Types of Child Therapy
Types of Child Therapy
As a licensed family therapist, I have witnessed how impactful therapy can be for children and their families. I also know how overwhelming it can be learning about the different types of child therapy and figuring out which one may be right for your kiddo. That's why I'm here to break down some of the most common types of child therapy available, including types of therapy that may be best suited for child abuse or trauma and types of therapy for children with ADHD or other neurodivergence.
1. Play Therapy:
One of the most versatile and widely used forms of therapy for children is play therapy. Children often don’t tell us how they feel, they show us through behaviors and play. After all, play is a child’s first language and often how they communicate and connect with us. Through play, children can explore and make sense of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Play therapy can help children process trauma, develop coping skills, and improve their emotional regulation.
2. Trauma-Focused Therapy:
For children who have experienced abuse or other traumatic events, trauma-focused therapy offers specialized treatment to help them heal and recover. This type of therapy typically involves evidence-based techniques such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). By addressing the impact of trauma on a child's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, trauma-focused therapy helps children develop healthy coping mechanisms and rebuild a sense of safety and trust. These trauma-focused models can help to provide deeper healing for children and families, they do require for parents or caregivers to be able to be strongly involved in treatment and be a safe emotional space for their little ones to heal.
3. Family Systems Therapy:
Family Systems Therapy takes a holistic approach, viewing the family as a dynamic system with interconnected parts. This therapy explores how family dynamics, communication patterns, and relationships impact the child's behavior and well-being. By addressing underlying family issues and promoting healthy interactions, Family Systems Therapy fosters positive changes that benefit the entire family. We aim with family systems to not just focus on the behaviors of the child, but how those behaviors may be a product of their environment. This can be a main focus of treatment or something that is explored additionally when using other methods of managing behaviors and goals as well!
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on helping children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It's particularly beneficial for children with ADHD, as it teaches them practical strategies for managing impulsivity, improving focus, and reducing hyperactivity. CBT can also be adapted to address issues related to trauma and abuse by helping children challenge and reframe negative beliefs about themselves and the world around them.
5. Social Skills Training:
For children who struggle with social interactions and peer relationships, social skills training can be incredibly beneficial. This type of therapy focuses on teaching children essential social skills such as communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. I also like to refer to this as “emotional development” - we are not learning in school how to name and express our feelings or how to communicate assertively. This type of treatment can help bridge that gap for your kiddo. By practicing these skills in a supportive setting, children can gain confidence and improve their ability to navigate social situations effectively.
To sum it up, there are many types of therapy available to support children and families in overcoming challenges and achieving their full potential! Whether your child is struggling with issues related to abuse, ADHD, anxiety, depression or other concerns, there's a therapy approach out there that can help. If you’re interested in learning more about how these types of child therapy would best suit your kiddo or family, give us a call at 602-492-7359 for a free phone consultation.
