Child Psychotherapy
What is Child Psychotherapy?
Understanding child mental health challenges including Autism, Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, or behavioral issues in children can be confusing. Understanding the treatment choices available is important. One such option is child psychotherapy.
Child psychotherapy is a specialised field. It focuses on treating emotional and behavioral problems in children. Unlike adult therapy, child therapy considers the child's developmental stage. It also takes into account their unique way of understanding the world.
“It is in playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self.”
What does it entail?
Through various therapeutic techniques, children learn to identify and manage their emotions. They also learn to navigate social interactions more effectively. Child psychotherapy can be a tremendous support for children with emotional, behavioral or neurodevelopmental challenges.
Child psychotherapy differs from adult therapy in several ways. The most notable is the use of play and creative expression. Children and adolescents often struggle to articulate their feelings verbally. Thus, therapists use play as a communication tool. This approach allows children to express complex emotions safely. It also helps them resolve conflicts and understand their feelings.
In child psychotherapy, the child psychologist's role is to interpret these expressions while creating a safe space. Through child counseling , children learn to manage their emotions and behaviors. This leads to improved social interactions and academic performance.
How can therapy for my child help?
Timely intervention in early early childhood is often vital. It can significantly improve a child's developmental trajectory and overall quality of life. However, older children can also benefit from cognitive behavioral or behavioral therapy to help develop adaptive skills and minimise disruptive behavior.
Play therapy is a child-centered therapy approach. Play helps children express feelings and solve problems. This can help improve communication and social skills. It also gives children a safe place to think about their emotions. Art, music, and drama therapies help kids express themselves creatively. These therapies can help children communicate their feelings without using words.
Do parents or family play a role?
Parents, caregivers, and family members play a crucial role in child psychotherapy. Their involvement can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the therapy. Therapy sessions often include them. This collaborative approach helps them understand their child's emotions and behaviors better. Moreover, parent consultations and family therapy sessions empowers parents and caregivers. It equips them with the necessary skills to support their child's mental health.
Our Child Psychologists and Child Therapists can help!
Finding a qualified child psychologist in Singapore is an important first step. They should have the necessary experience and training to handle your child's unique needs. Our mental health professionals in Singapore specialise in working with children. They are happy to talk to you about how child psychology counseling services could help your child develop. We offer a complimentary 20 minute phone consultation for all new patients.