A therapist is an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to understand themselves better, overcome trauma, or maneuver hardships more clearly. However, most people assume that therapy is the purview of adults when, in reality, children can also be great candidates for therapy.
Children’s therapy is a niche that not all therapists practice; some are skilled at helping adults, and others work primarily with minors. Because of the overlap between practitioner skills in these areas, identifying the therapists who are a good fit for a child can be challenging.
Numerous important factors should be considered when deciding which therapist a child should visit. From credentials to therapeutic approaches and good rapport that supports emotional growth and well-being, parents have plenty of starting points for their research.
Here are a few of the most essential elements to look for when choosing the right therapist for a child.
The Right Credentials
Any therapist under consideration should first be checked for the proper credentials. While each state has its own licensure, therapists may also obtain certificates and other indications that they are skilled in working with children. Suppose a therapist is not licensed in the state where the child is located. In that case, they may still be able to practice depending on whether they have completed cross-state licensure with other member states.
Carefully Curated Children’s Therapy Approaches
Licensed therapists may choose various potential approaches to help patients accomplish their goals. However, not all methods are appropriate for all children; for instance, very young children do not typically benefit from traditional talk therapy as much as adults because they do not yet have the cognitive maturity to engage with this form of healing. However, play therapy could be a more effective option.
Examine a therapist’s preferred therapeutic areas to determine whether they can provide care that resonates with a child.
A Child-Friendly Attitude
Even if a therapist regularly practices therapy types that are suitable for a child, how they engage with the child will impact that child’s success within a therapy context. Individuals who are bright, open, and easy to understand will resonate with young people better than therapists who are clinical and aloof.
Meet with the therapist before scheduling an appointment to learn more about their demeanor. Consider the points made in online reviews from other patients to see if their children have found success with that specific therapist.
An Accessible Office
Children are not likely to understand why they are going to a therapist; what they notice first is that they are in an unfamiliar place with a stranger. Therapists who understand how children think will often organize their offices to encourage comfort and interest. Colorful walls, toys to play with, and even soothing music can all make a child’s visit to a therapist’s office more positive.
Nurturing this favorable connection between the therapist and an accessible, enjoyable office can be an invaluable first step in building a solid bond between the professional and the minor. If the therapist also sees adults, they may not necessarily create a childlike wonderland—but their office may still be welcoming with plush pillows, soft lighting, and friendly staff.
A Focus on Relevant Situations
Many therapists see a wide range of clients whose situations differ significantly. However, it is useful to select a children’s therapist who has some experience in the type of situation that a specific child is going through. For instance, if a child has experienced physical trauma, opting for a trauma-informed therapist with knowledge of children’s therapy is often the best choice.
Similarly, children who are struggling with crippling social anxiety can benefit from a therapist who regularly assists with anxiety disorders. Parents can select appropriate therapists in a number of ways.
The therapist themselves may clarify on their website or biography which areas they specialize in, while others are happy to share this information during an informal meeting. Others may display credentials indicating that they have participated in continuing education within particular niches or focusing on specific disorders and challenges.
Find the Ideal Therapist for Your Children’s Therapy
Choosing a good therapist for a child is one of the most important decisions that a parent can make, especially for young individuals who are struggling with mood disorders, mental health challenges, or trauma. By carefully examining a therapist’s areas of practice, interests, and even office environment, parents can make informed choices about which professional to trust with their child’s mental well-being and emotional growth.
The team at Village Counseling is always happy to help our young patients achieve the best outcomes possible. Contact Village Counseling to schedule a children’s therapy appointment.