These children are grappling with psychological issues. Can child therapy help?
Unresolved problems or disorders can impede a child’s development or trigger emotional states that cause trauma for the child, the parents, and the family. The effects may be long lasting.
Child experts agree that significant childhood problems—including poor bonding with parents—shape future adult work and social relationships if not treated. “Children who do not get the attention they need in the early developmental years may have a limited capacity for intimate attachments, or an inability to commit or empathize as adults,” notes Dr. Ana Badini, a psychotherapist who has treated adults and children for over 18 years.
Therapy can help children resolve current problems, as well as provide tools to cope with life challenges later on.
As a parent, you are likely to be the first to recognize changes in your child’s behavior. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, there are warning signs that indicate that your child is having difficulty and may benefit from a psychiatric evaluation. Some of these signs are:
Sometimes, the symptoms are vague. “Often a parent brings a child to therapy because he knows there is a problem, but is not sure what it is,” says Lorenzo Colon-Monroe, Director of the Den for Grieving Kids in Connecticut. “The minute you notice a change, sit down with your child and talk. If you need more help, it is never too early to start therapy.”
A common therapeutic approach for children ages 4-11 is play therapy. In play therapy, children use dolls, art, and games to express their thoughts, experiences, feelings, and conflicts to the therapist. The therapist may observe and/or interact with the child during play, using talk or play objects to communicate.
Depending on the child’s verbal abilities and maturity, talk therapy or cognitive-behavioral methods may be used with children aged 12 and older.
How Should You Prepare Your Child?
If you have decided on child therapy, Colon-Monroe suggests that you prepare your child before the initial session. “If they do not understand why they are here, children may be fearful, anxious, or may interpret therapy as punishment,” he says. “This interferes with the initial bonding process and can adversely affect the process.”
When talking to young children, explain that a therapist is a “talk doctor” with “no needles,” and emphasize to the child that he is free to tell the therapist any problems. Badini also suggests that parents present the therapy as “teamwork”— something that “we” are going to do together to help “us.”
Certain psychological or behavioral disorders may be treated with medicine as an adjunct to other types of therapy. Some conditions treated with medicine include:
Although medicine can help reduce or eliminate symptoms, it should not be prescribed lightly. All psychiatric medicine should be prescribed by a doctor experienced in treating psychiatric problems in children and adolescents, and the course of treatment should be monitored very closely by both parent and doctor. If medicine is recommended for your child, discuss all pros and cons of the treatment with your doctor.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a therapist, such as financial/insurance arrangements, scheduling, and location. But most importantly, you will need to choose a therapist with whom you and your child are comfortable. Good places to find therapy referrals include:
RESOURCES:
Mental Health America
http://www.nmha.org/
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org/
Canadian Psychological Association
http://www.cpa.ca/
References:
Wilens TE. Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids . Guilford Press, New York, NY; 1999.
Last reviewed June 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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