What is child therapy?
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 New Haven.
How does child therapy work?
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 New Haven, CT have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Play therapy vs. child therapy
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
How to tell if my child needs counseling
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.
What type of therapy is best for children?
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in New Haven, CT is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Is child therapy conducted in person or online?
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does child therapy last?
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
How much does child therapy cost?
For talk therapy, intake sessions range from $160 to $240, and follow-ups range from $135 to $195, depending on your state. For psychiatry, intake sessions range from $255 to $375, and follow-ups range from $175 to $300, depending on your state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Need more help deciding?
Child Therapy in New Haven, CT—Child Therapists, Counselors
Parents and caregivers don’t always know why their children are behaving a certain way. While you don’t want to make a big deal out of something that you don’t need to worry about, you also don’t want to wait and let something fester to the point that it leaves long-lasting, negative effects on your child’s mental wellbeing. It is better to get a second opinion and help from a licensed child therapist when you’re unsure than to leave it alone.
If your child is experiencing emotional distress, is acting differently than normal without explanation, is witnessing a divorce, or any other big life event, consider setting them up with a licensed psychologist. The child therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT have extensive experience and education in a multitude of areas surrounding children’s wants, needs, and goals. Reach out today.
What Type of Concerns Can You Help My Child With?
We understand that every child has unique experiences and concerns. We want to help them, and you, work through these stressors. Here is just a small list of issues that we can provide guidance and support for:
- Grief
- Anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses
- Lying
- Aggression
- ADHD
- Learning disabilities
- Bullying
- School concerns
- Behavior problems
- Autism concerns
- Divorce
- Change in eating habits
- Cries often
- Avoids social events
Don’t see something on the list that explains what your child is going through? No worries. These are just a few of the ways we can help your child or teen. Our goal is to provide them with the tools they need to tackle these issues and face future challenges head-on and confidently.
How Does Counseling Work for Children and Teens?
Child therapy is similar to regular therapy for adults. During the beginning sessions, your teen or child will discuss their feelings, emotions, concerns, and goals. There are so many different methods and techniques for child therapy. When your kid’s therapist sees that one method isn’t working, they move on to the next. Some of the methods they may try are:
- Play therapy
- Narrative therapy
- Anger management tips
- Art therapy
- Traditional talk therapy
- Coping mechanisms
This list could go on. A licensed child therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT will try whatever they need to break through their barriers. Sometimes the best course of treatment is working with the child, parents, or entire family. This helps the whole family unit understand what is going on and how to better communicate with each other. We offer flexible options and can arrange whatever you and your child feel is best.
Ready to Get Started? Schedule Child Therapy at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT
If you feel like your child could greatly benefit from our help, schedule an appointment with us. You can do so by visiting our online booking portal or by calling (203) 586-4264. We have online and in-person sessions available as well as a wide range of scheduling times. We understand how hectic life can be, so we are available at convenient times for you.
You do not have to go through this alone. Let’s face these challenges together so we can help you thrive.