Working Together to Guide Children and Teens

Having been a school guidance counselor for many years, I understand the importance of getting help for children and teens when problems are beginning to develop. Working with issues when they first begin to appear is much more effective than waiting until they have become long term and 'set'.

I use a variety of engaging approaches with children to help them quickly make changes. My main approach is Solution-Oriented, a technique that works well with children. I would describe my approach as gentle and direct, with the goal of helping children deal better with their lives as quickly as possible.

I am a strong believer in having parents involved in the counseling process as much as possible. Children are strongly influenced by the adults in their lives, and by working together, changes can be much more effective. Much of the focus in counseling children is to also help you, the parent, in new ways of working with your child. As a parent, you have the expertise on your child and your family. As a counselor, I have the expertise in helping change happen. When we work together, the opportunity for change is much higher.

I have listed some common reasons to seek counseling for your child:

Sleep Changes

Trouble falling asleep
Trouble staying asleep
Feeling un-rested even after a normal sleep cycle
Recurrent nightmares
Fear of going to sleep

Behavior Issues

Significant disrespect toward parents
Defiance of rules at home or school
Increased irritability
Strong desire to bother others

School Issues

Low motivation
Difficulty starting or completing homework
Losing assignments
Giving up
Decreased concentration
Easily distracted

Anxiety Issues

Significant worry
Difficulty concentrating
Perfectionism
Irritability
Repeated behaviors
Needs things 'just so'
Significant focus on future issues

Depressive Issues

Sense of sadness
Negative comments about life
Irritability
Loss of interest in sports, hobbies, etc.
Isolation
Difficulty concentrating

Friendship Issues

Difficulty making or keeping friends
Difficulty in coping with teasing
Hanging out with a different peer group

If your child is dealing with some of the above issues, and you would like to know if counseling would be beneficial, please contact me. I would be happy to help you determine if counseling is the right approach.

Sometimes, after a phone call or an initial meeting, I will suggest that counseling is needed, but sometimes I suggest that it is not needed at this time. So don't hesitate to contact me if you are not sure.


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	Working Together to Guide Children and Teens Having been a school guidance counselor for many years, I understand the importance of getting help for children and teens when problems are beginning to develop. Working with issues when they first begin to appear is much more effective than waiting until they have become long term and 'set'. I use a variety of engaging approaches with children to help them quickly make changes. My main approach is Solution-Oriented, a technique that works well with children. I would describe my approach as gentle and direct, with the goal of helping children deal better with their lives as quickly as possible. I am a strong believer in having parents involved in the counseling process as much as possible. Children are strongly influenced by the adults in their lives, and by working together, changes can be much more effective. Much of the focus in counseling children is to also help you, the parent, in new ways of working with your child. As a parent, you have the expertise on your child and your family. As a counselor, I have the expertise in helping change happen. When we work together, the opportunity for change is much higher. I have listed some common reasons to seek counseling for your child: Sleep Changes Trouble falling asleep Trouble staying asleep Feeling un-rested even after a normal sleep cycle Recurrent nightmares Fear of going to sleep Behavior Issues Significant disrespect toward parents Defiance of rules at home or school Increased irritability Strong desire to bother others School Issues Low motivation Difficulty starting or completing homework Losing assignments Giving up Decreased concentration Easily distracted Anxiety Issues Significant worry Difficulty concentrating Perfectionism Irritability Repeated behaviors Needs things 'just so' Significant focus on future issues Depressive Issues Sense of sadness Negative comments about life Irritability Loss of interest in sports, hobbies, etc. Isolation Difficulty concentrating Friendship Issues Difficulty making or keeping friends Difficulty in coping with teasing Hanging out with a different peer group If your child is dealing with some of the above issues, and you would like to know if counseling would be beneficial, please contact me. I would be happy to help you determine if counseling is the right approach. Sometimes, after a phone call or an initial meeting, I will suggest that counseling is needed, but sometimes I suggest that it is not needed at this time. So don't hesitate to contact me if you are not sure.
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