Is therapy right for my child?
Do you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around your kiddo? Do you avoid going out for fear of what htey might do? Or maybe you noticied that your child has lost their sparkle and are not seeming themselves.
While behavior is communication, sometimes it’s hard to know what our children are trying to say! When your child is struggling, everyone in the home can feel it. I’m here to help ‘translate’ a child’s behavior and create a bridge of communication between you and your child. More importantly, I want to give you the tools to support your child outside of the therapy office. I want you, as their caregiver, to be a part of the work and equipped to help your child at each new stage of life.
It is important to remember that children are learning and growing. The behaviors of children are often a sign of a deeper need. Because of this, it is essential that parents are involved in their child’s treatment. Recommendations for treatment may include family therapy, parent coaching or co-parenting therapy as a way to further support the child and family as a whole.
I truly believe your child is good and with needed support, they can change the world. I want to help you shed the guilt of not being/doing enough and help you reconnect with your child.
Common issues addressed in child therapy
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Grief
- Big life changes or transitions
- ADHD
- Behavioral problems (defiance, aggression)
- History of abuse, neglect or abandonment
What to expect in session
Children learn, explore and communicate through play. Play is essential to their growth, both physically and emotionally. Playing helps them solve problems, deal with tough stuff, learn about and process their feelings. It also helps them figure out how to cope, work out conflict and get through hard changes. Not only that, but play in therapy creates a safe, fun and available space for children to be themselves. Sessions for children at Kelly Family Therapy will revolve around playfulness and different methods of self expression like art, games, movement and sand tray.
In supporting your child, additional recommendations may be provided. Remember, your child is just one member of your family system. Oftentimes, a struggling child is a sign that the entire family needs support. Parents or caregivers may receive recommendations for parent coaching, co-parenting therapy, family therapy or their own individual therapy.