Child/Adolescent Therapy
Seeing your child struggle emotionally, socially, or academically can be extremely upsetting and frustrating. It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether what your child is experiencing is just a phase or something more concerning. Being a child or teenager in today’s world comes with multiple stressors, from academic pressure to social media to trying to fit in. And let’s face it, most teens try their hardest to avoid talking to their parents. Having a third party that your child can talk to with confidence can help them learn to find their voice, manage their emotions, and navigate through life's difficulties. I strive to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space so that every voice can be heard.
Is Your Child Right For Therapy?
In short, the answer is yes. Therapy can be beneficial for just about anyone. Whether it’s to learn new and effective coping skills, increase motivation for school, or help navigate social situations, we could all use extra support. Children and teens are also experiencing more symptoms related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD than ever before, and individual therapy can help them learn how to manage and navigate these new emotions.
Common Signs Your Child is Struggling:
- Increased isolation
- Poor school performance
- Lack of enjoyment of activities
- Increased irritation
- Avoidant behavior
- Heightened emotions
Our goal at Fresh Breath Therapy is to help your child navigate through life’s challenges. Whether dealing with school stress, interpersonal conflicts, or family issues, our therapists provide a safe, confidential, and supportive space for children and teens to explore their feelings, develop healthy coping strategies, and increase their confidence.
Our Approach
I utilize a variety of child-friendly therapeutic modalities that are effective in helping young clients navigate their complex worlds. These modalities can be tailored to fit your child's age and developmental needs:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a more traditional approach to therapy that helps individuals understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, and how inaccurate perceptions can impact mood and behaviors. CBT promotes identifying distorted thinking and implementing more effective thinking strategies.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a highly effective therapy designed to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This therapy emphasizes the brain's ability to heal from psychological trauma, just as the body recovers from physical trauma. It has been shown to provide relief from symptoms related to trauma and PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance strategies, substance abuse, and more.
Strength-Based Perspective: This approach helps children and teens utilize their existing strengths to overcome challenges and navigate life’s transitions. It helps them assess and identify their strengths and apply them to make effective decisions. Discussing one’s strengths can also lead to increased motivation and self-esteem.
Motivational Interviewing: Motivational Interviewing is a counseling method that helps people find the motivation to change their behaviors by addressing insecurities and negative feelings. It is centered around the belief that you hold the power and capabilities to change within yourself.