Help! Does my child need therapy?

Dear parents and readers,

As a certified child and family therapist, I often get questions from parents about play therapy. Parents are wondering about how play therapy can help children and what types of issues therapy can address. In this article I will talk about play therapy and how it can be helpful in different situations.

Most parents spend a lot of time watching their children to make sure that they are where they need to be in terms of social and emotional development when compared to their peers. Sometimes a parent may start to notice a behavioral change in their child that becomes concerning. Our children's behaviors tell us a lot about what is going on for them. For example, a child may be doing great at home or school until a traumatic event such as a death in the family or a parent separation occurs. This child may begin to show signs of distress to their parents through their behavior. Children who experience stress can show signs of physiological discomfort such as headaches or stomach aches or can change behaviorally. An example of a behavioral change would be that your child starts to have difficulty with expressing emotions which can cause aggressive outbursts of anger or your child becomes emotional and has difficulty calming themselves down once upset. Play therapy is used to treat children's' emotional and behavioral issues.

Why Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy. It is used to help children express what is troubling them through play when they do not have the communication skills to express their thoughts and emotions verbally. In play therapy, toys are the child words and play is the child's language. The positive relationship that develops between the therapist and the child during play therapy sessions provides a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing (Play Therapy Institute). Through play therapy, children learn techniques to help them communicate with others, express feelings, modify behaviors, and develop problem solving skills. Play therapy can help your child if they are having difficulty adjusting to a loss, divorce, traumatic event, or changes within the family. Play therapy can also address social or behavioral difficulties at home or school. Play provides a safe place for children to express thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.

Now that you know what Play Therapy is, let me answer a few questions about the process of starting therapy for your child.

Question: How do I find a child therapist?

Answer: Choosing a therapist that is right for your family is very important. Make sure you look at a therapist credentials to make sure they have at least a Masters degree in counseling. Choose a therapist that has training or experience in play therapy or focuses on children in their practice.

Here are a few suggestions of places to look for a child therapist in your area.

1. Psychology Today http://www.psychologytoday.com/

2. People House http://www.peoplehouse.org/

3. National Institute for Play Therapy http://www.a4pt.org/

4. General Google Search "child therapist denver"


Question: How much does a play therapy session cost?

Answer: Each therapist has their own rate but it ranges from $50-$120 per hour.
Most therapists offer 50 minute sessions. Most parents commit to at least 2 months of weekly sessions. Some clients continue to work with their therapist for more than a year.


Question: Does insurance pay for the sessions?

Answer: Some therapists accept insurance. Most therapists will provide a receipt at the end of the month to turn into your insurance company. This is an important question to ask when choosing the right therapist for your family.


Question: How do I set up a session with you to begin counseling for my child?

Answer: I currently see clients at my office location in Denver Colorado. You can set up an appointment through my website, http://www.honestfamilyservices.com/.
I offer a complimentary 30 minute phone consultation to answer any questions.

Remember, play therapy is designed to help children by meeting them where they are at developmentally and provides insight to parents on their child's behaviors and ways to make changes.

If you are a parent and have more specific questions related to whether or not your child would benefit from play therapy, please email me your questions and send them to michelle@honestfamilyservices.com.


Sincerely,

Michelle


Michelle Chrastil, MA CPD NCC
Honest Family Services, LLC.
http://www.honestfamilyservices.com/