CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
PSYCHOTHERAPY
CHILD PSYCHOTHERAPY
Supporting children through therapy is particularly important, as their personalities are still in the formative stages. By identifying the root causes of their challenges and collaborating closely with parents, we can help shape a positive life trajectory for these young individuals, potentially setting the stage for a future filled with happiness and fulfillment.
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The common reasons children are referred for therapy include:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Social isolation
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Learning difficulties
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Separation anxiety
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Bedwetting
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Emotional regulation issues
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Screen addiction (excessive gaming or device use)
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Other childhood-specific concerns
My therapeutic process typically follows these steps:
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Initial parent consultation: I meet with parents to gather comprehensive information about the child developmental history, current functioning, and relationships with family and peers.
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Individual sessions with the child: Following the parent meeting, I conduct one or more sessions with the child to gain direct insights into their experiences and challenges.
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Evaluation and treatment planning: Based on the initial meetings, I prepare a comprehensive assessment. I then reconvene with the parents to share my evaluation and recommendations in a tailored treatment plan. We discuss the frequency of both child therapy sessions and parent guidance meetings.
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Additional assessments and referrals: If necessary, I may recommend psychological testing or referrals to other specialists, such as occupational therapists or speech therapists.
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School collaboration: With parental consent, I may reach out to the child school to gather information about the child's educational and social functioning in that environment.
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Ongoing assessment and adaptation: As therapy progresses and I develop a deeper understanding of the child needs, I continually reassess and adjust the treatment approach to best support their emotional well-being and help them overcome their specific challenges.
This comprehensive approach ensures that we address the child needs holistically, involving key figures in their life to create a supportive environment for growth and healing.
ADOLESCENT PSYCHOTHERAPY
Adolescence is a unique developmental stage that requires a specialized approach in therapy. While adolescents should not be treated as children, it is crucial to recognize and respond to their specific developmental achievements and challenges.
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My practice offers support for adolescents facing a range of issues, including:
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Eating disorders
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Oppositional defiant or conduct disorders
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Depression
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Gender identity concerns
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Social phobia and shyness
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Other adolescent-specific challenges
My therapeutic process typically begins with a parent consultation to gather developmental history. I then meet with the adolescent individually. Based on these initial sessions, I develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes:
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Problem definition
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Therapeutic goals
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Specific objectives
I then share this plan and discuss it with both the parents and the adolescent to ensure alignment and cooperation.
It should be noted that there is ongoing debate in the field regarding the extent of parent-therapist contact during adolescent treatment. Some argue that extensive contact may compromise confidentiality and hinder the adolescent developing autonomy. However, in cases involving high-risk behaviors, such as substance abuse, I believe that maintaining appropriate parent-therapist communication is essential for the adolescent safety and well-being.
My approach strikes a balance between respecting the adolescent privacy and ensuring their safety, adapting to each unique situation to provide the most effective support possible.