Therapy for Kids
Kids process life through their most natural language, play, which is why counseling kids is often done through what is called Play Therapy.
Found Hope Counseling offers Therapy for Kids in Studio City, CA.
All About Therapy for Kids
Kids do not process or express things in the same way adults or teens do. Kids know how to talk but it is not the best or easiest way for them to make sense of the things around them. They process life through their most natural language, play.
This is why counseling kids often is done through what is called Play Therapy. A method that involves the usage of art, books, puppets, toys, and games to engage kids and helps them express themselves in a way that is natural and authentic to their growth stage.
Our office is always ready for Play Therapy
Who Can Benefit From Therapy for Kids?
It is common for parents to be cautious when considering whether or not they should take their kids to therapy. Assessing whether a child’s behavior can be considered typical or atypical can be challenging. It’s ok to be concerned and take your kid’s mental health as a priority. Therapy is a safe space for kids with toys and a trained adult that can help.
Some common reasons kids attend therapy include trauma of any kind, difficulty with peers, difficulty in school, problematic behaviors, physical or sexual abuse, loss of a loved one, parents arguing, parents separation or divorce, poor self-esteem, poor adjustment after changes such as moves, and birth or adoption of a sibling.
If gone unaddressed, problematic behaviors can get worse or become the new normal, self-esteem begins to affect other areas of development and suffering drags on unnecessarily. Through therapy, I can give kids the tools to feel better, equipping them to better handle their emotions.
What Can We Expect From Therapy for Kids?
Here at Found Hope Counseling, I love working with kids because I can target the problem/issue and get to the root cause since they are so recent. Kids are resilient and can heal quickly because there’s less to go through than with adults. By solving an initial problem, we eliminate the opportunities of other traumas being stacked on top.
I incorporate traditional play therapy and evidence-based practices that are shown to be effective for kids. I use the therapeutic approach by adapting the methodologies and the games, toys, and books are both fun for the kids and helpful for the process. I am licensed and trained in a variety of methods so that I can tailor them depending on the requirements of each client.
The Play Therapy approach is perfect for kids to communicate, process, problem-solve and learn by playing. In a way, toys are words and play is communication. They don’t need to translate and process in an adult way. I meet them where they are and help them grow.
Is Therapy The Right Fit For Your Kid?
You don’t want to force your kid to go to therapy
It is common for parents to be cautious when considering whether they should bring their kids to therapy.
Mental health is just as important as a doctor’s or dentist's appointment. Therapy is a safe space for kids with toys and trained adults that can help.
You don’t want to be an overly concerned parent
As parents of kids it is hard to know what is typical or atypical. How do you differentiate if your child’s behavior is too much or if it’s just normal kid stuff?
It is ok to be a concerned parent. Sometimes, just having a conversation can be validating and reassuring.
You are unsure if therapy is the best route
It is normal to be scared that therapy might not be aligned with your parenting style or beliefs.
Each family has its own ways to address situations. But, if you feel like you are not getting the expected results, it’s ok to consider a different alternative.
1
Make the decision to get help.
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Schedule your kid’s first appointment.
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Start their therapy journey.
Support their Growth
with Therapy for Kids
Everything You Want To Know
- FAQs about Therapy for Kids -
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Therapy sessions designed for kids revolve around Play Therapy and, potentially, some Art Therapy as well.
We value play therapy as it allows kids to express themselves in their most natural language: play, without forcing them to communicate in the way adults do.
That said, we prioritize the client’s needs and goals when choosing a method or approach.
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Absolutely! Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a great method for kids and teens dealing with anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS) is also a fantastic evidence-based treatment that helps kids and teens address recent trauma so they can come up with adaptive coping skills.
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Our approach focuses on primarily using ""evidence-based"" methods, which have scientific research behind their effectiveness.
That said, we cannot guarantee your results. We can, however, promise to provide therapy in an ethical and caring way to help you have a positive experience.
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Yes. All of our services are fully HIPAA compliant in order to provide you the safe and confidential space you deserve.
However, there are exceptions to confidentiality that fall under "mandated reporting", and are obligated by law to report. Please reach out if you have questions about this.
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We accept cash, check, or credit card for payments.