If you are a parent seeking a therapist for your child, or if you are a teenager looking for a therapist for yourself, this page will offer some helpful information.
Children
Children will often process through things in therapy symbolically, such as through play, art, and sand tray. These options offer opportunities to express emotions non-verbally or with less reliance on verbal exchange. This is especially important with children because they are still developing verbal skills and vocabulary, and they may have a lot to share that they are not able to articulate verbally.In the photo to the right are some of the sand tray supplies that are available in my office for children to use to express themselves. I also engage with children in various types of play and offer art supplies to support the therapeutic process.
Teens
At times teens may have a lot to say as long as the environment feels comfortable. At other times, teens may feel stifled or self-conscious and find it difficult to share what’s on their mind. My approach is to be patient as I develop a relationship with a teen that incorporates his or her own terms.
As with children and adults, teens may also have feelings and experiences that are simply a challenge to verbalize. So, teens may find symbolic expression (such as art, music, and sand tray) useful in therapy.