Appalachian Children and Adolescent Counseling for Asheville Families
Parental Feelings
Does your child or teen struggle with worries or anxiety? Are they having difficulties with concentration, focus, and energy? They may have trouble coping with painful life experiences. When kids become overwhelmed with emotions, they either act up or withdraw. Their potential inability to manage their feelings blocks them from building healthy relationships. I use play, art, and other interventions working with kids and teens, making counseling a positive experience. I can help kids and teens become more resilient and remember how to feel happy again!
Parents report that before calling me, they often had thoughts such as, “I had no one else to turn to.” “I tried everything, and still, nothing seems to work.” “I was haunted at night that I could not help my child.” “I was supposed to protect her, and I feel like I am a failure.” “I have read everything, and nothing worked?”
These are just some of the experiences parents discuss with me when they first call. I have a deep core belief that we are all doing the best we can with the awareness we have in any given moment. Parenting is not easy, and we are often not given the tools to deal with the challenges children face in today’s world.
You are not alone, and I want first to say, and please hear me, you are not a failure. We all need people we can turn to who can help us through some of our darkest times. I like to look at times such as these as opportunities for growth. The challenges we face allow us to keep doing the same thing and repeating our shortcomings, or to embrace change and ask for help. I have been there, and I believe this is one of the reasons I can connect with others on a deeper level.
Call me now to set up a free confidential face to face consultation to discuss your concerns to see If I am a good fit to meet the needs of your family, or use the contact form on this site by clicking the button below.
Child and Adolescent Counseling
Every child and adolescent is unique, but there are common themes that lead families to seek counseling for their children. Let’s be honest; something isn’t working.
Children often communicate through play. As a Registered Play Therapist™ with over 10 years of experience, I have been trained through both education and clinical supervision. I utilize child-centered play therapy techniques along with other symbolic modalities, such as Sandplay, to help interpret how children express themselves. Through both structured and unstructured play, I can help children process feelings that may be causing them difficulties.
Adolescence can be a challenging time for both individuals and their parents. Often, teenagers may not want to talk about their struggles. However, through expressive modalities like Sandplay and other creative methods, adolescents can begin to trust and open up. This process fosters a therapeutic relationship that not only addresses their challenges but also promotes healing and personal growth.
The traditional counseling method of sitting in a chair and talking to a therapist is just one aspect of healing. I engage children and adolescents through interactive, creative counseling sessions that allow them to see themselves and their lives from new perspectives.
My approach includes:
- Incorporating expressive arts and simple mindfulness meditation exercises.
- Allowing children, adolescents, and adults to progress at their own comfortable pace.
- Using personalized techniques that resonate with them.
- Providing a comfortable, emotional, and physical environment.
Together, we can envision where you want to be and how you want to feel.