Child Therapy

Mental health is essential to a child’s overall well-being and development. Whether your child is going through a tough time or needs extra help, child therapy can help address problems early, improve communication, and equip children with the tools they need to manage their emotions. By recognizing the signs and taking action, therapy can help your child develop emotional tools to thrive. 

What Is Child Therapy?

Child therapy is a form of psychotherapy that’s specifically tailored to meet the needs of children. It uses several techniques to help children: 

• Understand and manage their emotions 
• Develop coping strategies
• Improve communication skills 
• Address behavioral issues 
• Process difficult experiences 

Child therapy is often different from adult therapy as children may be unable to express themselves or their concerns as easily. So, child therapists will use a variety of techniques to engage children. Child therapy can help with a range of challenges in children, such as: 

Emotional and Behavioral Concerns: 

• Stress
• Anger 
• Sadness 
• Low self-esteem 

Difficult Experiences:

• Bullying 
• Traumatic experiences 
• Grief and loss 
• Family problems 

Mental Health Conditions:  

• Anxiety disorders 
• Mood disorders 
• ADHD 
• OCD 
• Eating disorders 

What Are the Benefits of Child Therapy?

Therapy for children provides many benefits: 

• Emotional Intelligence and Regulation: Therapists can help children identify and understand their emotions, equip them with tools to manage their feelings, and learn techniques to deal with stress, anxiety, or negative emotions. 
• Social Skills: Through therapy, children can develop and increase their communication skills, which can help them build healthier relationships with peers and family. 
• Academic Success: Addressing emotional difficulties can help increase a child’s ability to focus at school, improve self-esteem, and encourage children to overcome challenges more confidently. 
• Overall Well-Being: Therapy can help children develop resilience, build a positive self-image, and learn problem-solving skills. 
• Trauma: Therapy provides a safe and comfortable space for children who have experienced trauma to process events and express thoughts and feelings. 

What Types of Child Therapy Are There?

The type of child therapy used will depend on your child’s age, needs, and diagnosis. A mental health professional will assess your child and recommend the most appropriate approach. Common types of therapy for children include: 

Play Therapy

This approach is mainly used for younger children. Therapists use games, toys, and creative activities to observe emotional issues and help children to express themselves indirectly. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This evidence-based approach helps children identify negative thought patterns contributing to their problems and teaches them to replace them with more positive and realistic thinking.

Family Therapy

Sometimes, therapy involves family members to address communication issues, parenting strategies, and family dynamics that may impact the child. Therapists use this approach to create a more supportive environment for the child’s well-being.

Art Therapy

Using art materials allows children to express themselves creatively and explore their emotions nonverbally. This can be particularly helpful for children who struggle to talk about their feelings.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

This therapy empowers children with essential skills to manage emotions effectively, cope with stress, navigate relationships, and stay present in the moment. It can be helpful for children and teens struggling with intense emotions or self-harming behaviors.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Evidence-based parent-child interaction therapy is a structured approach that offers a safe space for families to work with a therapist. It aims to strengthen the parent-child relationship and address behavioral issues in children. 

How Long Do Kids Do Therapy?

The exact duration of child therapy is a moving target. The number of sessions depends on the child’s needs, the severity of the issue, and the types of therapy used. Some children might benefit from short-term therapy lasting a few weeks, while others may require ongoing support for months or even years.

How Can Parents Help?

Parental support and encouragement can play an important role in your child’s therapy. Here are some ways parents can support their child in therapy: 

• Talk positively about therapy and maintain a positive attitude.
• Speak openly with your child about therapy.
• Be an active participant in therapy, if appropriate.
• Be patient with your child’s progress. 
• Create a safe and encouraging environment at home. 
• Model healthy coping mechanisms and emotional regulation for your child. 

When to Contact a Qualified Therapist

If your child is struggling or behaving out of the ordinary, it may be time to consider therapy. Ultimately, you know best when it comes to your child, but there are some signs that it may be beneficial to speak with a therapist: 

• Changes in emotional state like persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability. 
• Significant changes in behaviors such as increased tantrums or withdrawal. 
• Academic struggles without a clear explanation. 
• Difficulty making friends and interacting with peers. 
• Experienced a traumatic event like bullying, loss, or family conflict. 
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns. 
• Self-esteem issues or feelings of inadequacy. 

Your child doesn’t need to be in crisis to benefit from speaking with a therapist. Therapy can be a proactive step to support your child’s emotional and mental well-being. 

If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional health or simply want to talk, the therapists at Thriving Center of Psych are experienced in working with children and understand that every child is unique. 
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help.