Child And Adolescent Therapy

Child And Adolescent Therapy in Newport Beach

Raising a child can feel unpredictable. Some days things go fine, and then suddenly, something shifts. Your child may seem distant, frustrated, or just not like themselves anymore. I know how confusing that can feel, and how easy it is to start questioning what’s going on or how to help without making things worse.

I’m Lisa Enneis, & I offer a calm, grounded space where your child can slow down and open up at their own pace. With over 35 years of experience, I’ve worked with children and teens at many different stages, and I understand how emotions show up differently for each one. There’s no pressure here to perform or explain everything right away. If you’re ready to take that first step, I’m here to help you begin building a steadier path for your child.

Therapy That Meets You

Every child is different. Some talk easily, others hold things in. Some show emotions loudly, others quietly. Therapy adjusts to your child’s style instead of forcing a fixed approach.

Sessions may include conversation, creative expression, or simple interaction that helps your child share what they’re feeling without stress. Over time, you start to see small changes. Better communication, fewer emotional outbursts, and a bit more ease in daily life.

You might notice your child dealing with:

These signs don’t mean something is “wrong.” They usually mean your child needs a different kind of support.

Signs You Should Notice

You don’t need a major crisis to reach out. Small changes often say more than big ones. If something feels off, it’s worth paying attention.

You might see your child getting irritated over small things, or maybe they stop talking as much. Sometimes school becomes harder, or social situations feel overwhelming for them. These shifts can build slowly, and it’s easy to miss them at first.

Emotional Shifts

Frequent frustration, sadness, or worry that sticks around longer than usual.

Behavior Changes

Acting out, avoiding routines, or becoming unusually quiet.

School Concerns

Losing focus, falling behind, or not wanting to attend.

Avoiding friends or struggling to connect in group settings. Getting support early helps your child understand these feelings before they grow into bigger patterns.

A Calm And Steady Approach

Therapy here doesn’t feel rigid. It feels human. Your child isn’t pushed into conversations they’re not ready for. They’re given space, and that space builds trust.

Some sessions may feel light, others more focused. That’s normal. Progress doesn’t follow a straight path, and that’s okay. What matters is that your child starts feeling more comfortable being themselves.

Teens, especially, need this kind of space. They don’t want constant correction. They want someone who listens without jumping in too quickly. When that happens, they begin to open up in their own way.

Your Role In Progress

You’re part of this process too, even if you’re not in every session. You get clear, practical guidance that fits into your daily life. No vague advice. Just real steps you can use.

You’ll learn how to:

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being more aware and steady in how you respond.

Emotional Skills That Stay

Children don’t automatically grow out of emotional struggles. They learn how to handle them over time with the right support.

As therapy continues, your child starts to:

Some weeks will feel like progress. Others might feel slow. That’s part of the process. Growth doesn’t move in a straight line, and honestly, that’s completely normal.

Space For Honest Conversations

Teens carry a lot more than they show. School pressure, friendships, expectations- it builds up. They need one place where they don’t feel judged or corrected constantly. This space gives them that. No forced talking. No lectures. Just steady support where they can be real, even if it takes time. And once that comfort builds, things start shifting in small but meaningful ways.

Gentle Connection

You get a space where your child feels safe to open up naturally, helping them build trust and share thoughts without feeling rushed or pressured.

Steady Progress

You see gradual, meaningful improvement as sessions move at your child’s pace, allowing real emotional growth without overwhelming them at any stage.

Clear Guidance

You receive simple, practical steps you can use daily, helping you respond better during difficult moments without second-guessing your actions.

FAQs

If changes in mood, behavior, or school performance last more than a few weeks and affect daily routines, it’s a strong sign your child needs structured emotional support.

It depends on your child’s needs. Some show improvement in a few months, while others benefit from longer support to work through deeper patterns.

Yes, you receive regular updates and guidance, while your child’s privacy is respected to maintain trust and honesty during sessions.

Resistance is common. A low-pressure approach helps your teen slowly feel comfortable, and engagement usually builds over the first few sessions.