Therapy for Children
We’ll be your trusted partner.
Raising children is one of life’s greatest responsibilities and one of its greatest joys. When parents recognize that a child needs to see a counselor, it can feel overwhelming. You may have many questions:
“Is this really necessary?”
“What’s going on in there?”
“Will the counselor support our values?”
“Is this going to work? WHEN?”
At Sanctuary, our goal is to partner with families. We listen actively and understand the challenges you face, and we are here to offer effective support without judgment.
We also recognize how important it is that your child is cared for by trustworthy, competent, and compassionate professionals. We take your trust seriously, and we are available to address your concerns at any time.
“Birds fly, fish swim, and children play.”
― Garry L. Landreth
A Safe (& Often Fun) Experience . . .
When you walk into Sanctuary, you’ll notice something different. Gone are cold and clinical-feeling office spaces. Instead, children are greeted with a welcoming space filled with art supplies, games, and a quiet place to stretch out and talk. Shoes are kicked off, a snack is shared, and children are relaxed and able to reflect and speak with ease.
Kids look forward to their therapy visits at Sanctuary, but make no mistake – there’s real work being done! We provide safety and boundaries while still extending options and invitations. Our staff enjoys tailoring activities to match both the personal interests and the therapeutic needs of each child.
Whether it’s adapting a board game, sharing a story, or engaging in creative play, the goal is always to achieve an effective session for the benefit of your child and, by extension, your family.
Personalized to Meet the Needs of Each Child & Teen . . .
How does therapy for children differ from other therapies?
While many of the goals of personal therapy are the same for children and adults, it’s important to note that regardless of age, therapy should be an individualized experience, which is why we maintain our client-centered therapy approach with kids just as we do with adults. For children, this includes sensitivity to their developmental age while allowing for their personal interests and particular needs. We’re less likely to sit on opposite couches with kids, and there is often a good deal of activity available. Whatever your child and his or her therapist are doing, our staff is focused on your child’s wellness, healing, and growth.
How can I prepare my child for therapy?
This is a common question, and we’re happy to discuss this with your family ahead of time. The important thing is to ensure that your child anticipates sessions as a safe, positive, helpful experience. Additionally, parents can help set a therapeutic tone by explaining to children that while Sanctuary is an enjoyable place to visit, it’s important that we remember that it’s not a playdate, and we are here to talk about important things.
How can therapy help my child?
Sensing that your child is struggling or in distress can be alarming for any parent. Children may experience a wide variety of difficulties for which children’s counseling or family therapy can be an effective support. While Sanctuary does not have the resources to support all types of needs, these are some of the issues we address most often:
Depression
Anxiety
Acting Out
Sexual/Gender Identity
Body Image
Self Injury
Bullying
Autism Spectrum
Grief
Self-Esteem
Adjustment
Social Skills
If you are unsure, please don’t hesitate to consult with us! We are here to partner with you if possible and to support your search for other assistance if necessary.
Interactive & playful Therapy
Our child-centered counseling services focus on the creativity and imagination of young minds. Whether working through trauma or helping children cope with loss or grief and life changes, our trained therapists ensure that your children are comfortable and safe while they work towards understanding their emotions. We also specialize in helping kids adjust to school situations that may be causing stress or worry. We provide a space for children to explore and grow as they learn how to express themselves in a kind, warm, comforting atmosphere.
Therapeutic styles we utilize include:
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Play Therapy
Using the language of play, this type of therapy helps children express their thoughts and feelings and learn coping skills. Therapists can help interpret what children are expressing during play therapy and help families better understand their child’s needs.
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Dialectic Behavioral Therapy
Helps children develop coping skills for emotional regulation that can be used in both individual sessions and during times of distress
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Helps children identify, examine and change unhelpful or unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that may be negatively impacting their mental health
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Expressive Arts Therapies
Uses creative arts (such as music, visual art, drama, writing, and dance) to help children explore their emotions and work through various life issues
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Family Based Therapy
An effective way to help children who are struggling with emotional or behavioral issues, as well as help families cope with stressful life events. Typically, the entire family will work together to resolve conflicts, build better coping skills, and learn healthier ways of communicating.
Book a session
We’re here to help your child learn coping skills, express how they feel in a healthy way, and develop a foundation of self-awareness and self-esteem.
