THERAPY
FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
What does therapy for children involve?
Unlike adult therapy sessions, child therapy is often filled with play, art, and creative activities. Our therapists are trained to meet your child on their level, using these engaging methods to help them:
Identify and express their emotions
Develop communication and social skills
Build self-esteem and confidence
Learn coping mechanisms for anxiety, stress, and challenges
Child therapy isn't just for kids who are struggling. It's a powerful tool for any child who could benefit from a helping hand in navigating the complexities of growing up.
Common types of child & adolescent therapies
CBT
Is your child struggling with anxiety or negative thoughts?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) for children and adolescents can be a powerful tool. Through engaging activities and games, CBT helps children identify unhelpful thinking patterns that bring them down, develop new, more positive ways of looking at situations and build practical skills to manage stress and difficult emotions.
Think of CBT as a skill-building workshop for your child. It equips them with the tools they need to feel happier and more confident!
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CBT works well with: managing ADHD, agoraphobia, body dysmorphia, depression, general anxiety (excessive worrying), health anxiety, low self-esteem, OCD, panic attacks, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep problems and social anxiety.
EMDR
Does your child seem stuck in a difficult memory?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, might sound complex, but for children, it can be a journey of surprising ease. Imagine a safe space where your child can explore challenging memories through play or creative activities. With a gentle therapist as their guide, EMDR helps them process these experiences in a healthy way. Over time, the negative emotions attached to those memories may lessen, allowing your child to build resilience and move forward with more confidence. EMDR isn't about erasing the past, but rather helping your child understand it and move beyond it.
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EMDR works wrell with: agoraphobia, body dysmorphia, depression, general anxiety (excessive worrying), health anxiety, hoarding, low self-esteem, OCD, panic attacks, phobias, processing traumatic life experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety.
PLAY THERAPY
Does your child struggle to express their feelings with words?
Play therapy can be their voice! It's not playtime as you know it. Imagine a safe space filled with toys, games, and art materials. Here, under the guidance of a trained therapist, your child can explore their world through creative expression. Play becomes a bridge, allowing them to communicate their emotions, fears, and experiences in a way that feels natural and comfortable. As they navigate this world of make-believe, the therapist observes, listens, and gently helps them process their inner struggles. Play therapy empowers children to develop healthy coping mechanisms, build confidence, and express themselves authentically.
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Play therapy works well with: anxiety, depression, trauma, managing ADHD, living with ASD, attachment Issues, grief and loss and social and emotional development delays.
PERSON-CENTRED THERAPY
Has your child or teenager come home from school feeling lost or overwhelmed?
In person-centred therapy, the therapist acts as a supportive guide, not a director. They listen actively and offer a safe space for your child to explore their feelings and experiences. By asking gentle questions and reflecting back what they hear, the therapist helps your child gain a deeper understanding of themselves. This can be especially helpful for teenagers struggling with self-doubt, anxiety, or social issues. As your child feels heard and accepted, they can build the confidence to navigate challenges and reach their full potential.
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Person- centred therapy works well with: anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment Issues, grief and loss and social and emotional development delays, behavioural issues, family changes and difficultiesin school.
TRAUMA-INFORMED THERAPY
Is your child struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or big emotions?
Trauma can show up in surprising ways. Trauma-informed therapy creates a safe, supportive space for your child. The therapist understands that past experiences can impact the present. They'll listen patiently and avoid triggers, helping your child explore their feelings at their own pace. This approach can empower your child to build coping skills and heal from past hurts, leading to a brighter future.
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Trauma-informed therapy works well with: social problems, behavioural issues, family changes, difficulties in school and coping with trauma.
GRIEF & LOSS
Has your child experienced a loss, whether a pet, family member, or friend?
Grief and loss therapy provides a safe space for them to navigate this difficult time. The therapist understands the unique challenges children face with grief, and won't pressure them to feel a certain way. Through creative activities, play, and open conversation, your child can explore their emotions, find healthy ways to express them, and begin to heal. This supportive environment allows them to remember the person they lost with love, while building the resilience to move forward.
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Grief & loss therapy works well with: death of a loved on, divorce or separation, moving or relocation, serious illness, loss of a pet and loss of a dream or expectation.
What type of therapy does my child need?
Knowing your child needs therapy can feel overwhelming, but there's good news! Therapy offers a variety of approaches, just like a toolbox full of solutions. The most important thing is finding the right fit for your child's unique needs.
Here's what to consider:
What are your child's challenges? Does your child struggle with anxiety, social issues, or emotional difficulties? Different therapies specialise in different areas.
What kind of environment would benefit your child? Some children thrive with a more playful, creative approach, while others prefer a more structured, skills-based therapy.
Your child's personality! Is your child shy and reserved, or outgoing and energetic? Matching their personality with a therapist's style can make a big difference.
Don't worry about navigating this alone! At MOH, we specialise in child therapy and can help you find the right therapist and approach to support your child's journey.
How will my child’s therapist take a whole-health approach?
