Kids Therapy

A Storm on the Horizon

Shane was a 10-year-old boy who came to me because of persistent worry. One of his fears was thunder and lightning.

To accommodate Shane’s fears, his family began to avoid being out of the house during storms and eventually began planning their lives around the Weather Channel.

If it began to storm while Shane was at school, he would quickly go to the nurse’s office with a stomach ache and his mother would come to pick him up. During a storm, Shane experienced panic attacks and intense fear and avoidance.

Darkness Overtakes the Sun

Shane compulsively checked weather patterns, and, even on bright sunny days, needed constant reassurance from his parents that a storm wasn’t on the way.

Shane’s younger sister was beginning to fear storms too.

When Shane began treatment with me, he and his family were overwhelmed, depleted and stuck.

A Break in the Clouds

Counseling can benefit a child at any age if the treatment is geared to meet them where they’re at.

We focus on the issues that have brought them to treatment, but I do so in a way that is gentle, supportive and encouraging.

In my work with children, I immediately focus on building trust and rapport through play therapy, therapeutic books & board games, and engaging in activities the child enjoys.

A Ray of Hope

In our work together, Shane gradually learned to tolerate the distress of the storm without avoidance, to use his thoughts to diffuse, not increase, his anxiety, and to utilize relaxation techniques to keep himself in a calmer emotional state.

His parents learned to not “feed the worry” by accommodating his patterns of avoidance.

As Shane’s ability to manage his fears grew, his little sister’s fear dissipated too. Family sanity was restored.

Therapy may be challenging at times – may nudge your child to grow and expand – but should not CAUSE stress.

Most children look forward to sessions with me and leave my office feeling and looking visibly lighter.

Your child isn’t the only one that will benefit from therapy.

As a parent, you will experience tremendous relief and hope.

With the support of a skilled therapist, you will learn new ways of handling old situations.

Your confidence will grow as a parent as you experience positive change happening with your child.

Happier Ever After

Shane is now a 19-year-old young man, who can function well in any weather.

He has occasionally returned to treatment for brief periods to focus on other anxiety hiccups along the way.

There will always be challenges. But with the right skills and tools to manage our difficulties, we can have the rich, fulfilling life we seek.

Sunny Skies Ahead

With my guidance and coaching, you will help bring greater peace to your home.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Take that first step and call me at (848) 333-7018 for a free consultation.