Our Services - Southeast Child and Family Guidance

Who We Serve

Individual Therapy

Our goal is to support each client in making meaningful life decisions through a greater understanding of self-compassion, which is an awareness that as we navigate the uncertainties of life, we all create ways to cope. Sometimes the ways in which we’ve taught ourselves to overcome obstacles can hinder us, but changing becomes possible when we understand how we protect ourselves. We can then explore new avenues to engage in life and find greater satisfaction.

When teens act in ways that are different from their norm, it’s likely that they are struggling to cope with difficult, new, or changing situations and emotions. Our goal is to increase each teen’s insight and understanding of themselves, and of the ways in which they can be successful in dealing with their given circumstances. We do this by giving each teen the respect of their reality, opening lines of communication that will allow them to feel heard, and by introducing new perspectives for them to consider. Because adolescents have a much better likelihood for positive outcomes when they are getting the emotional support they need, we often work to teach parents what is required for their child to feel this support.

In helping a child to open up and work through issues, it is important for them to feel cared for and supported. With this in mind, we strive to create a safe place for each child to come and share their concerns. And because working with the family is often an important part of treatment for the child, we work to help the family build this same environment of care and support in their home.

Family Therapy

Though two individuals come to couple therapy, we focus on your relationship as our client. We believe that couples form a closer connection to each other as the relationship is strengthened by making sure each partner feels secure and loved. In relationships it is common to feel “stuck” when we start to experience recurring negative cycles. Our goal is to help couples understand the cycles that are having detrimental effects, and change them. When exploring these cycles we work to create new, more positive patterns that can bring more enjoyment to the relationship, and will allow each partner to feel loved and respected.

Sessions that include the family are often part of the treatment plan for helping individual clients including children, teens, and adults. Our goal is to help create cohesion within the family and to help build a strong and supportive family unit. This is done by ensuring that each member feels included, respected, and loved by other members of their family.

Group Therapy

The unique dynamic of group therapy often evokes positive feelings and thoughts in our clients. Hope is instilled when an individual can witness other members further along in treatment, and feeling better. Becoming part of a greater whole creates cohesion and a sense of belonging, especially when one realizes they are not alone in the difficulties they face. A boost in confidence and self-esteem often comes as result of helping other members, and allowing them to help you.

Mindfulness is being more attentive and aware of the present moment, which is a simple task, but can be difficult to attain and sustain. Research continues to show that being more mindful promotes physical and mental well-being.
This six-week group (starting October 1st) offers a safe and supportive learning environment to cultivate mindfulness skills. The art and science of mindfulness is highlighted by learning the history and biological affects while practicing the skill through breathing, the five senses and guided imagery. By sharing successes and challenges, group members foster ongoing motivation and the sense of acceptance and belonging. Some of the benefits are a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression and an improvement in attention, clarity and physical health.
This group will meet Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Maximum of 8 members.
If interested, please contact Kathleen Bready: [email protected].

Matter Through Connection is a new psychotherapy group for adults entering retirement age and older starting soon at Southeast Child & Family Guidance in Waxhaw. Groups are a great way to connect with others, share thoughts and concerns and find encouragement and support with life’s issues. Research shows that people with strong group support systems live longer, are less likely to become ill and are more resilient.

Led by Larry Liebgold, a certified group psychotherapist and licensed professional counselor, Matter Through Connection will meet on Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per session. Contact Larry Liebgold at 720-530-0500 for an initial interview and to reserve your place in the group.