Topics Discussed

• What is Child Therapy and Counseling?
• How Does Child Therapy Work?
• Are You Worried About Your Child's Emotional and Behavioral Responses?
• When is Anxiety a Problem in a Child?
• Is My Child's Behavior Normal?
• Is My Child Emotional Development Normal?
• How Do I Tell My Child About Therapy?

What Is Child Therapy and Counseling?

Child therapy and counseling is a specialized form of mental health support designed to help children understand, express, and manage their emotions and behaviors. Therapists use developmentally appropriate methods—like play therapy, art, crafts, or games—to create a safe, welcoming environment where children can openly explore their feelings and experiences.

Key Benefits:

• Emotional Support: Children learn healthy ways to identify and regulate difficult feelings such as fear, sadness, or anger.
• Skill-Building: Through techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), children gain problem-solving skills, emotion regulation strategies, and confidence in social settings.
• Family Collaboration: Parents and caregivers are a crucial part of the process. By learning techniques to support children at home, families can reinforce the progress made in therapy.

How Does Child Therapy Work?

Child therapy usually involves an initial assessment phase in which the therapist meets with the child (and often the parents) to understand the child’s challenges and developmental stage. From there, a tailored treatment plan is created, which might include:

• Play Therapy: Engaging the child in play to build trust and observe emotional and behavioral patterns in a non-threatening setting.
• Creative Approaches: Using art, crafts, sand tray, or storytelling to help children express what they may struggle to put into words.
• Skills Training: Teaching coping strategies, social skills, emotion regulation, and other tools children can practice at home, in school, and with friends.
• Family Involvement: Regular check-ins with parents or guardians to review progress, share insights, and suggest ways to support the child’s growth at home.

Are You Worried About Your Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Responses?

Many parents feel frustrated or helpless when a child’s “big emotions” lead to frequent tantrums, conflicts at home, or difficulties in school. Sometimes these outbursts stem from an underlying issue like anxiety, ADHD, autism, or social stressors—other times they may be part of normal development but still require better coping strategies.

How Therapy Helps:

• Identifies any deeper triggers or mental health concerns.
• Teaches self-soothing and communication skills so that emotional outbursts can be managed more effectively.
• Provides parents with strategies to respond to big emotions in constructive ways, reducing stress for the entire family.

When Is Anxiety a Problem in Children?

It’s natural for children to experience some anxiety—especially in new or challenging situations. However, anxiety becomes problematic when it interferes with daily life: avoiding social events, struggling to focus in school, refusing to participate in previously enjoyed activities, or experiencing physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches without a medical cause.

Signs Your Child May Need Support:

• Excessive worry or fear that does not match the situation.
• Persistent sleep or appetite disturbances due to worry.
• Frequent physical complaints (like headaches or nausea) with no medical explanation.
• Refusal to attend school or activities they once enjoyed.

Therapy can help anxious children recognize and reframe worried thoughts, develop relaxation techniques, and face their fears with confidence.

Is My Child’s Behavior “Normal”?

Parents often wonder if their child’s defiance, lying, or emotional outbursts are typical for their age. In truth, children go through various developmental stages where experimenting with boundaries is normal. However, some behaviors may signal a more significant concern.

Things to Consider:

• Age Appropriateness: Lying or testing limits can be typical in certain stages, but frequency and intensity matter.
• Impact on Daily Life: If your child’s behaviors significantly disrupt home life, school performance, or social relationships, therapy might help.
• Duration: A short, stressful phase may pass on its own. Persistent or escalating behaviors often indicate a deeper need for support.

A child therapist can help determine whether your child’s behaviors fit within the typical range for their developmental stage—and offer strategies if they don’t.

Is My Child’s Emotional Development Normal?

All children grow and change in their emotional lives as they mature. Periods of irritability, mood swings, or emotional ups and downs can be typical. But when a child struggles to cope or seems consistently overwhelmed, it may be time to seek professional help.

Indicators of Potential Concern:

• Extreme mood fluctuations that last for weeks or months.
• Inability to bounce back from sadness, frustration, or anger.
• Excessive withdrawal or social isolation.
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.

A mental health professional trained in pediatric populations can distinguish normal developmental changes from signs of an underlying emotional or behavioral issue.

How Do I Tell My Child About Therapy?

Approaching the topic of therapy can feel daunting. Children might worry they’ve done something wrong or fear therapy involves uncomfortable tests. Reassuring them is key.

Suggestions for an Open Conversation:

1. Keep It Simple: Explain that therapy is a safe space where they can talk, play, and figure out ways to feel better.
2. Offer Reassurance: Emphasize that nothing is “wrong” with them and that therapy is just an opportunity to learn new skills.
3. Be Honest: If they ask questions you can’t answer, let them know you’ll find out together by talking to the therapist.
4. Highlight Their Choice: Let them know that they can share whatever they want and the therapist’s job is to help, not judge.
5. Set Expectations: They might draw, play games, or talk about their day; all of this helps the therapist understand how they feel.

How We Can Help

At Eden Behavioral Health, we specialize in child therapy and evidence-based interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and mindfulness-based approaches. Our compassionate team works closely with children and families to:

• Identify Challenges and Strengths: Through initial assessments and ongoing observations, we pinpoint factors for emotional distress or disruptive behaviors.
• Provide Targeted Interventions: Techniques like parent training, behavioral strategies, emotional regulation, and play therapy help children relax, learn healthy coping strategies, and improve emotional development.
• Partner With Caregivers: We keep parents involved every step of the way, offering regular updates, guidance, and resources to support each child’s progress at home.
• Reinforce Positive Behaviors: Building on a child’s interests and strengths, we teach practical skills that can be used in school, social settings, and within the family.

Taking the Next Step

If you sense your child is struggling—whether with anxiety, emotional regulation, autism or ADHD symptoms, social challenges, or major life changes—know that professional help is available. Early intervention can make a tremendous difference in a child’s ability to thrive now and into adulthood.