Therapy for Life Changes and Transitions
Services for children and adolescents ages 11-19 in Washington state
Is your child struggling to cope with life changes?
Big changes—like moving to a new school, family separation, or shifting friendships—can be overwhelming for children and adolescents. If your child is withdrawing from friends and family, losing interest in activities they once loved, or showing signs of stress, anxiety, or sadness, it may be more than just adjusting to change.
Are mood swings, emotional outbursts, or physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches becoming more frequent? Is anxiety about school, social situations, or the future impacting their attendance or grades?
It’s common for children to feel unsettled during major life transitions, but sometimes these feelings can develop into anxiety or depression—expressed through withdrawal, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or unexplained physical complaints.
Life changes that may challenge children include:
Moving to a new school or neighborhood
Adjusting to family changes such as divorce or remarriage
Navigating evolving friendships and social dynamics
Coping with new responsibilities or pressures at home and school
Managing chronic or serious illness
Experiencing grief or loss
Processing trauma or disruptions to their routine
These transitions can trigger feelings of uncertainty, sadness, or fear that interfere with your child’s ability to thrive. But with compassionate, tailored support, children can learn healthy coping strategies, build resilience, and regain balance in their lives.
If your child is struggling to manage these changes, don’t wait—help is available. Together, we can develop a personalized plan to support your child through life’s challenges and promote their emotional well-being.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including life changes and ongoing challenges, are more common than you might realize and profoundly impact children's health and mental well-being. These experiences can disrupt their ability to fully meet social and emotional needs. By fostering a safe, stable, and nurturing environment both at home and in their surroundings, I empower children to thrive and realize their full potential. Therapy plays a crucial role in offering the support and security needed to overcome ACEs and lead happier, healthier lives.
As a designated Child Mental Health Specialist, I see your child's behavior as a window into deeper struggles they face navigating the world. My approach involves understanding their unique experiences, considering their developmental stage, and creating a personalized treatment plan to restore their sense of safety and security. Together, we can pave the way for your child's brighter tomorrow.
Still unsure about taking the next step? Here are some questions or concerns you might have:
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Bringing your child to therapy is a significant step in supporting your child’s overall well-being. If your child needs or wants to go to therapy, it does not mean you have failed them as a parent. In fact, you are doing the best for your child by taking care of their mental health and well-being.
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I agree— There is nothing wrong with your child. Therapy does not entail fixing your child; therapy seeks to work collaboratively with you and your child to foster their resiliency.
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If therapy doesn't seem to be helping your child as quickly as you hoped, remember that having a dedicated adult focused on their needs can still be beneficial. Sometimes, the changes might not be immediately visible, but therapy provides a safe space for your child to explore and grow.
It's important to ensure there's a good match between your child and their therapist from the start. I believe in finding the right counselor for each child, even if that means it's not me. Whether through art, play, or talk, I help children process their experiences at their own pace. I also specialize in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based therapy designed to support children with particularly challenging behaviors.
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As your child's therapist, I prioritize close collaboration with parents to ensure you're fully informed about your child's progress. I'll share key themes and goals from our therapy sessions and provide updates on any crucial details for your child's well-being. Feel free to reach out with updates or concerns anytime; effective teamwork is essential in supporting your child's journey. I'm here to guide you both with warmth and care through this process, helping navigate uncertainties together.
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I understand your concern about your child's hesitation toward therapy. It's common for children to feel unsure, especially if it's their first time or they're unsure what to expect. Addressing any misconceptions or fears through clear explanations about therapy—like talking and playing to help them feel better—can ease their worries. Giving your child a sense of control by involving them in decisions, such as choosing a therapist they're comfortable with or exploring therapy options that match their preferences, can also be beneficial.
For more information about this topic, head to my blog where I share tips for parents seeking to empower their children to go to therapy.
