For Children & Teens
COUNSELING FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Counseling for youth ages 5 and up, is available at the practice. Therapy will be offered by clinicians who specialize in working with youth. The practice additionally has clinicians who are duly registered as Clinical Counselors and Art Therapists. Clinicians are capable of diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health conditions, adjustment disorders and psychological distress. These specialized clinicians are able to help children interpret their issues to decrease the risk of long term effects and help avoid negative impacts to educational, social and developmental milestones. Clinicians working with younger children, use a variety of treatment approaches, which are dependent on cognitive development and treatment needs.
Counseling specific for teens, allows the adolescent to get a non-related, adult perspective on their situations or perceived problems. Teenagers are often under a great deal of pressures and stress. Counseling helps teens gain skills and promote independence which can improve overall functioning in school, home and social environments. Counseling provides a private, safe place for teens to discuss whatever is on their minds. Private session information is not discussed with parents, unless there is a danger to the patient or others. This will be discussed at the initial appointment.
The clinicians primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoanalytic therapy when working with teenagers. CBT can help the teenager restructure negative thoughts into more positive ways of thinking and is focused on short-term problem solving. Psychoanalytic therapy is primarily used with older teens and includes a more in-depth analysis of one’s problems. If the adolescent is interested, clinicians can integrate a faith-based approach to therapy.
When working with youth, parent or guardian participation is beneficial. Parent(s) or guardian(s) may be requested to meet with the clinician every 30-90 days, depending on age of the youth. Involvement from guardian(s) allows the clinician to get a different perspective on needs and progress towards treatment goals. Additionally, the guardian(s) will be able to understand and learn approaches and skills being tough to the youth, so support can be available in home.
Children and teens often come for treatment related to:
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Substance Abuse/Dependency
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Academic Struggles
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Oppositional/Defiant Behavior
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Peer Relationship Issues
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Self-harming Behavior
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Stress
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Problems with Communication
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Social Skills
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Trauma
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Teen Pregnancy
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Parent/Separation Divorce
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Loss/Bereavement
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Physical Illness Affecting Mood
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Gender/Sexual Identity
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Problems with Family
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Adjusting to Life Changes