Behavior speaks volumes and attention is everything. When children and teens are not getting what they need through positive behaviors they turn to negative ones to get their needs for attention met. Children need to feel safe, seen and heard. They need parents who are fully present for them. Did you know that often when children and teens are depressed it is expressed as anger?
     In working with children and teens I focus on building a trusting and caring relationship through play and dialogue. I teach them to honor their voice and to communicate their needs clearly. I find it very helpful to involve the parents when it is appropriate. Children are often more connected to their feelings than adults. However, if feelings haven’t been modeled to them they have no words for what they feel and become frustrated. Honoring feelings is often the most important lesson and the most healing one for all family members. How’s your feeling vocabulary? Can you interact with your child in a non-reactive way?