Tweens and Pre-teens Therapy
Has your sweet, adorable, kind, child turned into someone you don't recognize?? Or, as a tween, are you confused by your emotions feeling as though they are everywhere? I absolutely enjoy working with tweens!! It is hands down my favorite age group (11-13 years-old) to work with - nothing is off limits. Therapy with Tweens can be helpful for youth to explore a variety of emotional and behavioral concerns. The pre-adolescents stage is full of challenges, growth, and ongoing transitions, which can be overwhelming and difficult to express throughout developmental stages. As a Child Mental Health Specialist, I have experience working with tweens for an array of reasons. Tweens in counseling need a safe and comfortable space to express their thoughts and feelings. I utilize various techniques and modalities that are unique to each youth's individual needs. Issues and symptoms I help Tweens work though whatever is going on in their world:
Adjustment to school or home, ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety or Fear, Attachment Issues, Behavioral Issues, Blended Families & Remarriage, Coping Skills, Communication Issues, Depression & Mood, Emotional Disturbance, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems & Conflict, Grief & Loss, Health & Body Image (not eating disorders), Identity exploration, Impulse Control, Life Coaching, Life Changes, Low Self-Esteem, Oppositional Defiance, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, Sleep Disturbances, Social Skills & Challenges, and Transitions
Common Questions:
How long will my tween be in therapy?
Therapy is unique to each individual tween. The length of therapy will vary for each youth and there is no "set" amount of sessions that is required, it is dependent upon each child or adolescent's journey. A timeline can be discussed at anytime, as well as progress and current therapeutic goals. I do think it is important to understand that counseling is not forever, it a tool to help support tweens during a challenging developmental period.
My tween is anxious- will they have to go on medications?
Therapy can help provide awareness of behaviors and actions, in addition to learning coping skills that can help reduce anxiety. It will be important to consult with a medical provider such as a psychiatrist, doctor, or psychiatric nurse for additional information regarding medications.
My tween refuses to go to therapy; Now What?
I encourage parents to give their tweens time to absorb and ask questions about counseling. It's important to recognize that it may be anxiety of the unknown, which is driving tweens to refuse talking to a counselor. I have discovered that once tweens attend the first therapy session, they realize that it is a safe and comfortable space that is non-judgmental. They often recognize how much they enjoy talking to somebody that is solely there to listen to them, as well as having an objective point of view.
Ages I work with:
Children (6-10)
Preteens / Tweens (11-13)
Adolescents / Teenagers (14-18)
Young Adults (19-25ish)