Child & Adolescent Therapy

Kids Need Help Too

Children and adolescents are welcomed clients at Redwood. In fact, we save Saturday’s just for our kids. The use of play therapy, interactive games, and art therapy are commonplace in our model of working with kids.

Play therapy is a mode of therapy for children and adolescents tailored to their age and level of development. This mode is often non-directive and allows them to tell their stories and share feelings through play and creative experiences. Toys, art, games, and dances engage everyone in self-exploration.

Children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, separation or divorce of parents, struggle with emotional regulation, or who choose not to talk about feelings often open up through play.

Parent consultations before or after a session are essential aspects when working with children and adolescents. These consultations inform the therapist of the challenges experienced at home or school so that the therapist’s work is effective. Often, the parents are invited into the therapy session to learn how to play and talk in a productive way with their children and adolescents. In turn, the therapist

provides guidance and approaches for the parents to introduce at home. Change and growth does happen, confidence and self-esteem are strengthened, and each individual is affirmed.

Play therapy is more than a therapeutic approach for children. Play is a necessary aspect of everyone’s well-being. All ages of clients benefit by engaging in active play. Painting, clay modeling, drawing, writing, and storytelling are modes of therapy that are used to open up blocked channels of expression, memories, and feelings. Perhaps it’s time for you to engage in play as a way of understanding your struggles and finding a new way of living a life worth living.