One of the biggest priorities as a parent is to put your child’s health and wellbeing first. As much as you want to be there for them if they are struggling, you might need some help.
If you think your child would benefit from talking to a therapist, finding a child therapist in the Minneapolis area is often a great solution. It’s a gentle, non-invasive approach that can help your child adjust to the world around them and feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Child therapy uses an evidence-based approach to help kids and teens process challenging emotions and behaviors. The child therapists at Steps For Change are well-equipped to meet children’s psychological needs and to help them get on a healthy path.
The purpose of child therapy isn’t too dissimilar from adult therapy. The main goals are to help kids between the ages of 4-17 understand the struggles they are having, but of course, helping children to understand these issues is a little different from helping adults, which is where the differences come in.
A child therapist can offer incredible insight into your child’s behaviors, taking a look at their emotional and social development. You might not see all their struggles as a parent or guardian, but therapists are trained to recognize and treat them.
Deciding that it’s time for your child to see a therapist can be tough. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to find the best child therapist in the Minneapolis area, here are some situations that often require therapy for kids:
But, it’s not just specific situations that might be going on in your child’s life that a therapist can help them navigate. There may be no triggering scenario you’re aware of, but their behavior is worrying you. This is when you’ll need to look out for these signs:
If you start to see any of these signs and they’re worrying you, there’s a good chance your child would benefit from working with a therapist.
For younger children, therapy will be a little different from what older kids will experience. There’s often a lot of creative play so that the therapist can analyze the child’s emotions and mental development. They may also learn how to respect boundaries in others as well as setting their own.
Your little one will also be taught about emotions. Their therapist will help them learn how to control them, express them, regulate them, and understand them. For children going through difficult times in their life, this is essential.
Older children, such as teenagers, will likely have more of a focus on talk therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for example, can be used to help them navigate their teen years in a more positive way and deal with any mental health issues they may be having. There are also alternative therapy methods that can be helpful, including:
Your child might feel anxious about seeing a therapist and be resistant to going. Of course, this all depends on their age and temperament, but there are some tips that can help you prepare them.
For example, use the word doctor rather than a therapist for little ones as your child will be more familiar with the former. Let them know they’re going to talk about their feelings and that they might get to play, solve puzzles, and do some writing. Give them a favorite toy or blanket to hold for comfort.
For older children, encourage questions and let them know what to expect. Let them know that if they want to speak privately to the therapist, they can, and encourage them to engage with the therapist.
At Steps For Change, we have a team of trained child therapists in Minneapolis who use evidence-based approaches to improve the life and wellbeing of your little one or teen. To find out more or book an appointment, get in touch with us today!
Brooklyn Center Office
6040 Earle Brown Dr. Suite 420
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Steps For Change (SFC) is using the information provided by credible sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Red Cross, to guide our approach to the virus. Currently, SFC’s offices remain closed to clients/families, guests, and non-essential personnel. SFC is still accepting new referrals and teletherapy appointments are being offered through Zoom to new and pre-existing clients. Our goal is to continue to provide good customer service to all our visitors and ensure all staff are employing best practices.
For more information please refer to the Steps For Change Preparedness Plan: SFC Covid-19 Preparedness Plan Effective 6.15.2020
When entering into a Steps For Change location, please abide by the following Safety Precautions: COVID19 Safety Precaution Policies 6.15.20 (COVID19 Safety Precaution Policies – Spanish 6.15.20)
