Getting parents, children, and teenagers the help they need through caring, supportive and professional counseling services in Durham, NC.
Do you feel like you’re at the end of your rope with your child? Perhaps your teenager is struggling with depression and anxiety, or your child has behavioral problems relating to ADHD or ADD. These and many other types of mental health issues can take a toll on a family, cause communication rifts and make it stressful for everyone around. If you feel like what your child is experiencing is more than a bump in the road it might be time to seek professional intervention. Through Potter Counseling and Consulting’s child and teen therapy services in Durham, NC parents or guardians gain insights to help them understand what their child is going through and how best to help them.
Erik Potter, the founder of Potter Counseling and Consulting, is a Level 1 PCIT Trainer with PCIT International. Erik and his team of licensed clinicians offer many areas of specialty and a wide range of scientifically backed treatments, including (but not limited to) the following:
ADD/ADHD:
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy significantly reduces Disruptive Behaviors in Children ages 2-7, as well as improving focus and concentration. For children eight and older with ADD/ADHD, Behavior Management Programs such as those created by Russell Barkley, Ph.D., and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are very useful.
Anxiety-Related Disorders:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps reduce symptoms related to Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, etc.
Depression:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy are proven helpful in reducing depressive symptoms.
Oppositional and Defiant Behavior:
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has been shown to reduce disruptive behaviors in Children ages 2-7 significantly. The Incredible Years (IY) program helps to foster the development of social and emotional skills and reduce symptoms related to Conduct Disorder in children aged 4-8. The Strengthening Families Program is for parents and their children 0-17 who need the skills to reduce family conflict and minimize risks of abuse or neglect.
How to know if your child would benefit from counseling
It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and will respond differently to events that happen in their lives such as a divorce, a traumatic death, or being bullied. But there are some common signs to look out for that may indicate your child needs to see a counselor:
- Expressing suicidal thoughts or talking about death
- Struggling to get along with friends, family members, or figures in authority
- Acting out at school, feeling restless; unable to settle down or focus
- Engaging in self-harm behaviors (cutting, hitting, etc.)
- Using alcohol or drugs excessively
- Earning poor grades in school or their performance suddenly declines
- Abandoning activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
- Changes in their sleeping/eating habits
- Withdrawing from family and friends, becoming reclusive
Whether you’re seeking help for you, your child or teenager, our team at Potter Counseling and Consulting is available to offer assistance when you are ready. We offer in-person appointments from our Durham, NC office or we can schedule a video call for more convenience.