Trauma and adverse experiences during childhood or adolescence can significantly affect mental health outcomes, academic achievement, physical health, confidence, socialization, and relationships. Whether it involves a single traumatic event or chronic exposure to adverse experiences, access to therapy during these formative years can greatly influence our ability to cope and form healthy relationships in adulthood. Additionally, having supportive adults—whether they are professionals or family members—can substantially reduce the prevalence of PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Children learn best through movement, hands-on activities, creativity, and immersive experiences. As an experiential trauma therapy center, our therapists incorporate these elements into their sessions with younger clients. This may involve art, music, role-playing, games, and modalities like EMDR and IFS.
Phoenix Center Experience
Due to the diversity of our therapists and their range of experience, we can offer support in:
- Neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD, Dyspraxia, etc.)
- Physical Disabilities
- LGBTQIA+ and Identity
- Social Anxiety
- Bullying
- School and Academic Performance
- Grief and Loss
- Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts
- Addiction and Substance Use
- Cultural and Racial Trauma
- Immigration Related Trauma
- Physical, Emotional, Sexual Violence
- Re-unification Between Child/Family
- Adoption and Foster-Care Experiences
- Medical-Related Trauma
What to Expect as a Parent or Guardian
Involving family members in the therapeutic process can be very beneficial, particularly when working towards restoration or reunification. It is essential for children and teenagers to feel safe in their environment. One way we foster this sense of safety is by allowing our younger clients to be part of decisions regarding what information is shared with family members and how much is disclosed.
In Pennsylvania, individuals who are 14 years of age or older can provide consent for their own mental health treatment. For more information on consent laws, please visit the Pennsylvania Government website. As professionals working with children, we have a mandatory duty to report any suspected abuse or neglect, as well as any imminent risk to our clients.
Getting Started
Parents and Guardians can schedule an intake for their child. This intake can be completed with just the parent/guardian or can also involve the child. For those who are 14 years of age or older, we recommend having the child involved in the intake process, or our Intake Coordinator can schedule a separate call with your child. For our younger clients, we recommend doing the intake prior to involving the child.
We invite you to explore our therapists that work with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults. We currently have licensed and pre-licensed therapists who are able to offer in-person therapy in Media, PA and telehealth in PA, NJ, DE, and DC.
