Counseling and Psychotherapy for Children
If your children are very young, say 3-8 years old, we will do some play therapy. Play therapy allows young children to act out or demonstrate feelings and perceptions for which they do not have mature language. The relationship itself creates a feeling a security that allows them to express more of what they are experiencing in their world. Playing about and seeing from a distance their worries in a situation helps children understand their situation.
For example, just being able to draw or play out with the dolls in a way that reflects their unspoken experiences, within the safety of the therapy relationship, often gives them a greater sense of self-control Behavior problems often begin to disappear on their own, especially as children learn the language that expresses their feelings. This gives them a greater sense of order and power in their lives. As parents, I will also work with you on ways you can help and guide your child at home.
Older
children often enjoy working with arts and crafts or playing a game
while we talk about the problems we are working on together. In
addition to giving them a good outlet for their feelings, keeping hands
busy seems to release them from shyness and help them talk more about
their feelings and problems. I find that they are more open to
problem-solving when they are doing something enjoyable. Emotional
release, cognitive work, and behavior therapy are woven into the
conversation and planning.
There
are so many really fun and creative therapeutic activities for children
than can make a real difference in the way they think about themselves
and how they interact in the world. It's great to see kids actually looking forward to their appointments!
And some children simply want to "sit and talk" with someone safe and private, just for them. I pay attention to what helps your children feel most comfortable and open and adapt the treatment accordingly. "Just "thinking out loud" with a trusted therapist helps children (and adults) find language for feelings and problems. Finding ways to talk about the problems opens the door to thinking of and trying out new ways of dealing with them. Getting help about new ways to see themselves and find better ways to interact in the world is incredibly good for your child's long-term development. Being happy with oneself, always open to love and joy, and feeling capable to cope with life's problems are some of the best gifts we can give our children!
Call today to schedule a parent meeting when we can talk about your child and how I can help him or her:
720-493-4827.
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Divorce Recovery Groups for Kids: Six-session groups for children and adolescents, designed to help understand and process feelings about divorce, connect with other kids having similar experiences, and learn good self-care and coping tools.
Marian Camden, Psy.D, LLC
Licensed Psychologist
7500 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite 375
Centennial, CO 80112
Telephone: 720-493-4827
The material on this website is copyrighted 2011 by Marian Camden, Psy.D., LLC. All Rights Reserved.
