Individual Therapy for Children and Teens
Is your child withdrawing from family and friends?
Do you worry they feel caught in the middle during your divorce?
Are emotional outbursts becoming more frequent?
Concerned about their academic performance due to school avoidance or anxiety?
Perhaps they've developed anxiety about activities they once loved or complain of unexplained stomach aches?
It's natural to question whether your child’s behavior is typical for their age or a cause for concern. Children often respond to challenging experiences with changes in behavior—acting out, withdrawing, or expressing physical discomfort without clear medical reasons. Each child is unique, but these behaviors are often signals of underlying distress that can be difficult for loved ones to interpret.
Your child’s behavior may be influenced by significant life changes or ongoing stressful circumstances, such as:
Moving to a new home or school
Welcoming a new sibling into the family
Facing challenges like bullying at school
Feeling isolated or left out by friends
Struggling with inadequate school support for learning differences and neurodivergence
Coping with parent separation or divorce
Dealing with separation from a parent or caregiver
Additionally, traumatic experiences such as:
Losing a parent or caregiver
Witnessing domestic violence
Enduring emotional, physical, or neglectful abuse
These experiences can be overwhelming and disorienting for children, leading to anxiety, emotional outbursts, and physical complaints like stomach aches. Understanding these influences is crucial to providing the support and guidance they need to thrive.
Your child's behavior is their way of asking for understanding and support.
Let's work together to create a plan that meets your child's unique needs.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including life changes and ongoing challenges, are more common than you might realize and profoundly impact children's health and mental well-being. These experiences can disrupt their ability to fully meet social and emotional needs. By fostering a safe, stable, and nurturing environment both at home and in their surroundings, I empower children to thrive and realize their full potential. Therapy plays a crucial role in offering the support and security needed to overcome ACEs and lead happier, healthier lives.
As a designated Child Mental Health Specialist, I see your child's behavior as a window into deeper struggles they face navigating the world. My approach involves understanding their unique experiences, considering their developmental stage, and creating a personalized treatment plan to restore their sense of safety and security. Together, we can pave the way for your child's brighter tomorrow.
Still unsure about taking the next step? Here are some questions or concerns you might have:
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Bringing your child to therapy is a significant step in supporting your child’s overall well-being. If your child needs or wants to go to therapy, it does not mean you have failed them as a parent. In fact, you are doing the best for your child by taking care of their mental health and well-being.
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I agree— There is nothing wrong with your child. Therapy does not entail fixing your child; therapy seeks to work collaboratively with you and your child to foster their resiliency.
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Some parents, whether seeking therapy for themselves or their child during divorce, worry that their mental health could be used against them. It's important to note that I do not conduct court-related parenting evaluations. If I am required to testify, it can be costly and significantly disrupt your child's therapy progress.
I view therapy as a sacred healing space for your child. Involvement in court proceedings could compromise the trust we've built and hinder the progress we aim to achieve together.
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If therapy doesn't seem to be helping your child as quickly as you hoped, remember that having a dedicated adult focused on their needs can still be beneficial. Sometimes, the changes might not be immediately visible, but therapy provides a safe space for your child to explore and grow.
It's important to ensure there's a good match between your child and their therapist from the start. I believe in finding the right counselor for each child, even if that means it's not me. Whether through art, play, or talk, I help children process their experiences at their own pace. I also specialize in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based therapy designed to support children with particularly challenging behaviors.
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As your child's therapist, I prioritize close collaboration with parents to ensure you're fully informed about your child's progress. I'll share key themes and goals from our therapy sessions and provide updates on any crucial details for your child's well-being. Feel free to reach out with updates or concerns anytime; effective teamwork is essential in supporting your child's journey. I'm here to guide you both with warmth and care through this process, helping navigate uncertainties together.
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I understand your concern about your child's hesitation toward therapy. It's common for children to feel unsure, especially if it's their first time or they're unsure what to expect. Addressing any misconceptions or fears through clear explanations about therapy—like talking and playing to help them feel better—can ease their worries. Giving your child a sense of control by involving them in decisions, such as choosing a therapist they're comfortable with or exploring therapy options that match their preferences, can also be beneficial.
