Treatments that integrate types of play therapy and behavior therapy for children can be very effective when combined with parent training for kids experiencing challenges, including but not limited to:
- Disruptive behaviors
- Mood or anxiety disorders
- Separation issues
- Autism
- Developmental disorders
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity
Types of Therapists and Their Treatments
When children struggle with emotional and behavioral issues, it can affect their ability to function in daily life. Pediatric therapists prioritize the child’s safety and comfort during treatment as they work to communicate with parents and patients alike.
Counseling techniques help children gain self-awareness and self-esteem while reducing the pressures caused by stress. Child therapists specialize in techniques like art therapy and parent/child interactive therapy for kids under 12.
Ten Helpful Children Counseling Techniques
Therapists for kids play an important role in helping children develop healthy emotional and social skills, while encouraging cognitive development.
The following ten counseling techniques give kids the tools and inner resources needed to overcome past trauma or treat emotional and behavioral issues connected to autism, ADHD, and more.
- Parent/child interactive therapy (PCIT)
PCIT Therapy involves coach guidance utilizing an earpiece as the parent interacts with the child. PCIT helps the parent manage problematic behaviors and reduce the frequency and severity while encouraging a healthy parent and child bond.
2.Child-centered play therapy (CCPT)
CCPT embraces the core belief that children possess a natural tendency towards growth. Play therapists create positive relationships with the parent and child that foster growth, discovery, and healing while the child freely expresses themselves through games, toys, and more.
3.Emotionally focused therapy
Emotionally focused therapy Focuses on helping the child strengthen interpersonal relationships while addressing attachment issues. This therapy explores the parent–child relationship, promotes improved emotion regulation, reduces family stress, and provides parents with helpful tools for engaging with their child.
4.Art therapy
Art therapy embraces the therapeutic value of various art mediums to help the child communicate their story, thoughts, and emotions. Art therapy is ideal for non-verbal kids or children having difficulty voicing their feelings.
5.Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy is easily implemented at home and school to encourage positive behaviors and reduce emotional outbreaks and problematic behavior. Behavioral therapy is especially effective for children with ADHD.
6.Music therapy
Music therapy promotes physical rehabilitation and helps the child express their emotions. Music therapy looks different from child to child. Some children sing or write songs, while others play an instrument or listen to music to reduce stress.
7.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT helps the child recognize the thoughts behind their feelings and behavior. The therapist utilizes CBT to support the development of healthy thinking patterns and replace negative thoughts with positive, helpful ones.
8.Dialectical kid’s behavior therapy (DBT)
DBT therapy expands on cognitive behavioral therapy and incorporates interpersonal skills, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. DBT is especially effective for kids struggling with self-regulation who demonstrate destructive behavioral patterns.
9.Occupational therapy (OT)
Occupational therapy helps kids learn emotional regulation by practicing fine motor skills and essential life skills. OT therapy is especially beneficial for children with sensory processing issues as the child therapist works to eliminate barriers blocking social, emotional, and physical maturity.
10.Child anger management therapy
Anger management therapy is a goal-oriented treatment that identifies triggers and unhealthy thought patterns, incorporates problem-solving skills, helps the child healthily express themselves, and provides strategies that the child can use to calm down.
Benefits of Different Child Behavioral Therapy Techniques
Therapists for kids use techniques that match critical developmental phases in a child’s life. The many benefits of kids’ therapy include:
- Reinforcing a positive effect on memory
- Enhancing a child’s ability to learn
- Triggering growth of the cerebral cortex in the frontal lobe
- Learning and building skills needed for reading, writing, and math
- Healing from traumatic events
- Coping with difficult emotions
- Connecting with solutions for inner conflicts
- Encouraging imaginative play
- Developing empathy and respect for others
- Learning self-control
- Experiencing independence
- Boosting self-esteem
What are all the different types of therapy?
Children who experience mental, emotional, and behavioral problems during childhood are at risk for long-term issues that affect the child, their family, and the community.
The CDC recommends therapy that improves children’s mental health. Kids’ mental health treatments, such as music therapy, art therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive therapy, may be combined with medication depending on the severity of the problem.
Meta:
Behavior and play therapy helps kids modulate emotions and behavior. Pediatric therapists use these 10 techniques to overcome child trauma and reduce behavioral issues.