Child Counselling

The most effective therapy for children depends on their developmental level and what issues they are coming in for.  In the early years, play therapy and parenting support are helpful as young children don’t communicate their feelings in the same way adults do.  CBT and DBT can be effective for children who are 10 and older.  

• The best therapies for children with behavior problems include Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Behavioral Therapy, which focus on improving behavior through positive discipline, thought pattern changes, and reinforcement. Family therapy can also be effective by addressing family dynamics. Play Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are useful for younger children or those with autism, while Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) helps solve chronic behavior challenges through problem-solving. The choice of therapy depends on the child’s age, behavior severity, and family involvement.
• In some cases, behaviour problems can indicate an underlying developmental disorder.  A behavioral assessment helps inform the therapeutic process by providing a clear understanding of a child's specific behaviors, their triggers, and the environmental or emotional factors influencing them. It allows the therapist to identify patterns in the child’s actions, thoughts, and emotions, which is crucial for tailoring the therapy to address underlying issues effectively. This detailed understanding enables the therapist to create targeted interventions that are specific to the child’s needs.
• Additionally, behavioral assessments help track progress throughout the therapeutic process. By establishing a baseline of the child's behavior at the start of therapy, therapists can measure improvements or changes over time, adjusting treatment strategies as necessary. This ensures that therapy remains responsive to the child's evolving needs, improving outcomes by focusing on practical, evidence-based solutions.

• For children who have experienced neglect, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is highly effective. This therapy helps children process their traumatic experiences, including neglect, and teaches coping mechanisms to manage emotional and behavioral responses. TF-CBT often involves both the child and their caregivers, improving communication and fostering a supportive environment for healing.
• Attachment-Based Therapies are also beneficial, especially for younger children. These therapies focus on rebuilding trust and secure attachments between the child and their caregivers, addressing the emotional and relational impact of neglect. Approaches like Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) help the child form healthy attachments and develop emotional regulation skills in the context of a safe, nurturing relationship.

Child therapy can be beneficial at various developmental stages, but the appropriate age for starting therapy depends on the child’s needs and emotional or behavioral concerns. Here’s a general guide:

• Early Childhood (Ages 3-5): Play therapy is often used for young children to help them express emotions and work through issues in a developmentally appropriate way. Therapy at this age is typically helpful for addressing behavioral problems, emotional regulation, and early signs of anxiety or trauma.
• Middle Childhood (Ages 6-12): This is a common age for therapy, as children can begin to engage in more structured therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to address anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and social challenges. Family therapy can also be useful at this stage to address family dynamics that contribute to behavioral problems.
• Adolescence (Ages 13-18): Therapy is particularly effective during adolescence for addressing mood disorders, anxiety, peer relationship issues, and identity development. Teens may benefit from more direct forms of therapy like CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or family therapy, depending on their needs.

There is no specific age that is "too early" or "too late" for therapy, as it depends on the individual child’s circumstances and developmental stage.

Several types of therapy can help children manage anger effectively by teaching them emotional regulation, coping strategies, and improving family or peer dynamics. Here are some of the most commonly recommended therapies for children struggling with anger:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective therapies for children with anger issues. It helps children identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to their anger, teaching them coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

2. Anger Management Therapy

This specific form of therapy focuses on helping children understand their anger triggers, recognize the early signs of anger, and learn healthy ways to express and control it. Techniques include deep breathing, relaxation, and developing positive responses to frustration.

3. Play Therapy

For younger children, play therapy allows them to express and process their emotions, including anger, in a safe and non-verbal way. Through play, children can explore their feelings and learn to regulate their emotions.

4. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is especially useful for children who experience intense emotions, including anger. It teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness to help manage anger in healthy ways.

5. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

PCIT helps parents and children develop better communication and discipline techniques to address anger-related behavior issues. This therapy teaches parents how to respond positively to the child’s behavior while reinforcing emotional regulation.

6. Family Therapy

Family therapy can address how family dynamics contribute to a child's anger issues. By improving communication and resolving conflicts within the family, this therapy helps create a more supportive environment for the child to manage anger.

7. Art Therapy

Art therapy allows children to express their anger creatively, which can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with verbalizing their emotions. It provides a therapeutic outlet to explore emotions in a non-confrontational way.

8. Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based therapies help children develop greater self-awareness and emotional control. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness exercises help reduce impulsive reactions to anger.

Therapies are often tailored to the child’s developmental stage, the severity of their anger, and their individual needs, sometimes involving a combination of these approaches for better outcomes.

In the first session, parents will meet with the Psychologist to provide some developmental history and discuss their current concerns.  This allows parents to discuss what is most concerning to them without having to worry about how their child will react to their concerns.  When your child meets with the Psychologist, they will begin by building rapport using activities and games.  It is important that your child develop a good relationship with their Psychologist so they feel comfortable engaging in interventions.  Your therapist will provide you with recommendations on what type of therapy might be helpful for your child and develop a plan that works for you and your family.