Hey there, I'm Meg Stephens, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Certified Rapid Resolution Therapy Specialist (CRRTS), and Art Therapist (ATR-P) with a shocking amount of experience working with children both clinically and outside of the therapy office. I'm genuinely passionate about helping kids and teens lead better lives through therapy. If you're curious or considering counseling as an option for a child or teen in your life, this article answers some of the most common questions you may be wondering.
Can Kids Really Benefit from Therapy?
When it comes to children and therapy, it's natural for parents and caregivers to have questions. Does therapy really make a difference for kids? The answer is a resounding "Yes" Therapy can be a game-changer for children, providing them with valuable tools to navigate the ups and downs of life. From my experience, I've witnessed remarkable transformations in kids who've embraced therapy. They develop coping skills, build self-confidence, and learn to manage difficult emotions, setting them up for a brighter future.
Therapy for teens and children has many benefits, including improving their emotional awareness and regulation, enhancing communication strategies and relationships, and building perspectives that help them process the world around them in empowering ways. When a therapist is prepared to be silly, entertaining, and creative in session, children learn more rapidly, feel more connected, and are more motivated to be an active participant.
My counseling approach is all about connecting with them in a way that feels comfortable and supportive. I've been told I have a knack for it, and I would hope so after spending almost every single volunteer and career opportunity from adolescence engaging with children. My two specialties, Rapid Resolution Therapy and art therapy are both heavily influenced by creativity, imagination, and spontaneity; they’re a perfect fit for working with kiddos.
Can Parents Stay with Their Children in Therapy?
Many parents wonder whether they should be present during their child's therapy sessions. It's an important question, and my approach is flexible. I believe in creating a safe and comfortable environment for children during therapy, and whether parents should be present or not depends on the child's needs and the goals of the therapy. For example, a younger child may feel more comfortable having their mom or dad sit in on the first few sessions, as the therapist starts off as a complete stranger. This may sometimes create a small hurdle for the therapist, as the child might want to use the parent as a mouthpiece, whispering to the parent and expecting them to relay the message. In that case, it is the therapist’s responsibility to offer fun and playful avenues for connection to increase the child’s willingness to speak directly with them. At other times, a therapist may ask the parent to provide the child with privacy during the session to decrease the child’s concern that something they say may upset their parent. It’s valuable to note that this does not necessarily mean that the content of the conversation is centered on the parent, a common concern for parents and caregivers.
I offer both individual and family-focused sessions to ensure that every child gets the support they need. If the parent would benefit from knowing something the child says in therapy, I will work with the child to plan how and when they would like to share with their parent so that confidence is not broken and communication is moving forward. This basic approach does not apply if and when a child reports things that could compromise someone’s safety; in that case, a parent would be informed immediately.
What Type of Therapy is Best for Adolescents?
Teenagers are a unique group, and their needs and preferences can vary widely. I find that with many teenagers, a therapist’s personality can be just as influential if not more influential than the specific approach or theoretical orientation being utilized. I encourage parents to allow teens to consult with therapists on their own, and when in consultation with a teen, I often encourage them to ask questions about me personally so that they can feel like we are more like team mates and less like I’m some sort of authority figure. (Not that every question will get an answer; I’m quick to set firm and kind boundaries when necessary.) More often than not, teenagers respond to someone who is willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, at least in terms of their intentions; someone who is going to balance connection and challenge in counseling. All too often I hear stories of teens using their therapists as rent-a-friends, going round and round talking about the issue of the week without ever improving skills or changing perspectives. Whether it's helping them deal with the typical trials of adolescence or more complex issues, I have the personality, experience, and tools to assist them on their journey to a healthier, happier life.
When Would Therapy Not Work for Kids or Teens?
Sometimes as parents, you encounter the situation of noticing that your child could benefit from speaking with someone about how they are feeling, yet that seems to be the last thing they want. The last thing you want to do is give them a poor experience with therapy or send the message that something is wrong with them. I typically tell parents consulting with me that good reasons for a child to go to therapy are if they are struggling noticeably in an area of functional development (school, social life, physical health, family relationships) AND they have an interest in speaking or meeting with someone to help them. They would probably still benefit from therapy even if they do not necessarily have an interest in speaking with someone, but they are struggling enough in one of those areas to cause concern.
If, however, your kid is checking all the boxes for typical functioning and they do not want to talk with someone about their struggles, it may be most beneficial for you as the parent to receive your own counseling or coaching to process and plan for the best ways to be intervening as the parent and providing support as your kid goes through something difficult. In this situation, forcing a child or teen into therapy they do not want and do not believe they need, may cause them to become resistant, resentful, and less willing to tell you when something really does start to bother them. If they are checking the functional boxes, don’t want to meet with someone, and you still really want to provide them with a non-judgmental space to process feelings, an approach like art therapy might be a great place to start, with the pressure of “talking” about their feelings taken down considerably.
In Conclusion
Working with kids and teens isn't just a profession for me; it's a passion. I've seen the positive impact therapy can have on their lives, and I'm dedicated to making a difference. If you're a parent or caregiver looking for support for your child, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help, and together, we can empower your child to overcome challenges and embrace a brighter future.
Ready to take the next step? Contact me today to discuss how I can help your child or teen thrive. You can reach out to me at megstephens@bearlighttherapy.com. Let's embark on this journey of positive change together.
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