Child Therapy in Tampa, FL
Is Child Therapy in Tampa, FL Right For my Child?
Therapy can be effective for children ages 2 and up. Studies have shown that counseling can be helpful to children who have experienced a variety of life stressors (e.g., divorce, family dissolution, death, relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, assimilating stressful experiences, abuse, domestic violence, natural disasters, etc.). Additionally, a therapist can help with any struggles related to:
Learning issues
Autism
ADHD
Self-esteem
And peer/family relationships
Some benefits of child therapy:
Develop strategies for coping with daily problems
Develop more responsible behaviors
Learn how to experience and express emotions
Process difficult life events
Grow empathy and respect for the feelings of others
Learn social skills to improve interactions with family, adults, and with peers
Develop Self-Confidence
Build the relationships with children and their parents, peers, and other important people in their lives
What is child therapy?
Children have special needs when it comes to a counseling setting. They are not ready on a developmental level to “talk it out” like adults do. Child therapy has to factor in their unique developmental needs. Child therapy also considers the way children communicate in a natural way. Often, children will express themselves through their behaviors in the same way that adults use words. A child may be trying to communicate but struggling with something in a number of ways. These may include outward behaviors like meltdowns and fights. Or, inward behaviors like being sad and withdrawn.
Children also often communicate through play. They may use toys, art supplies, and stories to explain the things that are bothering them. Child therapy uses natural inclinations to communicate to help them channel their thoughts into something more tangible. With the help of a child therapist, they can learn to communicate openly, and “play out” their needs and fears.
How does child therapy work?
Child therapy starts by focusing on building a safe and supportive environment for the child or teen in the therapy room. It is the child therapist’s job to ensure the child knows it is ok to be open with their feelings. And, that they can navigate their challenges at their own pace. For very young children, play therapy has shown to be the best method for helping them overcome their challenges. In play therapy, the toys serve as the “words,” with which the children can communicate in a way that is authentic to them. Play therapy is different from the play that a child does at home. As child therapists, we are trained to help them navigate and resolve the issues they may be “playing out” with the toys.
For older children and teens, art-based activities and games can help them visualize and express what is bothering them more clearly. The therapist will help them understand their strengths, identity, challenges, and ultimately their goals. Therapy will be able to help them work on their sense of self and how to take their next steps forward.
Begin Child Therapy in Tampa, FL
Our team is happy to offer child therapy at both our North and South Tampa, FL offices. Feel free to call or message a caring child therapist with any questions you may have about counseling sessions for your child. We have the training and support to equip your child to overcome their unique issues. To start your therapy journey with Christian Counseling of Tampa, please follow these simple steps:
Meet with a caring therapist
Start addressing the issues that affect your child most
Other Services Offered With Christian Counseling of Tampa
Child therapy isn’t the only service offered by our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice. We understand the many ways your mental health may be affected, which is why we are happy to also offer premarital counseling, Christian counseling, therapy for anxiety, marriage intensives, trauma, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, EFT, ART, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today!
Interested in connecting with our Children’s Counselor for your child’s growth? Click here!