Children and adolescents experience the world differently than adults do. Their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are still taking shape, often in the context of rapid growth, changing relationships, and increasing expectations. When something feels overwhelming, young people may not always have the words to explain what they are carrying.

Therapy offers a space where children and adolescents can be met with patience, curiosity, and care—without pressure to perform, explain, or “fix” themselves.

When a Child or Adolescent May Need Support

Young people may show signs of distress in many different ways. Sometimes these changes are clear. Other times, they are subtle and easy to miss.

Caregivers may notice:

• Increased worry, fear, or withdrawal

• Persistent sadness, irritability, or emotional numbness

• Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy

• Academic stress, school avoidance, or declining performance

• Difficulty with peers, friendships, or belonging

• Strong emotional reactions that feel hard to manage

• Questions or distress related to identity and self-understanding

Depression and anxiety in children and adolescents do not always look like they do in adults. They may show up as anger, shutdown, perfectionism, or a sense of disconnection rather than clear expressions of sadness or fear.

A Developmentally Informed Approach

At Little River Psychological Services, therapy for children and adolescents is grounded in developmental understanding and respect for each young person’s inner world. The goal is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to help young people feel safer in their emotions, relationships, and sense of self.

Therapy may involve:

• Helping children and adolescents understand and regulate emotions

• Supporting identity development and self-worth

• Addressing academic stress and performance-related pressure

• Exploring relational patterns with peers, family, and authority figures

• Making space for experiences of loss, change, or instability

The pace of therapy is shaped carefully, with attention to what feels safe and appropriate for the child or adolescent.

Working With Caregivers

Caregivers play an important role in a young person’s life and healing. Therapy often includes thoughtful collaboration with parents or guardians, while also respecting the child or adolescent’s need for privacy and trust.

The balance between caregiver involvement and individual space is handled with care, clarity, and ongoing communication.

Moving Forward

If you are concerned about your child or adolescent, or if something feels “off” even without a clear reason, support is available. You do not need to wait for things to become unmanageable to seek help.

We invite you to reach out to schedule a consultation and learn more about therapy for children and adolescents at Little River Psychological Services.