Family Counseling + Child/Teen Therapy in Raleigh, NC

Take Your First Step into  Family Counseling and Child/Teen Therapy

Walking in the door is the first step. Incidentally, it’s also the toughest.

I built my therapy practice with this in mind. While step one is yours to take,  it’s my honor to guide you through the next few steps.

Child and Teen Counseling to Awaken Confidence and Purpose

Being an adolescent or teenager at this moment in time is not easy. 

Once you walk in the door (or log into that Zoom) I am here for you. 

I want you to take off your shoes, find a comfortable place on the couch (or the floor!), and find ways to tell your story. Bring a journal. Find ways of communicating that work for you.

What’s So Hard About Being a Kid, Anyway?

Sometimes it’s hard to believe, but I’ve been there. If everyone is insisting that these are “the best days of your life,” why do they feel so challenging? 

Here’s a sampling of some of the pressures and struggles for young people:

  • Academic pressure/performance

  • Depression 

  • Anxiety

  • Fear

  • Anger 

  • Breakups 

  • Substance abuse

  • Disordered eating

  • Loneliness or social problems

  • Bullying 

  • Grief or loss 

  • Parental divorce or separation

  • Low self-confidence

It’s a lot. On top of that, many young adults are expected to make major life decisions at a time where they may feel more lost and confused than ever before.

Our space is your space. Use it to share, to grow, and to find clarity. We believe in your strength and potential. Together, we'll explore ways to navigate these shifts in life, ensuring you feel supported and understood at every turn. Remember, it's about your story, your pace, and your path forward.

HELPING YOUR CHILD/TEEN TO BUILD PATHWAYS TO HAPPINESS + SUCCESS

HELPING YOUR CHILD/TEEN TO BUILD PATHWAYS TO HAPPINESS + SUCCESS

Here are three facts about you, and they might come as a surprise.

  • You’re Awesome

    If you’re a teen reading this, I expect you’re rolling your eyes right about now. That’s fine! 

    “You’re awesome” is a reminder—and one I’d love for you to see and believe. 

    So, yes, you are awesome.

  • You Can (Yes, Really)

    Sometimes, the most insidious voice is chattering inside our own head. 

    A core of my approach is turning the volume on those negative internal thoughts all the way down to zero. 

    What happens when you turn it off?

  • You Will

    Like any pathway, life has some pretty tough terrain riddled with sneaky traps. 

    We won’t let them stop the journey.

    We’ll work together to hop, skip, and jump over those traps.

Support Your Teen’s Growth

FAQs About Family + Child/Teen Therapy

  • If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, mood changes, behavioral challenges, school difficulties, or social issues, therapy can help. Signs to look for include withdrawal, excessive worry, trouble focusing, sudden mood swings, or changes in eating or sleeping habits. If you're unsure, a consultation can help determine if therapy is the right step.

  • I work with children and teens on a variety of concerns, including:

    • Anxiety and depression

    • Behavioral challenges

    • School and academic stress

    • ADHD and focus issues

    • Family transitions (divorce, loss, relocation)

    • Social skills and friendships

    • Self-esteem and confidence

    • Coping with big emotions

  • Absolutely! We welcome and encourage parental involvement when both the parent and child or teen wish to work together. Embracing change and support as a family fosters a team dynamic that can enhance the therapeutic process. Depending on the family's preference, parents may join sessions at the end or after a few sessions, often with the child or teen present. In some instances, I may meet separately with parents to address specific concerns. However, I always prioritize the child or teen's wishes regarding what information is shared, ensuring confidentiality and trust within the therapeutic relationship. We can also explore the benefits of family sessions and discuss how to effectively incorporate them into the therapy treatment plan.

  • It's not uncommon for children and teens to feel resistant to therapy initially. Building a trusting relationship is key, and I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. I work collaboratively with both children and teens to address their concerns and involve them in setting goals for therapy. Encouraging open dialogue and being patient can often help reduce resistance over time.

  • Yes, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be effective for both children and teens. EMDR is a structured therapy that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. It can be particularly beneficial for young people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or distressing events.

    Benefits of EMDR for Children and Teens:

    • Adaptability: EMDR can be adapted to suit the developmental needs of children and teens, using age-appropriate language and techniques.

    • Trauma Processing: It helps young individuals process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled manner, allowing them to reframe these experiences and reduce associated distress.

    • Emotional Regulation: EMDR can aid in improving emotional regulation and resilience, helping children and teens manage their emotions more effectively.

    • Shorter Sessions: Sessions may be shorter for younger children to accommodate their attention spans and ensure they remain engaged.

    • Less Verbal Requirement: Some children and teens prefer EMDR because it does not require them to talk extensively or recount every detail of a distressing situation, making it a more comfortable option for those who find verbal expression challenging.

    Overall, EMDR is a valuable therapeutic option for children and teens, offering a pathway to healing and emotional well-being.

  • Reassure them that therapy is a safe space to talk and express themselves. For younger kids, you can explain that therapy is like having a special helper to talk to when they have big feelings. For teens, it helps to let them know therapy is their space to talk freely without judgment.