THERAPY & COUNSELING
EMERGE offers individual, family, couples and group therapy to help address social, emotional and behavioral issues that stand in the way of achieving one's full potential.
Our theoretical orientation is integrative, meaning we value and utilize many different approaches including relational/interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, emotionally-focused, family systems, psychodynamic, somatic and more.
We match our work to the client's needs and don't try to fit everyone into the same box.
Children
Young children express themselves in a variety of ways, such as words, art, drama, games and play. We work with children ages 3-11 using all of these mediums with specialized materials such as sandtrays, puppets, art supplies, games, masks and costumes. Words are also used as we work toward helping children verbalize and interpret their feelings and thoughts. Therapists at EMERGE that work with children have additional training and receive specialized supervision in this unique form of therapy. Because therapy with children requires many materials and a variety of communication formats, it is highly recommended that therapy be provided in person rather than remotely.
Adolescents
Therapy for adolescents varies greatly based on age, development, motivation and concerns. As a mix of child and adult therapy, it often involves some mix of activity and talk. Therapists working with teens need additional training and support as there are complex issues that emerge during these years, including the onset of mental health issues, substance use, screen addictions, reckless behavior, eating disorders, self-harm, OCD, anxiety, depression and suicidality.
Since teens are often uncomfortable talking with adults, it is critical that therapists are authentic, attuned and genuinely enjoy working with them. As a result, therapy with adolescents may be the most complex of all as it must take into account all of these variables.
Emerging Adults
Adults from 18-29 are still in formative stages of development, enjoying new freedoms but also new responsibilities. In this time of life, it is important that therapists understand the nature of the issues presented, but also the unique period in which these issues are occurring. Individual therapy is generally the treatment of choice, but group therapy can have many benefits in helping emerging adults feel less alone in their struggles.
Adults/Couples
Adults seeking therapy have many options since they are generally motivated to work on their issues. As the age range is wide and encompasses decades of past experiences, there may be numerous issues to work on at the same time. As a result, it is important for the therapist and client to be clear on goals for therapy, to agree on the therapeutic approach used and to maintain clear and open feedback to assess benefits. When relationship issues are the main concern, adults may want to consider couples, family and/or group therapy.
Families
We integrate family therapy in our work with children and adolescents from the start, consulting with the family before therapy begins and at key points throughout the process. If family dynamics are problematic, addressing them directly with the family is often more effective than spending numerous sessions helping the child/teen to cope with them. Conversely, families bring many strengths that can be helpful to a child/teen in dealing with a variety of issues in and outside the home.
With unmotivated children and teens, family therapy is often the treatment of choice to address matters that may be of greater concern to parents than the child or teen. We may work with the entire family together or with subgroups of family members depending on the issues. We may also use family therapy with adult family members wishing to resolve longstanding issues or strengthen bonds.