Child and Adolescent Therapy
Young people today face many challenges that can sometimes seem insurmountable. We understand that parenting rarely goes according to plan. We work collaboratively with families, children, adolescents and young adults to pinpoint underlying issues and develop strategies for positive change.
Common Concerns We Can Help with in Child and Adolescent Therapy:
- Academic concerns
- Anger/behavioral concerns
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Bullying and peer conflict
- Body image
- Depression and low mood
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Executive functioning concerns
- Family conflict
- Identity issues
- Impulsivity
- Life transitions
- Low self-esteem/self-confidence
- OCD
- Perfectionism
- School-related concerns/school avoidance
- Social difficulties
The first session:
The first session will be a comprehensive intake assessment to help paint a picture of the whole child- for younger and older children, we will complete the full intake with the parents and for adolescents we may split the intake between the parent and teen, to also give the teen the independence to discuss their own thoughts and feelings. We believe involving parents in the intake process is crucial to give parents time to share their story and for understanding the concerns and needs of the child.
The course of therapy:
All children are unique and we strive to meet each child where they are at. The first few sessions with the child focus on rapport building to establish trust and help each child recognize therapy is a comfortable, safe space. We work collaboratively with each child and family to develop treatment goals tailored to meet their needs. As we navigate through therapy, we teach concepts and utilize interventions specifically aimed to help each child attain their goals.
To ensure effective outcomes, we take an age-appropriate approach with children and teens. We use talk therapy with older children and adolescents, which may also include in-session activities and “homework” to help them practice and apply skills and techniques learned in therapy. Younger children learn by doing, so we take a hands-on approach throughout therapy through games, art activities and therapeutic books and worksheets to help each child process their emotions and develop coping skills.
Parent involvement begins at the intake and continues throughout counseling; we aim to work together with the parents as a team to support each child. We complete regular parent check-ins to discuss strategies and interventions and evaluate progress throughout the course of treatment. We may also recommend occasional parent sessions to offer additional support. As the parent, you are always encouraged to provide feedback and information that may be helpful in working with your child.
Contact us today to learn more about Child and Adolescent therapy at Tampa Counseling and Wellness!
