Sometimes kids and teens need extra support, especially if they’re feeling a lot of anger, sadness, fear, or frustration, or experiencing a big life change.
At Old Town Psychology, our therapists provide a safe space for children and teens express themselves and learn new skills like emotion management, self-soothing, self-regulation, problem-solving, and social skills. Ultimately our goal is to help your child feel better and increase their self-efficacy so they can flourish.
What are Signs my Child or Teen Needs Therapy?
As a parent, it can be difficult to determine if therapy is right for your child or teen. Children and teens show different signs that they might benefit from therapy. Below we list some questions you can ask yourself as a parent to see if your child or teen is showing any of these signs.
Kids may not have the words to describe what they’re experiencing. Instead, they may show it through certain behaviors, like acting out or avoiding certain things. Your child may benefit from therapy if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions:
Do they experience “big feelings” (e.g., outbursts, temper tantrums, intense crying)?
Do they engage in aggressive behaviors (e.g., hitting, throwing things)?
Do they avoid playdates or other social activities?
Are they clingy or show other signs of separation anxiety?
Do they demonstrate any tics or repetitive behaviors?
Are they constantly seeking reassurance?
Are they experiencing a significant changes in eating or sleeping?
Have they experienced a major life change, like a divorce?
Are their grades dropping?
Are they experiencing bullying?
Are they getting into trouble in or outside of school?
Do they scratch or hit themselves?
Are they talking a lot about death or dying?
Being a teen isn’t easy. Between changing hormones, desire for independence, identity exploration, peer group drama, and school pressure, there’s a lot happening. Your teen may benefit from therapy if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions:
Do they constantly argue, complain, or become defensive, even over small things?
Do they suddenly seem quiet or withdrawn?
Have they suddenly stopped doing activities/hobbies they used to enjoy?
Do they show excessive worry about school, social interactions, or athletic performance?
Do they constantly procrastinate or need constant reminders to do daily tasks?
Are they extremely impulsive or engage in risk-seeking behaviors?
Have their eating or sleeping habits drastically changed?
Did they suddenly change their friend group?
Are they experiencing a major life change, like a divorce?
Are their grades dropping?
Are they drinking or using drugs?
Are they getting into academic or legal trouble?
Are they engaging in self-harm (cutting, burning, etc.)?
Are they expressing thoughts of not wanting to live?
What about the Parents?
Parents play a vital role in their child’s life, but they can often feel at a loss for how to help their child. Teens in particular may resist help from their parents. This is where therapy can be a useful support for parents as well. Our therapists support parents in supporting their child and we can set up separate parent coaching sessions. We can also have joint sessions with parents and the child/teen to help navigate the ups and downs of the relationship.
What We Offer
At Old Town Psychology, we use evidence-based approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and parent management training to help your child or teen. For young children, we use therapy that incorporates play and parent involvement to help kids learn new skills and behaviors. We offer treatment for the following challenges:
Anxiety (including social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder)
Depression
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Tic disorders
Behavioral issues (e.g., tantrums, acting out)
Self-esteem challenges
Difficulties with peers
Difficulties in school
Family conflict or major life change
Perfectionism
Body image issues
Managing chronic medical conditions
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Next Steps
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an initial consultation, please contact us at (571) 478-9499, via email at info@oldtownpsychology.com, or submit a message below.
We are a 10 minute walk from the King Street Metro station.
Old Town Psychology
1221 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314