Child Therapy
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Child therapy, also referred to as children's therapy, is a form of mental health treatment for the mental health, trauma, and developmental issues of children and adolescents. Child therapy is performed by child therapists and child psychologists. These providers are trained to treat children with age-appropriate therapeutic methods. Sessions can be one-on-one between the therapist and child, or may include one or more family members. Common reasons a child may see a child therapist include:
Child therapy can differ from what is frequently thought of as adult therapy. Although both forms of therapy are discussion or talk-based, child therapists may employ activities to better engage children. For example, a child therapist may encourage children to draw pictures or play a simple board game. This is known as "play therapy." Play activities enable therapists to better assess a child's emotions in a comfortable setting. Play therapy may also reveal issues that a child is unable to independently verbalize or express. Other types of child therapy may include:
The goals of child therapy differ for each child, but generally include an increased sense of well-being, decreased distress and anxiety, and increased confidence in school and the community. Ideally, children and adolescents who complete child therapy feel more self-assured and better prepared to grow into their next stage of life.