Amherst, MA—Child Therapy and Counseling

Amherst, MA—Child Therapy and Counseling

If you were granted one wish, what would it be? Many would wish to travel back in time to “simpler” days—to childhood. However, many of us also fail to remember just how hard childhood and teenhood can be. This critical stage in development brings with it nonstop change: physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s often difficult to cope with these changes, as kids and teens are still learning, growing, and adapting. Often wondering, “Why can’t everything slow down?” and “Why can’t I be *insert age here* already?” simultaneously.

“Nothing is absolute. Everything moves. Everything revolves. Everything flies and goes away.” –Frida Kahlo

In few words, childhood and adolescence can be difficult. Fortunately, though, there is professional help out there for kids and teens who are struggling. Whether they’re struggling to cope with their parents’ divorce, make new friends, focus at school, or just feel happy, a counselor or therapist can help. The providers at Thriveworks Amherst are especially equipped to help your child with a given challenge, as they have an impressive set of skills as well as experience in helping these young individuals. If you think your child could benefit from working with a child therapist or counselor, give Thriveworks Amherst a call at (413) 634-4805.

Can My Child Benefit from Working with a Therapist?

It’s hard enough as an adult to manage stress and solve the problems that come up on a daily basis. It’s often even more difficult for kids and teens who are still learning tools for coping with stressors and dealing with their many emotions. The good news is a child therapist can assist kids and teens who need a little extra help. For example, child therapy can help these young individuals with the following:

  • Family problems
  • School problems
  • Stress and worry
  • Sadness and anger
  • Grief and loss
  • Low self-esteem
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Other mental illnesses

Therapy can come in handy when a child or teen can’t cope alone, or when their problems start to affect how they feel or act. The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Amherst are happy to step in if you feel your child needs our services or could benefit.

How Does Child Therapy Work?

Child therapy is tailored to each individual, designed to best help them with their presenting issue(s). However, there is one main goal in child therapy and that’s to help children and teens live happier, healthier lives. Here are a few examples to paint a clearer picture of how a child therapist can help your kid:

  1. As we’ve mentioned previously, this stage of development comes with many physical, mental, and emotional changes. These changes can make teens feel uncomfortable and even develop a low self-esteem. If your teen isn’t feeling so confident and needs a little boost, the counselors at Thriveworks Amherst can help. For example, they can assist them in practicing self-affirmations, knocking down negative thoughts, and ultimately seeing all that they have to offer.
  2. Divorce is prevalent in today’s society. This means that there are many children of divorce, of whom might be struggling to cope with the separation of their parents and all of the changes that come with it. Furthermore, there are often complication emotions that arise in the wake of parents’ divorcing: from confusion to guilt to depression. This is where a child therapist can be of help. They can help kids heal and adjust by encouraging them to open up about their feelings. Additionally, they can help them come to terms with their parents divorce through exercises like journaling or deep-breathing.

Schedule a Session at Thriveworks Amherst

Are you concerned about how your child or teen is performing in school? Have you noticed any odd changes in their mood or behavior? Do they need help coping with a difficult scenario? Consider reaching out to Thriveworks Amherst to set up an appointment with a child therapist.

Here at Thriveworks, we enforce a “no waiting list” policy. We take mental health seriously and we want to help our clients as soon as possible. In addition, we have flexible hours. If you can’t make it in for an appointment during normal school or work hours, that’s okay—we have weekend as well as evening sessions available.

If you’re interested in child therapy at Thriveworks Amherst, give us a call at 413-634-4805. We look forward to hearing from you.

Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 10 5 1 10 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

Yvette Cooper

★★★★★
I have had the privilege of working with, and knowing Yvette Cooper for the last 3 years. Her compassion, caring nature, and knowledge she brings is second to none. Her dedication to her client’s and their well being is something anyone looking for therapeutic services would be happy to find in her. I can’t recommend Yvette enough!
Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

Kristen Kocot: empathy and integrity in counseling

★★★★★
I've had the privilege of knowing and working with Kristen Kocot, a counselor in Amherst, since January 2019. We met in person after she heard my appearance on SiriusXM's Karen Hunter Show. Since then, we have co-created and presented continuing education material at conferences in Massachusetts. As a traumatic brain injury survivor, I value Kristen's approach to therapy perhaps more than the average person. Her dedication to the whole recovery - immediate release from hospital/clinic, adjustment and acclimation to what life now is, facing the roller coaster that can fuel life post-trauma, pairing the clinical with the personal - sets her apart from many of the therapists I have known. I wholeheartedly recommend Kristen Kocot and sessions with her.
Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

Dr. Gregory Handel

★★★★★
Dr. Gregory Handel is not only an exceptional psychologist but is an exceptional human being as well. Always going above and beyond to provide support, care, and love for those in need. This man exemplifies all the right qualities of a counselor, he is patient, listens intently, and is honest, always. No matter what struggle or conflict you may have endure or are enduring, Dr. Greg Handel will always do everything in his power to help you through it. Filled with compassion, empathy, and wisdom, there is no one in the therapeutic industry better qualified.
Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

Sarah Hoxie

★★★★★
Sarah is a strong clinician who responds to clients and families with genuine compassion, sound clinical judgment, and an accessible, caring personality. I trust Sarah implicitly and would recommend her without hesitation.
Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

Dave Zellmer

★★★★★
I was fortunate to work with Dave for several years in supporting the success of clients. He brings a wealth of experience and training in providing high quality therapy. Dave is one of the most positive, trusted and competent therapists I've known. All would agree that Dave is a delight to work with!
Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

Dave Zellmer

★★★★★
I was fortunate to work with Dave for several years in supporting the success of clients. He brings his wealth of experience, and training in providing high quality therapy. Dave is one of the most positive, trusted and competent therapists I've known. All would agree that Dave is a delight to work with!
Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

clinician character endorsement

★★★★★
Sarah H. has shown to have extensive clinical knowledge. She illustrates sound clinical judgement and extraordinary people skills. Sarah is very passionate about her work and she is always compassionate and empathetic toward her clients and colleagues. Sarah brings a warm, calming presence and it is a great privilege to work alongside her.
Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

Kindness and Compassion

★★★★★
Sarah Hoxie is a highly skilled clinician who takes the time to get to know each patient and the greater family system. Her compassion, patience, and kindness help patients feel at ease and safe to share their stories. She is dedicated to find the right treatment approach and intervention for each unique case.
Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

Authentic Support

★★★★★
My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed Greg's guidance and support in our marriage. He has been knowledgeable and authentic in his counsel.
Thriveworks Counseling Amherst MA

Superb crisis intervention

★★★★★
Our family has benefited numerous times from Greg Handel's wisdom & insight when dealing with anger issues, frustration, disappointment and anxiety!
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Thriveworks Counseling

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

  • 21 Pray St,
    Amherst, MA 01002

  • Mon-Fri:8AM-9PM
    Sat-Sun:8AM-5PM

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