Things don’t have to feel dire to benefit from therapy. Good reasons to seek therapy include:

• Things feel hard at home

• You feel stuck in unhelpful patterns

• You want to improve communication, relationships, or how you (and/or your child) understand and express feelings

Signs that your child might be struggling include:

• Frequent irritable mood

• An increase in anger or tantrums

• Regression or changes in sleeping/eating habits

• Withdrawal from people/activities/places

• Persistent sadness

• Excessive worry or fear

• A drop in confidence

• Frequent stomach aches, headaches, or other physical symptoms (racing heart, shortness of breath, tension)

• Problems in social or family relationships

• Self harming behaviors

• Panic attacks

• Suicidal thoughts or statements

Yes.

The most common issue I treat is anxiety in children, but I also work with children who are experiencing fears and phobias, depression, anger, oppositional behaviors, loss, or adjustment to life changes. These issues can present in a wide range of behaviors, such as crying, tantrums, fighting, problems sleeping, excessive worrying, or avoidance of family, friends or activities.

I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Supportive Parent for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) - which are all evidence-based treatments. I also use a lot of fun! I encourage a relaxed and positive environment where children can learn and grow. My goal is to increase feelings of calm and connection and to strengthen your family relationships.

I offer flexible scheduling and am available for in-person meetings, phone sessions, and video calls. In-person sessions are preferred, and take place in my office in Woodmere, Ohio. I offer a relaxed, comfortable and positive environment.

I often call myself a Feelings Helper - younger kids understand this and it leads to a good discussion about how their family could benefit from such support.

With older kids, I say I’m a therapist and I help families talk about feelings, challenges, worries, etc.

I think it is important for kids to know why they are seeing me - in as simple and nonjudgmental way as possible. For example, “your worries are getting in the way of feeling happy at school, so we are here to work on that.”

No worries! I give kids explicit permission to NOT talk - it is their prerogative whether or not to participate. What often happens is that kids then feel that it is safe to open up. There is no pressure from me.

If the child continues to refuse to participate, it may be that we shift our focus to working solely on parenting, with parents participating in therapy in support of the child’s needs.

Parents are critical to the success of treatment. I involve parents in all aspects of my work, to the degree that it is appropriate (depending on the child’s age and stage). Parents are always included in the education and skill building components of treatment, so that they can help their child practice and build skills between sessions. Strengthening the parent-child relationship is always among our goals.

I am here to support the whole family. I understand the difficulties that come with being a parent and the unique challenges that children face.

I want families to be stronger and happier - without shame, blame, permissiveness, or punishment.

Please know that I will never discuss sensitive issues with parents in front of a child. I will ask to meet with parents separately when appropriate.

The first session is used to get to know your child and family, and for you to get to know me. In subsequent sessions I usually start with caregiver and child together, to communicate important information such as successes, challenges, and current needs. Depending on your family’s situation, sessions may include the child, the parents, the child and parent(s), or the whole family.

Parents are critical to the therapeutic process. I often meet solely with parents/caregivers to teach skills and provide information about diagnoses, symptoms, and best practices. Strengthening the parent-child relationship is an important component of my work.

There is no one-size fits all approach. Sessions will always include learning and practicing skills and information; and talking and sharing. Sessions often include art or play.

I work with parents to create a personalized plan that meets your child's specific needs. Typically, I schedule regular sessions either weekly or every other week. I focus on teaching and building real-life skills, such as anxiety management, anger management, distress tolerance, and positive communication. Children and families practice new skills between sessions, and we check progress as we go. As needs change, we can adjust the schedule - whether that means scheduling occasional check-ins or meeting more frequently due to a crisis or increased challenges.

Georgie

I accept private payment by credit card or check. Medical Mutual insurance is also accepted.

Call me at 216-225-3859 or email me at georgiegraycounseling@gmail.com. We will schedule a time to discuss whether I am the right fit for you and your child.