Therapy for Children

‍“Should I take my child to therapy?”

It’s a question often asked in moments of frustration, overwhelm, and uncertainty. And, it’s a courageous one. Children come to therapy for many reasons: anxiety, depression, learning challenges, behavioral concerns, or emotional struggles. Some may have a diagnoses such as autism or ADHD, or have been identified as gifted. And some children are twice-exceptional. All children bring unique strengths and needs, as do their caregivers.

How to tell my child they will be going to therapy

“Why am I going to therapy?”

The answer I recommend comes from Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S. Lisa is a very perceptive, caring and collaborative therapist who genuinely values children and views challenges as opportunities for growth. She suggests a message along these lines: "I know you have been having a hard time, we've been having a hard time. You deserve to have your special place where you get to play or talk or whatever it is that you need to do so you feel the best that you can feel. You really deserve this. I want this for you." 

Why Play Therapy

“Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self expression ... It is an opportunity which is given to the child to ‘play out’ his feelings and problems, similar to certain types of adult therapy where an individual ‘talks out’ his difficulties.”  Virginia Axline

To help explain further, Meet Andrew.