Rockwall Child & Teen Counseling: What to Expect

Therapy is the process in which children and adolescents receive guidance from a trained professional regarding their thoughts, feelings, behavior, and emotions. This type of intervention occurs during individual sessions, group therapy, and family counseling. During these therapeutic encounters, the child or teen receives guidance from a licensed mental health professional.

The goal of therapy is to provide the child with knowledge about his or her emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Additionally, the therapist works with the child or adolescent to teach him or her how to apply internal counseling strategies. These strategies involve the utilization of effective cognitive restructuring methods, such as problem solving, positive thinking, and rationalization.
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In addition to teaching clients how to cope effectively with their emotions, therapists work with children and teens to encourage exploration of external coping skills. Examples of such skills include, but are certainly not limited to, breathing exercises, nature sounds, laughter and sensory stimulation. 

What Is The Goal Of Child & Teen Counseling?

​Child and adolescent therapy works toward several goals. First, it aims to reduce common stressors in children and adolescents. Second, it strives to help families cope with stressors such as divorce, illness, death, and conflict. Third, it helps children develop healthy coping strategies to deal with life challenges. Fourth, it seeks to provide children and teens with opportunities to learn about themselves and others. Finally, it encourages positive behaviors and supports self-esteem. 

What Parents Can Expect When Their Child is in Counseling

Parents can expect their child to take some steps forward during the first few visits. However, the child will not be learning all of the counseling strategies right away. Instead, the first few sessions focus on building a relationship with the counselor and getting to know each other. 
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The next step is to develop goals for treatment. These goals include identifying what the child or adolescent wants to change about himself/herself, how he/she feels about him/herself, and what his/her strengths and weaknesses are. The therapist helps the child identify problems and possible solutions. In addition, the therapist teaches coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety. Finally, the therapist works with the family to implement positive lifestyle changes.

In the beginning, the child may feel anxious or uncomfortable talking with someone else about personal matters. However, over time, the child learns to trust the therapist and open up. He/she begins to realize that his/her feelings don't define him/her. As a result, the child gains self-confidence and becomes more equipped to deal with the complexities they face in life.

​How to Obtain a Mental Health Diagnosis for Your Child or Teen

A psychologist or psychiatrist will review the child's past history, family history, developmental milestones, and current behavior patterns. They may also ask questions about the child's life events, temperament, and personality traits and conduct a clinical interview. This information will help the clinician identify potential causes of emotional distress. 

Parents can request a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist by contacting their local hospital's department of psychiatry or psychology. Some schools require students to see a counselor or psychologist during high school. In some cases, parents can pay privately for diagnostic testing, but many insurance companies do not cover this type of care.
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If you suspect your child might have a disorder, but don't know what it is called, talk to his doctor about getting tested. You'll want to find out if he or she needs medication, therapy, or both.

Getting Therapy For Your Kids, Pre-Teens & Teenagers In Rockwall

​To learn more about our child therapy options and speak with a counselor, reach out to Elevate Counseling Group today. Our licensed child therapists are experienced, caring, and provide a safe environment for your children to communicate openly.