Counseling for Children & Teens
At Magnolia Counseling LLC., we specialize in therapy with children and teens. Many children and teens are reluctant to talk directly about their feelings in counseling. Our therapists use creative interventions to help engage them and provide a safe place to identify and express their feelings. We use a variety of creative interventions such as art, play, and activities. We teach children and teens tools to help them feel capable of overcoming the difficulties in their life and improve their self-confidence. Parents are involved in sessions to increase communication and learn ways to support their children.
Our therapists are skilled at treating anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-worth, emotional regulation issues, ADHD, behavioral issues, and social skills. Changes in the family can create stress for children/teens and often they need to process these experiences such as divorce, parental addiction, and grief/loss. In sessions, we give them the space to share their stories and help them cope in a healthy way.
CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH ANXIETY
Anxiety is not always easy to identify in children and teens. Many times, it can look like physical complaints such as stomachaches, irritability, and refusal to do things. Children and teens that have anxiety may also struggle to separate from parents and avoid situations they used to enjoy. Their self-esteem is often impacted by not having the tools to work through uncomfortable situations. In counseling sessions, the strategies they learn will build self-confidence and instill the belief that they ARE capable of handling hard things. We also guide parents in how to respond and support their child with anxiety to make long-lasting changes.
Common symptoms of anxiety:
- Nervousness, restlessness, or being tense
- Feelings of danger, panic, or dread
- Rapid breathing or hyperventilation
- Increased or heavy sweating
- Stomachaches and headaches
- Not wanting to separate from parents/caregivers
- Difficulty focusing or thinking clearly about anything other than the thing you’re worried about
- Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
- Avoiding situations such as school or social gatherings