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CHILD AND ADOLESCENT
THERAPY
Unfortunately, children and adolescents sometimes need professional help. Behavior and school problems, depression, eating disorders, stress, abuse, divorce and custody battles can all take their toll on developing children and teenagers.
The Center has a fully equipped play therapy room, and several of our clinicians have extensive experience in working with child and adolescent clients. Parents and guardians often wonder what to look for when trying to decide if their child needs professional counseling. The following risk factors can be helpful guide in making this important decision:
- Sudden change in behavior
- Becomes withdrawn
- Drop in academic performance
- Lack of energy or interest in activities or friends
- Over or under eating
- Noticeable change in sleep patterns
- Talks about suicide
- Increase in intensity and frequency of angry outbursts
- More time spent "day-dreaming" at home or school than would be expected from most children or teens in the same age group
- Recent trauma, illness, death, move or divorce
What is Play Therapy?:
This is a therapeutic technique used with young and elementary school age children. Through the use of sand tray, art, puppets and games, children have the opportunity to identify and work through feelings, learn problem-solving and communication skills, resolve trauma, and master fears and concerns. Because young children are much less able to logically formulate and verbally express their thoughts and feelings, they are encouraged to "act them out" through play. The play therapists at the Center have received specialized training and supervision in working with children in this way.
What if my teenager doesn't want to talk about it?
Many teens tend to be non-communicative, especially with parents and about problems. Center therapists have training, experience, and expertise in creating an inviting, non-"dorky", environment that is not threatening. To the trained eye and ear, there is much to be learned from what is not said, from posture, expressions, appearance, attitude, mood, motivation and a host of other non-verbal elements of communication. If your teen needs help, don't hesitate to have them seen at the Center because you think they won't cooperate. If you can get them to the office, we will likely be able to take care of the rest.
LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION :