Due to the fact that children and adolescents are usually not self-referred for therapy, often much of the early work is focused on establishing a trusting relationship and helping the client understand the potential benefits of therapy.
Individual sessions with children and younger adolescents are frequently combined with parent or family sessions to monitor progress.
Children & adolescents who may benefit from therapy include those who:
- are anxious and fearful
- seem depressed, sad, or withdrawn
- seem unmotivated or “lazy”
- have low self-esteem
- have poor relationships with peers
- are argumentative or defiant
- exhibit disordered eating patterns
- display marked fear of places, situations, or items that are not dangerous
- seem irritable or angry
- demonstrate a lack of self-control
- are having difficulty adjusting to a new school or sibling
- need help expressing feelings related to parental conflict, divorce, or remarriage
- are grieving the loss of a loved one