Now that school is back in session, many children + teens need a bit of extra support to help navigate the added stressors that come with it. To help parents meet this need, the Couples Clinic of Portland recently brought Jordan Nickel-Dubin, MA, onto their team as their newest counselor offering counseling for children + teenagers.

We recently caught up with Jordan to learn more about her counseling style and how parents can tackle some of the issues their children might be facing.

Jordan has specialized education and training in drama therapy.

"I’ve found that the best method and language to work through tough stuff is through play, and I am looking forward to creating a therapeutic relationship and therapeutic rapport through the language children speak best," she said.

With Jordan's unique background, she's able to utilize creative tools (like musical instruments and interactive games) while working with kids + teens. | Photos by Katie Stanley; GIF by PDXtoday

She offers in-person and online counseling for children, adolescents + adult individuals. To accommodate work and school schedules, she offers sessions at night and during weekends.

With homework and after-school activities back in the mix, both children and parents have more to juggle. Jordan shared some ways to navigate the transition while also supporting your child.

Now that school is back in session, what challenges are children facing?

"Now that children are getting back into the routine of the school year, many are facing academic stress. They're back into tests, projects, papers, assignments, something they had pushed out of their mind over the summer.

It gets overwhelming very quickly. This often leads to lower motivation and procrastination, making it tougher on both the children and the parents to accomplish everything that needs to be done."

How can parents help them navigate these issues?

"A technique I have suggested to parents is 45/15, inspired by the Pomodoro Technique. This can be adapted based on the age of the child (e.g., 20/10 for kindergarten-first grade, 30/10 for second grade-fourth grade, 40/20, etc.) and/or what works best for your family.

For adolescents ages 13 and up, I recommend 45 minutes of concentrating on homework and then 15 minutes of an activity of their choice (within reason, of course). Repeat. The more the child gets into it, the more they want to get the assignment done and be able to do something else more enjoyable."

What are some common peer issues you find children/teens struggle with most?

"Some of the common issues I see are sadly the same ones that I know most of us have experienced at some point in our lives: Bullying, social exclusion, difficulty making friends, and anxiety connected to social situations. One of the biggest reasons I decided to be a child and adolescent therapist was because I was bullied for who I was all through elementary and middle school. I know what it’s like firsthand, and I want to do what I can to help children who experience the same thing.

These are hard topics to talk about, especially when they’re happening on the daily. It is not easy to sit face-to-face with someone and speak directly about what they’re struggling with.

In the work that I do as a Drama Therapist, I incorporate various art forms and creative processes to help my clients pursue personal growth, healing, and self-expression. I talk about hard topics through art and creativity, through mediums like role play, drawing and coloring, songwriting, dance, and more."

Think she could be a good fit for your child? Book a free 15-minute phone consultation or initial session with Jordan below.

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