Therapy for Children & Teens

Does my child need counseling?  How can I tell?  How will it help?

The Most Common Parent Concerns We Address at Elevate Counseling Are:

  • Self-doubt and concerns about self-image
  • Difficulty managing stress (often leading to anxiety and panic attacks)
  • Struggles managing emotions
  • Difficulty with relationships (parents, siblings, peers, and friends)
  • Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
  • Perfectionistic tendencies and negative self-talk
  • Extreme focus on social media (often exacerbating the above issues)

These are questions we field daily from concerned parents.  They often call our office wondering if their child is just going through a "passing phase" or if something more serious is going on.  Knowing how tumultuous these developmental years can be, combined with the unique challenges our kids face today, it makes sense why parents question what is "normal."

Our Approach to Working with Teens

Therapy is about much more than a “place to vent” or a “listening ear.” Our approach is strengths-based and solution-focused, using evidence-based interventions tailored to your teen’s individual needs. Our goals are to:

Recognize and Capitalize on Their Strengths: We look at how your teen has been successful managing stressful situations in the past, figure out ways to use healthy coping strategies now and how to stop unhealthy coping strategies in future situations.

 

Challenge Automatic Negative Thinking and Encourage Realistic Self-Reflection: We help teens evaluate themselves more objectively, identify what matters most to them, and shift their thinking and behavior toward the person they want to become.

 

 

Empower Them to Make Changes: We provide the support, guidance, strategies, and skills teens need to make the changes they have identified. The teen years are about taking risks and making adjustments when things don’t go as planned. We teach teens that they can be both a “masterpiece” and a “work in progress.” Therapy provides a safe place to share disappointments and struggles as well as progress and successes.

 

Our Approach to Working With Children

Children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling or why they are struggling. Therapy gives them developmentally appropriate ways to understand their experiences, learn new skills, and feel more confident in handling difficult situations. Our goals are to:

 

Help Kids Feel Capable: Struggling children can begin to believe that they are the problem or that they cannot handle difficult things. We help them recognize their abilities, experience small successes, and develop greater confidence in themselves.

 

Develop Emotional Awareness and Coping Skills: We teach kids that before they can understand and work through an emotion, they have to “name it to tame it.” We help children identify and express their emotions, understand what may be contributing to them, and practice healthier ways to respond. These skills can help with anxiety, frustration, transitions, relationships, and other everyday challenges.

 

 

Partner With Parents and Caregivers: Parents know their children best. We work collaboratively with families to better understand what is happening, reinforce helpful strategies at home, and support progress while respecting the child’s need for trust and privacy in therapy.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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