Pre-Adolescence and Adolescence is characterized by many physical and emotional changes. This stage in development is often challenging both for the child/teen and the parents alike. Therapy for this age group differs quite a bit from therapy for younger children. Pre-adolescents and adolescents have moved on developmentally from using play as a way to explore and express feelings, but may not be quite ready for traditional talk therapy. This is why I often use Activity Therapy with this age group. Activity Therapy can be beneficial due the ability to gain distance from the problem at hand, including sensitive subjects. Activity Therapy may include expressive art, sand tray, games and writing. The activity allows the teen to explore personal thoughts and feelings in a less threatening way. Within the safety of the activity, they are often better able to resolve their conflict effectively.