As children and adolescents grow, they go through many stages to develop the social skills and emotional maturity needed to lead healthy and happy lives. The difficulties, responsibilities, struggles and moods that accompany growing up and maturing may be fairly easy for some children to deal with, but others struggle with some of these changes.
Sometimes it can be difficult for parents and caregivers to recognize whether a change is caused by the normal challenges in child development or if certain signs and symptoms represent something that is significantly interfering with their child’s happiness and functioning in the family, at school or with their social network. Many children are unable to communicate what they are feeling—or won’t talk to an adult about their problems. It can be disheartening for parents and caregivers to feel something is wrong but not know how to help, watching their children suffer through the many thoughts, feelings and emotions they are going through.
Whether you, a teacher or your child feels it is time to talk with a therapist or a counselor about an issue or concern, choose Thriveworks in Johnson City, TN Child and Adolescent Therapy/Counseling.
Reasons to Seek Child and Adolescent Therapy/Counseling
There are many reasons children benefit from counseling, such as learning how to identify the causes of their distress, developing skills in asking for help, expressing emotions, and improving their abilities to solve problems. Common stressors for children include school—difficulty with homework, test anxiety, peer pressure, bullying and learning difficulties. In addition, family issues may include parental arguing, divorce, moving to a new home, a new brother or sister, major illness, death and transitions. A change in the child’s behavior, such as arguing, withdrawing or inability to focus or emotions like depression, stress, anger and worry, are causes to seek a therapist or counselor.
The teenage years—the bridge between childhood and adulthood–are a challenge for the adolescent and the family. They are at a stage where they grapple with adult desires, as well as wanting independence and thinking they are entitled to it. The pressures on teenagers are many, including worries about their future, academic performance, relationships with the opposite sex, friends and more.
The following are some of the stressors that have a huge impact on children and adolescents and may prompt a visit to a therapist or counselor.
- Mood issues (depression and anxiety)
- Academic performance
- Concentration and attention
- Sleep problems
- Family conflicts
- Divorce
- Autism concerns or diagnosis
- ADHD/ADD concerns or diagnosis
- Disruptive behavior in school
- Abuse or neglect
- Violent or criminal behavior
- Trouble with bullying
- Addictions to drugs or alcohol
- Loss of a loved one
- Difficulties with friends, peer pressure, relationships
- Anxiety
- Blending families (stepparent /step sibling concerns)
- Body image issues and eating disorders
- Self-esteem
- Sexual orientation issues
- Gender identity issues
Child/Adolescent Therapy Techniques
The professional therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Johnson City, TN are adept at meeting the needs of both the child and the family. The goal of child and adolescent therapy and counseling is to increase confidence, improve ability to use personal strengths, improve upon the child’s social and emotional resources, increase their use of productive communication skills, and strengthen relationships in the family and with peers.
Thriveworks creates a comfortable environment for children and adolescents to feel safe and secure from real or perceived threats to their sense of control. The therapists and counselors collaborate with the child or adolescent to identify their areas of pain, identify their feelings and develop positive strategies to cope in their environments.
The counselors and therapists incorporate activities, play and games in child and adolescent therapy/counseling. The language children are most comfortable with at this state is more nonverbal and interactive. Thriveworks in Johnson City, TN uses the following methods for child and adolescent therapy:
- Traditional talk therapy
- Behavior modification techniques
- Play therapy
- Family therapy
- Teaching relaxation methods
- Cognitive and behavioral therapy
- Art therapy
- Narrative therapy
- Teaching coping methods
- Identifying and treating underlying medical issues
Why Thriveworks in Johnson City, TN is the Choice for Your Child
The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Johnson City, TN have professional licenses and credentials and are the able to address a variety of child and adolescent issues, including abuse, trauma, psychological disorders, learning disabilities, special needs and bullying. They have an inherent ability to gain the trust of both the child and parent, making everyone comfortable working together.
Therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Johnson City, TN have an understanding of the physical, mental and behavioral development of children and adolescents and are experts in the specific issues they face. Call Thriveworks in Johnson City, TN at (423) 491-4202 for child and adolescent therapy and counseling, where you won’t be placed on a waiting list. Appointments are available in 24 hours for most new clients.
