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 Worcester.
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 Worcester, MA 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.
Being a child means playing outside, making forts, and riding bikes around the neighborhood until you can hear your mom yell that it’s dinner time. As they age into adolescence, kids start to ask to venture out to see movies with their friends or go to amusement parks from open to close. Once they turn into teenagers or young adults, they start to drive, go to sporting events, take day trips, and dip their toes into the dating world. Whatever stage of childhood your kid is in, life isn’t always as picture-perfect as we described. The world will throw obstacles and challenges at children as they grow up. Although this is normal, it’s crucial to know when these challenges start to take a negative toll on their mental development and seek professional help when times get tough.
Children will not remember you for the material things you provided, but for the feeling that you cherished them. – Richard L. Evans
Whether your child is dealing with divorce, bullying, or coping with a learning disability, a licensed psychologist can help. At Thriveworks Counseling in Worcester, our child counselors are experienced and highly qualified to diagnose and treat the issues that children of all ages may be facing. If you feel like your child could benefit from speaking with a professional, call (508) 409-6134 to schedule an appointment.
Is My Child the Right Fit for Child Therapy?
Consider the following scenario: Your happy go lucky 12-year-old has recently started to not finish their dinner and retreats to their room as soon as they can. Instead of spending time together as a family, they start to lash out when ‘forced’ to go to the movies together. They don’t seem interested in much other than video games or their cellphone.
Your child might not be the same age or facing the same change in behavior, but all parents can relate to some sort of shift in their children when something is off. Maybe it’s puberty and a change or hormones. Maybe they are getting picked on at school for how they dress. Maybe they are arguing with a close friend and haven’t told you about it. Whatever the situation is, a licensed child therapist can help them work through concerns such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bullying
- Divorce
- Eating disorders
- Hormonal changes
- Low self-esteem
- Loneliness
- Learning disabilities
- ADHD
- Grief
- Major life changes
- Trouble making friends
These are just some of the areas in which a Thriveworks in Worcester child therapist could help. In addition to the above list, we can help diagnose underlying medical or psychological conditions. If you aren’t sure of what’s really going on with your child, a psychologist can help identify the real issue at hand and help you and your family work through it together.
It’s important to remember that it’s okay to ask for help. You are not a bad parent for sending your child to therapy. The only thing you need to do is continue to love and support your children through all of life’s ups and downs.
How Does Child Therapy Work?
Much the same as regular adult therapy, child therapy focuses on creating a specific plan of care based on individual needs. During the first initial sessions, your child’s therapist will perform assessments to better understand what is going on. At Thriveworks in Worcester, MA, our psychologists have the ability to speak on a level in which your child understands best. To do so, they may use a variety of different methods including:
- Traditional talk therapy: During traditional talk therapy, the counselor will speak to the child about their concerns. This method works great for kids of all ages.
- Art therapy: This method utilizes the art-making process to achieve therapeutic goals. Art therapy allows the child to express their emotions without having to use words and also gives them a way to visually, or symbolically, show how they feel.
- Play therapy: Play therapy helps children and families express their emotions and solve problems through toys, items, and more. Puppets, music, dance, sand, and more can all be used.
- Family therapy: By having the family unit join in on a child’s therapy session, they can work together to change their behavior in turn helping the child change theirs in the future. It also gives the entire family the ability to speak on the issues at hand and better understand what the child in need is going through.
These are just a few of the methods used for child therapy. In most cases, counselors will use a combination of methods to get to the best results. As no two situations are the same, different methods will be used to find the best and most effective way to connect with a child on a deeper level.
Schedule an Appointment with a Child Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Worcester, MA
When you are ready to seek help for your child, our counselors are here to help. We pride ourselves on our compassionate and accessible care. To schedule an appointment, go to our online booking portal or call (508) 409-6134 to be connected with a scheduling specialist. If you need anything, we’re here.
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