CHILD & TEEN THERAPY
"Children don't misbehave. They behave, either positively or negatively to communicate. Small children communicate through their behavior because that is the only method of communication they have. Even when children become verbal, though, they still aren't able to articulate big feelings and subtle problems well verbally, so as parents it's our role to 'listen between the lines' of our children's behavior to discern the need being communicated. Setting boundaries is not about misbehavior. It's about guiding behavior and guidance is something we provide through everyday interactions with our children. ” ― L.R. Knost
Children have common struggles like…
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Learning about and understanding powerful emotions.
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Finding ways to encounter sadness or depression for the first time.
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Handling pressure dealing with school or sports, or other stressful activities.
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Dealing with social anxiety, relational aggression in friend groups and other stressful instances in school.
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Changes in family dynamics either through a separation, divorce, or new step-father/step-mother.
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Dealing with grief and loss for the first time. Perhaps even with an immediate family member, close relative or pet having passed.
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Dealing with trauma associated with school lockdown drills, school shootings or other acts of community violence, domestic abuse, and sexual assault.
Teens have a number of common struggles specific to the age group of 13-19, but also extending into their early-20s:
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Navigating the physical and emotional shifts of puberty, as well as exploring sexuality.
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Dealing with increased pressure to perform well at school and/or in sports, and gain college admission or scholarships.
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Finding coping strategies for dealing with betrayal or heartbreak for the first time, and navigating the ups and downs of teen romance.
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Improving the ability to feel better about themselves, exploring identity, and managing self-esteem.
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Changes in family dynamics either through a separation, divorce, or new step-father/step-mother.
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Dealing with other unfortunate episodes of school shootings, domestic abuse, violence in society, and cyberbullying.
Children and teens that connect with their therapist and have positive supports in place at home often develop coping skills, increase their emotional awareness, learn how to regulate and communicate their feelings and add appropriate boundaries for mental wellness. These therapy sessions are confidential, meaning, what your child shares with the therapist is protected information. Our therapists do offer one free 15 minute telehealth consult with parents or guardians monthly to allow the parents to share any updates or progress. Our therapists will not share information other than general progress towards treatment goals due to confidentiality. In certain circumstances a parent might be invited to participate in some or all of a session. We strive to create safe spaces for our clients of all ages.