Behavioral Therapy Techniques for Children

Children can struggle with many different issues that can make their daily life difficult. These issues can also take a toll on the parents, especially when they are unsure of what’s going on or what to do. If your child is dealing with behavioral health challenges, the team at Caring Hands Medical Clinics in Monticello and Meadville, MS, is committed to helping you both find a bright path forward.

Common Behavioral Therapy Techniques for Children

As much as parents may wish to protect their children from everything, the sad reality is that our children often struggle. Sometimes, their struggles are physical. Other times, they come in the form of ADHD, autism, eating disorders, and more. Additionally, many are exposed to traumatic events and more that can impair their mental health.

When a child struggles with behavioral health, there are many types of therapy and techniques available, depending on their age and their specific needs. Below, the team at Caring Hands Medical Clinics in Monticello and Meadville, MS, shares some of the most common techniques used.

CBT

Cognitive behavior therapy or CBT, is a type of therapy that employs many techniques to help recognize and adjust unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. For example, CBT may be used to help a child with ADHD change how they think or react to homework and develop habits to increase their focus.

DBT

Life can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, when a child or teen feels overwhelmed or anxious, it can lead to self-harm, eating disorders, depression, and more. DBT or dialectical behavior therapy, helps children or teens find ways to accept their negative thoughts and develop healthier ways to respond to them.

Cognitive Processing Therapy

CPT is often used for older children and teens to help process traumatic events. However, the focus is not on the event itself but rather how that event altered the child’s beliefs. This is important, as many experience shame, guilt, and other negative emotions in response to an event that happened to them. Identifying those beliefs and gaining insight into why they aren’t true or realistic can help the child heal.

Child-Centered Play Therapy

Play therapy can be beneficial for many children, but especially those who cannot communicate their feelings properly. The technique allows them to act out their emotions and scenes that replay in their heads to provide a healthy coping method. It’s used to help children improve their self-esteem, release pent-up emotions, process traumatic events, and build problem-solving skills.

If your child is struggling with behavioral health challenges, let our team at Caring Hands Medical Clinics in Monticello, MS help find the best techniques for their needs. Call (601) 587-4304 for the Monticello, MS, office and (601) 384-1646 for Meadville, MS, to schedule an appointment today.