When we think of the word “therapy”, adults often come to mind. From couples therapy to cognitive behavioral therapy, it often feels like therapy is limited to adults who face pressure from their relationships, work, and responsibilities. In reality, there are many types of therapies that are appropriate for children as well!
Really? What are children stressed about?
Children in the modern day experience many stressors. There is evidence suggesting a rise in academic pressure among children and adolescents, and the continued development of social media contributes to worsening mental health. Furthermore, due to social isolation and increase in social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health outcomes for older children have worsened, and increased developmental delays have emerged in younger children.
What does the evidence say?
Most meta-analyses (papers that summarize the results of other studies) show that therapy can have positive effects on children as young as 4 years old. This includes a wide range of therapies, such as play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and art therapy.
However, it is important to note that some psychotherapies have become less effective over time, presumably because of the decline in average mental health of youth. Though psychotherapies for anxiety have improved non-significantly, outcomes for depression and conduct problems have reduced significantly. As such, there is still room for therapeutic methods to improve to adapt to the current state of youth mental health.
If my child needs therapy, does it mean that something is wrong with my child?
No, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is something “wrong” with your child! There are many factors that can impact a child’s mental health and their development, from world events (like the pandemic) to their social environment. All children have unique developmental paths, and seeking professional help can be one way for you to better understand the kind of support your child needs.
What are the types of therapies available for my child?
Some common types of therapy for children include:
- Occupational Therapy: Supports the development of functional skills in your child, such as putting on their own clothes, brushing their teeth, and writing
- Sensory Integration Therapy: Designed to help children with sensory issues, typically through play
- Behavior Therapy: A therapeutic approach to modifying behavior by supporting positive behaviors and eliminating negative behaviors
- Speech Therapy: Supports the development of your child’s communication and language skills, especially for children with speech difficulties
- Play Therapy: A therapeutic approach that utilizes play and toys to help your child express their feelings and improve their communication in a fun way
There are also many other types of therapy that a psychologist may recommend for your child depending on their needs!
How can I make an informed decision for my child?
Making an informed decision for your child begins with understanding what your child needs, whether it’s therapy or other forms of support. This often starts with a psychological consultation. The Light Years Child Development Center offers consultations for children between the ages of 3-7 years old, allowing you to gain a better understanding of what kind of therapies might be appropriate for your child!
To schedule your first consultation, you can send a WhatsApp message to Admin Mina (+62 851-8605-5162)! If you are still unsure about whether therapy would be appropriate for your child, feel free to send us a message with your concerns through the same phone number!
Therapy can feel daunting for both adults and children. We hope that this post has provided you with the information you need to decide the best next steps for your child!
