Evidence-based Preteen therapy in O’Fallon MO
Help for Preteens
Empowering Parents with 3 Proven Pathways
Individual
Sometimes a preteen needs time alone with a trained professional. Deborah Woods, National Board-Certified Counselor offers evidence-based counseling for 10 – 12 year olds.
Parent Coaching
At other times, a parent needs to know how to support their preteen at home. Deborah Woods, NCC, offers parent coaching to help parents with the unique challenges they face at home.
Combination Package
Then there are times a family needs both. Deborah Woods, NCC, offers a combination package with both parent coaching and individual counseling.
Beyond play therapy. Not ready for talk therapy.
As parents, we want what’s best for our preteens, especially when it comes to their emotional well-being. However, traditional talk therapy doesn’t usually always resonate with them at this age. Preteens need innovative methods to bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood, to engage and support our preteens in their journey of self-discovery and growth.
For this reason, working with preteens requires flexibility and experience. It means creating a fun and engaging environment where preteens can practice problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills in a safe virtual space. This approach not only meets preteens where they are but also empowers them to take an active role in their own healing process.
Psychology-driven, Interest-Based.
First, preteens are at a crucial stage of development where their interests and passions play a significant role in shaping their identity and worldview. By harnessing their interests and integrating psychological principles and practices, we can effectively engage preteens in learning and applying strategies to enhance their mental health and coping skills.
Next, a key aspect of this approach is to identify and leverage preteens’ interests as a gateway to introducing psychological concepts and practices. Whether it’s video games, sports, music, art, or any other hobby, each interest provides a unique opportunity to explore relevant psychological themes and strategies in a context that resonates with the preteen.
Finally, as an example, let’s consider a preteen who is passionate about video games. We can use this interest as a platform to introduce concepts such as resilience, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
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How can parents help?
Parents play a crucial role in providing support and motivation outside of the therapy sessions.
This may involve learning new communication strategies, setting boundaries, or implementing encouraging techniques that align with their preteen’s developmental stage. It’s about finding creative ways to engage preteens in the therapeutic process while also providing parents with the tools and support they need to foster growth and resilience in their preteens.
By working collaboratively with both preteens and parents, we can create a supportive and empowering environment that facilitates positive change and enhances family dynamics. Together, we’ll explore new approaches, build communication skills, and navigate challenges in a way that meets the unique needs of your preteen and fosters a sense of connection and understanding within the family.
Happy Clients
What They Say
