Parents know their children best, so as a parent, you may be concerned if you notice your child is acting a bit differently. By communicating with your child, you may find there’s a simple answer and solution. But if that’s not the case, when should parents seek professional help?
Sarah Hong MA, LPC, NCC, is a professional therapist who works with Emerald Integrated Therapy Services located in nearby Sandy Springs, and she says she takes pride in the center. She works with individuals, adults, families and children, with children under the age of 10 accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Sarah says when a parent notices changes in their child’s behavior – perhaps the child isn’t as happy as usual or not as excited to do the things that brought them joy before. If they’re not as talkative, they may be avoiding friends, or their grades are suffering, and the parent has attempted to communicate with the child, but the child isn’t responding, That’s when seeking a therapist may be helpful.
Sarah says she provides a number of services for her patients at Emerald Integrated Therapy such as Brain Mapping, where they record and assess the brainwaves of a patient, Neurofeedback Therapy, using operant conditioning, Art Therapy, and more for conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and more.
Sarah, who initially attended art school, says she got very excited when she learned about the idea of using artistic expression to find healing. “The two things that I love – psychology and art,” she says. “Since I’m already doing psychology, it just made a lot of sense.”
Sarah says that Art Therapy is used for both children and adults as an alternative way of communicating. “It doesn’t always have to be what you think of as classical art,” she says. “It could be storytelling or writing. It’s a creative way of communicating and giving the client a sense of freedom to process difficult emotions.” Sarah adds that by engaging or participating in the process of making art, the patient is creating something that’s completely and literally outside of the body, and it’s a way to externalize or separate their identity from any issues. You don’t have to be an artist or create a masterpiece. The end result or the art itself or Sarah's interpretation of it isn't what's important, but she explains it's the way the client approaches it and their interpretation of it that matters.
Sarah says no matter what therapy is used, clients can expect therapy to be hard work. And when it comes to therapy, a child can sometimes benefit from other family members being involved. “They should expect to work hard and rely on their own strength,” Sarah says, adding that she’s there to provide a safe place and to support them as they’re learning new habits and skills. “The goal is to make it to a point where they’re basically good to go. They have the tools they need to rely on, and they feel better."
Sarah says she reminds her clients along the way of their accomplishments. “I get to see the growth,” she says. “I see my clients go through ups and downs, even if it seems slow at first. They’re getting closer and closer to their goals and making progress.”
And she wants to see her clients get better and on their own. “I want to know I’m doing my part professionally, and I’m doing this correctly,” Sarah says. “And that I’m the best therapist I can be for each client.” And when a client reaches their goal, she knows her job is done.
For information about Emerald Integrated Therapy Services, visit emeraldintegrativetherapy.com.
I get to see the growth, says Sarah Hong, MA, LPC, NCC.