Growing up presents a unique set of challenges for everyone. Children and adolescents might navigate friendships, manage school stress, or cope with complex emotions. Therapy provides them with a safe space to process all of this, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and thrive. Discover more about our methods at mgmbehavioral.com.

How Therapy Changes Lives

  • A Sounding Board for Big Emotions: Understanding and expressing strong emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety can be difficult, especially for young minds. Therapists guide children and teens in exploring their feelings, teaching techniques to manage overwhelming emotions and build emotional literacy.
  • Building Problem-Solving Skills: Therapy empowers young people with resilience and coping skills so they can face life’s curveballs. They learn to identify unhelpful thought patterns, practice reframing problems, and develop strategies to navigate challenges confidently.
  • Unlocking Social Success: Friendships and social situations can be complex at any age. Through role-playing, social skills training, and a therapist’s guidance, children and teens become better communicators, learn to read social cues, and build strong friendships.
  • Nurturing Self-Esteem: Low self-esteem can be an obstacle to a child’s potential. Therapy offers a supportive environment where they can identify their strengths, challenge negative self-talk, and build a healthier, more compassionate view of themselves.
  • A Bridge to Family Understanding: The whole family can benefit from therapy. Parent training and family sessions empower parents to understand their child’s needs, create a supportive home environment, and improve overall family communication.

ABA Therapy: A Specialized Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA therapists personalize plans focusing on:

  • Communication Skills: Breaking down communication into smaller steps, using positive reinforcement to teach the use of words, pictures, or gestures to effectively express needs and wants.
  • Social Development: Understanding social cues, navigating friendships, and building meaningful connections through play-based activities and group therapy.
  • Independent Living Skills: Breaking down daily tasks like getting dressed or brushing teeth and teaching the skills needed to complete them independently, fostering accomplishment and confidence.

Finding the Right Fit: How to Choose a Therapist

Choosing a therapist for your child or teen is a big decision. Here are some key things to consider:

  • Qualifications: Look for a licensed therapist with experience working with children or teens, and expertise in your child’s specific needs. For ABA therapy, seek Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or professionals working under their supervision.
  • Approach: Different therapists use different therapeutic approaches (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, or ABA). Research the approaches that might be most suitable for your child and ask potential therapists about their methods.
  • Comfort Level: It’s essential for your child to feel comfortable and safe with their therapist. Consider a meet-and-greet session to gauge their potential rapport.
  • Resources: Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals! Your child’s pediatrician, school counselor, or other trusted healthcare professionals can often provide recommendations. Insurance companies can also give lists of in-network providers.

The Right Kind of Support at the Right Time

Remember, therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Therapists offer expertise in a wide range of issues from anxiety and depression to behavioral challenges and trauma-informed care. It’s essential to find a therapist who specializes in the area your child or teen needs support with. If you have concerns about Autism Spectrum Disorder, seeking a therapist who provides ABA therapy services is crucial.

Early intervention is often key, especially with ASD. Addressing concerns in early childhood can have a profound impact on a child’s development and long-term well-being. If you have concerns about your child, seeking professional support is always an act of strength and a powerful investment in their future.