How do I know whether my child/adolescent needs counseling?

Children and adolescents encounter challenges in life, such as the divorce of their parents, distanced parent-child relationship, loss of loved ones, social problems, abuse, developmental delays, and any difficult changes in life. When a child/adolescent is faced with difficulties in their daily lives, they are more likely to act out. Parents and children may feel caught in a vicious cycle of negativity and unresolved problems. Both externalized and internalized behavioral concerns of children/adolescents are their outcry for help. Counseling not only helps children/adolescents work through difficult times but also helps parents to have a better understanding of their children.

 

Why play therapy?

Play therapy is the most appropriate treatment method for helping children(2-10 yrs old) who are struggling with challenges in life. Children have a hard time expressing themselves with words due to the lack of development in cognitive skills. Play is the language of children, and it transcends the limit of what can be expressed with words. Play therapy helps children to express themselves in the most comfortable, non-threatening, and natural way.

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What toys are in a playroom and why?
Toys in a play therapy room are carefully selected to facilitate self-exploration, creativity, and emotional expression. Categories of toys include real-life and nurturing toys, aggressive/acting-out toys, and creative expression. Through play therapy, children are provided with the opportunity for decision-making, development of self-control, expression of a wide range of feelings, and self-understanding/insight.

 

Is play therapy for adolescents too? Isn't it too childish for teens to play with toys?

Activity therapy is a form of play therapy for children 10 years and older. It follows the same basic principles of play therapy, but it is tailored to meet the developmental needs of pre-adolescents and adolescents. It utilizes both expressive arts and talk therapy to help adolescents address their life challenges and learn about themselves and others.

 

How long should my child receive therapy?
The duration of therapy will vary from child to child. It depends on the child’s presenting concerns, the severity of the experience, and how the child perceived the difficulty. The length of therapy and progress of therapy can be discussed with Eunah during parent consultation. 

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I am struggling with parenting skills. Do you offer any training for that?

Parent-Child Relationship Therapy (CPRT: Parent Training)

CPRT is a research-based 10-week parenting course that teaches parents how to use some of the same skills that play therapists use to help children (2-10 yrs old) experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral problems.  CPRT will help parents enhance the parent-child relationship.  

Click here for more information on parent training. 

 

I have ambivalent feelings toward my teenager. In a way, I can't wait until my teen leaves home for college. It's a pity but I don't know what else to do.

For teens, parents can be seen as a "fossil" who has no sense of understanding and patience towards them and the modern world they live in. However, in the eyes of parents, the teens are the ones who are full of selfishness, a lack of understanding, and drama. Who is right? That is not the right question. The right question is, 'How can you equip yourself as a parent and rebuild the relationship with your teen that would last up into their adulthood and more?'

Teen Parents' Corner is where you share your struggles with a group of parents and equip yourself with parenting skills. You won't be left alone to confront hard issues. You will be able to understand the personal issues you have, how they have been colliding with your teen's issues, and where to go from there.

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I am in the middle of a custody battle. Can counseling help my child?

Many children/adolescents going through a custody battle experience different feelings such as sadness, anger, fear, guilt, and uncertainty. However, they may not feel safe to express their feelings and thoughts. Play therapy/activity therapy can provide a safe place for them to feel accepted and understood as they are. And children/adolescents get to express their emotions and deal with their life challenges in a more constructive way.

 

What about my child missing school?

When your child had to miss school for a therapy session, Dr. Lee will provide you with a note to take back to school.

 

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