The Benefits of Psychotherapy in Children and Adolescents
By: Alyson Miller, MS
Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that helps individuals deal with their emotional and psychological issues. It is a process that involves talking to a trained professional who can help individuals understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (Dickson S., Kuhnert R., Lavell C, & Rapee R., 2022). Psychotherapy is not just for adults; it is also beneficial for children and adolescents. This blog will give an overview and discuss the benefits of children and adolescents being in mental health therapy.
Getting your child involved in therapy can help with emotional regulation. Children and adolescents often struggle with regulating their emotions. They may have difficulty expressing their feelings or controlling their reactions to certain situations (Dickson, et al, 2022). Psychotherapy can help them learn how to identify and manage their emotions in a healthy way. Therapists can teach children and adolescents coping skills such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk. These skills can help them regulate their emotions and reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Psychotherapy can also improve your child’s communication skills. Effective communication is essential for healthy relationships. Children and adolescents who struggle with communication may have difficulty expressing their needs and feelings, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts (Weisz J, Weiss B, Alicke M, & Klotz M, 1987). Psychotherapy can help children and adolescents improve their communication skills by teaching them how to express themselves clearly and listen actively. Therapists can also help them understand the importance of nonverbal communication, such as body language and tone of voice.
Attending therapy can help build a child and/or adolescents’ self-esteem and confidence. Low self-esteem and lack of confidence can have a negative impact on a child's mental health and well-being. Mental health therapy can help children and adolescents build self-esteem and confidence by providing a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts and feelings (Weisz, et al., 1987). Therapists can help them identify their strengths and talents and encourage them to pursue their interests and goals. This can help children and adolescents develop a positive self-image and improve their overall mental health.
During therapy, your child will always have a safe space to talk about difficult topics. Children and adolescents may experience difficult situations such as bullying, abuse, or trauma. These experiences can have a lasting impact on their mental health and well-being. Mental health therapy provides a safe space for children and adolescents to talk about these difficult topics with a trained professional who can help them process their emotions and develop coping strategies. Therapists can also provide support and guidance to parents and caregivers who may be struggling to support their child through a difficult time.
Mental health issues can have a significant impact on a child's academic and social success. Therapy can help your child with academic and social success as well. Children and adolescents who struggle with mental health issues may have difficulty concentrating in school, making friends, and participating in extracurricular activities (Dickson, et al., 2022). Psychotherapy can help children and adolescents develop the skills they need to succeed academically and socially. Therapists can help them improve their focus and attention, develop social skills, and build healthy relationships with peers and adults.
Psychotherapy is beneficial for children and adolescents. It can help them regulate their emotions, improve their communication skills, build self-esteem and confidence, provide a safe space to talk about difficult topics, and help with academic and social success. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child or adolescent who is struggling with mental health issues, consider seeking the help of a trained mental health professional. With the right support and guidance, children and adolescents can develop the skills they need to thrive and lead happy, healthy lives.
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Dickson, S. J., Kuhnert, R. L., Lavell, C. H., & Rapee, R. M. (2022). Impact of Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders on Global and Domain-Specific Functioning: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clinical child and family psychology review, 25(4), 720–736. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-022-00402-7
Weisz, J. R., Weiss, B., Alicke, M. D., & Klotz, M. L. (1987). Effectiveness of psychotherapy with children and adolescents: A meta-analysis for clinicians. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(4), 542–549. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.55.4.542
