4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
It's normal for all children to have big feelings, but when tantrums, mood swings, or other behaviors get in the way of their relationships and learning, a child therapist may be able to help. Here we explain how a child therapist can be a support for you and your child.
What does a child therapist do?
A child therapist is a licensed professional who has knowledge and experience of children’s psychological, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. They help children from early childhood to adolescence deal with issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and school-related difficulties. By providing a safe place for the child to express themselves, child therapists use therapeutic techniques to promote the child’s well-being and development.
Child therapists also work with parents and families to offer education, guidance, and support. They can also collaborate with schools to create optimal conditions for the child based on their needs. At Lavendla, you can find just the right child therapist who can help.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
Our counselors
Click here to view all counselors and therapists.
What are the signs that a child needs help?
Detecting signs that a child is unwell is crucial to providing the right support and help. Children often show subtle changes in behavior and emotional expression when dealing with psychological difficulties. Here are some signs to look out for:
Behavior
- Mood swings: Rapid changes in mood.
- Irritability or aggressiveness: Acting out behaviors.
- Social withdrawal: Loss of interest in friends and activities.
Emotional signs
- Anxiety or worry: Excessive worrying about various things.
- Sadness or depression: Prolonged sadness or loss of enjoyment of life.
- Low self-esteem: Feelings of worthlessness.
School and concentration
- Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing on school work.
- Falling grades: Sudden drop in school performance.
Physical signs
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits: Irregular or changing habits.
- Unexplained physical symptoms: Headaches or stomachaches with no clear cause.
Book a meeting
Fill in the form, choose a counselor and proceed to payment.
Social signs
- Problems with peers: Difficulty maintaining friendships.
- Avoidance of social activities: Reluctance to participate in group activities.
Risky behaviors
- Risk-taking: Dangerous activities without regard to consequences.
- Substance abuse: Use of drugs or alcohol.
Thoughts and feelings
- Hopelessness: Negative statements about the future.
- Thoughts of death or suicide: Such statements should be taken very seriously.
If these signs are observed, start by talking to the child and acknowledging their feelings. Create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to share their thoughts and feelings. A child therapist can help the child learn ways to express and cope with their feelings, and can help the parent understand why their child is behaving in a certain way.
What can I do if my child needs help?
It can be challenging and emotionally demanding to have a child with emotional or psychological difficulties. It is important to approach the situation with understanding, patience, and support. Here are some steps you can take to help your child:
Listen and validate: Start by listening to your child without judgment. Validate their feelings to show that you take them seriously.
Seek professional help: Do not hesitate to contact a psychologist or therapist if your child continues to feel bad.
Open communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and reassure them that you are always there to listen.
Joint activities: Spend time together doing activities that strengthen your bond and provide positive experiences.
Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep are important for mental health.
Pay attention: Notice changes in behavior or mood and act if you see signs that your child needs more support.
Create a safety network: Make sure your child knows who they can turn to besides you, such as other family members or teachers.
Remember: You and your child are not alone. Support is available.
This summary offers a practical guide to supporting your child through difficult times with a focus on being responsive, active, and supportive.
Why Lavendla?
Choose your own counselor
Browse and select a counselor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
Treatment with a child therapist
Seeking help from a child therapist is an important step when a child is experiencing mental health difficulties. Treatment with a child therapist is adapted to the child’s individual needs and may include methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, family therapy and group therapy. The aim is to improve the child’s emotional well-being and develop coping strategies. The child therapist works closely with the child, the family, and sometimes the school to create a safe environment where the child can learn to manage emotions and behaviors effectively.
It is important to remember that each child is unique, so treatment may vary. Working with a child therapist can give your child the tools they need to manage their emotions and behaviors in a healthy way.
12 frequently asked questions about child psychologists
What is a child therapist?
A child therapist is a licensed professional with knowledge and experience in promoting the well-being and mental health of children and parents.
What does a child therapist do?
Child therapists offer therapy and counseling and work with families to provide support and guidance when needed. They also work with schools to create optimal conditions for the child.
What are the signs that a child needs help?
There are several signs that a child is not doing well, such as frequent anxiety or irritability. Trouble with social relationships, a new onset of physical symptoms, decreased school performance, risky behaviors, changes in eating or sleeping habits, and many other signs may indicate that a child needs help managing their feelings.
How can I support my child?
It can be challenging and emotionally demanding for a parent when their child is struggling. It is important to approach the situation with understanding, patience and support. If necessary, you can seek professional help.
Can I get parent counseling if my child isn’t in therapy?
Many child therapists offer support for parents even if their children are not seen by the therapist. Parents are their children’s number one support, and child therapists understand that when parents feel healthy and strong they are more likely to be effective parents.
How is child therapy different from regular talk therapy?
Younger children often express themselves through play, stories, and hands-on activities such as art and games. Child therapists are trained in ways to use children’s ways of relating to help develop better coping strategies. Some children with strong verbal skills can engage in a combination of play therapy and talk therapy techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
What is CBT?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
How can teenagers get help?
Many child therapists work with adolescents as well as younger children, and some therapists specialize in treating teenagers. The age at which a therapist needs consent from a guardian to meet with the teenager depends on state laws and regulations.
Do child therapists need special training?
Children express themselves different from adults, so therapists working with children do need special training on topics such as play, child development, and parenting techniques. When searching for a child therapist, make sure to look for one with experience working with children and parents.
How long is treatment with a child therapist?
The treatment is adapted to the presenting problems of the child and/or family. Treatment can last anywhere from a few sessions to several years.
Can I see a child psychologist online?
Yes, all of Lavendla’s therapists offer virtual sessions via our secure video conferencing platform.
Where can I go if I or my child needs help from a child therapist?
Lavendla has numerous experienced child therapists who can help. Go ahead and search the profiles online to find a match!
How does treatment with a child therapist work?
Seeking help from a child therapist is an important step when a child is experiencing mental health problems or if you are having difficulties as a parent. Here is a brief overview of what treatment can look like:
First step: Initial consultation where the psychologist assesses needs through conversations with the child and parents.
Treatment plan: An individualized plan is developed based on the child’s specific situation and needs.
Types of therapy: Common approaches include play therapy for younger children, in which play is used as a tool for expression and processing, and talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for older children, which focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Other methods such as family therapy can also be helpful.
Parental counseling: Parents receive guidance and support through meetings with the therapist to better help their child at home.
Monitoring and adjustment: The treatment plan is continuously evaluated and adjusted as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
It is important to remember that each child is unique, and therefore treatment may vary. Working with a child therapist can give you and your child the tools they need to manage their emotions and behaviors in a healthy way. At Lavendla, we have child therapists who can help make the hard things easier.
