Children's Therapists: Why They're Important and How to Find One
Mariella Arceo
Aug 01, 2022
Did you know that children need therapy too? It's not just for adults! Children go through a lot of changes during their development, and sometimes they need a little extra help to process these changes. That's where children's therapists come in. They can help children learn how to cope with difficult emotions, life changes and situations. If you're looking to understand what child therapists are and how to find one to ensure your child's mental health, this blog post is for you.
Therapy is a means for your child to be their best selves.
What does a child therapist do?
A child therapist is a licensed mental health professional who specializes in working with children. They provide therapy to children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Not only that, child therapists also assess and evaluate for mental illness, behavioral disorders and emotional and cognitive issues, and provide intervention and intervention programs to ensure the healthy development of your child.
Child therapists use play therapy, art therapy, and other creative techniques to help children express themselves and work through their issues. Other techniques may also include behavioral therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and occupational therapy, among others.
Why do children need therapy?
Children go through a lot of changes during their development, and sometimes they need a little extra help to process these changes. Your little one could be dealing with feelings, stress, anxiety, school problems, family problems, health problems, and other stressful situation that can be too much for you child to process. That's where children's therapists come in. They can help children learn how to cope with difficult emotions and situations as a child therapist is specially trained to understand the needs of your little one.
The emotional and cognitive processes of a child are different from adolescents and adults, hence the need for a professional that is trained to work with children.
How does therapy work?
Many children learn best through doing in therapy sessions. This entails collaborating with the entire family, drawing, playing, and talking with younger kids. Therapists can also provide activities and suggestions to help older children master their skills. They work through concerns and solve difficulties together.
Therapists provide encouragement and praise as children learn. They assist youngsters in believing in themselves and recognizing their talents. Therapy establishes positive thought patterns and good behavioral habits.
A therapist may either meet with the child and parent together or independently. It is dependent on the child's age. A therapist might also meet with a parent to provide pointers and advice on how to support their kid at home.
What's the difference between a child therapist and a child psychologist?
The terms therapist and psychologists are often used interchangeably, but the two terms are both used for two different professionals. While they both share the same goal for your child, both have different functions, hence the importance to understand the distinctions between the two to know which professional help to seek.Â
A psychologist is a person who has received specialized training in one or more forms of therapy and applies that knowledge to treat mental illnesses. The word "psychologist" is sometimes used interchangeably with "psychotherapist" in the context of mental health.
A child psychologist, for example, specializes in working with children. Child psychologists receive specialized training on how to administer tests that identify neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD and learning difficulties such as ADHD.
A therapist is a more general term for people who have undergone rigorous training and are often licensed, to give a variety of therapies and rehabilitation to clients. The aim of a therapist is for patients to be able to make decisions and express their feelings in order to solve difficulties. Therapists aid patients in making good decisions while also assisting them in receiving the appropriate levels of treatment and support.
How do I start therapy for my child?
If you're looking for a children's therapist, the best place to start is with your child's pediatrician. They can give you some referrals to local therapists who specialize in working with children. You can also ask friends or family members if they know of any good children's therapists in your area.Â
Once you have some names, you can look up each therapist online and read reviews from other parents. When you've found a few that look promising, give them a call and set up an initial consultation. This is a great opportunity to meet the therapist and see if they're a good fit for your child.
You can also ask your friends or family if they know of any good children's therapists in your area. Another option is to search online for children's therapists in your area. Once you've found a few options, you can call and ask about their qualifications and experience. You should also make sure that the therapist is licensed by the state in which they practice.
Does my child really need therapy services?
Parents are the first determinants of their children's mental state and should be the ones to decide whether their children need immediate help. Therapy is a means to help your child achieve a happy life and be their best selves and when your little one is at their best, this radiates unto the whole family. Don't be afraid to discuss your concerns with the therapist. Talk to your child therapist today to explore treatment options for your child as their health always comes first.Â
In these early stages of your child's life, the power to transform their life is in your hands.Â
