Children
Children come to therapy for a variety of reasons:
• difficulties with friendships
• conflict with siblings or parents
• anxiety, depression, defiance
• difficulties at school
• sleep problems
• trouble paying attention
• social cognitive challenges, or understanding the implied social rules of interacting
When a child behaves badly, it is often a sign that the child is under stress or feeling overwhelmed. It can help if adults understand that the behavior represents the child’s best effort at dealing with the problem. Together, we can work on finding out what the problem is. Then we can help the child move forward, helping them see the problem, recognize that their current solution isn’t working, find successful ways of solving the problem, and plan strategies to address problems in the future.
Some children need therapy that is less focused on talking. I can use guided play therapy (sand tray, art, and games) to help the child explore issues and work toward resolution. We may also have sessions with the parent focusing on their response and ways of supporting change in the child. Also, sessions with the both parent and child together may be suggested.