Child & Teen Therapy
As adults, it can be difficult to remember just how tough it was to be young. But just like adults, children and adolescents can struggle with anxiety, depression, poorly managed stress, and other concerns that make day-to-day life challenging.
Sometimes, children and adolescents do not have the words to tell us they are struggling or the tools to cope effectively. Instead, we may notice changes in personality, acting out, challenges in school, or other difficult or destructive behaviors.
If your child is struggling personally or academically, we hope you will consider entrusting the knowledgeable professionals at Mind, Body, and Soul to provide the support and resources they need to thrive in the classroom, socially, and at home.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I a bad parent for putting my child in therapy?", you’re not alone. Our blog explores this common concern and why seeking support can be a loving, proactive step.
Why Would Children Need to Visit with a Therapist?
As children and adolescents develop, they are learning about the world, themselves, and their emotions. Like adults, they sometimes experience complicated feelings that need to be processed, and they need tools to build resilience and navigate life.
If your child or teen is having a tough time, therapy may be a good option. Specifically, our team of therapists often helps children and adolescents who struggle with:
Common mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and poor stress or anger management
Social functioning, including difficulty making friends, talking with others, or setting healthy boundaries
Behavioral concerns like poor academic performance, changes in sleep or diet, use of alcohol or drugs, and other risky or potentially dangerous activities
The loss of a loved one, including helping young children understand death and supporting older children who are struggling with grief and sadness
Difficult life transitions like a move to a new town or parental separation or divorce
Navigating relationships with peers, family members, or significant others
Will Therapy Really Help My Child?
For many young people, therapy can be an extremely helpful resource. It can guide them in developing skills to navigate current struggles, build greater self-awareness and empathy, and manage relationships and difficult situations in ways that benefit them throughout their lives.
From increasing resilience and coping skills to developing communication strategies and study techniques that improve concentration, therapy can support young people in many ways. One of the simplest and most meaningful benefits is that it gives children and adolescents a safe, comfortable space to talk about concerns they may feel embarrassed or scared to share elsewhere.
Is Play Therapy Really Beneficial? Isn’t it Just Playing?
Play therapy, as the name suggests, may look like your child is “just” coloring, playing a game, or having fun with dolls and other toys in our office. It is important to remember that, for a child, play is a safe and accessible way of engaging with their world.
Young children need a way to feel comfortable working with a therapist, and play therapy provides a structured, evidence-based approach that allows them to use the familiar communication and learning methods inherent in play to interact with their therapist. Additionally, play itself has healing properties that can help children work through difficult emotions and situations.
How do I Choose a Child Therapist?
In order to successfully achieve their counseling goals, your child or adolescent needs a clinician who can provide a safe, supportive environment where they feel confident sharing their thoughts and feelings.
It is not always easy to talk about some of the difficult subjects that arise during counseling sessions, and we intentionally create a space where children and adolescents can feel welcome and comfortable.
At Mind, Body, and Soul, our team of knowledgeable clinicians shares a commitment to helping people, while each bringing unique training and professional experience. We work with you to coordinate the best-fit therapist for your child.
To learn more, contact us at info@therapymindbodysoul.com or call 856-834-3709.
You can also use the link below to schedule a session today.
We look forward to connecting with you.