Each phase of development can bring its own specific challenges to children and adolescents and every child responds differently to changes in life and changes with family. Most kids work through these challenges as a normal part of growing up but there are times when challenges are overwhelming for the child, or their families, making it that much harder to navigate on their own. It can be something commonplace, like a move to a new home, or the birth of a sibling, or a more serious concern like exposure to a traumatic event (e.g. a death in the family, divorce, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse) or a contributing mental health challenge.
When kids suffer with emotions or behaviors that hurt their overall sense of wellbeing, that’s the time to find support. Therapy can be a productive and supportive way to help families and kids process thoughts and emotions, in a way that feels safe for them. It is the therapist’s role to work with the family to understand what is impacting them most then thoroughly assess and support the child with an approach that is sensitive to their developmental stage and unique needs.
Play therapy, art therapy techniques, and solution-focused therapy are just a few of the paradigms that could be used to support a young person. Our techniques are aimed toward encouraging emotional expression, developing emotional language, supporting social and communication skills, shaping behavior, and providing strategies to build resilience, emotional intelligence, and strength.
When a social/emotional challenge is present, it can also have a profound impact on a child’s academic success. But there are options for support, through academic modification/accommodations and behavioral interventions, that can be explored to help students of all ages minimize negative emotional impact and fully realize their potential.
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