Child Psychologist
✓ Therapy for children going through a difficult time
e.g. divorce, loss of a family member, bullying
✓ Assessments
e.g. ADHD, ASD
✓ Parent Support
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Meet Our Child Psychologists
Anna
Clinical Psychologist
Alana
Psychologist
Rosien
Clinical Psychologist
What Therapy for Children Looks Like: Ages 0 to 12
Therapy for children, especially those between the ages of 0 to 12, can look quite different from therapy for adults. At these ages, children are still developing emotionally, mentally, and socially, so therapy is tailored to meet them at their level of understanding. The primary goal is to help them express their feelings, learn coping mechanisms, and improve behaviour in ways that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Below, we’ll explore what therapy for children looks like and the common types used in this age group.
Why Do Children Need Therapy?
Children may need therapy for a variety of reasons, including:
- Emotional or behavioural difficulties
- Family changes like divorce or moving homes
- Dealing with trauma or loss
- School-related stress, such as bullying
- Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD
- Social or developmental issues
Even very young children can experience stress or emotional challenges, and early intervention can make a significant difference in how they manage these feelings and experiences throughout life.
Types of Therapy for Children
- Play Therapy
Play therapy is one of the most common forms of therapy for younger children. Through play, children express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a safe and structured environment. A therapist might use toys, dolls, art supplies, or sand trays to help children communicate in ways that are more natural to them than talking.
- What it looks like: During play therapy, the child will engage in play activities while the therapist observes or participates. The child might act out scenarios that reveal their inner world, and the therapist can help guide the child to understand and process their emotions.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT for children is adapted to help them understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It’s often used for children experiencing anxiety, depression, or behavioural problems.
- What it looks like: A therapist might use games, visual aids, or storytelling to explain how thoughts influence feelings and behaviour. For example, a child may learn to reframe negative thoughts (“I can’t do it”) into more positive ones (“I’ll try my best”), and this process helps improve emotional regulation.
- Family Therapy
Sometimes, a child’s challenges are best addressed in the context of family therapy. This type of therapy involves the whole family or key family members, helping improve communication, resolve conflicts, and develop supportive environments for the child.
- What it looks like: The therapist may facilitate discussions between family members, helping everyone understand how their actions affect one another. The goal is to strengthen relationships and create a supportive environment for the child’s development.
- Art Therapy
Art therapy allows children to express emotions through drawing, painting, or other creative activities. This can be especially helpful for children who find it difficult to express their feelings verbally.
- What it looks like: A child might be asked to draw a picture of how they feel or create something that represents a specific experience. The therapist will then discuss the artwork with the child, helping them process their emotions in a non-threatening way.
- Behavioural Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on changing specific problem behaviours through rewards and consequences. It’s often used for children with ADHD, conduct disorders, or other behavioural issues.
- What it looks like: The therapist works with the child and their caregivers to identify problematic behaviours and develop strategies to reduce or eliminate them. Positive reinforcement (like praise or rewards) is often used to encourage desired behaviours.
- Developmental Therapy
For younger children, especially those with developmental delays or autism, therapy may focus on helping them reach key milestones in communication, social skills, and behaviour.
- What it looks like: Therapists might use structured activities, routines, or exercises to help children build skills in areas like speech, motor skills, or interacting with others. This might be done one-on-one or in group settings with other children.
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
This specialised form of CBT is designed for children who have experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. It combines traditional CBT techniques with trauma-sensitive practices to help children process their experiences in a safe environment.
- What it looks like: TF-CBT involves educating the child about trauma, helping them process the traumatic event, and developing coping strategies. It may also involve their caregivers to ensure they can provide the appropriate support at home.
What to Expect During Child Therapy
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A Safe, Child-Friendly Environment: Therapy for children is designed to feel safe and comfortable. A child-friendly room with toys, art supplies, or play equipment is typical to encourage interaction and engagement.
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Parent or Caregiver Involvement: In many cases, parents or caregivers are involved in the therapy process, especially with younger children. They may meet with the therapist separately or join sessions to learn how to best support the child at home.
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Consistency and Routine: Children respond well to routine, so therapy sessions are often structured in a predictable way. Sessions typically last between 30 to 60 minutes and occur regularly over several weeks or months.
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Age-Appropriate Communication: Therapists use language and methods that match the child’s developmental level. For example, younger children might express themselves through play or drawings, while older children might engage in more conversation-based therapy.
Benefits of Therapy for Children
Therapy provides children with a safe space to express their feelings and learn new skills for coping with challenges. It helps them:
- Understand and manage their emotions
- Build better communication and social skills
- Learn strategies to handle difficult situations
- Feel more confident and resilient
Early intervention can lead to better outcomes for children facing emotional or behavioural difficulties. It’s important to remember that every child is different, and therapy will be tailored to meet their unique needs.
In summary, therapy for children ages 0 to 12 focuses on helping them express their feelings and learn healthy ways to cope with challenges. Whether through play therapy, CBT, or family therapy, there are many ways children can benefit from therapeutic support as they grow and develop.