Child therapy? Really? My kid?

You love your kid. You want them to be healthy, happy, and well behaved. Lately your kid has been struggling to manage their emotions, participate in every day activities, get along with others, focus, stay on task, or simply follow the expectations and routines you have worked hard to establish. Some days you loose count of how many times they have lashed out physically or verbally. Other days you wonder if they even hear you because they are so shut down and withdrawn. You have tried everything you know to do as a parent and it just doesn’t feel like enough. You have doubts about how effective therapy might be with your child…… I mean I get it, they don’t really talk about their problems, but their behavior is communicating that they are in pain and need help.

Other people have suggested Child Therapy

These concerns didn’t just start, they have been lingering in your mind for awhile. The hardest part of all of this is that now other people have started to take notice and wonder what is going on. At times it is the sideways glances from strangers, the comments made by family about the latest meltdown because of a lack of discipline (ie: consequences or punishment), and arguments with your partner about what to do that land as subtle (and occasionally not so subtle) suggestions you look into child therapy. You have sat through more than one meeting at your child’s day care or school that leaves you feeling embarrassed and full of shame that your kid is too much to handle, while at the same time asking yourself “what am I supposed to do about it?” You have raised these concerns to your child’s pediatrician to mixed responses and in your gut you know you need to find someone who can help you get some understanding about what might be underneath all the challenging behaviors that just don’t seem to be responding to your efforts as a parent.

How child therapy can help your family move towards health, healing and happiness

Children who are struggling with big emotions and behaviors deserve therapy that is developmentally attuned to their needs. Play therapy is the primary intervention utilized by child therapists supporting children to become aware of them selves, emotions, relationships, perceived challenges, choices available to them, coping strategies, and potential solutions. We believe that children who are regulated, connected, feel safe, and know the expectations of them in a variety of settings behave well. We approach our work with children with wonder, curiosity, and playfulness. Children lead the way in the play room, showing us what is meaningful to them and working through challenges at a pace that is tolerable to them. It is through play that children wire and rewire the connections in their brain. This rewiring of the brain creates connection, calm and contentment (the truest form of happiness we can experience as humans). When beneficial I bring in directive activities to support the child that parents can replicate at home.

What parents can expect from child therapy

Every time you bring your child to a therapy session, we will check in briefly (5-10 minutes) so that you have an opportunity to communicate with me about your child’s success and any ongoing challenges. I get the opportunity to share with you where your child is at in the therapy process as well as how you can reinforce their progress in between sessions. Children need the adults in their lives to provide the felt safety, connection, and regulation required to meet expectations and behave well. If your child could do all that on their own, you wouldn’t be here seeking support.

Developing your capacity to provide felt safety, connection and regulation is something that takes a willingness to understand your child’s challenging behaviors in a new way, be patient with yourself, a whole lot of vulnerability and practice! I am here to support you in developing that capacity when we meet together for supplemental parent support sessions.

Take the next step towards child therapy

Schedule a 20 minute video consultation where we cover all the logistics (scheduling, fees, consent for treatment, approach) and determine if I am a good fit for your family. At the conclusion of our video chat, we will schedule an initial assessment/intake appointment. If for any reason it is not a good fit, I know lots of awesome child therapists and will provide you with referrals based on the information you share with me during this conversation.

During the initial assessment/intake appointment appointment, I will orient you to the child therapy process. You will share with me your current concerns and desired outcomes. We will develop a treatment plan together that includes the type of interventions I can offer, any additional recommendations, schedule your child’s ongoing therapy appointments (weekly to start) and your supplemental parent support sessions (every 4-6 weeks).

Contact us today. We help move your child and family from chaos to calm.