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 Sterling Heights.
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 Sterling Heights, MI 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 Sterling Heights, MI 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?
At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.
Need more help deciding?
We often think of childhood as a carefree time in life. In reality, however, childhood as well as adolescence are often challenging times for kids and teens. Try to remember what it was like all those years ago: when you were still learning essential life tools like communication techniques, stress management, and emotional regulation. These don’t come naturally to us; we must learn them instead. And sometimes, it proves difficult for kids and/or teens to navigate the challenges that arise as they grow through this crucial time in their lives.
“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”
–John F. Kennedy
Fortunately, there are professionals who specialize in helping young individuals through these difficult times. The main mission of a child therapist is to help kids and teens understand and better manage the challenges they face. They work to teach their young clients tools for living happier, healthier lives.
If your child or teenager appears to be struggle—or has outright told you they are struggling—consider scheduling an appointment with a child therapist at Thriveworks Sterling Heights in Macomb, MI. One of our Detroit child therapists can help kids and teens feel more confident, enjoy school, get treatment for a mental illness, better grieve the loss of a loved one, and more. They can make a meaningful difference in your child’s life. Call today to book an appointment.
Does My Child Need Therapy?
You might hesitate to schedule a child therapy session for your child because you aren’t sure they “need” it. But we suggest you think about it this way: decide whether or not you think your child might benefit from work working with a therapist. The truth is that many kids and teenagers can find value in working with a therapist, including those with signs of a mental illness (such as depression or anxiety) or those who are running into trouble in adjusting to a new town or school. Here’s a longer list to help you best understand how kids might benefit from talking to a professional:
- A kid who is afraid to go to school and their parents don’t know why
- A child who just lost a loved one and doesn’t know how to grieve properly
- A teen who is showing signs of a mental disorder
- A kid who is getting bullied at their new school
- A child who needs help developing social or communication skills
- A teen who just witnessed a traumatic event
This list could go on and on. It does not include every single kid or teenager who could find value in working with a therapist. So, if your child needs help managing any particular challenge, or if you have a hunch that they would benefit from meeting with one of our therapists, give Thriveworks Sterling Heights in Macomb County a call.
What Is Child Therapy Like?
Therapy is unfamiliar territory, which can make it scary. But how do you conquer your fear of the unknown? You explore it. Many people who decide to explore therapy are relieved that they did and only wish they gave in sooner. You don’t have to be afraid of therapy and neither does your child. Here are a few approaches to child therapy:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The goal of CBT is to help people understand and identify negative thoughts, of which contribute to harmful mental health problems like stress and anxiety. For example, a teen can create a lot of stress for him or herself by putting themselves down every time they don’t do as well on a test as they had hoped.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is often used to help kids learn emotional regulation. It is especially useful when it comes to children and teens who have trouble understanding and control their emotions, as well as those who aren’t equipped with the right tools to manage stress.
- Play Therapy: Play therapy is also effective for many kids in therapy. It utilizes play and art therapy techniques to help kids explain and work through personal issues, such as their parents divorcing or getting bullied at school.
Schedule a Session with a Detroit Child Therapist at Thriveworks Sterling Heights
Are you considering or looking into Detroit therapy for children? To schedule a child therapy appointment at Thriveworks Sterling Heights in Macomb, MI and near Rochester, give us a call at (586) 238-4265. Our therapists want to help your child to live a happier life. And they’re ready to start today if you are.
We offer flexible options for scheduling, including evening and weekend sessions. Additionally, we partner with many different insurances, to best ensure that you have access to the mental health services your child needs. Call today and a scheduling specialist will get you all set up.