Good peer relationships offer children and adolescents important opportunities for support, friendship, and social development. Difficulty with friendships, on the other hand, can have serious consequences. Common problems involve social anxiety, poor social skills, peer pressure, social exclusion, and bullying.
DOES YOUR CHILD…?
- Spend too much time by herself
- Have a hard time making or keeping friends
- Spend too much time alone in his room playing video games
- Fight all the time
- Hang around with the “wrong crowd”
- Have a hard time standing up for himself
- Get picked on, teased, harassed, bullied, cyber-bullied
- Find sexual identity and issues of dating confusing
- Feel pressured to follow other kids’ behaviors
- Get excluded from playdates or other activities with peers
HOW CAN I HELP?
The goal of therapy is for youngsters to develop good social skills, make and maintain healthy relationships, and learn how to cope with typical — but sometimes uncomfortable — social situations. An important part of my work involves helping your child understand benefits as well as risks in relationships. In addition to individual therapy sessions, I provide guidance and support to parents as needed.
One focus of my work is helping youngsters who are isolated and have difficulty making friends. Lots of kids have had an especially hard time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have suffered tremendously--with loneliness, decreased social skills, loss of self-confidence, depression, and anxiety. It is very important for families to address these concerns in their children.