Services

Children and adolescents grow by leaps and bounds as they develop through infancy until adulthood, but this comes with its own unique set of challenges. It can leave parents wondering how best to support them. Many children and adolescents can encounter times of increased stress as they face new developmental challenges. However, when a child or teenager experiences anxiety that is pervasive and persistent, it can be a sign of anxiety that is problematic. It can be a constant state of worry that can interfere with the child/teenager in participating in age-appropriate activities in their everyday life. They can often show extreme fear of certain situations in the form of aggressive and/or avoidance behaviors. Anxiety disorders are one of the primary mental health problems affecting children and adolescents today, but they are also among the most responsive to treatment.  

 Parenting is remarkably challenging and uniquely rewarding at the same time. It is key to develop a therapeutic alliance with parents and help guide them with challenges of child-rearing. Elyse will help empower parents of children who tend to avoid situations that create uncertainty and have difficulty challenging their own anxiety. Parents will learn behavioral strategies to help decrease their child’s anxious behaviors and learn to manage their emotions that make effective parenting difficult. Elyse will teach parents the importance of an optimistic parental stance: how to think positively about their past parental problem-solving successes and how to highlight their children’s strengths. There will be monthly parent sessions that are scheduled separately. During these sessions, Elyse and parents will work collaboratively toward progress and change. There will also be an opportunity for updates as well as ensuring that parents are in tune with treatment.