The childhood years during elementary school are a time of tremendous developmental change and self-discovery. Children are focused on learning, developing relationships with peers and teachers, working out their roles and responsibilities at home, and attaining success at school - all while they learn to negotiate and control their emotions. Sometimes the stresses of events outside of their control, for example parents who are fighting or going through a divorce, bullying, or coping with the death or loss of a loved one, can result in behavioral issues and create even more stress for the child.
If you are concerned about your child, our caring and experienced clinicians will work closely with you and your child to determine the best approach and provide you with the support needed to help your child to heal and grow, despite the obstacles confronting them.
Common issues elementary school children struggle with include:
Request an appointment today and one of our staff will contact you to get more information and arrange an intake assessment for your child.
Counseling for elementary school children provides a supportive setting where children can work with a therapist to understand and express their feelings, develop coping and communication skills, and address emotional, behavioral, social, or school-related challenges. Treatment is tailored to the child's developmental stage and individual needs. Learn more about Therapy Services for Children and Teens at ITI-NJ.
Therapy can help children work through concerns such as anxiety, sadness or depression, low self-esteem, difficulty making friends, social or communication challenges, behavioral difficulties, anger, conflict, ADHD-related concerns, learning-related challenges, family stress, parental conflict, grief and loss, and major life changes.
ITI-NJ begins with a thorough evaluation that considers the child's current difficulties, developmental history, social functioning, academic progress, and other factors that may be affecting the child. Treatment is then tailored to the child's needs and may focus on emotional expression, coping skills, social and communication skills, problem-solving, and managing stress or frustration. Learn more about Therapy Services for Children and Teens at ITI-NJ.
Yes. Parents are an important part of the treatment process, although the nature and extent of their involvement depends on the child's age, needs, and treatment goals. Parents may participate through consultation, updates, collaboration with the therapist, or joint sessions when appropriate. When concerns involve ADHD, learning difficulties, or school functioning, collaboration with school personnel may also be appropriate.
Elementary school can bring increased academic expectations as well as new social and behavioral demands. Therapy can help address difficulties involving attention, ADHD, learning-related challenges, classroom behavior, peer relationships, self-esteem, and social skills. When appropriate, clinicians may work collaboratively with parents and school personnel to better understand the child's needs and support successful functioning at school.
Therapy is adapted to each child's developmental stage. Elementary school children may need more age-appropriate and interactive ways to express emotions, develop coping skills, and work through behavioral or social challenges, while adolescent counseling addresses the developmental issues that emerge during the teen years, including increasing independence, self-esteem, relationships, and emotional challenges. Learn more about counseling for adolescents at ITI-NJ.
No. ITI-NJ does not offer teletherapy for elementary school children. While teletherapy may be appropriate for teens who are able to participate effectively in online sessions, therapy for elementary school children requires an in-person approach. Families seeking therapy for an elementary school child can discuss available in-person services with ITI-NJ during the intake process.
The first step is to contact ITI-NJ to discuss your concerns and provide information about your child. An intake assessment can help the clinical team understand the child's needs and determine an appropriate approach to treatment.
Children can experience emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns that may benefit from professional evaluation or treatment, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, difficulties managing emotions or behavior, and problems that interfere with school, relationships, or daily life. Information about mental health problems and treatment can help parents better understand some of these concerns and when professional help may be appropriate.
The Integrative Therapy Institute of New Jersey has adopted teletherapy over secure platforms as an available option for all of our clients to receive their therapy services. This online therapy service allows clients residing anywhere in NJ to meet with any of our therapists working at any of our locations.
