Parents always want what is best for their children. While it may be difficult for parents to discuss child therapy, it can be an essential resource for improving children’s emotional and mental wellbeing. 

Whether your child is having a difficult time regulating their emotions, withdrawing from activities they typically enjoy, engaging in self-destructive behaviors, experiencing depression or anxiety, or showing other signs of emotional or mental distress, it’s important to seek therapy for children as early as possible. Early intervention through therapy can have a positive impact on a child’s life and equip them with the tools they deserve to have a healthy and healthy childhood. 

At Handel Behavioral Health, our trained therapists for children in Massachusetts are compassionate, nurturing, and skilled. They are dedicated to providing children with the space, confidentiality, and opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings, tap into their inner strengths, form a healthy self-identity, develop new tools to meet life’s challenges, and build strong relationships with self and others. 

Above all, our child therapists are here to help your child experience a healthier and happier life. To start working with one of our child therapists online in Massachusetts or in-person from our Amherst, West Springfield, Franklin, Natick, and Wilbraham offices, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

To learn more about evidence based therapy for children in Massachusetts, please read on!

What is Child Therapy?

Child therapy, sometimes referred to as child-centered therapy, is a form of therapy designed to address emotional and behavioral challenges unique to children. Child therapy offers a safe and supportive space for children to express, explore, and understand their emotions. Beyond immediate emotional relief, child therapy helps children develop resilience and effective coping tools to navigate life challenges. 

At Handel Behavioral Health, our child therapists are committed to creating safe and supportive relationships with children, and to ensuring the right therapeutic fit for each child, understanding there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to child therapy.

What Age Range is Child Therapy Appropriate For?

Child therapy is not exclusive to any specific age range. Infants, adolescents, preschoolers, elementary-aged children, and adolescents can all benefit from working with a therapist. Therapeutic approaches will vary depending on the child’s age and their unique mental health needs. 

1. Infants and Toddlers: Infants and toddlers can benefit from parent-infant psychotherapy. The therapist will work with the parent to improve the child’s emotional development and parent-child interactions.
2. Preschoolers: Preschoolers often benefit from play therapy which allows children to express their thoughts and feelings through playful activities. 
3. Elementary-Aged Children: Elementary-aged children may benefit from a combination of play therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques. 
4. Adolescents: Adolescents may benefit from more talk therapy interventions, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and other types of therapies appropriate for their unique needs.

Signs a Child Can Benefit From Therapy:

A child may benefit from working with a therapist if they are showing the following signs:

• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Unexplained drops in school performance
• Constant fear, worry, or sadness
• Persistent difficulty in paying attention
• Repeated refusal to attend school
• Withdrawal from activities they typically enjoy
• Withdrawal or difficulty with peer relationships
• Hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning
• Changes in eating habits or sleep patterns
• Frequent nightmares
• Frequent tantrums 
• Persistent disobedience or aggressive behavior

If you’ve noticed any of these signs and behaviors in your child, don’t hesitate to get your child started with a trained mental health professional. By seeking professional help when needed, you are empowering your child to overcome challenges, build resilience, and experience a healthier future.

What Types of Child Therapy Are Offered at Handel Behavioral Health?

At Handel Behavioral Health, our therapists offer a wide variety of therapeutic techniques and will work with parents, children, and families to determine which type of therapy will be most effective. 

Here are some common types of therapy for children and adolescents: 

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of talk therapy that explores the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT can help children replace negative thinking with more positive and constructive ways of thinking, resulting in better decision making and behaviors. 
2. Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT) : A type of talk therapy that helps people learn strategies to better manage their emotions. Children will learn to identify their triggers and find more effective ways to respond to their triggers in the present moment. 
3. Behavioral Therapy: A type of talk that can help parents manage their children’s behavior and can help children develop better routines, coping skills, and improve self-control. 
4. Play Therapy: A type of therapy that can help children better understand, express, and regulate their feelings through play. Play therapy can help therapists determine where children are experiencing challenges and difficulties. Therapists also use play therapy to help children develop new skills. 
5. Art Therapy: A type of therapy that can help children express their emotions through creativity. Art therapy can help therapists gain a better understanding of the child’s mental health concerns and can help children develop new skills. 
6. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): A type of therapy for children with autism Spectrum disorder (ASD). Applied behavior analysis involves reinforcing appropriate responses from children in the present moment to help them improve their behavior.
7. Family Therapy: A type of therapy that works with both children and parents to help them understand each other’s needs and emotions. Family therapy provides parents with the opportunity to learn how to better connect with their child while building a nurturing bond.

What can therapy sessions help children improve?

• Build social skills
• Develop greater confidence
• Build emotional regulation skills
• Enhance problem-solving skills
• Function as part of the family 
• Reduce worry, distress, and anxiety

Start Working With a Child Therapist at Handel Behavioral Health Today:

Many children are able to better manage their emotions and behavior with the support of a trained child therapist. At Handel Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to helping you and your family members find the best therapist and type of therapy for your child. 

To start working with one of our child therapists online in Massachusetts or in-person from our Amherst, West Springfield, Franklin, Natick, and Wilbraham offices, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

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