At Restore Psychological Services, we provide individual therapy for children and adolescents ages 5–18 who may be experiencing emotional, behavioral, social, academic, or family-related challenges. We recognize that children and teenagers communicate and process their experiences differently than adults, and treatment is adapted to each child’s developmental level, personality, strengths, and individual needs.
Therapy may be helpful for children and adolescents experiencing concerns such as:
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma and traumatic experiences
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD)
- Adjustment difficulties and significant life transitions
- Grief and loss
- Behavioral difficulties
- Emotional regulation and anger
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- School-related difficulties and academic stress
- Social difficulties and peer relationships
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Family and relationship difficulties
- Separation and attachment-related concerns
- Obsessive thoughts, fears, and anxiety-related behaviors
- Difficulties coping with stress or major changes
- Self-harm and other high-risk behaviors, when clinically appropriate
- Other emotional or behavioral concerns affecting daily functioning
Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and engaging therapeutic environment where children and adolescents can express themselves, develop healthy coping skills, build emotional awareness, and learn strategies to navigate challenges.
Developmentally Appropriate Therapy
Children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling or experiencing. For younger clients, therapy may incorporate play, creativity, and other expressive approaches to help children communicate and process emotions in ways that feel natural to them.
Depending on the child’s age, developmental needs, and treatment goals, therapy may incorporate:
- Play Therapy — Using play as a developmentally appropriate way for children to express emotions, explore experiences, develop coping skills, and work through challenges.
- Art Therapy Techniques — Incorporating drawing, creative expression, and art-based activities to help children and adolescents communicate and explore emotions.
- Sand Tray Therapy — Using miniature figures and a sand tray to provide a creative, symbolic method for exploring experiences, relationships, emotions, and internal concerns.
For adolescents, therapy may place greater emphasis on conversation, skill development, self-awareness, problem-solving, and collaboration, while still incorporating creative and experiential interventions when appropriate.
Evidence-Based Treatments
When clinically appropriate, treatment may incorporate structured, evidence-based interventions designed to address specific concerns and developmental needs, including:
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) — An evidence-based treatment designed to help children and adolescents who have experienced trauma develop healthy coping skills and process traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive manner.
- MAPS — A structured approach incorporating practical skills and strategies to support children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties.
- Coping Cat — An evidence-based program designed to help children and adolescents recognize and manage anxiety by developing coping and problem-solving skills.
- The Incredible Years — Evidence-based programs designed to strengthen children’s emotional and social skills and support positive parent-child relationships and behavior.
Treatment is individualized, and interventions are selected based on the child’s or adolescent’s presenting concerns, developmental stage, treatment goals, family circumstances, and clinical needs.
Supporting the Whole Child
We believe that effective treatment for children and adolescents often involves understanding the world around them. When appropriate and with appropriate consent, treatment may include collaboration with parents or caregivers, schools, physicians, and other professionals involved in the child’s care.
Parents and caregivers may also receive guidance and support to better understand their child’s emotional and behavioral needs and to develop strategies that can be used outside of therapy.
Our goal is not simply to address symptoms, but to help children and adolescents develop the skills, confidence, resilience, and emotional awareness they need to navigate challenges and continue growing.