Children and Teen Issues
Children of any age can have real problems that can result in feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, guilt, or a combination of some, or all of these emotions. The issues that children and teens experience can be much different than how adults experience them, and need to be addressed differently. Some signs that indicate your child may be struggling emotionally include behavioral changes, declining school performance, increase in desiring solitude or sleep, unusual weight gain or loss, or lack of motivation. Are you concerned your child is making bad choices?
For over half of my 30+ years of counseling, I worked primarily with children and teens, in a variety of settings, including:
- School-based therapy at several schools (including at Enka High School and Middle School and Hominy Elementary)
- Home-based programs where the primary objective was to prevent children from being removed from the home, either due to their own criminality, or abuse or neglect from the parents.
- Teenage specific substance abuse programs.
- Therapist for children in Foster Care.
In private practice, I currently help children with a variety of issues including:
- Mood issues
- Being bullied or bullying
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Conflict with parents or siblings
- School performance
- Self-esteem
- Dealing with separation or divorce and blended family issues
- Substance abuse
- Loss or absence of a parent
- Autism-related issues
I help children and teens feel comfortable by letting them open up at their own pace. I offer a non-judgmental, compassionate and safe environment. I treat each client with respect in an individualized manner to meet their emotional needs.
I also work with parents to help them communicate efficiently and assertively and remain calm in stressful interactions with their children. This gives a sense of control to the parents and helps prevent discussions from escalating.