Therapy Approaches for Children

Child therapy programs support children and families in modifying behavior and encouraging positive change. Mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in childhood can lead to lasting difficulties if left unaddressed. However, early treatment with therapy can boost academic performance and help develop healthy social connections. Child therapy also helps lay a strong foundation for a smoother transition into adulthood.

An Overview of Child Therapy

Child therapy, sometimes known as child-centered therapy, is a branch of mental health care focused on helping children navigate emotional and behavioral challenges specific to their stage of development. This specialized form of therapy recognizes that experiences during childhood can have a lasting impact. Even the experiences adults might consider minor can affect a child’s personality, family relationships, and direction of their future.

A substantial portion of children would likely benefit from therapy, but only some can access it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children in the United States has a diagnosed mental, developmental, or behavioral disorder ^[1]. However, only 20% of children with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders get support from specialized mental health professionals ^[2]. 

The primary goal of child therapy is to encourage the development of mental health. Therapists aim for more than just managing a child’s symptoms: they work with the child to understand and address existing root causes of behavioral issues. Child therapy offers a haven for children to explore and make sense of their feelings.

Signs a Child Needs Therapy

A child showing one or more of these signs may benefit from working with a child therapist:

•  Sudden Changes in Behavior: If a child suddenly withdraws from family and friends, loses interest in activities they used to enjoy, or becomes highly aggressive or irritable, it may be time to consult a child therapist. These behavioral changes could be the result of anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or even attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Persistent Sadness or Anxiety: Children usually feel sad or anxious from time to time, but persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety may signal the need for professional help. Left untreated, persistent sadness or anxiety can negatively impact children in several areas. In some cases, it may lead to the development of unhealthy coping mechanisms.
• Difficulties at School: Learning disabilities, social difficulties, and stress can all lead to academic challenges for students. School is already a challenging environment, but if a child suddenly begins complaining frequently about school or seems to be struggling with declining grades, lack of concentration, or difficulty completing schoolwork, it may be time to consider therapy.
• Changes in Sleep or Eating Habits: Sudden changes like the development of sleep disturbances, excessive sleep or sleepiness, significant weight loss or weight gain, or changes in appetite may signal that a child would benefit from therapy. These changes may indicate mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or a sleep disorder.
• Social Withdrawal or Difficulty with Relationships: Social connections are essential for a child’s emotional well-being. If a child exhibits a lack of interest in social activities or problems maintaining friendships, therapy may be beneficial.

How to Find Therapy for a Child 

Therapy is most effective when it targets the specific needs of the child and family unit. When contacting mental health professionals to seek therapy for a child, parents or caregivers should be prepared to briefly explain concerning signs and symptoms noticed and areas they hope to address.

Families may seek referrals for mental health professionals through several different avenues. These can include the child’s health insurance company, which can provide a list of in-network providers, as well as the child’s school or primary care provider. Families can also rely on word-of-mouth referrals, asking trusted relatives or friends for advice on local providers in the area.

Types of Child Therapy

There are several types of child therapy, each designed to address the unique needs and circumstances of childhood. They include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Children: CBT is a goal-oriented method to help children recognize and reshape negative thought patterns that contribute to unhealthy emotions or behaviors. This widely practiced therapy equips children with practical coping tools to face various life challenges. Whether it’s managing anxiety and depression or navigating grief, CBT offers strategies that support emotional resilience. 
• Play Therapy: This form of therapy is effective with younger children who may lack the verbal skills to convey their own emotions. Play therapy is a healing tool that uses the child’s natural form of expression (play) as a therapeutic way to communicate feelings, explore relationships, and describe experiences.
• Family Therapy: By involving the entire family unit, family therapy recognizes that the child’s issues did not develop, nor do they exist, in a vacuum. In fact, childhood mental health issues are often directly related to family dynamics. Family therapy involves sessions with the child and one or more family members, such as parents or siblings. 
• Child-Centered Therapy: This form of therapy places the child at the center of the therapeutic process. The child therapist aims to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where the child is free to express their feelings without fear of criticism or rejection. This therapeutic process helps to build the child’s self-esteem and encourage expression of emotions.

The Benefits of Therapy for Children of Different Ages

Therapy for children is provided in various forms based on their age and specific mental health requirements ^[3]. Childhood therapy is tailored to the child’s current developmental stage and is designed to be engaging.

When broken down by age range, tailored therapies include:

• Preschoolers (ages 3-5): At this stage, play therapy is often the chosen approach, as it allows children to express feelings and emotions through play, one of their natural forms of communication.
• School-age children (ages 6-12): Cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy are common approaches for this age group. Additionally, child therapists can address specific concerns such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues.
• Adolescents (ages 13-18): Besides cognitive behavioral therapy, adolescents often benefit from other therapeutic approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or group therapy. These therapies can help teens navigate the ups and downs of adolescence, develop healthy feelings of self-identity, and build strong relationships with peers.

Regardless of a child’s age, the benefits of therapy can be enormous. Early intervention can prevent the escalation of issues and provide the tools and support needed for a child to navigate life’s challenges ^[4].

How to Talk About Therapy with a Child

Talking to a child about beginning therapy takes both patience and sensitivity ^[5]. Using the right approach can help ease the conversation for both the child and the adult, laying the groundwork for a safe, supportive space for them in therapy. These are ideas to keep in mind to help support a child in therapy:

• Be Honest and Normalize Therapy: Children, like adults, appreciate honesty. This is especially true when facing something unfamiliar like therapy. Since the process can feel vulnerable, emphasize that nothing is wrong about going to therapy and that it’s similar to other important health practices, such as going to the doctor ^[5].
• Offer Support: Prepare a child by confirming that therapy only works if they agree to participate and feel like their therapist is a good fit. Advise them that therapy is a process, so it may take time to build good coping skills and develop healthy habits to feel better.
• Practice Active Listening: When talking to a child about starting therapy, be open and honest while listening to their feelings and answering their questions. However, don’t overanalyze or try to “fix” what they may share about therapy. Instead, focus more on listening and supporting the child ^[5]. 

Essential Support for a Bright Future

All children need help to develop into healthy adults. In some cases, it may be necessary to work with a child therapist who can assist children and their family members with building healthy habits and setting kids up for stronger relationships as they grow. Addressing childhood issues early and providing a safe space for children to express themselves helps to improve emotional regulation and develop key social and psychological skills. 

Therapy offers essential support for children experiencing emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. With the patience and support of specialized therapists, children feel empowered with the skills, knowledge, and tools that can pave the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.