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Therapy for Children and Teens

Child Mental Health 

Your child means everything to you. You've been there with them through the ups and downs. Watched them grow into their personalities and interests. You care for them and want them to be happy, healthy, and safe. Recently you've noticed them acting out at home or struggling with school. Kids can struggle from time to time with how to handle their big feelings. But this has gone on for a long time, and now it's been getting worse.  Maybe their emotional or behavioral distress comes from symptoms of depression, anxiety, or traumatic events. Family issues such as divorce, death, loss or abandonment can also create turmoil in a child.

 

You and your child do not have to weather the storm alone.

We can support you getting to calmer skies.  

Child therapists can address: 

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  • Emotional outbursts, tantrums, or "meltdowns."

  • Communication and social skills

  • Conflict with family members

  • Verbal and physical aggression

  • Bullying / being bullied  

  • Low self-esteem or confidence 

  • Fears and worries 

  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm 

Walking in Nature

Teen Mental Health 

Teen therapists can address: 

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  • Parent-teen conflicts 

  • Low self-esteem or confidence

  • Obsessions and worries

  • Aggression and bullying 

  • Communication and relationship skills

  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm

  • Substance Abuse 

  • Defiance and impulsivity  

  •  Unsafe sexual activities 

Teenagers are having to navigate so many difficulties involving changing bodies, forming their identities, and navigating social relationships, among many other demands. As a parent, it can feel helpless watching them from the sidelines, hoping that they are coping with these pressures while worrying if they are making healthy choices.  

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But maybe you notice that your teen is struggling with significant mood swings, sleep concerns, and eating habits. They are not doing the activities they used to enjoy and appear withdrawn and down. You could be worried about their safety due to their friend group or impulsive behaviors.  If your teen is dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, you are not alone. Therapy can provide a safe place to work through these issues and enhance your teen's wellbeing.

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Young Man in Therapy

Child and Teen Counseling

Therapy provides a safe space to talk about and work through life's problems. At Gentle Guardians Counseling, we see your child or teen for the amazing person they are and build on their current strengths and attributes. You as the parent or caregiver provide a crucial role throughout the therapy process to support meaningful and long-lasting changes for your child.   Our dedicated and compassionate team uses research-based techniques shown to support reaching your goals and reducing problematic symptoms. 

 

Therapy builds on the natural communicative and learning process of children and teens. Counseling is tailored to meet each person's unique needs and personality. Our therapists are skilled in building a caring and collaborative relationship with your child so they feel understood.  Therapists may involve forms of play, art, drama, writing, or physical movement.  Your child or teen will review coping skills and relationship-building techniques along with having a safe space to talk about their thoughts and feelings. Change is possible through the right supports. We are here to guide you and your child every step of the way. 

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