Services for Children and Adolescents

• Learning Disabilities
• Grief
• Separation and Divorce
• Eneurisis / Encopresis
• Abuse
• Trauma
• Loss
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• ADHD
• Self-Esteem
• Behavioural Disorders

Generally children go through sporadic distresses and problems as they grow. It is common for a child to experience emotional ups and downs, especially if faced with new situations, demands and expectations. Certain reactions can be brief and may resolve themselves over time. However, sometimes a child’s reaction to life’s stresses may become extreme, and the parents’ efforts to help may be unsuccessful. At such times, professional consultation may be required.

Adolescence can be a demanding and difficult time with new responsibilities and pressures. During this time often the whole family can feel off balance. Seeking help can assist in restoring that balance. For teens, most conflicts have to do with differences between family members or issues over the expectations of parents. The aim in therapy is to help the teen become skilled at expressing their needs and desires in ways that are constructive for the teen and in turn positive for the whole family.

Adolescents are often reluctant to attend therapy for a number of reasons; they regularly distrust anything their parents recommend, they often feel that going to therapy means that they are crazy, some think the therapist will tell them what to do, while others are afraid they may run into someone they know and thus be shamed. Early involvement is essential to successful intervention. The most important thing is to not remain isolated in your struggle with your child/adolescent.

How does a parent know when it is time to seek professional assistance for their child/adolescent?

1. If the emotional distress is getting in the way of daily functioning
2. If the problem seems to inundate and overwhelm the child/adolescent
3. If the issue impedes achieving developmental milestones

Therapists who have specialized training with children and adolescents possess particular knowledge and skills that allow them to recognize problem behaviors and devise suitable interventions in a non-threatening environment. Therapy may be helpful to youth in a variety of ways for example; in providing emotional support, addressing the resolution of conflicts, and the exploration of new solutions to old problems. A therapist trained to work with children/adolescents and families can develop individualized treatment plans appropriate to the specific needs of their client.

As an alternative to talk therapy many young people have expressed feeling more comfortable with art or other expressive therapies.

The feelings of pride, power and control for a young child provide a compelling incentive to create. It is therapeutic for a child to be given the opportunity to be in control and independent. When doing art the child can create situations where s/he makes the rules, sets the limits, and commands his/her space. Using metaphoric art as part of the mastery process, most children feel empowered in this role and receive enormous benefits as a result. Often children’s artwork reveals how they view themselves and the significant relationships within their families.

For adolescents it is generally more difficult to verbalize certain emotions. They are often overwhelmed and even confused by the many complex feelings that emerge as they approach adulthood. Therefore, for some adolescents “talk therapy” is not as successful as expressive therapies.

For both children and adolescents art can be used to;

1. Elicit verbalization
2. Aid self-expression
3. Explore feelings (especially with metaphors & symbols)
4. Concretize desires
5. Reveal scary feelings or secrets
6. Increase self esteem
7. Teach limit-setting

Will a therapist keep secrets from me about my child?

For both children and adolescents, parents should obtain some feedback from the therapist about his or her assessment of the child. The therapist should share concerns about the child and offer methods or techniques to improve difficult relationships between parent and child. Regarding adolescents, the question of what information is shared with the parents and what information is confidential is carefully worked out with all concerned.

To make an appointment, click here to fill our online form, and we will contact you within 72 hours to schedule an initial appointment.