Individual and Group Counseling

Individual Counseling for Children and Adolescents

The resolution of problems of individual adjustment and interpersonal relations is the goal of these programs. Individual and group counseling are typically offered on a once a week basis.

What topics are addressed in individual and group counseling?
A wide range of topics can be addressed in counseling, including the following:

• Anxiety and worry
• Social skills
• Grief and loss
• Depression
• School adjustment
• Anger management
• Attentional difficulties
• Cultural adjustment
• Family adjustment
• Behavioral concerns
• Learning disabilities
• Parent-child communication
• Adjustment to the United States
• Single parenting
• Adoption
• Trauma

What information do parents receive?
By combining the individual or group meetings with a regular schedule of parent consultation, parents are updated on progress, and can learn ways to encourage such progress at home and school.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling offers a youngster an opportunity to discuss problems 1:1 with a counselor, gain insight, and learn skills to address the concerns. Especially for younger children, discussion is often supplemented with opportunities to express themselves through activities and play materials.

Group Counseling

Group counseling provides help through discussion and activities with other children and adolescents with similar experiences and goals.

How do groups work?
Group participants learn that they are not alone, and are encouraged to use the group as an outlet for their concerns. Groups members find relief in knowing there are others dealing with similar issues. They have opportunities to give and receive feedback in a supportive manner and environment, learn more about their particular concerns, improve coping abilities, and practice new and improved ways of relating to others.

Who else will be in the group?
Children and adolescents will be placed with other individuals with similar age and concerns. Groups will generally consist of between 4 and 8 members, with an adequate counselor:child ratio.