What is child therapy?
Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks Asheville.
How does child therapy work?
Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Asheville, NC have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Play therapy vs. child therapy
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
How to tell if my child needs counseling
It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.
What type of therapy is best for children?
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in Asheville, NC is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Is child therapy conducted in person or online?
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does child therapy last?
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
How much does child therapy cost?
At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.
Need more help deciding?
It can be difficult to watch a child struggle with a problem in their life. Even if we know something is wrong, children might have trouble discussing how they feel, and teens might not be willing to share their struggles with their parents. Thankfully, there’s an option to help children and teens effectively address their emotions and deal with their issues: child therapy.
Child therapists help children overcome a variety of mental health challenges from mental illness and emotional disorders to problems at school and dealing with trauma. Children often process their issues differently than adults so working with a professional who understands that distinction can prove significantly helpful.
Is your child or teen struggling with something in their life? Therapy can provide a way for them to cope with their issues and navigate future challenges. Consider setting up an appointment with a child therapist — call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Asheville, NC today to get started.
Can Child Therapy Help My Son or Daughter?
Many children, teens, and adolescents can benefit from talking to a child therapist or counselor. Here are some situations that are commonly addressed in child therapy:
- Mental illness or mental disorders
- Death in the family
- Divorce or parental separation
- Abuse or trauma
- Moving to a new school or new state
- Bullying
- Trouble building relationships
- Autism concerns
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Learning disabilities
- Body dysmorphia
It’s not always easy to tell when your child or teen might need to work with a therapist or counselor, even if they’re going through a difficult time. If you notice worrisome changes in their behavior or symptoms that are interfering with their life, consider consulting a child therapist to get an expert opinion. Our licensed therapists and counselors are standing by at Thriveworks in Asheville, NC.
Child Therapy Sessions: What To Expect
Child therapists are experts in understanding how children process and communicate their emotions and concerns. Plus, it can sometimes be difficult for children and adolescents to feel comfortable sharing their issues with their parents. That’s why our licensed professionals are here — they’re trained to facilitate meaningful conversations with children about their struggles without the tensions inherent in parental or familial relationships.
There are many therapy techniques that can be used to help your child. Here are a few of the most common:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a type of psychotherapy that helps to uncover and change negative patterns of behavior or thought.
- Play therapy: This type of therapy is especially useful for young children. Trained mental health professionals can use playtime to help children process and express their thoughts and feelings.
- Family therapy: Sometimes, therapy can involve the entire family. Family therapy focuses on family relationships and understanding the dynamics between individual family members. This is often a short-term form of therapy that can help children and their families deepen their connections, address their issues, and learn how to communicate more effectively.
Schedule a Child Therapy Appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Asheville, NC
If you think your child could benefit from working with a mental health professional, call our office today. Our licensed therapists and counselors are available to help your child work through their problems and build a brighter future.
We know that finding time for mental health care can be difficult. That’s why we provide many convenient appointment options for our clients. If in-person appointments are tough to schedule, your child can work with a mental health professional online, speaking to them through the phone or over a video chat. We also offer evening and weekend sessions so your child can schedule a session after school or during free time on the weekend.
These flexible scheduling options make it easy to get started. We accept most major health insurance plans and some new clients can even meet with a professional within just a week of scheduling. Call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Asheville, NC today to get started. We can’t wait to hear from you.
