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Counseling for Children and Adolescents

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Toddlers and Children

Young children often cannot communicate effectively with words, especially when it comes to feelings and stressful events.  Their limited language skills stop them from talking about areas that bother them. Children may start having behavioral difficulties at school or at home, or they might get very anxious for no apparent reason, or even become sad and depressed. Acting out is the easiest way of expression for a child.  Without appropriate help, such problems can live on into adulthood, affecting self-esteem, the ability to adapt to change, or establish satisfying and rewarding relationships.

 

These children utilize play – a far more comfortable medium – to express their internal and interpersonal conflicts.   I have found that children benefit tremendously from playing and talking with a trusted adult.   As a play therapist, I am a mental health clinician who is trained to speak and understand child’s language.   In play therapy, I encourage children to address, comprehend, and resolve their own problems. This experience helps children express their feelings, interact with peers, and develop problem-solving skills in a meaningful way in order to thrive.   I engage parents in the therapeutic process and help them enhance their ability to understand and connect with their children in order to build a balanced atmosphere among family members.

Learn more about Play Therapy...

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Adolescents

Youth today face challenges that are different from previous generations.  The standards for “good enough” seem to get higher and harder every year, and goals parents have for their children may not correspond to the goals held by their teens and young adults.  Feelings of self -doubt and anxiety can erode the self- esteem and self-confidence needed to move forward.  Learning Disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and autism spectrum challenges can add to the difficulties of growing up.  Teenagers often struggle with a variety of life challenges, all while beginning to build their sense of identity. Adolescents are at a pivotal time in their lives; the choices they make today can have a profound impact on their future.

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Counseling can help adolescents to:​

  • Reduce anxiety and frustration.

  • Learn ways to cope with anger and sadness

  • Increase motivation to succeed

  • Build self-esteem and increase confidence

  • Choose positive peer groups and healthy relationships

  • Process emotions and past trauma

 

My goal is to equip your child or teen with the tools he or she needs to gain self-awareness, make good decisions, be comfortable in his or her own skin and express emotions in positive, healthy ways.  Many parents feel that they are doing something wrong if they have to reach out for help. Rest assured – that is not the case, and you are not alone! My goal is to involve the entire family in your child’s treatment in order to develop a resource system that best supports his or her success.

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