Child and Teen Therapy
Is your child struggling but you’re not sure what is wrong?
Have you tried everything to help your child but nothing seems to be working?
Do you wonder if your teen is struggling with more than they let on? Do you feel lost on how to get through to them?
Is your child beginning to disrupt family dynamics and functioning?
Have you ever wished you had extra support as a parent, someone in your court to help you navigate the world of childhood mental health?
Why Therapy for Children is Valuable
Research shows that play therapy can be significantly effective in treating emotional and behavioral issues in children, including trauma, anxiety, ADHD symptoms, aggression, and chronic illness.
In addition, children often face everyday issues such as difficulty making friends or adjusting to changes at school or home–and some kids need more help than others in navigating these challenges. And because we know play is a child’s natural form of communication, it is natural to use this same language to help them express themselves in healthy ways, develop important skills, and process experiences.
Our team is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where your child can learn, grow, and heal. We also understand the importance of the family and your role as parents, so we are dedicated to supporting you as you foster a strong and positive relationship with your child.
If we can be of help to you and your family, please call us at 336-864-5435 or schedule a free consultation.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning"
Fred Rogers
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is designed for children aged 3-12 who may sometimes find it challenging to express their thoughts and feelings through regular talking. Kids often have big emotions and experiences that they don't always know how to talk about–this is normal! And that’s where the power of play and the expertise of a qualified therapist comes in.
Instead of just talking about their problems, children get to use toys, art, games, music, storytelling, and creative activities to help their trusted adults understand their thoughts and feelings. This is a place for them to play, explore, and express themselves. And it’s a place for them to process the hard stuff and solve problems that seem overwhelming.
Interested in learning if play therapy is right for your child? Schedule a free consultation with Mollie!
Signs that Therapy Could Help Your Child
Isolating and Withdrawal from friends or previously enjoyed activities
Irritability, Angry outbursts, Argumentative/defensiveness
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Self-harm (or covering this up with long sleeves/pants)
Emotional/behavioral changes
Defiance and/or Destructive behavior
Excessive questions and worrying about things like safety, death, the future
School refusal or performance decline
Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or other psychosomatic complaints
Becoming more clingy or Unprecedented Separation Anxiety
Sometimes it’s hard to know if therapy is the right route. The warning signs can be sneaky and can masquerade as harmless annoyances. It can be difficult to take the next step and even more difficult to find a good fit therapist.
Here are some signs that it may be time to ask a child therapist for help:
Therapy for Tweens and Teens
This is a big transition period for kids 8-12 (the “in between” years) and teens since so much is going on in their brains and bodies!
During this challenging and vulnerable time, tweens and teens are constantly in flux–changing physically and emotionally. Today, tweens and teenagers are faced with all kinds of issues that can have a huge impact on their journey to adulthood–think college and career decisions, relationships, dating, politics, gender and sexuality, and racial issues, just to name some of the big ones.
Sometimes adolescent kids need an outside person, someone not related to them or close to them, to help them process what just feels raw and at times scary. It can be incredibly stress relieving just to have a safe space to talk about all the things they haven’t allowed themselves to say out loud–until now. And for other kids, they just need some extra support and a boost in skills and confidence so they can navigate this period of their lives successfully.
Clinical Therapist & Educator | Certified Trauma Professional
Mollie Pinkham
I’m really glad you’re here! Deciding to pursue therapy and finding the right therapist can be difficult. I would love to help as you take those next steps!
Watching your child struggle can feel overwhelming and heartbreaking. Whether it’s ADHD so intense it disrupts your home, anxiety so crippling it causes nausea, PTSD from an unimaginable circumstance, or another struggle in between, it can leave parents and loved ones feeling helpless and defeated. My goal is to offer support and encouragement in these seasons that can feel dark and hopeless.
For several years I have worked with children, teens, and families to help them navigate difficult and overwhelming seasons. From physical and emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, traumatic grief, and substance use related issues, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside and supporting children, and their families, as they begin to experience hope and healing. Being a kid in today’s world is not easy, and making decisions as parents can be just as challenging. I believe every family has the ability to grow and overcome challenges together.
