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Ryan Gogarty, LMFT #126085
(925) 335-6778
Child, Teen, and Young Adult Therapy
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Wait It Out
Connecting with a teen can feel like navigating a maze. Teens often need space to process emotions before they are ready to talk. Parents who rush conversations or push for immediate solutions may find their efforts met with resistance or silence. Waiting to connect when a teen is ready, on their own time, creates a foundation for stronger communication and trust. This approach models patience and allows teens to regulate their feelings, making later conversations more constr
Ryan G
Jul 83 min read


Building Trust: A Strategic Approach to Supporting Teens in Therapy While Navigating Complex Challenges
Opening up to a therapist can feel like an uphill battle for many teens. When low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety are involved, these feelings often hide behind behaviors like lying, self-aggrandizing, avoiding new experiences, or even verbal aggression toward parents. As a parent, it’s natural to want to fix everything quickly, but healing and trust take time. Understanding this slow process and adopting a strategic approach can make a significant difference in your tee
Ryan G
Jun 293 min read


Nurturing Trust in Teen Relationships Through Open Communication and Curiosity
Trust between parents and teenagers can feel fragile. Teens often guard their thoughts and feelings, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. Yet, building a strong connection during these years is crucial for their emotional well-being and development. The key lies in creating a safe space where teens feel comfortable sharing openly. This happens when parents approach conversations with non-judgmental curiosity and genuine interest, rather than criticism or assumptions. This po
Ryan G
Jun 94 min read


Setting and Holding Boundaries and Why it is Necessary for Growth
As parents, we want our children to feel happy and hate to see them struggle. However, sometimes in the pursuit of this, we can...
Ryan G
Dec 12, 20242 min read


It's the Relationship - Helping Adolescents and Teens in benefitting from therapy
I lean heavily on the therapeutic relationship when working with adolescents and teens. What this means is that I rely on building...
Ryan G
Sep 19, 20242 min read


Video Games, Fun & Learning: How Parents Can Help Their Children Enjoy Gaming Responsibly
Video games can be a fun way for kids to develop different skills, but it's important for parents to monitor their children's gaming...
Ryan G
Aug 16, 20244 min read


"Starting Therapy for Teens and Young Adults: A Guide on Discussing the Benefits of Professional Help"
As teens and young adults navigate various life stage challenges, it can be essential to provide them with appropriate support. One effective way to do so is by encouraging them to seek professional help through therapy. However, some teens might feel hesitant or resistant to the idea of going to therapy due to various reasons such as stigma, fear of vulnerability, or concerns about confidentiality. As a parent or caregiver, it's crucial to approach this topic with sensitivit
Ryan G
Aug 1, 20242 min read


Behavioral therapy for kids: "Your kiddo’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day"
Your kid just got home from school and appeared to have a bad day. You see that they are moping around the house or maybe are in tears....
Ryan G
Jun 13, 20242 min read


Building Confidence in Teens: Overcoming Self-Criticism with Empowerment
Introduction: The teenage years are a pivotal time for self-discovery, but the journey is often clouded by self-criticism and wavering...
Ryan G
Feb 4, 20241 min read


Empowering Childhood Resilience: Thriving Through Life Transitions with Therapy Support | Ryan Gogarty Therapy
Introduction: Navigating Child Life Transitions Life is a series of transitions, and for children, navigating these changes can be a...
Ryan G
Jan 28, 20242 min read


Navigating Child Therapy: What to Expect in Counseling Sessions for Kids | Ryan Gogarty Therapy
Introduction: Many parents wonder about the ins and outs of therapy sessions for their children. In this post, we'll shed light on what...
Ryan G
Nov 14, 20231 min read
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