Children's Therapy (Ages 7 and Up)
Parents are in a unique position of being able to attend to their children’s emotional needs in ways that no other person can. But at times, it can feel like you’re stuck in a dead end or overwhelmed by the needs of your child. This is where children’s counseling can help.
As a licensed professional counselor, I can be an invaluable support to ensure your child is able to recognize, acknowledge, and process their experiences in a healthy and healing manner.
How Does Therapy Help Children?
Therapy for children can address specific issues they may be dealing with, such as grief, trauma, bullying, family conflict, or behavior issues. As an experienced counselor, I can work with your child to develop healthy coping skills that will strengthen your child's emotional regulation, communication skills, and self-esteem.
I will provide a supportive, therapeutic environment to help your child process their emotions, express their struggles, and navigate through tough times. My goal in children's counseling is to provide emotional support and professional guidance in order to support your child's growth, development, and well-being. Your child needs a safe space where they can learn to express themselves and feel accepted. It can also help them build confidence, identify triggers for their emotions, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Struggles Faced By Children
- Anxiety, excessive worry or guilt
- Feelings of sadness, loneliness, and emptiness
- Traumatic events, such as the death of a close family member, friend, or beloved pet
- Family separation such as divorce in the family or high-conflict custody disputes
- Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
- Low motivation and interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble controlling emotions or drastic mood swings
- Acting out or outbursts of anger
- Unexplained physical symptoms, such as headache or upset stomach, even though a doctor finds nothing wrong
- Poor academic or behavioral performance
- Low self-esteem and self-worth
- Poor social skills and difficulty making friends
- Problems with bullying
- Lack of social goals, such as sports or clubs
- Difficulty managing stressors
- Self-harming behavior
- Poor communication skills or developmental delays
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Poor decision-making skills
How Does The Counseling Session Work?
Counseling sessions for children will vary slightly from one child to the next, and will depend on the needs and communication skills of the child. I always start by discussing the behaviors and concerns with the parent(s) before starting sessions with the child. Once the first session begins, I will work on building a trusting relationship with your child and make sure they feel safe in this therapeutic environment.
As your child opens up to me, I will guide them through talking about their current problem, brainstorming solutions, finding ways to manage their emotions, and teaching critical coping skills. Throughout the process, I will provide support and guidance, but ultimately the child is empowered to take control of their own life and make positive changes.
How Can Children Benefit from Counseling?
As children grow and develop, counseling can help them overcome life’s obstacles and develop the skills they need to succeed. Counseling for children can be beneficial in a variety of ways, as it can help them express their thoughts and feelings, build healthy relationships, understand how to manage difficult situations, and cope with stress.
Through counseling, children can learn important skills, such as how to regulate emotions, solve problems, set goals, manage stress, and communicate effectively. It can also help them develop a better understanding of themselves and their relationships. I can provide a safe environment where children feel heard and accepted. This can help your child build resiliency and become more confident.