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 West Springfield.
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 West Springfield, MA 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 West Springfield, MA 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 accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Need more help deciding?
Helping our children learn and grow can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a parent but it doesn’t come without challenges. Just like adults, children face many emotional, cognitive, and developmental obstacles on a daily basis. For children and adolescents these obstacles can become overwhelming, especially when paired with potential trauma, disabilities, or major life changes.
Do you worry about your child’s ability to adapt to a changing environment? Maybe your son or daughter struggles to relate to other children or has trouble learning new tasks. There are many reasons to seek counseling, from early trauma to learning disabilities, many families can benefit from the help and guidance of a child psychologist. Reach out today for help.
Parental Involvement in Child Therapy
Even the most attentive and caring parent can benefit from the understanding and guidance of a trained professional. Making the decision to bring your child to a therapist or counselor could be a turning point for your family.
Some ways that you can help your child and participate in their counseling include:
- Help your child make it to their appointments, a steady and consistent schedule is particularly important to help children achieve and maintain goals.
- Meet with your child’s counselor or therapist to discuss their treatment and how you can participate.
- Have patience. Change takes time and unmet expectations can often lead to hopelessness and feeling of despair.
Your child will experience growth on their own time and the best thing we can do to help is to be understanding and supportive.
Does My Child Need a Therapist?
Being a parent or caregiver of a child means always being concerned with their behavior and development. Children go through many stages and changes as they learn, and experience new things. Oftentimes these changes are signs of healthy growth and adjustment. Sometimes children need a little extra help from a profession to adapt to life’s struggles.
Some of the reasons that clients have seen a child counselor in West Springfield are listed below.
- Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADD and ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Bullying and low self-esteem
- Divorce and family transitions
- Eating disorders including overeating, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, etc.
- Learning disorders
- Loss and grief
- Mood disorders such as anxiety or depression including stress, sadness, and panic attacks
- Neglect and abuse
- Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Struggles adjusting to new situations or routines
- Temper and anger aggravated behavioral concerns
- Trauma and PTSD
- Trouble concentrating or behaving appropriately at school or home
Child Therapy Techniques
Our counselors in West Springfield have many techniques to help children feel comfortable so they can focus on their concerns and difficulties.
Some of these techniques include…
- Play Therapy
- Talk Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Pet Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Still, some children respond better to in person settings. That is why our brick-and-mortar offices are set up to include family friendly waiting rooms and therapy offices equipped with child size furniture, toys, music equipment and art supplies to accommodate children of all ages.
Whether you chose remote counseling, in person therapy, or a combination of the two, the decision will be made between you and your child counselor so that you can supply your child with the best care for their mental and physical health.
Scheduling Child Therapy at Thriveworks West Springfield
Our child therapists in West Springfield are committed to helping you child receive the highest quality, personalized care in a comfortable and accommodating environment. Counselors are available for both in-person and telehealth sessions.
Booking an appointment for your son, daughter, or loved one is an easy process. You can either view our counselors and book an appointment online, or call (413) 334-8282 and our schedulers will be happy to help you find a counselor who works for you and your family. We want you to begin your journey toward healthy and happy improvement for your family and we hope that we can help you achieve it!
