Supporting Young People Through Life’s Challenges—With Compassion, Connection, and Care

As a parent, there’s nothing more important than your child’s well-being. You want them to feel safe, confident, and connected—not only to themselves, but to the world around them. So when your child is struggling—emotionally, socially, or behaviorally—it can be heartbreaking and confusing. You may find yourself wondering:

"Is this just a phase, or something more?"
"Why does my child seem so anxious, withdrawn, angry, or sad?"
"How can I help them when they won’t talk to me?"
"Is this normal for their age, or should I be concerned?"

You’re not alone. Many parents come to us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. At our group psychotherapy practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, we specialize in supporting children, teens, and families through the ups and downs of growing up—with care, expertise, and a deep respect for each young person’s unique story.

Why Child and Adolescent Counseling?

Children and teens experience the world differently than adults. Their brains and nervous systems are still developing, and they often don’t yet have the language or tools to express the complexity of what they feel. Instead, their inner world may show up through behavior: changes in mood, trouble in school, difficulty with friends, meltdowns, withdrawal, or acting out at home.

Counseling provides a safe, developmentally appropriate space where young people can express themselves in ways that feel natural—whether that’s through play, art, movement, or story-based expression. Our therapists at Relationship Enrichment Center use experiential therapy approaches to engage the whole child—body, mind, and emotions—helping them move beyond words to process emotions in real time. These creative and somatic methods often allow deeper healing, especially for kids who are stuck in patterns of anxiety, shutdown, or reactivity. Experiential approaches allow them to engage with their feelings in ways that feel safe, natural, and empowering.

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A Family Systems Approach

We believe children don’t exist in isolation—they are deeply shaped by their family relationships and environment. That’s why we use a family systems lens, taking into account the whole family dynamic rather than viewing the child as “the problem.”

This means we may invite parents or caregivers into the therapeutic process, not to place blame, but to strengthen connection and create new patterns of safety, communication, and understanding at home. Sometimes this looks like parent sessions, other times it may include family therapy or guided sessions with both child and caregiver present.

Common Issues We Support

Our child and adolescent therapists in Matthews, North Carolina work with kids and teens navigating a wide range of concerns, including:

Anxiety, fears, and phobias
Depression and low self-esteem
ADHD and difficulties with focus or behavior
Peer conflict and bullying
Emotional outbursts and anger management
Family transitions such as divorce or blended families
Grief and loss
Trauma and attachment wounds
School refusal or academic stress
Identity development, including gender and sexuality

Whether your child is having trouble adjusting to a big life change or has been struggling for a while, counseling can offer relief, clarity, and hope.

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What Therapy Looks Like for Children

For younger children ages 5-11, we often use play and experiential therapy, which allow them to communicate through metaphor, movement, and imagination. A child might express their worries through puppets, act out their feelings in a sand tray, or use movement and rhythm to regulate their nervous system.

These aren’t just games—they are powerful tools for emotional processing, self-discovery, and healing.

To learn more about play therapy, click here.

What Therapy Looks Like for Adolescents

Teen therapy balances autonomy with connection. Our therapists at Relationship Enrichment Center in Matthews, NC create a supportive space where teens can explore what’s going on beneath the surface—whether it’s anxiety, social pressure, depression, identity struggles, or family stress.

Using a blend of talk therapy, mindfulness, creative expression, and body-based modalities, we help teens build emotional awareness, healthier coping tools, and a stronger sense of self—all while navigating the pressures of adolescence.

We also recognize that adolescence is a pivotal time for the family system. With consent, we may include family and/or caregiver check-in sessions to support the teen’s progress in and out of the therapy room.

Our Approach

At the heart of our work is the belief that healing happens through relationship, creativity, and connection. We combine the best of evidence-based practices with an experiential, somatic and family-centered lens. Our team takes time to truly get to know your child—their temperament, story, and strengths—and tailors the therapy process to meet their unique developmental and emotional needs.

We also support parents as partners in the process, offering insight, tools, and compassionate guidance along the way.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If your child is struggling, it’s okay to reach out for help. Therapy isn’t about labeling or fixing—it’s about understanding, connecting, and supporting your child in becoming the healthiest version of themselves.

When you make that first call, we’ll guide you through the process of getting started. We’ll match your child with a therapist who’s a great fit, answer any questions you have, and ensure that you feel supported from the very beginning.

Your child deserves to feel seen, supported, and capable of thriving—and so do you.

Let’s take this step together.
Call us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our child and adolescent counseling services.

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