What is child therapy?
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 The Woodlands.
How does child therapy work?
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 The Woodlands, TX have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Play therapy vs. child therapy
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
How to tell if my child needs counseling
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.
What type of therapy is best for children?
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in The Woodlands, TX is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Is child therapy conducted in person or online?
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does child therapy last?
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
How much does child therapy cost?
At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.
Need more help deciding?
Child Therapy in The Woodlands, TX—Mental Health Help for Your Child or Teen
Taking care of our children might also mean looking into child therapy. The reality is that our kids don’t always want to talk to us about what they’re going through or what they’re struggling with. In these instances, it’s important that they talk to someone—preferably someone who knows how to help.
If you think that your child could benefit from talking to a therapist, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in The Woodlands, TX. We have counselors who specialize in helping young children, adolescents, and teens.
What Is Child Therapy? Who Is It For?
Child therapy is exactly what it sounds like: It’s therapy for kids! While we might forget this from time to time, kids encounter life challenges and mental health problems just like we do. They develop symptoms of mental illness; they fight with their friends and struggle to get along with peers; they feel stressed; they witness trauma; they grieve. And sometimes, they need help working through these challenges—again, just like we do!
This type of counseling is for any child who appears to be struggling. You might observe concerning changes in your child such as:
- Isolation from their peers
- Sudden marked disinterest in going to school
- Falling grades or performance
- Symptoms of mental illness
- Behavior problems
If you do observe these changes, these might be signs that your child could benefit from talking to a therapist. Additionally, if your child is met with a clear obstacle—such as the loss of a loved one, a major life transition, a traumatic event, divorcing parents, or abuse—they can likely benefit from therapy, too.
How Does Counseling for Kids Work?
The primary mission of child therapy (and other modalities) is to help the individual live better. To do so effectively, the therapist must first understand what the child is facing and what they need to manage their current circumstances. So, if you decide to set your child up with a therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in The Woodlands, TX, their therapist will first devote their time to getting to know your child. Then, they will outline the course of treatment, of which could involve:
- Play therapy
- Art therapy techniques
- Deep breathing
- Journaling
- CBT techniques
Your child’s therapist will utilize the techniques and practices that they determine will best help your child manage or overcome their challenge(s).
Schedule a Child Therapy Appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in The Woodlands, TX
Thriveworks Counseling is dedicated to helping people live happy, successful lives—this goes for adults, as well as kids, adolescents, and teenagers! It’s important that we all work together to take care of these young individuals and get them the help that they need when they need it. Counseling can help them work through present challenges and also better prepare for future challenges.
If you would like to set your child or teen up with a therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in The Woodlands, TX, please contact our office. We will get you scheduled with an appointment right away.