Therapy for Children
As a caregiver of a child, you want to see them thrive. When they struggle, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. At Sage House, our therapists specialize in childhood development and can provide the support and understanding you and your child need. We help your child explore their experiences and emotions, understand what's going on, and find ways to move forward. We offer therapy for kids that is designed to support them through their emotional and developmental journeys. Our approaches include play therapy, art therapy, and other child-centered methods to help children express their feelings, develop coping skills, and build resilience in a safe and nurturing environment.
Why Children May Need Therapy
Children, like adults, can experience a range of emotional and behavioral challenges. These challenges can arise from various sources, including personal experiences, family dynamics, and environmental factors. At Sage House Therapy & Art Therapy, we specialize in helping children navigate these difficulties and develop the skills they need to thrive.
Anxiety and Depression
Children who struggle with anxiety may display heightened levels of worry, excessive fearfulness, and physical symptoms such as frequent stomachaches. Additionally, they may tend to avoid specific situations or activities that trigger their anxiety. On the other hand, symptoms of depression in children may manifest as persistent feelings of sadness, increased irritability, disruptions in sleep and appetite patterns, and a noticeable disinterest in activities they previously found enjoyable.
How Therapy Helps:
Therapy provides a safe space for children to express their fears and worries.
Through art and play therapy, children can explore and understand their emotions.
Therapists teach coping strategies to manage anxiety and depression, fostering resilience and self-confidence.
Trauma, Loss, and Major Life Changes
Experiencing traumatic events such as accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing violence can deeply affect a child's emotional and mental health, leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, and confusion. Similarly, the loss of a beloved family member, pet, or significant life changes like divorce or moving can trigger profound grief and make it challenging for children to adapt to new circumstances.
How Therapy Helps:
Art and play therapy allow children to process and express their feelings about traumatic events or losses in a non-threatening way.
Therapists help children build a sense of safety and stability, promoting healing and recovery.
Therapy supports children in adapting to major life changes, helping them to develop a sense of normalcy and continuity.
Social Skills and Emotional Regulation
For some children, forming connections with others, interpreting social cues, and engaging with peers may present challenges. Their struggles in handling emotions can manifest in outbursts, aggression, or withdrawal, which in turn can have a significant impact on their relationships and day-to-day activities.
How Therapy Helps:
Therapy teaches children essential social skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving.
Through interactive activities and role-playing, children learn to recognize and manage their emotions effectively.
Therapists work with children to build self-regulation skills, promoting positive interactions and behaviors.
Our Collaborative Approach to Child Therapy
At Sage House Therapy & Art Therapy Counseling, we believe in a collaborative approach to therapy that involves both the child and their family. We recognize that parents play a crucial role in their child’s development and well-being, and we strive to include them in the therapeutic process whenever possible.
Therapy for Young Children (Ages 3-5)
For our youngest clients, therapy sessions often include the parents or caregivers. This approach ensures that the child feels secure and supported and that the parents are actively involved in the therapeutic process.
How It Works:
Parent Involvement: Parents participate in therapy sessions, learning strategies to support their child’s emotional and behavioral development.
Art and Play Therapy: These sessions use art and play to help the child express their feelings and experiences in a way that is natural and engaging for them.
Building Attachment: Therapy strengthens the parent-child bond, promoting a sense of safety and connection.
Therapy for School-Age Children (Ages 6-12)
For school-age children, therapy typically involves individual sessions with the child, with regular communication and involvement of the parents.
How It Works:
Individual Sessions: The child attends therapy sessions alone, allowing them to develop a trusting relationship with their therapist and explore their feelings independently.
Parental Updates: Therapists maintain open communication with the parents, providing updates and involving them in the therapeutic process every 4-6 sessions.
Art and Play Integration: Therapy incorporates art and play techniques to engage the child in a creative and therapeutic exploration of their emotions and challenges.
Art & Play Therapy
Our therapists are trained in art and play therapy, which are powerful tools for helping children express themselves and work through their challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
Benefits of Art and Play Therapy:
Non-Verbal Expression: These therapies provide a way for children to express feelings and experiences that may be difficult to verbalize.
Creativity and Healing: Art and play offer a creative outlet that can facilitate healing and personal growth.
Engaging and Effective: These approaches are engaging and enjoyable for children, making therapy a positive and effective experience.
Connection with Schools and Community Resources
We are well-connected with local school systems and can assist families in navigating the educational landscape to ensure that their child receives the support they need.
How We Help:
School Collaboration: We work with schools to support the child’s educational and emotional needs, promoting a cohesive approach to their development.
Advocacy and Evaluation: Our therapists can advocate for proper testing and evaluations, including IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and other accommodations, to support the child’s learning and growth.
Building Community Connections: We help families connect with community resources and support networks, creating a strong foundation for the child’s well-being.
If your child is experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges, or if you are seeking support in navigating your child’s unique needs, we invite you to reach out to Sage House Therapy & Art Therapy Counseling. Our compassionate and experienced therapists, including those specializing in art and play therapy, are here to provide the support and guidance your family needs. Contact us today to learn more about our child therapy services and how we can help your child thrive.
Parent Coaching: Supporting Families in Navigating Challenges
Supporting a child through emotional or behavioral challenges can be a complex and ongoing journey for families. At Sage House Therapy & Art Therapy Counseling, we offer parent coaching to provide families with the tools and support they need to thrive.
Benefits of Parent Coaching:
Guidance and Support: Parent coaching offers practical advice and emotional support for navigating the unique challenges of raising a child with emotional or behavioral needs.
Effective Strategies: Coaching provides effective strategies for addressing behavioral challenges, improving communication, and fostering a positive family environment.
Empowerment: By empowering parents with knowledge and resources, we help them to become confident advocates for their child's needs.