Therapy for Children
How does therapy for children work?
While adults can use their brains to talk through their thoughts and feelings, children often need to process their experiences in a different way -- through play. Child therapists utilize the metaphors of play to help a young person express their anger, sadness, jealousy and fears one step removed from reality. Being able to explain how the solider must be brave in the face of uncertainty is much safer than asking a child to describe their own experience. Our therapists are trained to operate in this realm to help children progress through difficult situations.
What is the role of parents in play therapy?
Parents are essential in this process. As children often can't or don't understand or express the full truth, our child therapists work closely with parents to help appreciate the circumstances in which the child is operating. Additionally, the parent is a crucial ally in helping the therapist coach the child to see from a different perspective. Parents are instrumental in carrying out those lessons in daily life. As such, we meet with parents every few weeks to collaborate.
The importance of male therapist for boys
Boys often have a particular need to see themselves reflected back through a male therapist. How does a boy express his sensitivity, vulnerability alongside his need to be strong and active? A male therapist often works wonders to help a boy learn to work through his developmental obstacles. We have two men on staff who work with children to assist in this process.
Scheduling times are limited
There are a limited number of spaces available after school for children to see our play therapists. On your voice or email message, please indicate that you are interested in play therapy for your son or daughter. We hope to be able to assist you.
Therapy for Teens
Adolescents Greatly Benefit from Therapy
Adolescence is a time of great growth, though with great turmoil -- for both the youngster and their parents! From a developmental perspective, the teen is supposed to explore their identity by connecting with peers and "trying on" versions of themselves. They are pulled to take risks, in part because their rational prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until the mid-twenties. With so many changes and so much to learn, most adolescents would benefit from having someone outside their family with whom to process their growth experiences.
Unfortunately many teens experience times when they feel overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings. Many teens metaphorically wrestle with depression, anxiety, stress, and challenges as they as themselves important questions about belonging, the meaning of their lives, and how to move from their childhood into adulthood.
Our team of therapists has experience and techniques to work with your son or daughter through their time of growth.
Family Matters therapists meet with parents regularly when working with teens. Our philosophy is that parents must be included if we are to support the teenager; parents are the most important figure in their child's life, especially during this stage of life.
Talking with children