Child & Adolescent Therapy

Therapy may help children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties with their emotions or behavior. Although there are different types of therapy, each relies on communication as the basic tool for bringing about change in feelings and behaviors. Therapy may involve an individual child, or a family. In children and adolescents, playing, drawing, building, and pretending, as well as talking, are important ways of sharing feelings and resolving problems.

As part of the initial assessment, the therapist or psychologist will determine the need for therapy. This will be based on several factors including, the child’s current problems, history, level of development, ability to cooperate with treatment, and what interventions are most likely to help with the presenting concerns.

Therapy is often used in combination with other treatments (e.g., medication, behavior management, or work with the school). The relationship that develops between the therapist and the child is very important. The child or adolescent must feel comfortable, safe, and understood. This type of trusting environment makes it much easier for the child to express his/her thoughts and feelings and to use therapy in a helpful way.