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Mindfulness & Journaling Groups for Children & Teens

Helping Young Minds Grow with Confidence, Calm, and Emotional Resilience

Every child deserves a safe place to slow down, express themselves, and learn healthy ways to manage life's challenges.

Growing Minds is an engaging, therapist-informed mindfulness and journaling group where children and teens build lifelong emotional wellness skills through creativity, reflection, and connection. Whether your child struggles with stress, anxiety, overwhelming emotions, low self-confidence, or simply needs a positive outlet, Growing Minds provides a supportive environment where they can thrive.

Groups Created & Designed by Valerie Vitale, MHC Intern

Why Growing Minds?

Today's children and teens are navigating more stress than ever before.

Academic pressure. Social media. Friendships. Family changes. Anxiety. Big emotions.

Growing Minds helps participants slow down, become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, and develop practical coping skills they can use every day.

Each weekly session combines:

✔ Guided mindfulness exercises

✔ Creative journaling

✔ Relaxation and breathing techniques

✔ Confidence-building activities

✔ Emotional regulation skills

✔ Positive peer interaction

✔ Self-expression through art and writing

✔ Therapist-guided discussions

Our goal is simple:

Help children and teens build the emotional tools they need today to become resilient adults tomorrow.

Choose the Group That's Right for Your Child

🌱 Growing Minds Jr.

Ages 8–11

Mondays • 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Beginning September 14, 2026

Children in this group learn through creativity, movement, games, and guided journaling designed specifically for emerging readers and writers.

Activities Include

• Drawing and creative expression

• Coloring journals

• Feelings exploration

• Simple mindfulness exercises

• Breathing and calming skills

• Emotional regulation games

• Positive self-esteem activities

• Short guided journaling prompts

Children leave each session with practical coping skills they can use at home and school while growing confidence in expressing their emotions in healthy ways.

🌿 Growing Minds Teen

Ages 12–17

Fridays • 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Beginning September 18, 2026

The teen years bring unique challenges. Growing Minds Teen offers adolescents a welcoming space to reflect, recharge, and connect while learning evidence-informed strategies for managing stress and emotions.

Topics May Include

• Stress and anxiety

• Friendships and healthy relationships

• School pressures

• Self-esteem

• Identity and personal growth

• Social media balance

• Emotional regulation

• Future goals

• Healthy coping skills

Sessions include mindfulness practices, reflective journaling, open discussion, creative activities, and relaxation techniques that teens can continue using long after group ends.

What Your Child Will Gain

By participating regularly, children and teens can strengthen their ability to:

✓ Recognize and understand emotions

✓ Reduce stress and anxiety

✓ Improve focus and concentration

✓ Build confidence

✓ Develop healthy coping strategies

✓ Increase self-awareness

✓ Improve communication skills

✓ Practice mindfulness

✓ Strengthen resilience

✓ Feel more connected and supported

Is Growing Minds Right for My Child?

Growing Minds may be a great fit for children and teens who:

• Experience anxiety or stress

• Have difficulty managing emotions

• Need healthy coping strategies

• Would benefit from improved self-confidence

• Enjoy writing, drawing, or creative activities

• Want to build positive friendships

• Need a safe place to express themselves

No prior journaling or mindfulness experience is necessary.

Group Details

Growing Minds Jr.

Ages: 8–11

When: Mondays, 5:30 PM–6:30 PM

Starts: September 14, 2026

Growing Minds Teen

Ages: 12–17

When: Fridays, 5:30 PM–6:30 PM

Starts: September 18, 2026

Location

Dr. Wall's ADHD & Wellness
A Service of Tenise Wall, LCSW Counseling Services P.L.L.C.

61 Highland Avenue

Middletown, NY 10940

Insurance Accepted

Meet the Group Facilitator

Valerie Vitale, MHC Intern

Growing Minds was thoughtfully created and designed by Valerie Vitale, MHC Intern, who is passionate about helping children and adolescents build confidence, emotional resilience, and lifelong coping skills. Valerie creates a warm, supportive environment where young people feel safe expressing themselves, developing healthy habits, and discovering their strengths.

Reserve Your Child's Spot Today!

Enrollment is now open.

Space is intentionally limited to provide a supportive and interactive group experience.

These groups are expected to fill quickly.

📞 Call: (845) 551-2832

🌐 Register Online: www.drtenisewall.com

Insurance Accepted

Give Your Child the Gift of Emotional Wellness

Small moments of reflection can create lifelong resilience.

Join Growing Minds and help your child develop the confidence, calm, and coping skills they need to flourish—in school, at home, and beyond.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Growing Minds appropriate for?

Growing Minds is designed for children and teens who would benefit from developing healthy coping skills, improving emotional awareness, building self-confidence, and learning mindfulness techniques. The groups are ideal for youth who experience stress, anxiety, difficulty managing emotions, challenges with friendships, or simply enjoy creative activities like writing, drawing, and self-expression.

Children do not need to have a mental health diagnosis to participate. These groups are appropriate for many young people looking to strengthen emotional wellness in a supportive group setting.

Do participants need previous journaling or mindfulness experience?

Not at all! No prior experience is necessary.

Every activity is thoughtfully guided and tailored to each age group, making it easy for beginners to participate while still providing meaningful experiences for those who have practiced mindfulness before.

Will my child be required to share personal information?

No. Participation is always encouraged but never forced.

Children and teens are welcome to share at a level that feels comfortable for them. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where every participant feels accepted.

Is insurance accepted?

Yes! Insurance is accepted for eligible participants.

Because insurance plans and behavioral health benefits vary, our staff will gladly verify your benefits prior to the start of the group and answer any questions regarding coverage or potential out-of-pocket costs.

How long are the sessions?

Each group meets once per week for 60 minutes.

Growing Minds Jr. (Ages 8–11)
Mondays | 5:30 PM–6:30 PM

Growing Minds Teen (Ages 12–17)
Fridays | 5:30 PM–6:30 PM

These are open and ongoing groups, allowing participants to continue attending as long as the group remains a good clinical fit and treatment goals are being supported.

What should my child bring?

Just themselves!

All journals, writing materials, worksheets, and activity supplies are provided. Participants are welcome to bring a favorite notebook or journal if they prefer, but it is not required.

Comfortable clothing is encouraged so participants can fully engage in relaxation and mindfulness exercises.

How are the groups structured?

Each session includes a combination of:

• Mindfulness and breathing exercises

• Guided journaling

• Creative activities

• Skill-building discussions

• Relaxation techniques

• Opportunities for reflection and connection

Every meeting introduces practical strategies that participants can use at home, at school, and in everyday life.

Who facilitates the groups?

Growing Minds was created and designed by Valerie Vitale, MHC Intern, who facilitates the groups under clinical supervision at Dr. Wall's ADHD & Wellness, A Service of Tenise Wall, LCSW Counseling Services P.L.L.C.

How do I register?

Registration is simple!

Call our office at (845) 551-2832 or visit www.drtenisewall.com to reserve your child's spot.

Because group sizes are intentionally kept small to provide individualized attention and meaningful participation, space is limited and early registration is highly recommended.

 

Still Have Questions?

We're happy to help you determine whether Growing Minds is the right fit for your child. Our team is available to answer questions about the group, insurance coverage, scheduling, and the registration process. Call us at (845) 551-2832 to learn more—we look forward to supporting your child's journey toward greater confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being.