© 2010 John DeMarco M.Ed., LPC. All rights reserved.

Focusing on...

Behavioral problems in children and adolescents generally do not correct themselves without some type of intervention. In fact, when these problems are not addressed they worsen with time. Left alone, these problems often produce new problems, which may be more serious than the initial ones. For example, poor management of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can lead to depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and substance abuse.

Therapy focuses on healing the deep-seated emotional vulnerabilities in your child and it is a vaccine for boosting his or her immunity to stressful circumstances, discouragement, and lack of self-confidence. This leads to positive behavior changes and helps your child or adolescent to be his or her best.

Because many of the behavioral problems of children and adolescents are affected and maintained by family interaction patterns, family therapy is the treatment of choice for children and adolescents. Family members typically do not recognize the underlying dynamics affecting the behavior of one another.

Family therapy often brings entire families together in therapy sessions. However, family members may also see a therapist individually. Therapy helps you and your child gain insight into your specific concerns and assess how your family is handling them. Both you and your child will learn new skills and overcome old problems. You will set individual and family goals and work on ways to achieve them.

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