Just like adults, a child may have excessive worry or sadness. At school, he or she may experience classmate conflicts, bullying, and self-doubt. Younger children may not meet milestones and fall behind. A true attention problem or learning challenge may exist.
Adolescents may deal with social drama and self-image issues, leading to undiagnosed anxiety or depression. They may fail to launch as peers try activities and subjects, choose college majors, stick to a plan—often any plan—and move forward. Children make mistakes, but one hopes mistakes foster learning and growth. Occasionally, the whole family feels it.
In this era of high college tuition, an impasse can limit your teen's potential, add years to education, and delay parental goals. The financial and family cost is steep.
“In our sessions, Loriann has provided a confidential, positive and emotionally safe atmosphere to share relationship and parenting difficulties. She’s extremely competent and knowledgeable, and with her family-focused background, she has worked with other, struggling family members. Loriann helped me to get back on track after some very trying and tragic events.” — person helped by counseling
How Counseling for Kids & Teens Works
Do read about individual therapy on this site since the same getting-started steps apply. I can serve as your child's or teen's thinking partner because often they just need someone else to help unpack their problems.
I do involve parents. For a minor, a parent must sign the intake forms, consent to treat/HIPAA, insurance information...and we must meet (one parent/both alone with therapist) to review his/her history. Minors age 16+ should sign their any paperwork as well.
In the second session, I will meet with you and your child/teen to review the rules of confidentiality and any topics parents would like to see addressed. Then you may exit that virtual session, so that your child uses the remaining time.
It's best to meet weekly, especially for the first weeks or months. This builds motivation to change and momentum. Because young children aren't always the best reporters, sessions will include mom/dad.
I maintain a child's confidentiality and their safe place to share. If I see something that we should all talk about, then I rely upon my family systems training and encourage us all to sit down and talk. See that section on this site.
What Ages Do You See?
I counsel children as young as six. Some kids or teens actually ask their parent if they could speak to someone. Other times, it's your idea. School personnel or your child's pediatrician may recommend sessions, too.
If children are shy or teens reluctant to talk, no worries. I use creative modalities, including therapeutic books, art, card decks or question jars, or video clips that help to connect. Once we form a connection, words tend to emanate from such activities.
Again, the younger the child, the more I will rely upon mom/dad participation to prepare for a session, but also to check in. If emails or questions dovetail into parenting concerns, then it's wise to schedule separate sessions with therapist/parent.
“I so appreciate the tools you gave me and my child to better manage anxiety and attention issues that plagued our household and affected success in school and social settings. I found it especially helpful that you encourage parents to be a part of some sessions. Because we left counseling at such a better place than when we first entered, I’ve happily referred others to your practice.” — parent with child in sessions
Helpful & Creative Resources for Kids/Teens
Resources to Understand Your Child
