Child Therapy in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Child and Adolescent Counseling

Child Therapy in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Child and Adolescent Counseling

Children, like adults, can benefit from counseling. It can help children and adolescents learn how to identify the causes of their distress, develop skills in seeking help, express emotions and improve upon their problem-solving abilities. Common stressors for children include school—excessive or difficult homework, test anxiety, peer pressure, bullying and learning difficulties. Family issues may include parents arguing, divorce, moving to a new home, welcoming a new sibling to the family, death and a major illness.

It can be difficult during the different stages of childhood and adolescence to know if your child is behaving normally or if there is a problem. If you notice a change in your child’s behavior, such as inattention, arguing or withdrawing, or emotionally like depression, anger, worry or stress, they may need help. Therapy is customized to meet the needs of the child and the family with the goal of the program to alleviate symptoms of distress, improve the child’s social and emotional resources, increase their use of effective communication skills and make the relationships in the family and community, as well as with peers, stronger.

If you or another person that knows your child (teacher, coach, school counselor) feels that your child is displaying behavior that has become concerning or dealing with emotions that are causing distractions in their life, it may be time to talk to a therapist, psychologist, or counselor at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA (Franconia).

Scenarios for Seeking Child and Adolescent Therapy

There are times when it is a good idea to get your child help for mental health issues without waiting. With eating disorders, the longer a child lives with one the harder it is to recover. Getting treatment as quickly as possible can save a child’s life. If mental illness runs in the family, be aware of the increased possibility that your child may begin to develop a disorder. If you feel that your child is showing signs of a disorder, it’s important to act promptly. If you discover that your child has been hurting himself—even if they say it was only a one-time thing—it is vital to get help. Cutting is dangerous behavior that may be the child’s way of dealing with a serious mental health issue.

Some life events can cause changes to a child’s functioning in the process of adjustment. When parents divorce, a new sibling is introduced into the family or there is a change of schools, these situations can have troubling effects on a child’s behavior. It is wise to monitor your child’s behaviors that are a concern. It is a good idea to seek the help of a therapist when you are unsure, especially if the behaviors or feelings are ongoing for weeks or months.

1) Conflict between a teen and her mother. Priscilla is 15, and her mother is 39. They began family therapy together after the communication between them reached a breaking point. They fight on a daily basis, and Priscilla often refuses to listen to her mother. Sometimes she walks out of the room or leaves the house in the middle of conversations. Priscilla’s mother harps on her about doing her chores and homework, as well as her choice in friends. Her mother also expresses that she misses spending time with Priscilla. While in therapy, Priscilla says she would like her mother to stop harping on her.

The therapist provides the two with education regarding Priscilla’s stage of psychological development and gives her healthy communication strategies to use. With the assistance of the therapist, the mother and daughter outline rules for communication and negotiation. They both speak, actively listen and learn new ways of relating to each other, and their relationship becomes less stressful.

2) Mason is nine years old and runs away from his home each afternoon. His parents intervene by having him talk with police officers, his priest and teachers at school about the many dangers of running away. But, his behavior does not change. When Mason’s parents make an appointment to meet with a child therapist, the counselor gets the family history and finds that Mason’s mother works throughout the day, his father works overnight shifts and his three brothers spend much of their time away from home.

In follow-up sessions with Mason, the therapist find that he feels as if nobody pays any attention to him. When he runs away, his parents and other adults stop everything in order to search for him. He becomes the focus of everyone’s attention. The therapist explains to his parents that Mason learned that running away is an effective way to get the attention he craves. Through counseling, he and his parents develop a stronger relationship, and Mason is able to receive the attention he desires in safer, healthier ways. He no longer runs away.

Child/Adolescent Therapy Techniques

The therapists, psychologists, and counselors at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA are professionally licensed and have credentials. They work with children and their families to help with numerous behavioral and emotional issues that prevent them from enjoying a happy family life. The therapists and counselors work with the child to find the areas in their life that are causing them distress and help them learn ways to positively deal with it. Child and adolescent therapists use techniques that include art, narrative, traditional talk, play therapy and more.

Child Therapy in Alexandria, VA (Franconia) for Professional Child and Adolescent Therapy

At Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA (Franconia) therapists and counselors work with children and adolescents who have emotional or behavioral problems. The earlier they get treatment, the easier it is to help them. When you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you want to ensure you choose Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA where the therapists will focus on the child’s issues, from abuse and other traumas to learning difficulties to adjusting to transitions in life.

Schedule a session with Thriveworks Alexandria, VA for child and adolescent therapy and counseling, where you won’t be placed on a waiting list. Appointments are available in 24 hours for most new clients.

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!

  • 6076 Franconia Rd Suite D,
    Alexandria, VA 22310

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

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