Counseling for Children & Teens
Children
Childhood is a precious time during a person’s life—a time for nurture, attachment, development, and growth. However, for many, it unfortunately becomes a time of emotional stress and pain. Children may react in dysfunctional ways, ranging from withdrawal to disruptive behaviors at home or at school. Many parents want to guide children toward becoming happy, loving people, but this can be challenging at times. We believe in supporting children and families as they learn life skills that are necessary for growth and relational connection. Children often struggle to express their feelings and emotions verbally. Therapy with children, unlike conventional therapy, uses playful, creative activities as the primary medium for communicating. Utilizing this approach with children helps facilitate social, emotional, and behavioral growth. We counsel children with a wide range of emotional or developmental challenges, and the therapeutic change occurs in a safe and trusting environment.
Teens
The teenage years are challenging for both teens and their parents. Adolescents face many new pressures and frequently find it difficult to navigate through their turbulent thoughts and emotions.
There is no “typical” teenager because adolescents express themselves in such a wide variety of behaviors. However, there is often one common theme that runs through the lives of our teenagers: difficulty coping with life’s challenges in a healthy and productive manner. Adolescent issues are, by nature, highly volatile and therefore require a safe and respectful forum for facilitate open and honest discussion. Utilizing an individualized and strengths-based approach (Temperament), we are able to effectively address a wide range of teen issues including, but not limited to: self-esteem, anger, defiance, anxiety, substance abuse and depression.
Our therapists are skilled at creating a safe environment for teens to express thoughts and feelings. After addressing issues and developing trust we can begin to equip them to make healthy choices and to pursue healthy relationships.
