Counseling for Children
Children just like adults experience the emotional distress that comes with life transitions. During times of change children may need assistance working through their thoughts and feelings. Children do not typically know how to vocalize their emotions and feelings; instead their distress is seen in subtle to extreme changes in their moods and behaviors.
Some signs of distress in children are
- Major changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Behavioral issues (such as excessive anger, acting out, hitting, kicking, biting)
- Mood swings
- Bed-wetting
- Reverting back to previous "baby like" behaviors (such as baby talk, crying to express wants instead of speaking, refusing to eat with utensils, and not using toilet)
- Socially withdrawn
- No longer showing enjoyment from play activities
- Episodes of sadness and depression
- Increase in physical symptoms (complaints of headaches, tummy aches, and overall not feeling well)
- divorce
- death of a loved one
- moving
- changing schools
- abuse
- traumatic experiences, (i.e. car accidents, physical injuries, fire)
- military deployment of parent
- serious illness in family
Other areas children's counseling can help:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Trauma
- Fear
- Worry
- Aggression
- Behavioral issues
- Underachievement
- Developmental delays
- Social appropriateness.
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Sensory Disorders
- Body Image
- Panic Attacks
- Separation Anxiety
The parent is always involved throughout the therapy process. As your child's therapist we look at this therapeutic process to be a collaboration between you, your child, and your therapist. We will work as a team to create treatment goals and to assist your child in reaching these goals. During the therapy process we will periodically meet with the parent(s) before or after sessions with the child or in separate scheduled parental sessions depending on the needs of each individual child. Out of respect for the child and the therapeutic process we will not discuss anything with parents pertaining to the child's behaviors or therapy directly in front of them; unless the child is involved in the conversation and it is not harmful to the therapeutic process. Whenever possible for small children having another person available to sit with the child while we speak is helpful.
As a therapist we use an integrative approach to therapy to choose the best approach to fit each individual client's needs. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental place for your child to express themselves and work through their emotions; as well as grow and develop skills in which they will use throughout their lives.
THERAPY APPROACHES:
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Play Therapy (using creative art and music activities)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Family Therapy
Expressive Therapy Techniques
If you would like to schedule an appointment contact us at (502)612-9129 or fill out the contact form below and we will contact you today!