Therapy for Children
Parents may bring their child to therapy for many reasons. If you are here, you may be concerned about your child’s difficulties around friendships, excessive worries, sadness, or changes in mood or behavior. In order to meet children where they are, child therapists tailor their approaches to each individual. Three approaches to therapy that we rely on in our work with children are play therapy, CBT and EMDR.
Play Therapy
Play creates a safe and supportive environment through which children can experience and express their emotions, leading to an increased sense of self-efficacy and confidence. When children feel safe and connected, they are better able to learn new skills and perspectives in order to be better able to adapt to life’s challenges. Working with a trained therapist who engages with children through their natural language of play can provide the scaffolding needed for growth and self-acceptance.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts into more positive and realistic ones. It is designed to change behaviors that often develop as a result of negative thinking. CBT can provide relief and mastery around anxious behaviors that are getting in the way of a child’s abilities to learn and grow.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR is another helpful modality that can be used with children. It involves using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to help them develop adaptive coping strategies that promote their overall recovery and growth.