Child/Adolescent Services
We work with children as young as three treating a variety of presenting problems, including behavioral struggles, attention and focus issues. We also treat those struggling with anxiety, depression and situational stress. When working with young children, we strive to keep parents involved and an active part of the therapy process. We work to provide a safe space for your child to explore their thoughts and feelings as it relates to their current circumstances while balancing this with a parent’s desire to help their child. Our therapists work collaboratively with parents, school personnel and other significant figures and caregivers in the child’s life to maximize therapy success.
Teenagers Over the Age of 14
Teenage years are challenging. Our therapists will provide your teen with a confidential space to talk openly about their challenges. We treat a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, adjustment difficulties and other life stressors. For children ages 14 and older, what your teen discusses in the therapy room is protected and requires a verbal or written release to speak with others about their treatment. This allows your adolescent to have control over their therapy process and speak freely about the struggles they are facing. Providing your teen with this confidential space and trusting relationship with their therapist maximizes a positive treatment outcome.
Treatment Modalities:
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Play Therapy:
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Play therapy is a form of therapy primarily geared toward children ages 3-11. In this form of therapy, a therapist encourages a child to explore life events that may have an effect on current circumstances, in a manner and pace of the child's choosing, primarily through play but also through language. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating; play therapy allows the therapist to enter the child’s world. Play therapists work to help children resolve their psychological and psychosocial issues.
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Sand Tray:
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Sand tray therapy is a form of expressive therapy often used with children, adolescents and adults. Sand tray therapy allows a person to construct their own world using miniatures and sand. The scene created acts as a reflection of the person’s own life and allows them the opportunity to resolve conflicts, remove obstacles, and gain an acceptance of self.
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Behavioral Modification:
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Behavior modification is defined as "the alteration of behavioral patterns through the use of such learning techniques as biofeedback and positive or negative reinforcement." We can assist you in modifying your child's behavior with ​reinforcements. Behavior modification is based on the idea that ​reinforcing acceptable behaviors will increase the frequency that these behaviors occur while maladaptive behaviors are extinguished as the function for these behaviors is modified. This approach is often used to ​help shape behaviors in children with ADHD, autism, or oppositional defiant disorder.
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Limits of Confidentiality
Your child’s confidentiality is protected however there are exceptions to this. If your child/teen expresses suicidal and/or homicidal ideation, confidentiality will be broken in order to keep your child and others safe. Also, if your child/teen discloses sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse please understand that we are mandated reporters.
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To set up an appointment for your child, please call 717-220-8980 or email lstorm@cacharaaandassociates.com. Laura will walk you through the initial intake process and help you select a therapist that will be best suited to your needs.