Therapy for Teenagers and Children (ages 10+)
Intake Assessment- Treatment begins with completing an initial diagnostic evaluation. I typically include at least one parent in the intake evaluation. Sometimes I meet with the parents first (without their child/teen present) to gather pertinent information and so you can see if you think I would be a good fit to work with your child/teen. Other times I may meet with you and your child/teen for the initial appointment together. If your teen only wants to meet with me individually, then I need to discuss the limits of confidentiality in the beginning of the therapy with a parent present to make sure everyone is on the same page.
The intake assessment process typically takes two visits (each 50 minutes). During these visits, I get to know your child/teen as a person and learn more about what brings your child/teen to therapy. A comprehensive evaluation allows me to better understand your child/teen and determine the best treatment plan to help reach their goals. Therapy can address a range of concerns, making it important to set specific goals for treatment to make our work together the most useful for you and your child/teen.
Individual Therapy- Individual therapy sessions last 50 minutes. We may meet weekly in the beginning of therapy and reduce how often we meet over time as your child/teen progresses in treatment.
**Please note that when I meet with children and teenagers, I have ongoing communication with the parents to keep them involved in treatment. This may include communicating by phone or separate meetings in the office.
Treatment Approaches-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This evidence-based therapy approach aims to help people change negative thoughts and behaviors to improve their quality of life. Often times when children or teenagers are experiencing remarkable anxiety, stress, or depression, they may be thinking in ways are that inaccurate, unhelpful, or unhealthy. Similarly, people may be acting in a way that can contribute to emotional suffering (such as not wanting to go to school out of fear of failure, staying in bed all day playing video games/watching TV, etc). CBT focuses of giving people skills to modify their thoughts/behaviors that they can practice in therapy and use for the rest of their lives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is an evidence-based therapy that aims to reduce suffering by helping people to stop avoiding uncomfortable feelings and instead focus on what is really important in their lives. Life is full of discomfort, and sometimes teenagers spend so much energy trying to get rid of those uncomfortable feelings or sensations that it pulls them away from their values. ACT also incorporates mindfulness to promote a focus on the present moment and identifies steps the teenager can make to live a more meaningful life.
Are you interested in learning if individual therapy may be right for your child or teenager? Please contact Dr. Laughter at 619-363-1025 or fill out your information below:
The intake assessment process typically takes two visits (each 50 minutes). During these visits, I get to know your child/teen as a person and learn more about what brings your child/teen to therapy. A comprehensive evaluation allows me to better understand your child/teen and determine the best treatment plan to help reach their goals. Therapy can address a range of concerns, making it important to set specific goals for treatment to make our work together the most useful for you and your child/teen.
Individual Therapy- Individual therapy sessions last 50 minutes. We may meet weekly in the beginning of therapy and reduce how often we meet over time as your child/teen progresses in treatment.
**Please note that when I meet with children and teenagers, I have ongoing communication with the parents to keep them involved in treatment. This may include communicating by phone or separate meetings in the office.
Treatment Approaches-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This evidence-based therapy approach aims to help people change negative thoughts and behaviors to improve their quality of life. Often times when children or teenagers are experiencing remarkable anxiety, stress, or depression, they may be thinking in ways are that inaccurate, unhelpful, or unhealthy. Similarly, people may be acting in a way that can contribute to emotional suffering (such as not wanting to go to school out of fear of failure, staying in bed all day playing video games/watching TV, etc). CBT focuses of giving people skills to modify their thoughts/behaviors that they can practice in therapy and use for the rest of their lives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is an evidence-based therapy that aims to reduce suffering by helping people to stop avoiding uncomfortable feelings and instead focus on what is really important in their lives. Life is full of discomfort, and sometimes teenagers spend so much energy trying to get rid of those uncomfortable feelings or sensations that it pulls them away from their values. ACT also incorporates mindfulness to promote a focus on the present moment and identifies steps the teenager can make to live a more meaningful life.
Are you interested in learning if individual therapy may be right for your child or teenager? Please contact Dr. Laughter at 619-363-1025 or fill out your information below: