When working with a child or adolescent in individual therapy, the first order of business is making a genuine connection by talking to your teenager about what matters to him or her. Next is the attempt to build a shared understanding of why she or he is being brought to therapy. After creating a shared way of talking about what is troubling, the therapist help him or her to identify more satisfying ways of solving conflicts. This process allows your teen to be heard and validated in ways they had not thought possible and stimulates the growth of more adaptive behaviors. Another important aspect of psychotherapy with adolescents is to help them to solidify their future goals and aspirations while bringing recognition to the skills and talents they have already developed. When working with a child or adolescent the therapist works with the child individually and with the parents and or school as needed to facilitate change, teach skills, and create new behaviors to replace undesirable ones.
ψ Ms. Scarlett-Lloyd does not provide psychotherapy to children younger than 10 years old. ψ