There’s a wide variety of therapeutic options available to families that not every parent is aware of. At Decade2Connect, our Child Therapy services incorporate many of these innovative approaches to meet each child’s unique needs . So while your kid may not be open to traditional talk therapy, it’s important to know what else is available. If you’re looking for the right type of therapy for your child, check out some unique forms of therapy below:
Play Therapy
Play therapy is particularly effective for younger children, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings through play. Therapists use toys, games and activities to create a safe environment where children can explore their emotions and work through issues at their own pace.
Art Therapy
Similar to play therapy, art therapy uses creative expression as a means of communication. Using art mediums such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, children can express themselves and gain insight into their feelings and experiences. Art therapy is particularly effective with young adolescents and teenagers.
Recreational Therapy
Recreational therapy includes movement-based experiences, such as rock climbing, horseback riding, walking or playing a sport. A lot of therapeutic work can be done when we’re present in our bodies, such as problem solving, mindfulness and teaching executive functioning skills. If your child is especially active, this may be a beneficial form of therapy.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is especially helpful for children looking to connect with peers. The group therapy format allows children to not only practice their social skills but to gain perspective and connection from peers going through similar life circumstances. If you look in your community, you can find groups focused on social skills, grief and self-esteem, to name a few.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a specialized form of therapy used to revisit and process traumatic experiences. You can learn more about how EMDR works here. Often used with adults, EMDR has also been proven effective for kids with complex trauma. If your child has a history of trauma, this may be a good option.
Family Therapy
When one member of the family is struggling, it affects the whole system. If your family is struggling to connect, or if your child is resistant to individual therapy, family therapy is a great place to start. Family therapists work with the family as a whole to improve communication, resolve conflicts and strengthen family bonds.
The generic idea therapy may not be a good fit for your child – and that’s okay! There are numerous therapeutic avenues you can take towards addressing your child’s mental health concerns. And if none of the avenues listed above feel right, continue to do your research. There are numerous types of therapy available to children beyond the ones listed above, and the list options is always growing. For more support, connect with a member of Decade2Connect today!
