Therapy for Children and Adolescents in Washington, DC

 Is your child feeling stressed and anxious about the pressures of school?

Has your child been more quiet and reserved than they used to be?

If so, you’re in the right place.

You want the best for your child but are at a loss for how to help them. You’ve likely already tried everything you can think of to help them as well as what your friends and family have suggested.

However, your child is still struggling.

As a therapist specializing in therapy with children and adolescents, I can offer a unique space for your child to process their experiences and learn skills to cope with challenges.

Therapy can help your child thrive in school, relationships, and their future.

Kids are juggling a lot.

 

School

 

There are often high pressures on children to perform well in school, especially in the DMV area. They are often also involved in sports and extracurriculars in addition to their demanding schoolwork. All the pressure and demands can leave them feeling exhausted. It may be hard for them to know how to balance their mental health along with the pressure to succeed in so many areas.

 

Relationships

 

It can be challenging for some kids to make or maintain friendships. Your child might struggle with anxiety about what others think about them, causing them to either withdraw or put on a facade to impress their friends. Learning how to communicate clearly and get through conflict is an important part of being able to have satisfying relationships.

 

Self-Esteem

 

Children often internalize the messages they get from teachers, peers, and media. When they hear negative messages, this can impact their self-esteem and how they view themselves. You may notice that when your child makes one mistake, it sends them into a spiral of self-hatred. You want yo teen to feel better about themselves and their abilities.

I want to help your child experience healing and growth so that they can walk into their world feeling confident and secure in themselves.

 

Therapy Can Help Your Child:

  • Develop coping skills for anxiety

  • Improve low mood

  • Learn effective communication skills

  • Become more resilient

  • Increase self-esteem

  • Manage stress

  • Excel at school

Dr. Emma Nowicki, therapist in Washington, DC for teenagers
 

I may be a good fit for your child if:

  • They would like to work with a younger therapist who understands the uniqueness of their generation.

  • They want to have an unstructured place to talk about anything on their mind.

  • They are interested in learning more about emotions and developing coping skills.

Before working in private practice, I provided psychological services for children and adolescents at several sites in the DC metropolitan area, including:

  • Holy Trinity School

  • Creative Minds International Public Charter School

  • Howard University Middle School

  • DC Superior Court Child Guidance Clinic

As a result, I have experience helping children and adolescents with a broad spectrum of concerns.

My Areas of Expertise:

 

  • ADHD

  • Depression

  • General anxiety

  • Grief and loss

  • LGBTQIA+ identity development

  • Life stressors and traumatic events

  • Life transitions

  • Peer relationships

  • Perfectionism

  • Self-esteem

  • Social anxiety

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for Children and Adolescents

  • I provide therapy for children who are 10 years old and older.

  • Some younger kids like to draw or play games during sessions to feel more comfortable opening up. Teenagers are usually able to engage in regular talk therapy. I leave my sessions open for your child to come in and share what has been bothering them. Based on what they want and need, I can provide information on mental health or discuss specific coping tools. I want to help your child see the changes they want and reach their goals.

  • Depending on each family, the level of involvement of the parents may vary. For some kids, there is little contact between the therapist and parents. For other children, we may choose to meet all together to best support your child with their difficulties.

  • For most kids, once-a-week therapy is the best fit. Consistency in attendance is important to get the most out of their experience.

  • I usually talk with parents for about a half-hour to learn more about what is going on with their child and learn what the goals are for therapy. If after talking together, we both think it may be a good fit, we can schedule the first session with the child. The first session can be in person or virtual.

As a parent, you want your child to feel their best and reach their full potential.

Let’s work together to support your child.