Are you worried about your child?
- Do you find yourself overwhelmed by your child's behavior?
- Does she hold all of her feelings inside?
- Does he explode or have long intense tantrums?
- Did he experience a traumatic event such as medical procedure or accident?
- Is she struggling to make and keep friends?
- Have teachers or family members pointed out behavior concerns?
- Does he have intense fears that seem impossible to soothe?
- Are you going through a divorce and want your child to be supported?
- Do you worry that she has anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns?
We know how isolating it can be for parents if their child struggles socially, emotionally, or behaviorally. Maybe your child has explosive meltdowns and this prevents you from attending birthday parties, play dates, or gatherings with family. Or perhaps your child is terrified to be away from you to the point where you literally never get a break. Or, maybe your child went through a traumatic event and have not been themselves ever since. Or, it could be that your child is impulsive, inattentive, defiant, or becomes aggressive. You may have tried different discipline techniques but they only seem to make things worse.
By the time a parent considers therapy for their child, they have tried almost everything else without success. They have read all the books and articles, listened to parenting or child development podcasts, and implemented popular parenting techniques. Some have noticed short term positive change, and become hopeful, only to end up in the same concerned place again. If you can relate to this, we can help.
We are here for you. It truly takes a village to raise children. This sentiment is even more true when our child is spirited, strong willed, has learning differences, or is challenged in some other way. At Integrative Family Therapy we are passionate about helping children thrive. We aim to restore joy and wellbeing to the whole family.
You don't have to do this alone
We understand that seeking therapy for your child can feel overwhelming. Rest assured that our child therapists have extensive training in working with the unique needs of children ages three and older. Our approach with children is relationally centered, trauma informed, humanistic, strength-based, and family systems focused. This means that we will connect with your child and get to know them as the unique and incredible human beings that they are. Gently we guide them toward the development of emotional responsiveness, adaptive interactions, a secure sense of self, and pro-social behaviors. In addition we work with parents directly to support them in strengthening the parent-child relationship.
We shift what drives behaviors
As much as we would love to see all children living a life of joy, some struggle. Many factors go into how a child feels and interacts with others. Genetics, sleep, nutrition, environment, brain development, nervous system regulation, trauma, attachment, the family system (and more) all influence a child's emotional, social, behavior, and mental wellbeing.
Often when children exhibit challenging behavior, parents and caregivers focus on correcting behavior. Yet it rarely creates the positive change that parents are seeking. At Integrative Family Therapy we go deeper. We explore what is driving the behaviors in an effort to create lasting change at the core level. Through play, we support children to share thoughts, express feelings, and experience a sense of safety and resilience while doing so. Ultimately we will support your child to develop positive coping skills for the challenges of life. In addition we will teach parents how to look at behavior challenges from the lens of the nervous system and secure attachment. We provide parents with high levels of support so they can support their children.
Often when children exhibit challenging behavior, parents and caregivers focus on correcting behavior. Yet it rarely creates the positive change that parents are seeking. At Integrative Family Therapy we go deeper. We explore what is driving the behaviors in an effort to create lasting change at the core level. Through play, we support children to share thoughts, express feelings, and experience a sense of safety and resilience while doing so. Ultimately we will support your child to develop positive coping skills for the challenges of life. In addition we will teach parents how to look at behavior challenges from the lens of the nervous system and secure attachment. We provide parents with high levels of support so they can support their children.
Child therapy Is Effective
At Integrative Family Therapy, in addition to having extensive training and experience in counseling, we continuously work to to improve our craft. We stay up to date on the latest research in attachment science, interpersonal neurobiology, play therapy, and child therapy models.
When beginning care with Integrative Family Therapy, you will be connected with one of our child and family therapists. After completing your paperwork, generally, the initial session will be with the parents or caregivers. During this time we will get to know more about you and your child. We will gather history, understand your concerns, and begin to map out a plan for our work together. After the initial session, therapy will typically be a combination of child sessions, parent sessions, and parent-child sessions, depending on the age of the child and the goals for therapy.
We see parents as the expert on their child and ourselves as experts in child therapy, child psychology, and human development. Therefore we aim to work together as team. Parents are always involved in the process of therapy on some level. As much as we love working with young clients, more than anything, your child needs you, the parent, to remain their safe and secure base. We will teach you both play based and practical strategies to support your child at home.
When beginning care with Integrative Family Therapy, you will be connected with one of our child and family therapists. After completing your paperwork, generally, the initial session will be with the parents or caregivers. During this time we will get to know more about you and your child. We will gather history, understand your concerns, and begin to map out a plan for our work together. After the initial session, therapy will typically be a combination of child sessions, parent sessions, and parent-child sessions, depending on the age of the child and the goals for therapy.
We see parents as the expert on their child and ourselves as experts in child therapy, child psychology, and human development. Therefore we aim to work together as team. Parents are always involved in the process of therapy on some level. As much as we love working with young clients, more than anything, your child needs you, the parent, to remain their safe and secure base. We will teach you both play based and practical strategies to support your child at home.
Next Steps
If you would like to learn more about child therapy schedule a free 15 minute consultation. Meghan Simon is our child therapist expert.
