Child Therapy
Inside every child there is a story that needs to be told
When should you consider child therapy?
As a parent, we want the best for our child, so when we see them struggle emotionally or behaviorally, we try to support them as best as we can, hoping they will grow out of it. We may even enlist the help of family, their teachers, or other trusted adults. But if their problems continue to persist or get worse, it may be time to consider a professional. You and your child don’t need to go it alone. A child therapist can provide your child with a safe and supportive space to explore their thoughts and feelings, make sense of their experiences, and build the confidence and skills they need to deal with their problems.
• Bullying or self-esteem issues
• Aggressive behavior or other forms of misbehavior
• Problems adjusting to divorce or other changes in the family
• Problems adjusting to a move
• Witnessing or experiencing family conflict
• Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD
• Academic or social problems at school
• Grief or loss of a loved one, pet, home, etc.
• Witnessing or experiencing trauma or abuse
• Living with family substance abuse or poverty
​Some of the common struggles you may bring your child in for therapy include:
Often times, it may be confusing to figure out whether your child is struggling with any of the issues listed above. Unlike adults, they may not be forthright in sharing what they’re going through, or they may not even have the capacity to let you know. The problems children have, especially young ones, will often show up in their behavior.
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Here are some common signs that you can look out for in your child to see if you need to seek out a child therapist:
Sudden withdrawal from family or friends
Loss of interest in the things they used to enjoy
Increased frustration or aggression
Frequent and persistent crying
Excessive and persistent worry or fear
Avoidance of certain activities, situations, or places
Declining academic performance
Changes in sleep patterns
Significant weight loss or gain
Difficulties in relating to peers
Discover how child therapy works
Just how mental health challenges may look different in children as they do in adults, children may work through their struggles differently as well.
In child therapy, we take into account your child’s developmental stage and preferences in order to tailor sessions that are appropriate to their age and issues. For younger children, they work through their issues best through their play, or may choose to work with their parent in session. With older children, they are able to talk through their thoughts and feelings, engage in activities, and learn new skills.
Regardless of their age, child therapy is a safe space where your child can receive the support and tools they need in meeting their mental health challenges. ​
Play therapy is a form of counselling that uses play as a way for your child to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, in order to work through their issues.
Although useful for all ages, it is especially beneficial for young children who may not have the words to explain what they are going through or children who may not feel comfortable explicitly talking about their issues.
A play therapist would observe patterns in your child’s play and help your child work through their issues and build the confidence and skills to cope with and overcome their challenges.
Discover play therapy
Benefits of child therapy
A parent who brings their child to therapy can look forward to their child benefiting from a wide range of positive emotional, behavioral, and social changes. Your child may experience:​​
Improved emotion regulation and resilience
Better coping skills in navigating stress
Improved self-esteem and self-confidence
Improved ability in expressing thoughts and feelings
Reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges
Reduction in aggression, defiance, and other forms of misbehavior
Improved academic performance and problem-solving skills
Enhanced social skills such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution
Healthier adjustment to major family changes such as divorce, new members or relocation
Healing from traumatic experiences such as abuse or disaster
What to expect from child therapy
Dropping off your child with a therapist for the first time can be a daunting experience. That is why I meet first with you alone to learn more about your child and their issues. During this first intake session, you would also have the chance to ask me questions and get to know me. A typical second session would involve your child joining you, and depending on their age and comfort level, would meet with me alone at their own pace, to build trust and get to know each other.
When first talking to your child about therapy, it is important to have an open and honest discussion with them about it. Tricking or forcing them into therapy does not build trust. Instead, getting them to talk about their feelings and problems ahead of time can get them accustomed to talking about it during therapy. You can also assure them that going to therapy does not mean there is something wrong with them, but is a place where they can share about their thoughts and feelings in a safe place, and learn new skills to help them with their problems. As you bring them to therapy, you may also be called to join in to work with your child, or have periodic sessions alone with me to discuss the general progress, address concerns, and learn how to reinforce at home what your child is learning in therapy.
At my office, I typically work with ages 4-12. Younger children typically start with 15-30 minute weekly sessions and build up, while the older ones tend to last the full 50 minutes. With children, especially young ones, they express themselves best through play; they may engage in drawing, art, sandplay, make-believe, or other forms of play to make sense of their issues. I may engage them in certain activities or games to help them gain new understanding or learn new skills. Still, others may be comfortable simply talking about their issues and learning how to best solve their problems.
Whatever your child is comfortable with, I am here to help you and your child meet your goals in improving your child’s mental well-being.
How I can help
If you’re looking for a trusted and competent child therapist, you’re in good hands. Since 2014, I have been working with children ages 4-12 through non-profit agencies and government contract work. I have supported both children and their families affected by abuse, divorce, MCFD-involvement, addiction, and poverty. Through various counselling programs at Family Services of Greater Vancouver and DIVERSEcity, I have provided child therapy, and specifically play therapy, in the office. I have also provided intensive outreach counselling to children and their families through the government-funded program Project Parent, where I have met with children in their homes and out in the community.
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As far as credentials, I have an Expressive Play Therapy Certificate, and have training in Sandplay Therapy, children dealing with grief and trauma, and anxiety & depression in children. I believe children thrive when they feel seen, connected, capable, and encouraged. When I work with them, I make sure they feel welcomed and respected as individuals, regardless of their age, and I work with them to help them through their problems. As a Certified Parent Facilitator, I can also support you in your own parenting and how you can reinforce what your child learns in therapy in the home, school and community.
Are you ready to start child therapy?
If you have any questions or would like to explore what it would be like for your child to engage in play therapy, feel free to connect with me by contacting me or booking a free consultation now.​ I would love to journey with you!
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I look forward to talking to you!
David
