Therapy for Kids and Teens
“Do not mistake a child for his symptom”
Can therapy help?
Your child feels overwhelmed, worried, or is having a difficult time adjusting to change. Teachers may have noticed and approached you about it. Perhaps your child is falling behind either academically or having difficulty connecting with peers as a result. You may have also noticed behavioral changes and are concerned about how best to support your child. Therapy can provide space for your child to open up about their experience, as well as an opportunity for you as their parent to learn skills to provide your child the support they need.
“You see a child play, and it is so close to seeing an artist paint, for in play a child says things without uttering a word. You can see how he solves his problems. You can also see what's wrong. Young children, especially, have enormous creativity, and whatever's in them rises to the surface in free play.”
— Erik H. Erikson
What therapy offers
Behavioral issues in children and teens can often be a symptom of a mental health challenge. When working with children and teens, I tailor the child’s therapy to include talk therapy and/or play therapy, as developmentally appropriate for each individual. Additionally, I will work alongside the children’s parents or main caregivers to ensure that they feel equipped to support the child outside of therapy. I help all involved learn about how the child/teen’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected, and collaborate with parents on how to provide a supportive environment for their child.
Reasons children/teens come to see me.
Anxiety
One of my areas of focus is working with anxiety in children and teens. Whether the anxiety presents itself through symptoms like selective mutism, irritability, separation anxiety, or other forms of anxiety, I can help support children/teens and their parents in dealing with these symptoms.
Trauma or Stressors
Another area of focus for me has been working with children that have experienced a traumatic situation or a life stressor. I have advanced training treating children under 5, elementary-aged children, and preteens and teens experiencing trauma symptoms.
Life Transitions
Sometimes children and teens have difficulties managing life transitions. If your child is experiencing this, we can work together to help your child feel safe, secure, and confident to manage these transitions.
Social Skills Support
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to limited socializing opportunities for many children; this has increased the amount of anxiety that some children are experiencing in new situations. Participating in therapy can help provide them the space they need to process their feelings about socializing with others.