A child's life is as complex as and adult's. The most important relationships for a child are within
the family environment. Children cannot always express what is wrong. They don't yet have the
emotional or cognitive ability to verbalize their inner worlds. Instead, they tell their story by
acting on and reacting to their environments. So when a parent expresses concerns over their child's psychological well being, I do require a
commitment from the parents to be involved in the therapeutic process. Psychotherapy is most
effective when parents are involved for it helps the child feel understood and accepted. I strongly
believe that therapy with children should also be an empowering, positive experience for parents
allowing them to learn new, more adaptive ways to relate to their child and to themselves as
parents.
Art Therapy
When working with children I often use art therapy
for it is one of the most effective mediums to
get to the inner being of children, in a way that language cannot do. This type of therapy can be
very effective for children because they are often more comfortable expressing themselves
through art and play, rather than orally. Common issues that bring children to therapy are:
- • Divorce
- • Blended family issues
- • Self-esteem issues
- • Physical complaints
- • Changes in behavior and/or mood
- • Anger management
- • Excessive worry
- • Perfectionism
- • Academic decline
- • Peer difficulties
- • Sleeping problems