Psychotherapy can help children and young people deal with difficult experiences and make sense of their feelings and emotions. The end goal is reducing distress and helping them heal and become more resilient. Psychotherapy for children and young people looks different from adult sessions. Here’s it works.
First things first
If you’re considering finding a therapist for your child, how do you know who to choose? It goes without saying that the therapist should be a specialist in providing psychotherapy for children and young people. Not only that, through their training they should have a deep understanding of child and adolescent development and behaviour.
I had specialist training at Northern Guild, which is one of the leading training institutes for psychotherapy with children and young people. Without this training, I wouldn’t be capable of working impactfully and potently with younger clients. The training involved a focus on myself through much introspective examination through completing over 120 hours personal therapy whilst studying child and adolescent development, behaviour, and psychotherapy. Additionally, I had to complete 150 hours of supervised clinical placement hours to hone my skills.
How does therapy for children and young people work?
Building a working relationship
This is the first stage of therapy, forming an effective working alliance with the child or young person. It’s all about coming alongside them, matching their energy, and finding common ground on which to build a rapport.
Checking in with how I feel
If I’m able to reflect on how I’m feeling, able to be present, and I’m physically and emotionally well, I’m far better placed to help a child or young person. I have regular supervision to help with this, as well as practicing mindfulness and meditation, eating well, and exercising regularly.
I become a blank canvas
This is such an important part of psychotherapy for children and young people, that I’m there as a constant blank canvas on which they can express whatever might be inside of them and needs to come out. To do this, I have to remain calm, neutral and regulated myself so that child or young person understands that I can take it, and that it is ‘Ok’ for them to let it out. ‘Use of self’ is very important in the therapy room. How I am, and what I do, say, or don’t do or don’t say, are all vital parts of my attunement with the client.
Using play in therapy
Being attuned to a child or young person allows me to select the most appropriate interventions to support them to express what they need or to tell their story. Often younger children lack the vocabulary to articulate what needs to be expressed (and they may not know or understand what they feel) and so instead we use play. I also have skills in working therapeutically with metaphors created in play.
As our therapeutic work progresses, their needs may change, and my creativity allows me to introduce alternative ways for them to process whatever it is that they need to.
Helping children and young people understand the mind/body connection
Psychoeducation in children and young people’s therapy is massively important. I help them understand the connection between their mind and body, and their emotions and feelings in age-appropriate ways.
Working with parents and carers for success
Holding appropriately timed reviews with parents and caregivers helps them understand and appreciate the strategies I’ve been using in the therapy room. This always makes for a greater chance of success.
Following a strict ethical framework
In all of my work, I abide by a strict ethical framework from my governing body, The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This ensures that no one is harmed and that my focus is always on the client and their wellbeing.
Whatever the issue, my therapy room is a safe space where children and young people can explore their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
To find out more about my therapy services for children and young people, please do get in touch at hello@lighthousepsychotherapy.co.uk