Here at Therapy For Every Body we believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, including children. Our child therapy services cater to the unique emotional needs of kids, both big and small.

Our priority is to provide a safe, empathetic space for children to express themselves and feel heard, while coaching and family therapy are offered as needed to guarantee a broad approach. 

We understand that our older clients may not always feel comfortable with parents being involved in therapy, and we ensure that we advocate for their needs. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of a safe and secure space to explore feelings and learn new tools.

If you are new to child therapy or unsure how it can benefit your family, don’t worry. We are here to help! Let’s explore the many benefits of child therapy and how it can work for your young ones.

What Is Child Therapy?

Have you ever wondered what exactly child therapy is and what it entails? Child therapy is a type of counseling that is specifically designed for children and adolescents. 

Every clinic may have their own approach and methods, but the fundamental base of child therapy remains the same- to help children and adolescents grow, make better choices, and lead a happy life. 

The goal of child therapy is to help children understand their own thoughts and feelings, learn how to cope with conflicts, develop new solutions to daily problems and understand and manage their emotions. 

Overall, child therapy is intended to give children and adolescents a safe space to talk about their problems and concerns so they can build resilience and thrive.

What Kinds of Child Therapy Do We Provide?

Here at Therapy For Every Body, we understand that children experience a range of emotions that can be hard to navigate at times. That’s why we offer child therapy services that cater to each unique individual. 

Play Therapy:

For our little ones, we utilize play therapy as a way to explore feelings and express themselves in a safe and enjoyable environment. 

Play therapy is a type of therapy that allows children to engage in activities that promote imaginative and creative play, such as drawing or building with blocks. By engaging in these activities, children can process their emotions in a fun way that doesn’t feel daunting or overwhelming. 

For instance, a child may participate in a game of “feelings charades” where they act out different emotions and discuss how those emotions make them feel. By incorporating play therapy into our child therapy services, we can provide a positive and productive experience for each child.

Sand Tray Therapy: 

One particular approach that we find especially effective for older kids is sand tray therapy. 

Through this method, children are given a safe, tactile space to express and work through difficult emotions and experiences. 

By creating a world in the sand tray and manipulating the objects within it, children are able to explore their inner selves and the world around them in a creative and personal way. 

For example, a child may use the figures and objects in the sand tray to act out scenarios related to their family dynamics at home or to process difficult experiences like bullying. Our therapists have seen significant progress and growth in the children we work with through this engaging and therapeutic form of child therapy.

Teen Therapy:

The teenage years can be incredibly stressful. Changing hormones and social pressures can have a significant impact on mental health

From tweens to young adults, people in this age group really appreciate a down to earth and authentic relationship with the therapist. 

Our therapists are experienced working with social and academic challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. We can help youth with tools to navigate the challenges of burgeoning independence and young adulthood.

Who Is a Good Fit For Child Therapy?

Child therapy can be incredibly effective for children who may be struggling with a variety of issues, from anxiety to behavior problems. 

But who is a good fit for this kind of therapy? Well, it really depends on the child. 

Generally, child therapy can be a great resource for kids who have experienced trauma or other difficult events in their lives, as well as those who may be dealing with school challenges or behavioral issues. 

There is no “perfect” candidate for child therapy, and the benefits of this kind of treatment can vary from child to child. 

It’s important to consider factors such as age, temperament, and willingness to participate. Children who are not yet able to communicate effectively, or who have difficulty engaging with others, may not be good candidates for child therapy. 

Other Services We Provide With Child Therapy:

At our practice, we strive to provide our clients with a holistic approach to therapy. That means we don’t believe in just treating the individual child but also look at their family unit as a whole. 

After all, our environments and relationships can have a huge impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

Family Therapy: 

While child therapy is often the focus, we understand that a child’s struggles can impact the entire family. That’s why we offer family therapy when deemed necessary. Family therapy is when a therapist works with the entire family unit to address any issues that may be affecting the family as a whole. 

This can include communication problems, conflicts, and even a specific crisis that has affected the family. 

Family therapy can take many forms, including talk therapy, art therapy, or play therapy. Regardless of the approach, family therapy can be incredibly restorative for families. 

It can help improve communication, strengthen support systems, and create a more stable home environment for everyone involved.

Parent Coaching:

We understand that sometimes there may be other factors within the home that could potentially impede the progress of therapy sessions. That’s where parent coaching comes in. 

If we feel it could be beneficial, we offer parent coaching to help parents better understand how they can support their child through their therapeutic journey. 

Parent coaching can include a number of different strategies, such as communication skills, ways to improve the parent-child relationship, and appropriate limit setting and modelling. 

Our goal is to help create a supportive and healthy environment for both the child and the family.

What Is Unique About Our Approach?

At Therapy For Everybody, we’re not your typical stuffy therapy clinic. 

Teens especially appreciate our down to earth, authentic approach. We don’t side with the parents or force our opinions on anyone. Instead, we want to be the teen’s advocate and support them in their unique journey. 

We firmly believe that everyone deserves mental health care, regardless of age or gender identity. Whether you’re a kid or a grandparent, you are welcome here. 

We’re an inclusive space that accepts and validates people from all walks of life. So if you’re looking for child therapy that’s different than the rest, come check us out.

Thinking About Child Therapy?

Are you thinking about child therapy for your little one? We’ve got you covered! 

Our therapy sessions are conducted online throughout California, or we offer in person sessions in San Jose, CA. Plus, we are in-network with Cigna and Aetna, which means that seeking therapy for your child can be affordable and less stressful. 

We want to make sure you and your child feel comfortable, so if you feel like child therapy is a good fit for your family, let’s talk! 

You can contact us at office@therapy4everybody.com, call at 408-320-5960, or visit us here to learn more and request a free consultation.