Is therapy right for my Child?
“My child has a hard time telling me what is wrong.”
“My child cannot calm down when they become upset.”
“It just seems like something is not right.”
There are many different reasons why someone would want to start therapy for their child. If you are unsure how to help your child with their emotions or difficult experiences, it is probably time to consider therapy for your child.
Common struggles that bring Children to therapy
ANXIETY
WORRY
DEPRESSION
BULLYING
BEHAVIORAL OUTBURSTS
SLEEP STRUGGLES
SCHOOL PROBLEMS
LOW CONFIDENCE
DEFIANCE
UNFOCUSED/DISTRACTED
FRIENDS STRUGGLES
LONELINESS
LOW SELF-ESTEEM
EMOTIONAL CONTROL
DIFFICULT LIFE EXPERIENCES
TRAUMA
What to expect in Child Therapy
Your child’s therapy will begin with an intake appointment with your therapist. It may be beneficial for parents/guardians to have a session alone with the therapist, so that they are free to share concerns without the child present. Your child’s therapist will ask questions to gain an understanding of your life experiences, your worldview, strengths, concerns, needs, and relationship dynamics. After gathering this information about your child, they will work together with you to decide which areas you would like to work on in therapy.
Child therapy often looks different from therapy for adults, and uses developmentally appropriate techniques that include talk, play, art, puppets, and stories. It is important to help younger children process and learn in ways that they will understand.
For many children, therapy sessions are scheduled on a weekly or biweekly basis for 45-60 minutes. Shorter sessions may be necessary for some children. The length of treatment varies significantly, depending on the symptoms and goals for the child.