Services

Within individual therapy, Therapy Etc strives to create a safe and comfortable environment in which a child or teen can use a variety of tools to understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in order to promote change. Given that older children and teens are often better able to communicate verbally, cognitive interventions, better known as talk therapy, in addition to behavioral interventions allow an older child or teen to identify, express, and explore the link between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Also, expressive activities such as creative writing, art and music allow older kids to express themselves. Younger children, including preschoolers, can also use creative activities, better known as play therapy, as a natural way to express themselves. Through a variety of tools, including dolls, sand tray, art, play, and dance/movement, younger children can communicate their thoughts and feelings.  Individual therapy is one step in the therapeutic process.  Parents are encouraged to be an active member in the process by supporting their child as they venture through their feelings to elicit change.

Family therapy is an extremely useful intervention to help a family cope with changes or transitions. We believe in the traditional use of family therapy, where all identified family members join together and are guided by a clinician to focus on the acknowledged and agreed upon difficulties. We believe that working with a family provides individual members an opportunity to grow and develop their identity within the family unit, while working collectively as part of the family system. Within the context of family therapy sessions, members learn to understand, appreciate and cope with presenting emotional, behavioral or social problems of a child, teen or parent. Many interventions may be utilized such as talk, play or behavioral strategies aimed at promoting encouragement, nurturing, understanding and ultimately change. We commonly explore the behavioral, social and emotional expectations of each member, and their roles within the family system. We also explore patterns of interactions, as well as, communication between family members. In order to promote change, we look to identify the dynamics that contribute to challenges while seeking to identify the strengths of each member and the system. Additionally, we view family therapy occurring when siblings work together to resolve issues such as concerns of rivalry or adjusting to changes in the family system. It is not uncommon for other identified extended family members such as grandparents or stepparents to become involved in a session if deemed appropriate or helpful.

Group therapy enables individuals to enhance their emotional growth, social awareness and personal problem solving skills. Child and adolescent groups are designed to focus on specific issues such as ADHD, depression or anxiety. Groups can also focus on developing social skills, coping skills and self-expression skills. Therapy Etc. groups are led by 1 therapist with a maximum of 8 individual members depending upon the age range of the group. Group members are encouraged to interact with each other through self-reflection or sharing their own personal challenges and successes with other members. Issues of confidentiality are regularly discussed and members are encouraged to remain respectful of each other.

The goal of ADHD Coaching is to give children and adolescents tools to function more effectively in a variety of problematic situations. By targeting 1 to 2 specific behaviors at a time, such as using using organizational tools and knowing how and when to ask for help, each session is individualized to meet the client's unique needs. Additionally, there are coaching homework assignments, which are designed to enhance the development of these skills. This allows the client to take ownership of the process by learning new techniques to enable success across social, emotional and academic areas.