Expert Child Counseling in Salisbury, MD: Unlock Your Child's Potential

Compassionate Counseling Helps Children

As a parent, it’s normal to be concerned about your child's well-being. It takes a brave and courageous parent to seek consultation for your child when you may feel deeply concerned about the severity of their struggles, or even perhaps guilty that somehow you have failed your child. You haven’t.  At The Child & Family Center, we understand that your child is unique.  We also appreciate that you know your child better than anyone else.  Your observations and concerns provide us with critical information so our experts can tailor the best and most effective approaches, and forms of support, for you and your child.  We want your child to flourish and be their best selves, just like you’ve always dreamed.  Together, we can help you do that!

Counseling for Children Differs from Other Types of Counseling

Counseling for children is different from counseling for adults primarily due to differences in developmental stages, communication styles, emotional expression, and the involvement of family. These differences require distinct approaches:

• Developmentally, children are at different stages of cognitive, emotional, and social development than adults. Their brains are still developing, which affects their ability to understand and process emotions, solve problems, and engage in self-reflection. Therapists must adjust techniques to match the child’s developmental level.

Children often think in more concrete, literal terms compared to adults, who are more capable of abstract thinking. This means that counseling methods need to be more experiential and activity-based for children.

• Verbally, children, especially younger ones, may not have the vocabulary or ability to articulate complex emotions and thoughts. Therefore, child counselors often use non-verbal approaches, like play therapy, art therapy, or games, to help children express their feelings and process experiences.

Children are more likely to express emotional issues through behavior (e.g., acting out, withdrawing) rather than through words. Counselors trained in child therapy interpret these behaviors and use them as a window into the child's emotional state.

At The Child & Family Center, we tailor our approaches to each child's unique needs. Our therapists use age-appropriate techniques such as:

• Play therapy for younger children

• Art therapy for creative expression

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for older children and teens

• Family therapy to address systemic issues

Signs That Your Child May Benefit from Counseling

Consider these questions to gain insight into some of the indicators that your child’s emotional and behavioral health may benefit from counseling:

• Have you noticed changes in your child’s mood or behavior? Sudden shifts can be a sign that something deeper is affecting them. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed to tell you about the situations or thoughts with which they are struggling. Or, they may not have developed the words or understanding needed to express their feelings verbally.

• Are you finding it challenging to manage your child’s actions? Disruptive and disrespectful behavior can create tension in the household and affect family dynamics in unhealthy ways.  Sometimes a child’s behavior problems end up sidetracking parents from the real issue and leaves parents arguing or pitted against one another due to different parenting styles, instead of teaming together to regain family balance. Does this sound familiar?

• Is your child expressing fears which prevent him or her from engaging in usual activities?  Are you struggling to get your child or teen to attend school?  Does he or she prefer to stay home rather than socialize with others?  Are you hearing fears expressed about things that used to be routine? These can all be signs of worry and anxiety. 

• Is your child’s school raising concerns about their behavior? Teachers often notice signs that may not be visible at home and can provide valuable insights about friendships, behavior regulation or learning difficulties that can be discussed and addressed.

• Have your child’s grades begun to decline? A drop in academic performance can indicate issues with focus, motivation, emotional distress, or learning difficulties.  We have clinicians with expertise to help with all these areas.

• Does your child appear unhappy or withdrawn? If your child is isolating themselves or seems consistently down, it’s a cause for concern.  It could indicate childhood or teen depression.

• Is your child struggling to make friends? Social difficulties can lead to feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem.  Other times, it can be an indicator of the social challenges of autism spectrum disorder.  We are specialists in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.  We also provide social skills coaching to strengthen your child’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships.

• Is your child experiencing bullying? Bullying can have significant emotional and psychological effects that can last a lifetime if not addressed.  We’ve developed and provided mental health programs to reduce bullying in middle schools, so we know how upsetting it is to be bullied and we know which strategies help resolve it.

If you find yourself answering yes to any of these questions, it might be time to explore counseling. Counseling can provide your child with the tools and strategies they need to feel better and regain a sense of well-being so they can reach their potential.

Common Challenges We Address in Child Counseling

Our Salisbury-based experts are trained to address a wide range of challenges, including:

• ADHD and focus issues

• Learning disabilities

• Trauma and PTSD

• Autism spectrum disorders

• Behavioral problems

• Family conflicts and divorce adjustment

Child Expertise Here in our Salisbury, MD Office.

Our team comprises diverse, experienced, and licensed therapists, collaborating closely under the direction of Clinical Director, Dr. Samantha Scott, underscoring our professionalism and expertise in the field. Our founders, Dr. Tryon and Dr. Scott, are doctoral trained in Child Clinical Psychology, while Dr. Rathkamp completed her doctoral training in Developmental Psychology. These psychologists provide the framework for the therapeutic counseling offered here at The Child & Family Center.

Our Specialized Therapy Techniques for Children

Our child and adolescent therapists include specialists registered in play therapy, trauma-informed therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy among others to ensure that you receive top tier services. We offer several different Counseling Services for Children.

Our Salisbury office is equipped with child-friendly therapy rooms designed to make your child feel safe and comfortable. We use evidence-based practices and stay up-to-date with the latest research in child psychology to provide the best care for families.

Take The First Step Toward Supporting Your Son or Daughter Regain Wellness

We are here to help guide you and your family on this important journey toward healing, growth and wellness. Reach out to us with your questions.  Support is available, and positive change can start today. We’re here for you. What are you waiting for?

Call or email us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and find out if we’re the right professional for your needs

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What Parents and Children Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Counseling

At The Child & Family Center in Salisbury, MD, we understand that you may have questions about child counseling. Here are some answers to common queries: