Child Therapists and Counselors in Alexandria, VA—Therapy, Counseling for Kids

Child Therapists and Counselors in Alexandria, VA—Therapy, Counseling for Kids

Childhood is often depicted as a period of carefree fun. In reality, childhood and adolescence are often filled with challenges that kids and teens aren’t sure how to handle. Do your best to think back to these years: a time when we’re still learning the necessary tools to understand our emotions, manage stress, and communicate well with others. It proves difficult for kids and teens to navigate the challenges that arise as they grow and develop.

“It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.”

–L. R. Knost

The good news is that there is professional help for children and adolescents. A child therapist’s job is to work with these young individuals to understand and address the problems they are experiencing as well as equip them with effective tools for managing problems they may face in the future.

If your child or teen is struggling—if they’re reluctant to go to school and you don’t know why, they are showing signs of a mental illness; if they’re grieving the loss of a loved one; or they’re struggling with something else entirely—a child therapist or psychologist at Thriveworks Alexandria can help. These providers are skilled, caring, and experienced. And they want to make a difference in your child’s life.

When Can a Child Benefit from Therapy?

You might be hesitant to say that your child needs therapy. Rather than deciding if your child needs therapy, think about whether or not your child could benefitfrom therapy. Many children and teens could benefit from therapy, from those with a mental illness like depression or ADHD to those who are having trouble adjusting to life in a new town and at a new school. Remember, the end goal of therapy is for the client to be happier, healthier. Here’s a more comprehensive list of children who might find value in working with a therapist (starting with those we’ve already covered):

  • They are reluctant to go to school and you don’t know why
  • They’re grieving the loss of a loved one
  • They’re showing signs of a mental illness
  • They are having trouble adjusting to life in a new town
  • They are getting bullied at school
  • They’re having trouble making friends
  • They are engaging in rebellious behavior
  • They have been exposed to a traumatic event

This list does not include every single child or teen who might benefit from therapy. In fact, we believe that all young individuals could benefit in some way from working with a counselor! If you are interested in child therapy and want to book an appointment or hear more about our services, call Thriveworks Alexandria.

How Does Therapy Help Kids? 

As with therapy for adults, child therapy can vary between one client and the next. A counselor at Thriveworks Alexandria will first work to understand the child and then develop an individualized plan for helping them find success in therapy. Therapy might involve the following:

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):This is a common therapy technique used in therapy, including child therapy. The goal of this approach is to help individuals identify negative thinking patterns and correct them. So, for example, if a teen says, “I got a C on my biology test, I’m obviously stupid,” a therapist might use CBT to bring them back to reality.
  2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on four main skills, including emotional regulation. It is useful when it comes to enhancing coping skills for children and teens who have trouble controlling their emotions and coping with stress.
  3. Play Therapy: Play therapy uses different play and art therapy techniques to help children process their emotions and address personal issues. It allows children to process experiences through make-believe when they aren’t able to do so in real life.

These are just a few techniques used in child therapy. Again, each child’s experience in therapy is dependent on the problems they present and other individual factors.

Work with a Child Therapist or Psychologist at Thriveworks Alexandria

Do you think your child could benefit from working with a therapist? Call Thriveworks Alexandria to schedule an appointment. Our therapists and counselors are dedicated to helping their clients live happier, healthier, more successful lives. They can’t wait to make a difference in your child or teen’s life. Call today and a scheduling specialist will get you set up with one of our providers.

Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 16 5 1 16 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

A truly dedicated professional

★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Excellent Experience

★★★★★
Mary Alice was excellent to work with. I highly recommend!
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Mary Alice Fields

★★★★★
Excellent and convenient help when you need it.
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Great place

★★★★★
Not only does Mary Alice perform her duties in an exemplary manner following all protocols, she does so with empathy and caring.
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

MaryAlice Fields

★★★★★
MaryAlice is a talented counselor who helped me tremendously.
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

patient parent

★★★★★
Lolita is a very thoughtful therapist. She also has a good understanding of children as she worked with my son at the ages of 15 & 16. She was an advocate for him, and she was eager to work with him in goal-setting, which my husband and I appreciate very much. We may continue to seek our her assistance in the future should our needs change. Thank you for all of your help.
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Can’t thank you enough

★★★★★
I was skeptical at first to open up to a complete stranger and express my problems and thoughts but Gelila made me feel completely comfortable within the first couple of sessions. She is very kind, a good listener, and extremely helpful. I have been talking to her for a couple of months and I feel instantly relieved of stress after our sessions. I can’t thank her enough for helping me out through tough times.
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Rebecca Fry is amazing

★★★★★
Rebecca has been my therapist for almost a decade and I can not recommend her enough. She is thoughtful and caring, while also great at challenging and giving direct recommendations on how to deal with issues. She even stayed with me after I moved out of the area and worked to figure out a remote option. She has worked with me through many issues and remained a valuable resource I can rely on.
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Rebecca is incredible!

★★★★★
I can't speak highly enough of Rebecca Fry - she is compassionate, patient, attentive, and encouraging. She is celebratory of growth and honest in her feedback without ever being critical or judgmental. For someone who was fearful of entering therapy, she embraced me with warmth and understanding. She has helped me tremendously by equipping me with practical coping mechanisms that are manageable and realistic but challenge unhealthy habits when necessary. On top of her professionalism - Rebecca is so easy to relate to and never makes me feel like I have anything to be ashamed of. She cares deeply for her patients and wants to help them lead healthier lives. She is an absolute treasure and I can't recommend her highly enough!!
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Highly Recommend Kayla Barnoski

★★★★★
I would highly recommend Kayla Barnoski as a therapist. She is caring and knowledgeable. She listens and works with you to find a solution that works for your individual situation. She has experience with many age groups and is a hard worker. You will not be disappointed.
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Only one session so far, but it’s going well.

★★★★★
Only one session so far, but it’s going well.
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

I love Lisa Cornelius!

★★★★★
I love my sessions with Lisa Cornelius! She helps me to work through issues and is just a fantastic listener!
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Lisa is great!

★★★★★
Lisa is great! Easy to relate to and very helpful. I appreciate her flexibility as well.
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Loving my therapist!

★★★★★
Loving my therapist!
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

Great Counselor – Lisa Cornelius

★★★★★
I'm so glad I found Lisa. She's an awesome therapist, and I really enjoy my visits with her!
Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

So far so good!!!!

★★★★★
So far so good!!!!
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Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 3014 Colvin St Suite 1-A,
    Alexandria, VA 22314

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

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