Child & Adolescent Counseling

Adolescent Counseling

Giving kids, teens and families new ways to navigate big feelings

Childhood and adolescence come with big emotions, complex friendships, academic pressures, and constant change. When your child is struggling, it affects the whole family. We help kids and teens navigate these challenges—giving them (and you) practical tools that actually work— in a warm, supportive environment where they can be themselves.

Why Parents Choose Beautiful Journey

We understand that kids aren’t just “little adults”—they need counselors who truly get their world. Our child and adolescent specialists create a warm, engaging space where young people feel safe to express themselves, work through challenges, and build the skills they need to thrive.

Referral Concept

We Know Schools

Drawing from Dr. Johnson’s background as a school counselor, school administrator, and educational psychologist, we are available to collaborate with your child’s teachers, school counselors, and pediatricians to provide comprehensive support. When everyone’s on the same team, kids do better.

We Support Parents Too

You’re not just dropping your child off for counseling without support. We provide regular communication, parenting strategies, and family sessions when appropriate to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals.

Support Parents
Quick Response

Quick Response—We’re Here When You Need Us

When your child is struggling, waiting weeks for help isn’t an option. We respond within 24-48 hours and have real availability because of our collaborative team of 25+ counselors.

What We Specialize In

Behavioral Challenges

Emotional & Behavioral Challenges

Anxiety and worry, big emotions and emotional regulation, ADHD and focus challenges, behavioral concerns, depression and mood changes, crisis intervention

Developmental Needs

Social & Developmental Needs

Social skills and peer relationships, self-esteem and confidence building, ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) support, identity exploration (LGBTQIA+ affirming)

Performance

School & Performance

School-related problems and transitions, learning differences, academic struggles, test anxiety and perfectionism, bullying

Life Transitions

Life Transitions & Trauma

Family changes (divorce, new siblings, moving), grief and loss, trauma and adverse experiences, major life transitions, adjustment challenges

Our Approach by Age

Play Therapy for Younger Children

For younger kids, play is how they communicate. Our play therapy specialists help children process emotions, develop coping skills, and work through challenges in a natural, developmentally appropriate way.

In our playroom, we have toys specifically chosen for their therapeutic benefits—from dollhouses and art supplies to puppets and games like Uno and Candyland. Through play, children can express feelings that may be difficult to put into words, explore their inner world, and work through difficulties in a comfortable, non-threatening environment.

What Play Therapy Helps With:

  • Communicating and processing complex emotions
  • Enhancing self-awareness and emotional expression
  • Teaching coping skills to manage and regulate emotions
  • Developing social, communication, and empathy skills
  • Encouraging creative thinking and imagination
  • Providing a safe space to explore trauma and difficulties

Whether it’s building with Lego, creating glitter jars for calming, or using art to express feelings—we meet kids where they are.

Teen Counseling for Adolescents (Ages 12-18)

Being a teenager can be tough, with the added pressures of school, social dynamics, and selfdiscovery. Teens need counselors who respect their growing independence while providing structure and support.

We build genuine relationships with adolescents, creating a safe and non-judgmental space where they can explore their emotions, navigate difficult transitions, and develop a sense of self. Through counseling, teens gain insights, develop effective coping strategies, and cultivate the confidence needed to thrive.

We work collaboratively with teens to help them build a positive self-image, manage stress, navigate relationships and decision-making, and grow into confident individuals ready to embrace life’s challenges with resilience and optimism.

Our Approach:

  • Evidence-based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and skill-building strategies
  • Practical tools teens can actually use in the moment
  • Help developing insight and emotional regulation
  • Support navigating relationships, identity, and major decisions

What Parents Are Saying

Younger Children

“She really helped my son tune into strategies to calm himself down.”

— Parent of child client

Teens & Adolescents

“My daughter is a perfectionist and she was struggling with body image issues. The counselor was very real with her, helping her acknowledge those feelings and develop strategies to recognize that everyone has moments where they don’t feel great about themselves—and that honesty was exactly what she needed.”

— Parent of teen client

“My teen has an action plan for panic attacks now—breathing exercises and ways to calm her nervous system. Whenever she has a panic attack, she says, ‘I’ve done all the things. I’ve done X, I’ve done Y, I’ve done this, I’ve done that.’ She has real tools that work.”

— Parent of teen client

“They helped give my daughter the confidence she needed to get through the anxiety of some difficult parts of life.”

— Parent of teen client

What to Expect

Sessions for Children

Sessions for Children:

Play therapy sessions typically take place once a week for about 30-40 minutes. Parents will have a brief opportunity to connect with the counselor before or after the session to address any concerns and stay informed about progress.

Sessions for Teens

Sessions for Teens:

Teen counseling sessions are typically 45-50 minutes weekly. We maintain appropriate confidentiality while keeping parents informed about overall progress and any safety concerns.

Getting Started

Getting Started:

In the first session, we’ll get to know your child or teen, understand what brings them to counseling, and begin building a safe, trusting relationship. You’ll be involved in setting goals and creating a treatment plan that works for your family.

Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?

Today, you’re taking an important step on your child’s path toward growth and healing. With support, they’ll gain clarity, build resilience, and discover new ways to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Still not sure? Check out our most frequently asked questions.

Child & Adolescent Counseling provides a safe, nurturing space for children and teens to explore their emotions, navigate challenges, and build resilience. At Beautiful Journey Counseling, we offer specialized support to help young clients develop coping skills, emotional awareness, and confidence in a caring, supportive environment.

Children and teens experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral challenges, attention difficulties, or social struggles can benefit from counseling. Our therapists in Midland Park and throughout Bergen County partner with families to foster healthier emotional expression and meaningful growth for young clients.

Our services support a wide range of concerns, including emotional and behavioral challenges, school-related stress, identity development, trauma, anxiety, depression, and peer relationships. At Beautiful Journey Counseling, therapy is tailored to meet the unique needs of each child or teen, creating a space where they can feel understood and supported.

For younger children, Play Therapy helps them express feelings, process experiences, and work through challenges through play-based activities like drawing, toys, and storytelling. Teens engage in talk-based therapy, focusing on self-identity, peer relationships, and emotional regulation. Both approaches are offered in Midland Park and Bergen County to meet children and teens where they are developmentally and emotionally.

During the first session, our therapists will explore your child’s needs, concerns, and goals. Parents are actively involved in developing a personalized treatment plan, ensuring therapy is effective and supportive. Our approach creates a safe, collaborative foundation for your child’s growth.

Yes. At Beautiful Journey Counseling, we partner closely with parents, providing guidance and strategies to support your child at home. We keep you informed while maintaining a safe, private space for your child to explore their feelings. This collaboration helps ensure therapy is meaningful and effective.

Sessions are tailored to your child’s age and needs: younger children typically have 30–40 minute sessions, while teens usually have 45–50 minute sessions. Our therapists adjust the session length to best support your child’s emotional and developmental needs.

Yes. Teen counseling is conducted in a confidential, supportive environment, while parents are involved as appropriate. Beautiful Journey Counseling ensures teens have a safe space to share thoughts and feelings while maintaining trust and privacy.

Play Therapy allows younger children to express emotions, resolve conflicts, and understand feelings through activities like play, storytelling, and creative expression. At Beautiful Journey Counseling, it’s a key tool for helping children communicate what they may not yet have words for and work through challenges in a supportive, engaging way.

Yes. At Beautiful Journey Counseling, we offer specialized group therapy sessions throughout the year for children and teens in Midland Park and Bergen County. These groups provide a safe, structured space where young clients can connect with peers facing similar challenges, build social skills, and gain support, all while guided by our skilled therapists.