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Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy allows the individual, couple or family to explore and address difficulties within a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental and confidential environment. It can help those participating cope better with difficulties and achieve potential. Psychotherapy with young children often involves the use of play and art to help identify and express feelings and make behavioral changes. Whereas psychotherapy with adolescents and adults often involves the use of cognitive behavioral interventions, referred to as talk therapy, to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviors leading to changes in all three.

Any life transition or emotional or behavioral difficulty in itself does not warrant seeking help, as everyone experiences such circumstances. When the issue becomes distressing to the person or family and friends or it begins to negatively impact family and peer relationships, physical health, school or work performance or life functioning, then seeking help does become warranted.

We utilize a strengths-based approach for children, adolescents and families. We offer specialized skill-based groups for adolescents, parents, couples, and families. As co-collaborators in the counseling process, we capitalize on our clients’ strengths and resources, pre-counseling changes, and past successes to build solution strategies for their present difficulties.

Sometimes parents need a place to talk about the challenges of raising their children. They need expert guidance on child development and some of the social, emotional, and learning issues that are present. Consultations can serve to be that safe place for parents on a periodic or regular basis. This can also be a place to talk about school supports, and other activities that may enhance a child’s growth. Parent consultations are also a regular part of the ongoing therapy relationship when children are in therapy.

Play therapy is generally employed with children aged 3 through 11 and provides a way for them to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. As children’s experiences and knowledge are often communicated through play, it becomes an important vehicle for them to know and accept themselves and others.

Play therapy is a form of counseling or psychotherapy that uses play to communicate with and help people, especially children, to prevent or resolve psychosocial challenges.

Play therapy can also be used as a tool of diagnosis. During play therapy the therapist observes a client playing with toys (play-houses, pets, dolls, etc.) to determine the cause of the behavior. The objects and patterns of play, as well as the willingness to interact with the therapist, can be used to understand the underlying rationale for behavior both inside and outside the session.