Teen Therapy in Rifle, CO

I love working with teens ❤

Sandtray from session

Majority of parents bring their unwilling teens to me remarking "I hope they will open up and share with you." While some of my work revolves around "talking", typically I use a Sandtray to facilitate the session. A typical session includes a blend of chat, self-regulation exercises, sandtray and/or art making. We then explore the sandtray or art together.

Benefits of Sandtray Therapy-

Reduction of anxiety and traumatic stress symptoms

Increased resilience

Expression of feelings without the need for words

Boost in creativity

Sensory, calming experience

Unstructured technique

Grief and loss processing

Boost in low self-esteem

Anger management

+ can be used in individuals, couple or family therapy

+ can be used with kids, teens and adults

There are many reasons to seek a teen therapist including: low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, grief, and PTSD.

Other signs that a teen might need therapy include: trouble controlling emotions, acting out, trouble making friends, withdrawing from activities they enjoyed, trouble sleeping or eating, thoughts of suicide or self-harm and school concerns

Reach out today to discuss your teen & situation. I offer a free 15min consultation + meet & greet to help teens & parents feel comfortable working with me.

Office Tour

Welcome to my office! Can you imagine coming in for your first session? Not pictured is the sound of rain, the ambiance of the rock lamp + lava lamp, and the room lit with a warm glow as we chat or play. Morning sessions are a delight as rainbows dance across the room. A cozy + tranquil office is so important to me!

1st Session- What to Expect

Majority of people don't even make it to the first session... The anxiety of "what will the session be like" often scares new clients away. I can remember my own fear and doubt about the process & the therapist, wondering how anyone could possibly help me. Let's break down a first session- The whole point of the first session if for you to decide if you would like to work with me, and for me to decide if I'm the right fit for you and your situation. We go through an intake process where I ask you questions about life and growing up (let's be honest, lots of questions). After I gather history about your life, we discuss the current situation- or what brings you to therapy. After I have gathered enough information, I give you a "game plan" which is what therapy will look like if you choose to work with me. If I'm not the best fit for your situation we will explore possible options together. *I let all clients know if I'm not the right...

Shortage of Children's Therapists

Trainings in therapy often cost thousands of dollars... This is on top of the 60K+ that we spent just to get our master's degree and to be able to provide therapy. Then you add in the required continuing education credits- every two years we are required to take 40 hrs of continuing education. This leaves a huge issue for most therapists within the field- they simply can't afford more trainings. Which leads to a shortage of qualified professionals within the field, and this is exactly what you see in our area. There are no other Registered Play Therapists in Garfield County and possibly 1 in Pikin County. This leads children and parents really no options for therapy besides basic "talk therapy" or possibly with the inclusion of a few toys and games, or to drive to Grand Junction and/or Denver for a Play Therapist. If you are a therapist in the area, I would love to share my knowledge and trainings with you. I'm passionate about addressing children's mental he...

natalie hanks

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