TEEN COUNSELING

At Adventures in Counseling, I offer specialized therapy for pre-teens, and teenagers to help them navigate the unique challenges of growing up. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, depression, difficulties adjusting to school, making friends, coping with grief, or processing past trauma, I am here to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where they can explore their emotions, build coping skills, and develop a strong sense of self.

Therapy That Meets Your Child Where They Are

I understand that the therapy process must be tailored to their developmental stage and unique needs. Adolescence can be a time of significant emotional, social, and physical changes, and it's normal for kids to face struggles related to school, relationships, self-esteem, or mental health. My approach is designed to create a safe, trusting relationship with your child while empowering them to take an active role in their healing journey.

Therapeutic Approaches for Kids and Teens

I incorporate a variety of creative, evidence-based techniques to help children and teens feel comfortable expressing themselves and engaging in therapy. Some of the approaches I use include:

• Sand Tray Therapy: This hands-on, expressive therapy allows children to use miniature figures and objects to create scenes that reflect their inner world. It is a powerful way to help kids express thoughts and feelings they may find difficult to verbalize. Sand tray therapy is particularly helpful for working with trauma, anxiety, and grief.

• Board Games: I use carefully selected board games to create an engaging, interactive environment where children can build trust, learn coping skills, and practice social problem-solving. Games can help children develop communication skills, manage frustration, and learn to manage their emotions in a fun, low-pressure setting.

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): For kids dealing with trauma, EMDR is an effective therapy that helps process distressing memories and reduces the emotional impact of past experiences. Using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), EMDR helps children reprocess traumatic memories, reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.

• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): ART is another technique I use to help children and teens quickly and effectively resolve trauma. ART works by using eye movements and guided imagery to help reframe negative memories, allowing kids to move past emotional blocks and experience relief from distressing thoughts or feelings.

Common Issues Treated in Therapy for Kids, Pre-teens, and Teens:

• Anxiety & Stress: Whether it’s social anxiety, school anxiety, or generalized worry, therapy can help your child learn ways to manage their fears and build confidence.

• Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability can be common in kids and teens. I work with young clients to help them understand and manage their emotions and develop healthier coping strategies.

• Difficulty Adjusting to School: Transitioning to a new school, changing grade levels, or facing academic pressure can be overwhelming. Therapy can help your child develop the tools they need to adjust to changes, manage school stress, and feel more confident in the classroom.

• Difficulty Making Friends & Social Skills: Many children struggle with making and maintaining friendships. Through therapy, kids can develop better communication skills, learn empathy, and build positive social relationships with peers.

• Grief & Loss: Losing a loved one, a pet, or experiencing a significant life change can cause deep emotional pain. Therapy provides a safe place for children and teens to process their grief, express their feelings, and find healing.

• Trauma: Children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events often carry deep emotional wounds. Therapy can help them process these experiences, rebuild their sense of safety, and begin healing from the trauma.

Building Trust and Connection with Kids and Teens

One of the most important aspects of therapy for children and adolescents is building a trusting, respectful relationship. I focus on creating a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable opening up. By building trust, I help them feel heard and understood—key elements for successful therapy. My approach is collaborative and child-centered, meaning I involve both you (the parent) and your child in the therapeutic process, while respecting their individuality and needs.

Why Choose Therapy for Kids, Pre-teens, and Teens?

• Holistic Approach: I address the emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of your child's well-being. Therapy isn't just about addressing symptoms—it's about building life skills that foster resilience and emotional intelligence.

• Comfortable, Child-Friendly Environment: I create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where kids feel safe to explore their emotions and engage in therapy through play, creativity, and conversation.

• Evidence-Based Techniques: I use proven therapeutic methods to help your child or teen develop healthier coping strategies, improve their emotional regulation, and reduce anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms.

Start Your Child's Healing Journey Today

If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, social challenges, or trauma, therapy can help them build the skills they need to feel better and thrive. I am here to support both you and your child through this important process.

Contact me today to request an appointment or learn more about how therapy for kids and teens can make a positive impact on your child’s emotional health and well-being.