Children have different emotional, mental, and social needs than adults do. For that reason, pediatric therapy differs from the types of therapy used on adults. Pediatric therapists specialize in helping kids overcome mental health challenges and learning disabilities. They can also help kids cope with traumatic events. Here are four things that pediatric therapy sessions can do for children:
1. Offer kids a source of emotional support.
Kids need attention and emotional support in order to thrive. When people are happy about kids' accomplishments and sympathetic about their setbacks, kids can feel secure. Parents are a very important source of emotional support in children's lives, but additional forms of support are also welcome and necessary. Pediatric therapists can form therapeutic relationships with kids, offering their clients ongoing support as they grow and go through life.
2. Let kids freely speak their minds.
Kids occupy a unique place in society. Although children are individuals with their own minds, needs, and desires, they are necessarily governed by adults. As a result, kids may not feel like they're able to speak their minds when an adult in their life hurts their feelings. Therapy provides kids with a safe place to express themselves freely. Kids can talk about issues they are having with their parents, siblings, or other people in their lives. This gives therapists the opportunity to help kids resolve their feelings about difficult interpersonal situations.
3. Help kids process trauma.
Trauma can be difficult to deal with at any age, but it can be especially challenging for children whose brains are not yet fully developed. Untrained people sometimes make things worse instead of better when trying to help kids deal with traumatic events. By treating traumatic events as frightening catastrophes, adults can accidentally send the wrong signals to children. Pediatric therapists are trained to provide trauma support to kids. By allowing kids to take the lead when talking about their trauma, pediatric therapists can help kids heal with minimal secondary trauma after the fact.
4. Treat mental health conditions.
Some children are genetically predisposed to mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety. When kids manifest symptoms of these illnesses, it's important to get them the help they require. Pediatric therapists can treat mental illnesses in children. By using effective forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, therapists can help kids minimize unwanted symptoms so they can live happier lives.
For more information on pediatric therapy, contact a professional near you.
