Finding the right therapist for your child
Are you wondering about how to find the right therapist for your child? This particular journey can be challenging. I have been working with children for over 20 years and have found that in order to connect and create rapport with children, a therapist needs to genuinely enjoy children. Children read our body language, especially our faces, and children can tell a lot about how adults feel by reading facial expressions. It’s important for a therapist to create a “safe” and friendly environment for the child so the child can feel that he/she can trust the therapist.
How is drawing and playing games useful when doing therapy with children?
In child therapy, drawing and playing games serve as invaluable tools for enabling children to express their emotions and thoughts in both verbal and non-verbal ways. Through play, children are often able to enact real-life situations and explore different scenarios that allow them to process their experiences and feelings more effectively. A skilled therapist can leverage these tools to assist the child in resolving conflicts, working through issues, and achieving positive outcomes. By providing a safe and supportive environment, the therapist can help the child develop valuable coping mechanisms and improve their emotional regulation skills. Ultimately, drawing and playing games facilitate the therapeutic process, allowing children to communicate and express themselves in ways that might be difficult to achieve through traditional talk therapy.
Why does my child’s therapist want to work with the child and not the family.
A child’s therapist may choose to work solely with the child to create a safe and secure environment that allows the child to express their thoughts and feelings freely without fear of judgment or retribution. Depending on the child’s age and the specific situation, parents may be invited to participate in sessions if it’s deemed beneficial to the child’s progress. Frequently, children harbor emotions that they may be hesitant to share with their parents, and this is where a therapist can be particularly helpful. For instance, children might feel that they cannot express anger at home, and this can lead to a host of negative emotions and issues. In therapy sessions, the therapist can provide a safe space where children can express their feelings through communication, drawing, or play, without fear of negative consequences. By providing this outlet, children can learn to express and regulate their emotions more effectively, leading to positive changes and growth.
Written by: Lynda Herrera LMFT
Schedule a Free 15 Minute Consultation to start your journey on finding the right Therapist for your child. Or call us on (818) 254-9736 to discuss your needs, questions and concerns.
