Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child-therapy at Thriveworks Chesapeake.
Child therapy works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Chesapeake, VA have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.
Bobbi wakes up and doesn’t want to get ready for school. She doesn’t eat breakfast, brush her teeth, or change out of her pajamas. Her mom is shocked. Bobbi is an A+ student and normally loves to go to school. She begs her mom to stay home. When her mom asks her why, Bobbi doesn’t answer and becomes really quiet. Because Bobbi doesn’t want to tell her parents what’s going on, she reluctantly makes her way to school. When she gets home, she is visibly upset and doesn’t speak.
Bobbi’s parents become more curious and worried over their daughter’s behavior. They reach out to her teacher, and the teacher suggests having Bobbi talk to a child therapist. Bobbi is willing to meet up with the therapist, and during her second appointment admits that she has been bullied by a few other students in her class. Now that they know what’s going on, her parents discuss the issue with Bobbi’s teacher and principal. They work together to address the problem and the next few days at school go much better for Bobbi. Soon, Bobbi is back to her happy self.
Seeing your child undergo challenges is extremely tough. You desperately want to help them, but sometimes you don’t have all of the answers. That is where child therapy can be extremely beneficial for your child. At Thriveworks Chesapeake, our counselors and psychologists are experienced and passionate, and they want to help.
What Concerns Might Necessitate Child Therapy?
Your child could benefit from therapy for many reasons. If you’re noticing your child seems to be struggling with something, whether that be trouble in school, making friends, or interacting with family, a child therapist could help assist them through it. Some of the more common reasons to pursue child therapy may include:
- Autism concerns or diagnosis
- Disruptive behavior in school
- ADHD concerns or diagnosis
- Abuse or neglect
- Violent or criminal behavior
- Life change, such as parent’s divorce or moving to a new place
- Trouble with bullying
- Addictions
- Eating disorders
- Loss of a friend or loved one
- Difficulties with friends
- Emotional issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Trouble learning
If you read this and didn’t immediately see your child’s problem, that’s okay. Thriveworks Chesapeake child therapy can still help. Maybe you don’t know what’s going on with your child, you can just tell that something has been off—that’s okay, too! Our child therapists can help to figure out whatever it is that’s challenging them.
How Does Child Therapy Work?
No two children are the same, and our clinicians recognize that and work to develop the best treatment plan for each child. However, what is similar is the fact that a combination of methods often works best. Common methods of child therapy may include:
- Traditional talk therapy
- Behavior modification techniques
- Play therapy
- Family therapy
- Teaching relaxation methods
- Cognitive and behavioral therapy
- Art therapy
- Narrative therapy
- Teaching coping methods
- Identifying and treating underlying medical issues
- Identifying and treating underlying psychological issues
The goal behind a combination method approach is to give the child the tools they need to effectively handle the stressors in their life, no matter what those stressors may be.
Call Thriveworks Chesapeake Today for Child Therapy
At Thriveworks Chesapeake, we want to help your child thrive. We understand how hard it is for you to see your child going through hard times. Call us today, and let’s start the path toward healing.
At Thriveworks, we have a “no waiting list” policy and our new clients can have their first appointment within 24 hours. We know you’re busy, and because of that, we offer flexible hours to fit your family’s busy schedule. We want anyone who needs help to get it; we partner with multiple insurance plans to be sure your child gets the help they need.
Our clinicians are ready to help. Call Thriveworks Chesapeake today to schedule your child’s first appointment at (757) 414-6427.
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