A SAFE PLACE TO PROCESS AND GROW
Child Counseling
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” -Carl Jung
I provide therapy for children focusing on experiential play therapy including art and sandbox therapies. I have been a credential teacher in Art and Elementary Education for over 25 years.
Play is the language children communicate in best which makes play therapy full of meaning. Children generally do not sit down and have a conversation when there is an issue. You will see evidence of dysfunction in their actions and relationships, but it
is specifically expressed in their play and artwork.
Experiential therapy allows children to explore their lives and to express their thoughts and emotions freely. The goal of this type of therapy is for children learn healthier ways to express themselves, increase empathy, and provides discovery of positive ways to solve problems such as alternative ways to deal with their worries.
“Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.” – Virginia Axline
Attachment/Adoption/Developmental Trauma
I am a trained Trauma-Informed Care Practitioner and specialize in working with children that have experienced trauma and those that have attachment issues.
As a parent of internationally adopted children, the last seventeen years has provided experience with various attachment issues relating to adoption and the family. New advances in the field of child therapy have integrated several therapeutic interventions. This progress has enabled the counseling field to be much more effective as we combine EMDR, play therapy, and healing of attachment therapy
.
Child Therapy is very beneficial for:
Children experiencing or witnessing stressful life events
Death of a loved one/Grief
Trauma/Abuse/Domestic Violence
Divorce/Blended Families
Illness/Hospitalization
Academic Issues
Social Issues
Learning Disabilites/ADHD
Anxiety
Anger
Depression
Attachment Issues
Adoption
Teen Counseling
“We worry about what a child will be tomorrow, yet we forget he is someone today.” – Stacia Tauscher
Teenagers have distinct needs that do not fit into the categories of a child or adult. The teen years have been notoriously challenging for most dealing with the normal issues of peer pressure, hormonal changes, academic performance, and expectations of family.
A teen’s life can get out of control fast as more challenging issues like divorce, teen violence, substance abuse, or death of a loved one occur. In addition, unique to this generation is the amount of time teens spend on screens which decreases their true connection with people and can cause intense feelings of disconnection and loneliness.
Often teens experience pressures and influences that encourage them to veer off course. During this time it is helpful to have someone present to provide
perspective, accountability, motivation, and gentle challenge. This gives opportunity to process and reach their potential as they mature into their early adulthood.
Many of the decisions teens make today will affect them in the years to come which is a challenging (need another word) fact as their pre-frontal cortex is not fully developed yet. Every person with a positive influence
provides a buffer for each teen as they develop through difficult times and experience growth
and direction. As a therapist I specialize in modeling resilience, developing coping skills,
building self-identity, and enhancing the teens self-esteem.
Common Issues Addressed in Teen Therapy
Abandonment
Academic Issues/Performance Pressures/Perfectionism
Acting out behaviors
ADHD/ Impulsivity
Anger
Anxiety
Cutting/Self-harm behavior
Depression
Divorce/Family Conflict
Family issues
Fears
Loneliness
Loss of a family member or friend/Grief
Low self-esteem
Problems with peers
Social Anxiety
Sexual acting out
Sexuality
Spirituality
Stress
Substance Use
Suicidal Thoughts/Attempts
Trauma