Children
We believe therapy with children is most effective using things they love! Play, art, puppets, Play-dough, games, pillows, bubbles, and songs! We use both play and art therapy techniques to address emotional and behavioral issues with children. We have an inviting play and art room where we may take off our shoes, sit on the floor, and begin working on their healing. Or we may sit at the art table with markers and allow them to communicate without focusing on words. Both clinical research and years of experience using such techniques have proven its effectiveness for treating issues parents are concerned about such as: anger, aggression, anxiety, depression, trauma, coping with divorce, and school difficulties. We help kids cope with life problems and express their feelings in non- threatening, creative ways. Children truly enjoy play therapy, and parents love watching their kids begin to learn to express and control their emotions more effectively.
At Water Street Family Counseling, we believe strongly that you are the best resource your child has, so involve you in the therapy process. Every parent needs support, and we desire to help you know how to help your child. Caregivers often come to us feeling overwhelmed and guilt ridden, wanting what’s best for their child or teen but uncertain how to help. Our therapists have extensive training and experience in working with children and families, and we are here for you.
Teens
Teens
Do you feel like your sweet little son or daughter has turned on you? Parenting teens is one of the hardest things you will ever do! Many parents of teens tell us they miss the connection they once had with their children. Connecting with them can be a challenge as they put their friends first at this age and want to be in charge of their lives.
We have extensive experience helping teens and families come together. It can and does happen! Families just get stuck, and it can feel horrible or hopeless at times. Parents have told us that at moments they feel as if they have failed, are losing their child, or don’t even enjoy being around their child any more. Parents have been pleased and amazed at our therapists’ ability to connect with even the most resistant or quiet (emotionally shut down) teens. It is an art, and we have had many years perfecting the skill! We love these kids!
We know that underneath the acting out/disrespect or withdrawn/isolation, there is a hurting child who may not know how to express all their confusing or intense feelings (of just being a teen, school problems, family issues, etc). We help parents learn how to manage the roller coaster of emotions and behaviors. Usually our teen clients actually enjoy therapy believe it or not! We often do a combination of individual and family time in therapy. They enjoy having time to express their own “stuff” without parents present. They may do art therapy in our expressive therapy room, sit outside and talk with us, or even go on a walk. Not all teens will open up sitting on a couch and we get that!