Children’s Therapy
“Childhood is the most beautiful of all life’s seasons.”
– Jerry Smith
Children’s emotions are intense.
That’s one thing that makes childhood so great!
The happy emotions are so strong!
But on the other end, the negative emotions—sadness, anger, grief, and anxiety—are also very powerful.
It’s hard because children lack the tools…
… to process, communicate, and cope with their emotions.
And holding in their emotions or internalizing them can lead to even more intense feelings… until they eventually burst out in unhealthy ways.
It can look like tantrums, meltdowns, or sulking.
No one is “born with” the communication and coping skills needed to regulate their emotions…
But these skills can easily be learned!
Children have told me things like…
“My mind is like a jungle filled with a million sad, scary, and angry things. There are happy things in there, too, but it is hard to bring them to the front of my mind.”
It’s easy for children’s minds to become overstimulated with continuous thoughts that lead to negative feelings.
They have trouble knowing where to set their focus… and don’t know how to get control of their racing mind.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps them do that.
CBT is an evidence-based practice that helps children learn to process, cope with, and communicate their negative feelings and change their behaviors.
A child’s mind is the leader of their emotions and behaviors.
But when they learn the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, they can control how they think, emote, and act.
Many children are shy and struggle in social situations. They often feel defeated even before trying to engage with peers or speak up in class.
But CBT helps them increase self-control, social skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Self-image and self-worth often begin forming in childhood. Children need to know how important they are!
CBT promotes resilience, self-esteem, confidence, and motivation.
Did you know that untreated anxiety and depression in childhood can lead to life-long struggles and diagnoses?
Thankfully, CBT reduces the risk of developing long-term psychological issues and improves emotional control and anger-management skills.
The best thing about therapy for children is that it never feels like work!
In counseling sessions, children are encouraged to process and learn skills through their language: play!
We can also bring in Lyla to make CBT even more effective. Lyla is my registered therapy dog, and children love her!
When they’re petting and playing with Lyla, they can let down their walls more quickly. Lyla also teaches your child coping skills.
“The jungle in my mind is starting to be more like a happy forest. It’s less full, and there are way more happy things in there now.”
–Words from a child client
“When I think about sad things like not getting to see my friends, I feel sad. Then I feel angry. Then I start yelling. If I think about happy things, I start to feel happier, and then I play with my sister.”
–Words from a child client
Let’s find out what your child needs… together.
By applying the proven methods of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and animal-assisted therapy to your child’s unique needs, you’ll get support that will benefit the whole family.
How good will it feel to communicate with and understand your child’s deepest emotional needs?
Don’t wait to get your child help…
Start today by calling (901) 209-9454 for a free 15-minute consultation!