Our Work With Children
At our counseling center, we believe that true healing and growth happen within the context of relationships. Our approach sets us apart because we include parents and family members in the therapeutic process as needed. We work closely with families to address not just the child's needs but also the family dynamics that contribute to their overall well-being. We understand the challenges of parenting and are here to support you in co-parenting more effectively, fostering a stronger, more unified family unit.
We prioritize clear communication with parents/guardians and tailor our approach to ensure your child understands and strengthens their relationship with you. We know that life can be unpredictable, so if you miss a session, we handle it with flexibility and grace, always putting your family's needs first.
To engage children and teenagers in therapy, we incorporate play, music, art, and even snacks into our sessions. We create a comfortable and inviting environment where young people can express themselves freely while benefiting from talk therapy. Children and teenagers are seen at all of our locations, with our Arch Street and Dun Road locations being particularly well-suited for younger children.
Modalities
Talk Therapy
(i.e. Psychotherapy)
Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is a way to help people deal with emotional or psychological problems by talking with a trained therapist or counselor. The therapist or counselor listens and helps them understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. The goal is to help them feel better, manage their problems, and make positive changes in their life.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a strategy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. The idea behind CBT is that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by changing negative thoughts and behaviors, we can improve our emotional well-being.
In CBT, a therapist or counselor works with the individual to recognize harmful or unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more realistic, positive ones. The therapy often includes practical strategies and exercises to help people develop healthier habits and coping mechanisms. CBT is commonly used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and stress.
EMDR
"Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing" therapy is designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences or distressing memories. During EMDR sessions, a trained provider guides the patient through recalling traumatic events while simultaneously directing them to focus on a specific type of rhythmic movement, usually side-to-side eye movements. This process helps the brain reprocess the trauma, making it less emotionally intense and easier to manage. EMDR is often used to treat conditions like PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety, and depression.
Solutions-Based Brief Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals find solutions to their problems rather than dwelling on the issues themselves. Instead of exploring the history or root causes of a problem, SFBT encourages clients to envision their desired future and identify the steps needed to achieve it.
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Therapists or counselors using SFBT guide clients to recognize their strengths and resources, highlighting what has worked for them in the past and how these successes can be applied to current challenges. The session is typically brief, focused on setting and achieving specific, practical goals. SFBT is often used in situations where time is limited and quick results are needed.
Mindfulness / DBT
Mindfulness is a strategy that focuses on helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment. The goal is to develop a non-judgmental awareness and acceptance of these experiences, which can reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can learn to respond to difficult situations more calmly and thoughtfully, rather than reacting impulsively. This therapy is often used to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress, and can be incorporated into other therapeutic approaches.