When we think about therapy for children, we often associate it with children who have behavioral, emotional or developmental difficulties. However, therapy can be beneficial for all children, not just those who struggle with specific challenges. In fact, therapy can be an effective tool for enhancing mental well-being, building resilience, and improving overall functioning.
During meetings, I use tools tailored to the child's age and needs so that they learn new skills in the most attractive and supportive way possible. Therapy with children is a lot of fun!
How can therapy help my child:
Ttherapy can help children develop social and emotional skills
Children who attend therapy can learn skills such as communication, empathy, self-regulation, and effective problem solving. These skills can help them in all areas of their lives, from school to friendships to family relationships.
Therapy can provide children with a safe space to express themselves
Therapy provides a non-judgmental, confidential environment in which children can express themselves freely. This can help them process their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way and better understand themselves and their experiences.
Therapy can help prevent problems from developing
Just as regular check-ups with a doctor can help prevent disease, early therapy sessions can help prevent mental health problems from developing. By solving small problems early on, children can develop healthy coping mechanisms and strategies that can prevent more serious problems in the future.Therapy can be a preventive measure for high-risk children
Children who come from high-risk backgrounds, such as those who have experienced trauma, family breakdown or neglect, can benefit greatly from therapy. Early intervention prevents the development of psychopathology and offers the support necessary for proper emotional development.
"Therapy is not just for children with diagnosable mental disorders, but can help all children learn and develop new skills to cope with stress, cope with difficult situations and build positive relationships."
It is important for parents to understand that therapy is not just for "problem" children. Like adults, children can benefit from sessions with a child psychologist to improve their mental well-being and develop social skills. As a parent, you can start a conversation with your child's therapist to see if regular visits or sessions may benefit your child.
By helping children develop social and emotional skills and providing a safe space for self-expression, a child psychologist prevents the development of problems. Therapy can play a vital role in promoting mental health and improving your overall well-being. Let's work together to break the stigma around therapy and give all children the tools they need to grow healthily and be happy.
Bibliography
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Schwallie-Giddis, P., & Kehle, T. J. (2013). A review of single-session inpatient clinics in school settings. Journal of School Counseling, 11(16), 1-30.
Kessler, R. C., Amminger, G. P., Aguilar-Gaxiola, S., Alonso, J., Lee, S., & Ustun, T. B. (2007). Age of onset of mental disorders: a review of recent literature. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 20(4), 359-364.
Beidas, R. S., Stewart, R. E., Walsh, L., Lucas, S., Downey, M. M., Jackson, K., … & Mandell, D. S. (2015). Free, concise, and proven: Standardized instruments for low-resource mental health settings. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 22(1), 5-19.