How to Get the Most from Pediatric Counseling
Your child must be as comfortable as possible for a proper evaluation. Our child therapists at Grace Counseling are very experienced and have a knack for setting children at ease. However, parents can do things to help reduce anxiety, increase the child’s motivation, and improve cooperation. Thus, keep the following in mind as you prepare your child for our play therapy program:
- Advanced notice: Avoid surprising your child. Familiarity is perhaps the best way to get results. So provide at least a day’s notice for each year of a child’s age and remind them periodically.
- Purpose: There’s no reason not to let a child know the reason for their play therapy sessions. Explaining it is a means for therapists to learn more about them to help them be their best is simple and true.
- Comfort: Explain they will meet with an adult who will want to talk with them and ask questions. But they will be able to do puzzles, make drawings, tell stories, etc. Try not to present it as a test or some schoolwork-like task.
- Questions: Every child has the right to ask questions and get clear truthful answers. No therapy can be successful without trust.
Rest: Ensure that your child has a restful night’s sleep before therapy.
Therapy takes time because building trust isn’t something that happens overnight or after a single session. Pediatric counseling is no different from adult therapy in this regard. So to get the most out of child therapy, make sure you and the child are prepared.
Find the Right Children’s Therapy at Grace Counseling
Because it can be a challenge for children to put their feelings, motivations, and desires into words, play therapy can be very useful. It’s been proven effective in treating anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, developmental delays, inattention and hyperactivity, and grief.
The pediatric counseling we offer at Grace Counseling is just one of the several therapeutic services we offer. Some of our other therapy programs include:
Our child therapists can give parents and caregivers another tool in fostering positive mental health. So reach out to us today at 844.564.0712, or contact us online.