable change in our boy. After a few months of consistent therapy sessions, the tantrums were gone and issues with schooling resolved. We have monthly check-ins now. I cannot recommend Jenn enough. She has taught our boy to regulate his emotions so many therapeutic techniques that he still utilizes today. She has a true gift."
Book Your Free Consultation with Jenn
How we get started is simple - schedule a call and bring all the weight of what you've been carrying so that Jenn can suggest which services best fit your child and family. This could look like any of the following:
Procedure Preparation, Support, and Medical Play Therapy
Sibling Support & Coaching for Parents
Counseling with Play Therapy
Grief & Loss Support for Children & Families
Sibling Support & Coaching for Parents
"I'll tell the other kids they have to
have blood drawn. It's not that scary."
- Nine Year Old on the Autism Spectrum
Red Oaks Coping LLC is Lafayette, Louisiana's trusted provider of child life services, child counseling, and therapeutic support for children, teens, and families in Acadiana. Led by Jenn Schaefer, MA, LPC, CCLS — a dual-certified Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Child Life Specialist — Red Oaks Coping offers medical play therapy, procedure preparation, grief and loss support, diagnosis education, sibling support, and parent coaching to families across Lafayette, Acadia, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes. Jenn also provides child counseling for anxiety, autism, medical trauma, emotional regulation, and chronic illness for children ages 2–17, as well as the evidence-based Wonders & Worries program for children of parents facing serious illness. Additional services include workshops, school consulting, healthcare professional training, and mentorship for child life students. Virtual sessions are available statewide. Located at 1604 W Pinhook Rd, Suite 100, Lafayette, LA. FSA/HSA accepted.
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