Children's Therapy
Children's therapy involves children expressing feelings through activities, while therapists observe parents and children, providing suggestions for different reactions.
Childhood should be a time of healthy growth and happiness, coiled up with lots of laughter and excitement, and spending time with the friends and family they love; However, for some children, life has been ridden with difficulties, and even trauma, leaving little or no time to participate in activities that children love. Although most children are resilient and can overcome even some of the most difficult circumstances, happy and healthy development can be hindered by one or more of life’s circumstances and/or events. Left untreated, these experiences can predispose a child to lifelong anxiety and depression.
Some of the challenges that many children experience include, but are not limited to:
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Peer conflict
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Bullying (either as a victim of or perpetrator)
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Parental divorce
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Unhappy custody arrangements
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Parental remarriage (some involving step and half-siblings)
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Death of a parent or close family member
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Experiencing a traumatic event
The good news is that with early intervention through psychotherapy, most children can learn the skills to overcome the obstacles they have, or are enduring, and can move forward to live a happier, healthier life.
Unlike adults who can use words to describe their experiences and emotions, children lack the ability to express their emotions and feelings in words. They communicate through the language of play which allows them the emotional release using few words or no words at all. Research has shown that children who have experienced a traumatic event can process their emotions and thoughts associated with the event(s), through therapeutic techniques such as sand trays and play therapy.
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Sand tray therapy utilizes miniatures of all types, representing different aspects of life, together with a box filled with sand, where children (and adults) can explore underlying feelings and experiences that may be contributing to their distress.
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Play therapy is a type of therapy where a therapist uses play, toys, and games to help the child explore, express, and safely experience the difficulties they are working through. Using play, the therapist uncovers insights otherwise unable to be heard and recognized through normal dialogue.
And as always, at your request, we will incorporate Biblical and spiritual principles into any therapy service.
Whatever your child is experiencing, Christian Counseling Professionals can help!
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14