Therapy for children and teens

Online & In-person in ohio

It can be so difficult to see your child struggle.

Mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in childhood can cause long-term problems that may affect the health and well-being of children, families, and communities. Treating a child’s mental health problems as soon as possible can help children reduce problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships. It can also help with healthy development into adulthood.

Kids and teens need therapy when they have problems they can't cope with alone. Or they need help when problems affect how well they do, feel, or act. If things don't get better on their own, kids may need therapy so things can improve. Sometimes, entire families need support while trying to communicate, learn, and create boundaries.

Maybe you’re noticing:

  • Sudden or drastic changes in behaviors, such as suddenly withdrawing from family and friends, losing interest in activities they used to enjoy, or becoming more aggressive or irritable. These behavior changes could be the result of anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or even ADHD.

  • Persistent anxiety or sadness, which could include frequent crying, excessive worry or fear, or avoidance of certain situations or places. If not addressed, ongoing feelings of sadness or anxiety may impact a child's school performance and social connections, and possibly result in the adoption of harmful ways of coping.

  • Difficulty with school or academic performance. School presents challenges for numerous children. If your child is experiencing a decline in grades, struggles with focus and task completion, or frequently expresses dissatisfaction with school, it might be beneficial to explore the option of therapy. Academic difficulties may arise from learning disabilities, social obstacles, and anxiety or stress.

  • Changes in sleep patterns or eating habits which can appear as insomnia or sleep problems such as excessive sleep, significant weight loss or gain, or appetite changes. The changes in behavior may result from conditions like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or sleep disorders.

  • Social withdraw or isolation or difficulty with peer relationships. Children may begin to display disinterest in social activities, encounter friendship difficulties, or exhibit challenges in comprehending and communicating social cues. Social anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, and past traumatic experiences are factors that may lead to such social struggles.

Therapists at Wildwood Counseling Services are extensively trained to provide support for a wide array of issues affecting children and teenagers. From assisting with family conflicts, school challenges, bullying incidents, and health issues, to addressing complex emotional states such as sadness, anger, stress, worry, low self-esteem, and grief, our therapists offer a safe space for processing and healing. Additionally, they are equipped to help young individuals cope with various conditions including ADHD, depression, OCD, anxiety, eating disorders, self-injury tendencies, disruptive behavior disorders, and trauma-related issues. Trust our experienced therapists to guide children and teens towards emotional well-being and resilience.

Let us work together to create a healthier and happier future for your child.

Meet our therapists

Courtney Howell, 6-18 years old

Makayla Arcuragi, 13-18 years old

Jade Branch, 13-18 years old

Branden Fox, 12-18 years old

Fanta Niangadou, 5-18 years old

Latoya Barlow, 5-18 years old

Morgan Pauff, 5-18 years old

Jamie Sheehan, 14-18 years old

Ashley Thomas, 13-18 years old

Your child has incredible gifts, strengths, & potential.

We’re HERE TO HELP THEM discover that.

What we’ll work on

How Therapy for Children Works:

Therapy for kids can take various forms, depending on their age and specific needs. It’s important to remember that therapy for kids is tailored to their developmental stage. It is also designed to be engaging and effective for their unique needs. Here are some basics and benefits of therapy for children of different ages:

  • Preschoolers (ages 3-5): Play therapy is often the best choice right now. It helps kids show how they feel by playing, which is how they naturally express themselves. This method has benefits like better control of emotions, stronger communication skills, and improved ways to handle stress and worry.

  • School-age children (ages 6-12): When working with this age group, therapists often use techniques like talking therapy, playing, and creating art. These methods help children improve how they solve problems, feel better about themselves, and manage their feelings. They can also help with specific things like worry, sadness, or acting out.

  • Adolescents (ages 13-18): Apart from CBT, teenagers might benefit from trying different types of therapy such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or group therapy. These methods help young people tackle the challenges of being a teenager, develop a healthy self-image, and build strong relationships with friends and family.

No matter how old your child is, therapy can make a big difference. Starting therapy early can stop problems from getting worse and give your child important skills to handle life's ups and downs. In therapy, your child can figure out what's causing their struggles, feel better about themselves, and learn how to deal with problems in a positive way.

Therapy can also help your child build healthy habits, understand their feelings when things change, and get support from family when they need it. Plus, therapy is key for improving social skills and relationships by improving how they communicate, boosting their confidence and ability to go with the flow, and dealing with any hidden emotional issues.

FAQS

Common questions about therapy for children

  • Discussions like this can often be quite tricky and sensitive in nature. Some children are much more reluctant to see a counselor than others for a variety of reasons. One of the best ways to approach this important conversation is to treat it as you would a normal doctor’s appointment.

    Let your child know that you will be going to see a counselor to make sure everything is okay, that they are healthy, and to explore if there is anything they might need to address or treat. It is crucial to never try to trick your child into attending therapy, as this can lead to confusion and mistrust.

    When a child arrives at therapy believing they were being taken somewhere else, they are likely to feel closed off and will be significantly more reluctant to participate in their session. Be honest with your child and let them fully understand that you genuinely want what is best for them.

    Additionally, if your child expresses discomfort with their counselor, reassure them that it is perfectly okay to switch counselors to find someone they feel more comfortable with.

  • Therapists consider parents and caregivers to be an invaluable resource for a child, as they can provide essential information, guidance, and effective positive discipline for their child. In fact, parents and caregivers are just as important to the healing process as the therapists themselves.

    After all, parents are there to support their child for a lifetime, whereas therapists typically assist a child for only a specific period of time. The extent to which parents are involved in the therapy process, however, might vary significantly depending on the unique situation and the age of your child.

    Particularly as children grow older and transition into their teenage years, it becomes increasingly important for them to build their own identities and sense of self. This means that having their own space to explore their thoughts and feelings during therapy sessions, without the presence of their parents, can be an important factor in promoting their growth.

    As a parent, you are the individual who lives with your child and has the opportunity to observe their behaviors and moods on a day-to-day basis. In contrast, your child's therapist only spends about an hour each week with them. Although they aim to use that hour effectively, only so much meaningful change can occur if the positive treatment and practices learned during therapy don’t continue at home. Your child’s therapist can teach you the skills and strategies that they are imparting to your child during sessions. By doing so, you can play a crucial role in ensuring that these valuable skills are effectively translated into everyday life as you leave the therapist’s office.

    Moreover, your insights and observations regarding how your child is doing outside of therapy sessions are extremely valuable for the therapist’s overall understanding and approach. Your involvement in your child’s therapy can significantly enhance their sense of support. It helps them realize that there is an entire dedicated team that is rallying behind them, not just their therapist.

  • This typically depends on the specific recommendation provided by the therapist who is working closely with your child. Oftentimes, they will begin with weekly sessions that last for 53 minutes.

    However, for much younger children, particularly those who may have difficulty concentrating, they may choose to implement shorter sessions of about 30 minutes. Ultimately, the frequency of these sessions can vary based on the individual needs of your child and the guidance of the therapist.

  • How long therapy lasts can vary significantly and often depends on the specific goals that you and your child's therapist have established together.

    In most cases, a therapist typically prefers to meet with your child on a weekly basis for several months to ensure consistent progress and support. This regularity allows for a deeper exploration of feelings and experiences, which can further enhance the therapeutic process.