Area of Specialty: Trauma, Children + Adolescents, Family Therapy, Parent Coaching, High Need Children
17 More Signs to Look For That Your Teen May Need Therapy
Mood swings
Difficulty sleeping
Changes in friends and/or activities
Skipping meals or negative comments about their bodies
Substance use
Death of a loved one
Excessive worrying or avoidance of certain people, places, or things
Changes in academic performance and/or school refusal
Self-harm behaviors (or hiding it under long sleeves, long pants, etc.)
Frequent crying or negative comments about self or others
Trouble focusing
Quitting a once-loved sport or activity
Talking about death
Increased anger
Lack of motivation
Changes in eating habits
Changes in basic hygiene
Some of these signs will overlap with what we may see in any kid struggling emotionally, physically, or developmentally. But as kids get older and begin to transition into adulthood, the signs can look different.
Here are some red flags that should be a cue for us to look a little closer, get curious, and press in to attune and support:
Our team of trauma-informed therapists will work collaboratively with a team of professionals to provide a holistic approach to addressing your eating disorder. This collaborative team often includes registered dietitians, psychiatrists, primary care providers, and nutritionists.
Is your Teen struggling with an Eating Disorder?
Meet Jessie
Clinical Therapist & Educator | Certified Trauma Professional
Areas of Specialty: Eating Disorders, OCD, Anxiety
I work with young adult and adult women struggling with eating and body image, low self-esteem, OCD, anxiety, and grief. I approach counseling through a Biblical perspective and know God does not want you to stay trapped. I want to help you live a life with not only has less suffering but also one full of deep faith and joyful living.
I graduated with my BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. I work from Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and/or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) treatment modalities while remaining flexible to adapt to each individual’s unique needs. I received additional training in CBT and DBT techniques and completed training in OCD treatment through Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy. I also completed coursework through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). When working with disordered eating issues, I specialize particularly in anorexia, but also bulimia, orthorexia, and binge eating disorder.
I can’t wait to hear from you, and no matter how you found yourself here or how long you’ll be here, I’m ready to dive in with you. It would be my privilege to be a small part of your story.
Top 5 Questions for Child and Teen Therapy
We see all kinds of issues here at Dwell, so this list is not exhaustive, but some of the most common things we see in kids struggling with are:
Trauma/PTSD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety, Depression, School Performance, Social Skills Development, Bullying, Getting along with peers and making friends, Peer pressure, Body Image and Self-Acceptance, Divorce/Separation
What kind of child and teen mental health issues do you treat at Dwell
What age range does your practice accept?
We see children ages 4 and up. Each clinician varies on the age range they are currently accepting. Inquire about your preferred clinician by emailing the admin team at info@dwellministry.org.
The frequency of sessions is really up to you and your therapist. Your therapist will make recommendations based on the severity of the presenting issues. Often high-risk situations or behaviors, such as suicidality or self-harm, warrant higher frequency compared to situations that are lower risk.
How often do sessions take place?
Results truly depend on the client and the presenting challenges. Counseling is meant to help children and families overcome problems, build healthy habits and relationships, and increase life satisfaction. You will talk through your goals at the very beginning, and your therapist will work with you to create a plan designed to meet them effectively. Some see results right away, and for others, it takes more time and consistency to see those changes. No matter what, we are here to support you along the way and to collaborate each step of the way.
How many sessions before we see results?
Do you prescribe medication?
We do not prescribe any kind of medication here. But we can offer referrals for a psychiatrist if you are interested.
Take the Next Step in Helping your Child
Our therapists are ready to help you navigate your specific child and teen challenge and get your family back to stability, balance, and happiness. Get started with therapy today! You will begin by meeting with your therapist with just the parents. This allows you to speak openly and transparently with your therapist. Then your child will meet individually with their therapist. Parents will interact with the therapist inside and outside of session, as is appropriate. Questions about the process of therapy?
Schedule your free 20 minute phone consultation today with a provider by scheduling through our portal or contacting info@dwellministry.org.
