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Child, Adolescent, and Family Therapy:

Children and Adolescents can greatly benefit from having a safe place to express feelings that might otherwise be held inside and used in self destructive rather than more productive ways. Some examples of self destructive behavior include using and abusing alcohol and drugs, engaging in risky sexual behavior, becoming withdrawn, seeking negative attention, and pushing people away. Unresolved feelings can affect attitudes and relationships in all areas of the child or adolescent's life, and can ultimately affect relationships in adulthood. 

Giving a child or adolescent a safe, non-judgmental space can often lead to expressing feelings regarding current or recent situations that have been underlying destructive behavior. I help children and adolescents in similar ways as adults (see Individual Therapy), and I usually use a more significant amount of Expressive Art and Play Therapy techniques. When applicable, I encourage children and adolescents to share their feelings with parents or caregivers, so that they can help be agents of change. 

Consultations with parents and caregivers are implemented into the treatment plan as needed.

Common issues I work on with children and families are:

  • Parents divorce and/or remarriage
  • Chronic illness in family
  • Grief and loss
  • Substance abuse
  • Learning differences
  • Self esteem
  • Social skills
  • Recent move
  • Adoption
  • Birth of a sibling
  • Anger management
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Family conflict
  • Child behavior problems
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