Youth & Families
Ages 6 - 12
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Early intervention makes a profound difference.
Research suggests early age of onset correlates significantly with severity of lifetime prevalence. However, with proper intervention and treatment, mental health conditions can be adaptively treated and managed. This is critical during early years of brain development, as therapeutic treatment is supported by synaptic development.
Dr. Colby helps children and families build skills for managing worries, perfectionism, panic symptoms, and behavioral challenges.
Therapy with children focuses on:
Understanding and naming emotions
Practicing effectively expressing themselves using "Zones of Regulation" or "Subjective Units of Distress"
Reducing avoidance and building bravery through gentle exposures
Supporting parents in responding effectively to anxiety and OCD behaviors
Strengthening communication and confidence within the family
Families are seen as partners in care, with the goal of creating a calmer, more connected home environment.
Why do we start at age 6?
Why do we start at age 6?
Dr. Colby begins working with children around age six, when they’re developmentally ready to learn the skills that make therapy most effective. The CBT protocols used have been carefully researched and tested with children starting at age six, so families can feel confident knowing the approach is safe, age-appropriate, and backed by science. With training and experience supporting young kids, Dr. Colby creates a warm, structured space where little ones can learn coping skills and feel proud of themselves as they grow.
What does a session look like with youth clients?
What does a session look like with youth clients?
With young children, initially therapy is about building rapport and can take a few sessions. Once that relationship is formed, Dr. Colby is able to work with your child and family to identify if manualized treatment or client-guided skill learning will be most effective and meaningful. As work continues Dr. Colby will start to involve guardians - sharing what skills children are developing and identifying how adults can help practice these skills at home or school. Children commonly benefit from repetition and consistency, so it is important for the work to be mindful and collaborative. Dr. Colby may also provide referrals to additional guardian directed programs such as Parent Child Interaction Training (PCIT) or Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) - psychoeducation-based trainings which teach parents the skills needed to appropriately support their child by fostering independence and limiting accommodation.
For younger clients, therapy is a time to relax, nourish, and practice playful problem solving skills. Taking the time to slow down, identify worries, and collaborate to find a solution can reframe difficult situations or emotions into opportunities for fun and interesting experiments as we explore the mind-body connection.
114 Waltham St. Suite 25, Lexington, MA 02421
Colby & Co. Psychological Services, PLLC. Est. November, 2024
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