Adolescent Therapy
A confidential, nonjudgmental space where teens can explore their growing independence and process the complex emotions that come with identity formation, social pressure, and academic stress.
Interventions and Approaches Utilized with Adolescents at Megan Hoffman Counseling.
At Megan Hoffman Counseling, I take pride in providing compassionate tailored approaches to meet each individual adolescent's needs and concerns. While one approach might work well for some, others might benefit from a more integrative approach combining various interventions and approaches together to help the adolescent get the most out of their experience. Below are several approaches and interventions I utilize based on my experience level.
Activity Based
Helps adolescents bypass the pressure of traditional talk therapy and express complex emotions more naturally through actions such as game play. While activity based interventions can be more directive and structured, for adolescents it can ease the pressure of having the “right” words to say and feel more relaxed to meet them where they are to be able to reach their goals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A structured, goal-oriented approach to help the adolescent reframe negative thought patterns and foster healthier emotional and behavioral responses. For some CBT interventions, the therapist can implement activity based interventions or expressive arts to better suit the client needs.
EMDR
Uses guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation to help the adolescent brain safely process and neutralize distressing memories. To learn more about EMDR and its benefits, visit EMDRIA.
Expressive Arts
Uses creative outlets like painting, music, or sand tray to provide a safe, non-verbal way to identify and process complex feelings. At my office, there is an expressive arts room that allows for these creative outlets and freedom to express themselves.
Traditional Talk Therapy
Adolescents explore their thoughts feelings out loud to gain self-awareness and reach their goals. Depending on the adolescent’s level of comfort, vulnerability, and openness, traditional talk therapy might be right for the client. Furthermore, I welcome the adolescent's thoughts and perceptive, and they are always welcome to request to integrate another intervention or approach such as activity based or expressive arts.
Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Specialized, evidence-based approach to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy for processing traumatic events. TF-CBT similar to CBT is typically a more structured and directive but can allowed for an integrative approach of activity based and expressive arts interventions to help achieve the goal for treatment.
Multiple Therapies For A Wide Range Of Concerns
My area of expertise includes but is not limited to: anxiety, depression, grief, perfectionism, self-confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, trauma, anger, self-harm, isolation, social issues, and problematic behaviors.
How do I know what type of therapy is right for my adolescent?
That is a great question! I firmly believe it is important for me to hear from both adolescent and parent to explore what interventions and approaches might best serve the client. While we might start with one approach, I strive to be flexible and open hearing my client honest thoughts that allow us to adapt and switch between interventions and approaches that are best suited for the client's current level of needs and concerns. Additionally, as one gets more familiar or comfortable in the process, it is okay to advocate for change in goals and treatment plan that will help us get the most out of our time together.
Parent Involvement in Adolescent Therapy.
Parent involvement in adolescent therapy is highly encouraged at Megan Hoffman Counseling. It is important that adolescent therapy be seen as a collaborative process between the adolescent, parent and counselor in order to best support and address the adolescent presenting concerns. While parents are highly encouraged to be involved in the therapy process, the adolescent still has a level of confidentiality as the client and therefore the specifics discussed in session will remain confidential unless it goes against a limit to confidentiality. Confidentiality for the adolescent and its limits will be continually reviewed throughout the counseling process.