Children Services

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Therapists may use a variety of techniques and methods to help children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties with their emotions or behavior. Although there are different types of psychotherapy, each relies on communications as the basic tool for bringing about change in a person's feelings and behaviors. Your Therapist will choose the modality of treatment that best fits the individual’s needs, strengths and interest.  

 We use Play / Activities as a medium whereby the child’s natural means of expression namely play, is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her in coping with emotional stress or trauma. It has been used effectively with children who are; distraught due to family problems (e.g. parental divorce, sibling rivalry) nail biters, bed wetter, aggressive behavior or social underdeveloped, or victims of child abuse. It has also been used with special education students whose disability is a source of anxiety or emotional turmoil.

The use of  Play / Activities  is utilized in place of talk therapy. Play is the way kids communicate. Kids are made to feel comfortable and play / activities are utilized to connect with them on several levels: 1) to understand their thoughts and feelings, 2) to communicate with them, and 3) to support them in developing the skills and gain insight they need. Using Play / Activities provides the tools (toys and games) and creates a safe atmosphere, to allow children use their imaginations to express themselves, work on their problems, "try on" different solutions, learn more effective coping methods, and gain insight about own feelings. 

Art is another medium used in sessions, and is based on strengths and interests as well as concerns. Conducted through art-making and verbal expressions, art is seen as a language, bringing insight to beliefs and behaviors, while empowering children and adolescents beyond therapeutic sessions. Art can also help children and adolescents achieve better self-awareness, relief from stress or anxiety, learning disorders, autism, and other traumatic experiences.

Behavior Management - Many behavior problems can be prevented or corrected using effective behavior-management strategies. Techniques for managing behavior of children or adolescent include prevention and intervention. Prevention strategies focus on stopping the behavior before it gets started, which may include: creating a structured environment; monitoring behavior, and building a trusting relationship to provide predictability and stability on the child and adolescent’s life. Intervention techniques focus on stopping the behavior after it gets started, which may include: social skills training; modeling, practicing, and reinforcing acceptable performance skills; anger management training; social problem-solving skills, and relaxation techniques.

Children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder may also benefit from behavior management as they have executive dysfunctions and may present with hyperactivity, inattentiveness, trouble remembering things, oppositional behaviors, poor self-control, or poor organization and planning abilities. These problem areas require specific behavioral interventions to help the children and adolescent learn the skills to cope with them. Behavior Management strategies are often implemented in collaboration with teachers, coaches, family members, and other who are involved in the child’s or adolescent life. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT helps children and adolescents recognize their thought patterns and identify where and when those patterns help and where they hurt. Using problem solving strategies and skill building techniques the child/ adolescent, parent, and therapist work together to change dysfunctional thoughts and replace them with more proactive thoughts and behaviors.

Family Therapy helps children and adolescents in a variety of ways. In a group session, family members (or other significant figures in the child’s/ adolescent’s life) learn to communicate in more effective ways, receive emotional support, understand feelings, and find new solutions to situations/ problems. This may include different therapeutic approaches (e.g., playing, drawing, role play, and talking).  

Customized Integrated Treatment Planning  - Parents are provided with support and constructed ideas that can strengthen their effectiveness, enhance bonding, and restore their sense of hope in their families. Parents are an important part of the process when their child or adolescent is in therapy. Parent education and support is offered part of the child or adolescent treatment plan. School and Professional Collaboration in treatment is highly recommended when the child is having difficulties in school.