Exploring Counseling Sessions For Parents
How Children Can Benefit From Therapy In A Comfortable Setting
Rebecca Pena
Children's therapy is not the same as adult-focused therapy. Children are generally not comfortable sitting with an adult and talking directly about the issues going on in their lives. For many children, therapy is a combination of playing games with the therapist, art, and other expressive therapies. A child's therapist will get the child to talk about their thoughts and feelings in a way that isn't threatening to the child. It can involve showing instead of telling, as in making drawings or paintings instead of talking. Children can work through issues that are bothering them and get the support they need in children's therapy, even if they aren't sure what is going on in the therapy session.
Expressive Arts and Children's Therapy
Children often have an easier time drawing or painting a picture of what is going on in their internal life. When asked a question about a specific incident, a child probably won't be able to articulate clearly what happened. When they are asked to draw a picture, they are more likely to express what happened. For example, a child might not be able to tell you that they miss a relative who has just passed away. This same child might draw a picture of the relative instead that shows sadness and longing. Children need outlets for their emotions, and children's therapy makes it possible.
Bringing Your Child to Therapy
If you are interested in getting your child into children's therapy for any reason, you can talk to the therapist ahead of time to express your concerns. You and your child may meet the therapist at the same time, or you may have time to share your concerns ahead of time. Your child does not have to know the specific reasons why you want to bring them to therapy, especially if they are young and don't really understand.
Working Through Emotional Problems
When your child is showing signs of anxiety or depression after an incident, it's important to allow your child the space they need to work through the emotional impact. Your child can work with a children's therapist to address specific feelings, or to work through an event that has occurred in their life. With the help of a therapist, your child can get the support they need to feel their emotions and work through struggles. Children benefit from therapy much like adults, but the way therapy is done is less direct.
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Hey everyone, my name is Lori Grffin. When my son was born, I was completely unprepared for the difficulties of raising a sensory deprived child. The stress of trying to parent a difficult child definitely takes its toll. Eventually, I had a nervous breakdown and ended up enrolling in individual counseling sessions. The counseling appointments helped me work through the emotions generated while coping with fits and meltdowns from my son. I emerged from each session better prepared to provide my son with the support he needed. I also learned how to pay attention to how I was feeling during the process. I created this site because I want to share the benefits parents receive from going to counseling sessions. Thank you.