At MOH, we believe in working together to support your child's overall well-being. This means all our professionals, from therapists to nutritionists and fitness coaches, collaborate to create a personalised plan. Here's how it benefits your child:
COMPLETE PICTURE
During your child's therapy assessment, the therapist consider all aspects of their life that might influence their emotional health. We want to understand their world!
SEAMLESS SUPPORT
Whether your child receives therapy, nutritional guidance, or fitness coaching (or a combination!), our professionals communicate regularly. This ensures all their treatments work together seamlessly to create a well-rounded approach for your child's success.
TEAMWORK IN ACTION
Imagine a team huddle - that's our therapists, nutritionists, and fitness coaches working together. Your child's therapist might consult with others if they think it would be helpful, with your permission of course.
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Here are some key signs that your child might benefit from seeing a therapist:
Emotional difficulties: Frequent sadness, anger, anxiety, or fear.
Behavioural problems: Outbursts, aggression, withdrawal, or changes in sleep or eating patterns.
Social struggles: Difficulty making friends, problems at school, or social isolation.
Academic challenges: Trouble concentrating, hyperactivity, or a sudden drop in grades.
Changes in mood or personality: Withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy, seeming "off" or disconnected.
Difficulties coping with trauma: Experiencing bullying, loss of a loved one, or a major life change.
Get in touch with MOH now and arrange your child’s first session with a therapist matched to their needs!
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There's no single "most effective" therapy for all children because every child's needs are unique. However, research suggests several evidence-based therapies can be highly effective depending on the specific challenges a child faces. Here are a few of the most commonly used and well-supported approaches:
Play Therapy: This child-centred approach harnesses the power of play to help children express emotions, process experiences, and develop coping mechanisms.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Teaches children to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Family Therapy: Addresses family dynamics that may be impacting a child's well-being and helps families develop healthier communication and support systems.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Targets emotional regulation skills for children struggling with intense emotions or self-destructive behaviours.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps children develop psychological flexibility and acceptance of difficult emotions while pursuing meaningful goals.
Give us a call at MOH and we’ll help you figure it ot, remember, you are not alone.
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Several evidence-based therapies can be highly effective in addressing behavioural problems in children. Here's a breakdown of some common approaches:
Parent Management Training (PMT): This approach equips parents with positive reinforcement strategies and communication techniques to manage their child's behaviour. It's particularly helpful for younger children with disruptive behaviours.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps children identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to their behaviour. For example, a child who associates going to school with anxiety might learn to reframe those thoughts into more positive and manageable ones.
Family Therapy: Family dynamics can significantly impact a child's behaviour. Family therapy can help identify unhealthy patterns and create a more supportive and consistent family environment to promote positive behaviour changes.
Social Skills Training: This therapy teaches children essential social skills like communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. These skills can help them navigate social situations more effectively and reduce instances of behavioural problems.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): This therapy is particularly helpful for children struggling with intense emotions that might lead to behavioural outbursts. DBT teaches emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance strategies, and healthy communication to manage difficult emotions more effectively.
Choosing the Right Therapy:
The best therapy for your child will depend on the specific nature of their behaviour problems. Get in touch with MOH and we will help you figure it out. We will consider factors like your child's age, the severity of the behaviour problems, and any underlying emotional or developmental challenges.
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Here's a breakdown of how therapy can play a crucial role in managing ADHD:
Therapy for ADHD in Children:
Doesn't "cure" ADHD: Therapy doesn't eliminate the core symptoms of ADHD.
Improves Symptom Management: Play therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and social skills training can significantly improve a child's ability to manage symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
How Therapy Helps:
Play Therapy: For younger children, play therapy provides a safe space to explore emotions, develop self-regulation skills, and practice focusing through engaging activities.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps children identify negative thought patterns impacting their focus and behaviour. They learn to challenge these thoughts and develop more positive coping mechanisms.
Social Skills Training: Children with ADHD may struggle with social interaction. Social skills training equips them with skills like communication, cooperation, and emotional regulation to navigate social situations more effectively.
Benefits of Therapy for Children with ADHD:
Improved focus and attention
Enhanced self-control and impulse management
Reduced hyperactivity
Better emotional regulation
Stronger social skills
Increased self-esteem and confidence
Therapy Alongside Medication:
While therapy plays a vital role, medication is often prescribed alongside it for a comprehensive treatment plan. Medication helps manage core ADHD symptoms, and therapy equips children with the skills to navigate everyday challenges effectively.
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Parents don't have automatic access to their child's therapy notes. Here's a breakdown:
Confidentiality: Therapists are bound by confidentiality to protect a child's privacy.
Child's Consent: For children deemed competent (able to understand the situation and make decisions), their consent is generally required to share therapy notes with parents.
Best Interests: Even if a child isn't considered competent, therapists may withhold information from parents if they believe it's not in the child's best interests (e.g., revealing abuse by a parent).
Transparency and Communication: Therapists typically encourage open communication between child and parent.
Parents may be involved in sessions or receive general updates on progress without accessing specific notes.
Exceptions: In cases of suspected abuse or neglect, therapists may be required to report information to relevant authorities.
Seeking Information:
Parents can discuss their concerns with the therapist and explore alternative ways to be involved in their child's treatment.