CHILD + ADOLESCENT therapy
Child + Adolescent Therapy is a specialized branch of counseling tailored to address the unique emotional, social, and psychological needs of young individuals.
Available In-Person at our Benicia Location, Inquire for Virtual
Unlike adults, children and teens may not possess the verbal or cognitive abilities to fully articulate their thoughts and feelings. Therefore, the therapeutic approach when working with young people is often more interactive and focuses on building trust and rapport through creative, age-appropriate activities such as play, art and storytelling.
THERAPY FOR Children + teens
Therapy for children also typically involves working closely with parents or caregivers. A collaborative approach is essential for maximizing the benefits of therapy and to ensure that the child can effectively practice and apply new skills outside of the therapy room.
Child + Adolescent therapy can help you and your child with:
Behavioral Challenges: Issues such as aggression, defiance, hyperactivity, or withdrawal.
Emotional Regulation: Teaching healthy coping mechanisms to manage big feelings like anger, anxiety or sadness.
Anxiety + Depression: Coping with fears, excessive worry, social anxiety, feelings of sadness, low mood, or lack of interest in activities.
Family Dynamics: Navigating conflicts, divorce or blended family adjustments, sibling rivalry.
Peer Relationships: Bullying, peer pressure, social skills development, friendship issues.
School-Related Issues: Assisting with academic stress, learning difficulties, perfectionism, difficulties with peers.
Self-Esteem + Identity: Developing a positive self-image, self-confidence issues, exploring sexual orientation or gender identity.
Body Image + Disordered Eating: Preoccupation with eating, food, body shape, and weight.
Trauma, Grief + Loss: Processing traumatic experiences, coping with the loss of a loved one, pet, or major life transition.
Roles of Parents + guardians
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While we may conduct individual therapy sessions with your child or teen, we strongly encourage and expect parents and guardians to actively engage in the therapeutic process. This collaborative approach is essential for maximizing the benefits of therapy and ensuring that your child can effectively practice and apply new skills at home.
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The extent of parent participation will be tailored to your child's specific needs and developmental stage and may involve:
Brief check-ins
Monthly family meetings
Parent consultation meetings
Any other arrangements we make together
Therapy services are available both in-person and virtually.