Is therapy right for your child?
Maybe your child seems out of control lately—they’re having frequent meltdowns and seemingly insignificant things trigger them and get under their skin. Perhaps they’re arguing with you constantly, fighting with their peers, and being disruptive at school.
On the other hand, maybe your child seems abnormally withdrawn and apathetic lately. They’re not being disruptive or rebellious, but you’ve noticed concerning changes in their behavior. They no longer want to go outside or spend time with friends and have little motivation to engage in school or sports.
Regardless of what your child’s struggles are, you’re probably thinking that it’s time to talk to a therapist.
Therapy Can Equip Your Child With Skills That Last A Lifetime
Therapy gives your child a safe, welcoming, and comfortable space to discuss their concerns and open themselves up to new ways of learning. I utilize a variety of child-friendly interventions to make therapy engaging for kids. I have experience working with children and I know how to get on their level through the use of art, games, and other activities that encourage skill building and self-expression.
I draw from a wide variety of interventions to help children work through their mental health issues, since there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Some of the main treatment methods that I use are outlined below:
Play Therapy — I often use games and different forms of play with my child clients. SInce play is a child's native language, we are able to help them better express what is holding them back, what is too painful or strange to express in words, or whatever it is they may need help with. During each therapy session, I use child-centered play therapy to help children learn to better express their feelings and communicate despite the barriers of disability, emotional distress, or trauma. I will often use objects and toys to encourage communication -- and in turn get at the root of the challenge.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — The goal of CBT is to teach children about the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behavior. They can learn to reduce problematic behaviors, such as lashing out or throwing tantrums, and act in a way that’s in line with their goals.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy — Mindfulness can help children increase their present-moment awareness, be more in tune with their emotions, and reduce risky behaviors.
Trauma Informed Approach — This framework centers on recognizing and responding to the effects of trauma on a child's growth and overall well-being.
The core principles of a trauma-informed approach are creating a sense of safety, fostering trust, encouraging collaboration, and empowering the child. These elements are crucial in supporting healing from traumatic experiences and developing resilience.
It's important to note that this isn't a specific therapy model but rather a foundational perspective that shapes the entire therapeutic journey.
No matter which approach works best for your child, it’s important to remember that childhood mental health issues are highly treatable. Kids are very adaptive and it’s easy for them to learn and apply new skills quickly. With the right support, we’re confident that your child can gain the skills to manage their emotions, improve their relationship with you, and live a more fulfilling life.