Child, Adolescent, and Family Therapy
Child, Teen and Family Therapy
Ages 5+
“Children (and teens) are resilient. With the right support, they can overcome any challenge.”
~ Dr. Bruce D. Perry
As a team, we are especially dedicated to offering the highest quality treatment options for children and families who have been through trauma and loss. The Catalyst Center is proud to be neurodiversity-inclusive and LGBTQIA+ affirming.
Specialities
- Somatic Trauma Recovery for Children and Families, including Pedatric EMDR and Brainspotting
- Parent Traumatic Incident Recovery
- Major Illnesses and Life-Limiting Conditions
- Major Childhood Transitions (moving, divorce, etc.)
- Childhood Trauma
- Grief and Loss
- Adoption
- Medical Trauma
- Child Abuse
- Perinatal & Infant Mental Health
Child, Teen, and Family Services
Pediatric EMDR
EMDR is an evidence-based practice initially developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 as an intervention to overcome the psychologically devastating effects of trauma. EMDR with kids (Pediatric EMDR) follows the same 8-phase protocol as EMDR does for adults, with the main differences being what it looks like and how we talk about it with kids and parents. The ultimate goal is for the child to develop new positive cognitions, neural pathways, and a sense of empowerment as they integrate their trauma into their life narrative.
Learn more about EMDR with children in Libby Korrell, LCSW’s blog post.
Child Therapy
Our child and family team is passionate about helping children and their families recover from major losses, traumatic events, and medical challenges. We work with children to help them process trauma, grief, and loss via experiential and play-based therapies. These somatic therapies are designed to meet children at their level and use their “language” of play. Some of our techniques include:
- EMDR (18 mos +): A research-validated treatment for trauma with over 25 years of research supporting its efficacy.
- Brainspotting: A therapeutic approach deriving from EMDR that is used for treating trauma, improving performance, and overcoming psychological roadblocks.
- Synergetic Play Therapy (3-10): A research-informed model of play therapy that blends nervous system regulation and attachment principles with the therapeutic power of play.
- Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT): Using the therapeutic power of play (including sand tray) to help children process in a way they feel safe and empowered.
- Theraplay: A didactic model where the therapist guides the parent and child through play.
- Parent Coaching: Supporting parents through how to help their children post a traumatic event.
Teen Therapy
Adolescence is an complex developmental period that brings on many new stressors and challenges. Our highly-trained adolescent and teen team is well-versed in therapy techniques, including family therapy, talk therapy, EMDR, and brainspotting.
Topics we commonly address:
- Trauma recovery
- GLBTQ+
- Friendships, dating, and healthy relationships
- Identity development
- Healthy boundaries
- Neurodivergence
Brainspotting
Trauma therapists trained in Brainspotting often use this intervention to tap into the body’s innate ability to heal itself by accessing the deeper parts of the brain that hold emotional experiences, particularly those within the subcortical regions that are not easily accessed through traditional talk therapy.
For children who have experienced trauma, Brainspotting can be especially beneficial. It provides a non-invasive, gentle way for them to process their experiences without the need for extensive verbal communication, which can be challenging depending on the child’s age, developmental level, or the nature of their trauma. This technique can help children regulate their nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety, fear, and other trauma-related reactions. By facilitating the processing of trauma in a safe and supportive environment, Brainspotting can aid in the restoration of a sense of calm and balance in a child’s nervous system, promoting healing and resilience. This approach can be particularly empowering for children, offering them a way to engage in their healing process actively and creatively.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback Brain Training is a 100% non-invasive, drug-free brain training system that helps to regulate your child or teen’s central nervous system, reducing stress and improving children’s and teens’ natural abilities to cope with stress and manage transitions. Neurofeedack is also a beneficial therapeutic intervention for ADHD, trauma, anxiety, and high emotions.
Child and Teen Psychological Assessment
Collaborative therapeutic assessment is a brief, intensive process to identify emotional, learning, and/or attentional conditions. Psychological assessment provides clear, data-driven picture of what is may be contributing to your child’s difficulties. Feedback from your clinician and a final report provide clear guidance to help your child thrive at home and school.
Our team provides assessment for:
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum
- Giftedness and/or Learning Disability
- Diagnostic Clarification for emotional/behavioral concerns
We collaborate closely with parents, referring providers, and school personnel to fully understand your child and provide valuable recommendations.
Additional Child and Family Services
- Parent Coaching
- Nervous System Regulation (Safe and Sound Protocol)
- Perinatal & Infant Mental Health
Meet Our Child Team Therapists
Libby Korell, MA, LCSW
Hannah Pitts, MA, LCSW
Meet our Child and Adolescent Assessment Team
Sarah Long, PsyD, LCP
Joey Tadie, PhD, LCP
Erin Jacklin, PsyD, LCP
CJ Clinkscales, PsyD
Chelsea Campbell, PsyD, LCP
AJ Grovert, PsyD, LCP
Hear from our team
EMDR with Children
The Holiday Paradox Part 2: Strategies for Navigating Holiday Stress
The Holiday Paradox Part 1: Managing Stress and Family Dynamics
Using Childrens Books to Help Communicate with a Child
Introducing New Siblings
Understanding DMER and Breastfeeding
Helping Yourself with Stress and Overwhelm Through the Holidays
Do We Need a Therapist for Our Child?
Reasons to Consider Therapy For Yourself When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: Part One
What is Psychological Assessment Anyway?
Mental Health Self Diagnosis and TikTok
Rethinking the Stigmas of the ADHD Mind
All About Psychological Assessment
About Collaborative Assessment
How Assessment Helps Children
What Could I Gain From a Psychological Assessment?
Looking to Adopt? Prepare for New Beginnings.
Could Psychological Assessment Help Me?
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