Child and Teen Therapy

Teens and Young Adults

Psychotherapy with adolescents and young adults can be both effective and exciting. It is often a time of great creativity and passion. The therapeutic possibilities are enormous during these years. Individuals in this stage of life usually have one foot in childhood and the other in adulthood. This can be a confusing time for them and for others in their lives. There is often a great deal of anger directed at people who are closest to them. It can be a time of great distress and suffering, alternating with euphoria.

I work very effectively with teens who are showing signs of low self-esteem, anger, excessive sadness /worrying and with behavioral problems (school failure/fighting/defiance). I integrate a variety of therapeutic interventions depending on the individual's unique needs; expressive arts, sandplay, behavioral interventions, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), family and parenting work.

Children 5-13

At the first session I will ask that the parent/guardian to complete a child intake questionnaire which gives me information on the child’s birth, developmental and social history. Also, I listen to the concerns you have about your child.  I will ask the parent/guardian to attend the initial assessment phase of therapy (1-3 sessions).  Then I will meet with the child alone (2-4 sessions) to complete a formal assessment of their clinical needs. I believe in working collaboratively with other professionals in forming a complete clinical assessment. These professionals usually include; psychiatrists (if applicable), doctors, teachers. Sometimes I feel it is important to observe the child in their natural setting (home/school). I always get the parents’ permission before I speak to anyone and I respect their wish for privacy if they do not want me to speak to others.

After the assessment phase I will meet with the parents to review my findings and complete a treatment plan together. The parent/guardian will always be involved in collateral treatment meetings about once monthly to discuss the child’s movement toward goals and parenting strategies. I take the treatment of a child very seriously and if I feel that therapy may not be in their best interest, or if the child needs more testing, or assessments, I will provide outside referrals.