ChristyShea – Shea Counseling ChristyShea – Shea Counseling

Child Therapy

Child therapy is a form of therapy that has been tailored for children. Parents may seek therapy for their children on the recommendation of a doctor, teacher or because they feel that their child would benefit from talking to someone. Every therapist has a unique approach to working with children and may integrate several therapeutic techniques to find one that works best for the child.

Therapy techniques I use are:

  • Play therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Positive behavioral intervention strategies
  • Guided imagery
  • Talk therapy (depending on the age)

Children in a wide variety of situations can benefit from psychotherapy. Behavioral issues can sometimes be a sign of underlying psychological problems. Children who are struggling in school may also be candidates for therapy.

Stressful events that may lead to therapy are:

  • Death of a parent
  • Family relocation
  • Divorce
  • A new step family
  • Bullying
  • Struggling socially

These can all be occasions where a short time in therapy can be very helpful to the child. It allows them a safe, neutral place to process the event.

Finding a good therapist for a child can be challenging. Things to keep in mind are:

  • Level of experience
  • Making sure your child feels comfortable with the therapist
  • Look at the therapist approach and ask questions
  • Ask for a trial appointment so that the child can meet with the therapist without the pressure of being committed to future appointments.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am happy to set up a free 15-minute consultation with you. This allows you to meet me, ask questions and ensure that I am a person whom you think your child would feel comfortable to work with.

Parent Consultation:
Parents may also seek out therapy on their own to deal with issues that arise as a child
develops. This process is often called, parent consultation. During a parent consultation session we will discuss current concerns, look at the different options available, develop a plan and create goals. I often meet with one or both parents to discuss their concerns. I consult on a variety of issues such as:

  • Anger management
  • Bulling
  • Social skills
  • Aggression
  • Difficult or un-manageable behaviors
  • Isolation
  • Sadness
  • Toileting
  • Sleeping

Please call me if you have further questions regarding parent consultation.