Children & Teens

Counseling for Children and Teens

Sometimes children from even the most loving families experience emotional difficulties. When your child is struggling and showing signs of distress it is not unusual to feel deeply concerned, worried and unsure of what to do. If you find yourself in this situation, you don’t need to face these problems alone. Our caring therapists, specially trained in working with parents, children and teens are here to help. They utilize therapeutic approaches specific to the age of the child. For young children, treatment often includes elements of play. Play allows children to gently process and express themselves in a way that is not always accessible through language. Counseling with older children and teens usually includes more conversation and discussion. Whatever the difficulties your child may be experiencing at home, in school or in their relationships with others, our counselors are here to work towards helping them feel better.

West Bergen also offers a number of Specialized Programs that specifically address issues such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism, Divorce and Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation. All our specialized counseling programs incorporate child and adolescent focused treatment techniques.

If your child is experiencing any of the challenges listed below, it may be a sign that they could benefit from additional support:

• Academic or school difficulties
• Anger or aggressive behavior
• Anxiety, excessive worry, chronic fear
• Attention deficit/Hyperactivity behaviors
• Autism/social skill deficits
• Bullying
• Chronic rebelliousness or disregard for others
• Difficulties with peer or sibling relationships
• Difficulties eating or sleeping
• Gender identity/sexual orientation
• Feelings of hopelessness/despair or irritability
• Frequent lying
• Impulsivity
• Loneliness
• Nightmares
• Overuse/abuse of internet and social media
• School refusal