How would you describe your child?
Do any of the descriptions below sound familiar to you? Whether your child or teen struggles with one of these areas, a combination of them, or something else entirely, give us a call to see how therapy can help!
The zero-to-one hundred child
"My child goes from 0-100. We walk on eggshells because we don't know what will set him off. She struggles when things don't go her way. He says things are not fair."
In therapy your child will learn how to:
-Recognize, get in touch with and understand his emotions
-Slow down and implement calming strategies
-Choose the right behavior even when it's hard
-Celebrate their hard work and successes rather than feel shame about their slip ups
The highly sensitive child
"My child is deeply sensitive and gets hurt easily. She takes small slights deeply to heart. He sometimes assumes people are purposely insulting him when that is not the case. He responds by retreating, crying, or reacting angrily. When an adult expresses displeasure, the child is devastated and/ or guilt ridden.
In therapy your child will learn how to:
Develop a stronger self-esteem and sense of self worth
Develop thicker skin to let small things "roll off"
Understand that others have their own issues and learn to separate themselves from others actions
Learn better ways to respond that will make the mistreatment less likely to continue
The Socially Anxious Child
My child is highly anxious when it comes to peers and social settings. She would rather stay home then attend a social situation that she is unsure about. He is bored but refuses to get together with friends outside of school. She is outgoing at home but rigid and reserved in public.
In therapy your child will learn how to:
Recognize their self worth and what they have to offer as a friend
Learn about the cycle of anxiety and how brave practices help break the cycle
Practice being brave and initiating in new ways socially even when it's uncomfortable
Practice social skills to help feel prepared and confident for different situations
Accept imperfections in themselves and take pride in their bravery actions regardless of outcome
The highly anxious child
My child is highly anxious and gets scared easily. He constantly seeks reassurance about perceived dangers. He comes into my bed every night. She cries that she doesn't want to get on the bus. He constantly complains of stomachaches. He is constantly worrying and thinking of new ways to avoid things. He does repetitive anxiety behaviors such as calling me when I go out.
In therapy your child will learn how to:
Recognize, get in touch with and understand the physiological symptoms of anxiety in their body
Understand that worry thoughts are coming from anxiety and are not based in reality
Separate themselves and see the anxiety and worry as something separate that they can get some distance from
Learn how to "lean in" rather than "run away from" anxiety in order to break the cycle
Learn exercises to refocus your thoughts
Learn calming and coping strategies
The rigid child
My child is a "black and white thinker". It his difficult for him to consider another perspective other than his own. She believes strongly that things need to be "fair" according to what she believes is right. He has trouble adjusting to a change in plans.
In therapy your child will learn how to:
Understand that there can be numerous perspectives in each situation, and they are all valid.
Learn to have empathy and compassion for someone even if their experience or feeling may be hard to relate to.
Learn about flexibility and how to be willing to "bend" rather than get stuck.
Think of creative solutions to solve problems
The socially unaware child
My child has a loving heart but does off-putting things without realizing that it bothers others. She wants friends but is not sure how to go about making and keeping them.
In therapy your child will learn how to:
Notice and understand facial cues and body language and adjust her behavior accordingly.
Learn strategies for joining in
Be a "good sport" even when he is losing a game
Resolve conflicts assertively and respectfully
... & more!