Many of our therapists work with adolescents and/or children. Some of them work or have worked in the school system as well, and are thus equipped to handle issues related to that if need be. Some of our therapists also have experience working with transgender or gender non-conforming youth.
Usually, when people think about psychotherapy, they imagine sitting on a couch in an office talking to a therapist about their problems. This style of therapy works just fine for many adults and adolescents. However, most younger children express themselves better through play than through words—for them, play is a primary method of communication. Even very bright and highly verbal children may find it difficult to talk about situations when strong feelings are involved. This is why they might shrug their shoulders, refuse to answer or say “I don’t know” when asked what is wrong. They might also “act out” or try to communicate to you through their behavior rather than through words, and sometimes these behaviors can get them into trouble at home or at school or be misunderstood by those around them. In addition, children often find it hard to sit still and talk for 45 minutes in a row, and they enjoy coming to therapy much more when play is a part of the equation.
Being an adolescent is no walk in the park! Navigating teenage years can be challenging, with a whirlwind of emotions, peer pressures, and identity shifts to boot. If your teen has been dealing with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, family issues, or simply the stresses of everyday life, my goal is to support them in understanding and managing their big feelings. I'll use a variety of techniques from DBT and cognitive-behavioral strategies to get them on a more hopeful and fulfilling path. To learn more about scheduling a session for adolescent-focused treatment, call or email to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.
Our clinicians commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), stress management or play/game therapy techniques to treat children and teens struggling with depression and anxiety. We also work closely with their parents to develop techniques that can be used at home.
I provide counseling and art therapy for a wide range of childhood and adolescent problems. Art therapy is an effective and enjoyable way to overcome emotional and behavioral issues. Please not that I do not provide testimony or letters for child custody issues.
Therapy offers children and adolescents a supportive and empowering space to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, build resilience, and develop the skills they need to thrive during the tumultuous adolescent years. By working with a skilled therapist, young people can gain greater self-awareness, confidence, and emotional well-being as they navigate the transition to adulthood.
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT, LCADC, ACS
Children and adolescents often find it hard to communicate how they are feeling. Sometimes this comes out as eternalizing behaviors such as acting out or outwardly expressing anger. Other times it shows up as internalizing behaviors such as social isolation, depression, anxiety, and withdrawing from social activities.
I have worked in the nation's largest school system for over 20 years. I have experience partnering with parents to help their children with behavioral issues and removing any blockage that may prevent them from reaching their optimal performance at school, home, and other social settings.