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Just like their parents, children suffer
with problems such as divorce, moving, merged families,
new schools, peer approval, teasing and bullying, rapid
mood changes, and conflict within their families, to
name a few. Cappi has educational and treatment expertise
in ADHD as well as Bipolar I and II, and Oppositional
Defiance Disorders.
I believe it's important to treat children
and adolescents with respect and dignity. Most children
are nervous and untrusting of therapy, so activities
help ease the tension and create bonding. The first
priority is to develop a therapeutic relationship that
feels safe and trusting. I utilize play therapy, humor
and therapeutic board games to first engage teens and
children. I also let them know that confidentiality
is an important aspect of our relationship. What is
said in the sessions is private unless they divulge
feelings of wanting to hurt themselves or someone else.
The therapeutic process will enable them to put emotions
and experiences together into a new framework that gives
them more constructive ways to deal with problems.
Some of the areas in therapy that address
children and adolescent needs are:
- Untangle and normalize confused feelings that
are bothering them
- Learn to identify, accept and express feelings
appropriately
- Increase self-confidence and self-esteem by building
inner resources that give constructive ways to deal
with issues.
- Develop self-control and stay calm under stress
or teaching anger control
- Generate positive and wise options when having
to make decisions
- Building awareness and mindfulness of their behaviors
as well as how others might interpret them
- Dealing with peer pressure in constructive ways
- Utilize tools to deal with ADHD, learning disabilities
and Bipolar or Mood Disturbances
- Help them understand and resolve issues resulting
from their parents divorce
- Help them understand and resolve family issues
and conflicts
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