Navigating different stages and changing dynamics

of childhood and teen years is complicated and

overwhelming- and I don’t mean just for parents!

Learning about your own emotions and identity

while simultaneously going through immense

developmental changes is hard enough, but add in

social media, family stress, societal/peer pressures,

and trauma, and any kid is bound to struggle at some

point.        

 

While therapy is always unique to the individual,

the overall goal working with kids and teens is to help

them understand that all feelings (even the uncomfortable ones) are part of their human experience, and to help them build the skills to move through those feelings in healthy and effective ways that line up with the person they are now, and want to become in the future.

 

COLLABORATIVE CARE & PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

Kids do not exist within a vacuum.  With the level of access we have through social media and the internet, our kids are more heavily influenced by the world around them than ever so system involvement is necessary for change to occur.  This can mean collaboration with schools or other community agencies, parent involvement in sessions or consults outside of session, or referrals for parents to support their part in their child's treatment, and more.  

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This collaborative approach requires a strong rapport between myself and the child/teen which happens through building trust, developing clear communication, and establishing mutual respect.  Frequency and type of collaboration, consultation, or parent involvement are determined on a case by case basis.