It takes a special person, with a love for children and specialized experience, to work with children and teens. Therapists who work with young children need to be able to work in expressive forms of therapy that do not require extensive insight or communication skills such as art, drawing, or play therapy.

Working with teens requires an understanding of the unique perspectives teens hold. Teens are on the cusp of adulthood without the benefit of experience and often without the insight and maturity needed to make worldly decisions. They still need the help of adults even if they don’t feel they do.

Patience and unconditional positive regard are the gifts of the child and adolescent therapist.