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what is psychotherapy for children
Psychotherapy refers to a variety of techniques and methods used to help
children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties with emotion and
behavior. Although there are different types of psychotherapy, each relies
on communications as the basic tool for bringing about change in a person's
feelings and behaviors. Psychotherapy may involve an individual child, group
or family. In children and adolescents, playing, drawing, building, and
pretending, as well as talking, are important ways of sharing feelings and
resolving problems.
As part of the initial assessment, the child and adolescent psychiatrist
will determine the need for psychotherapy. This decision will be based upon
such things as the child's current problems, history, level of development,
ability to cooperate in treatment, and what interventions are most likely to
help with the presenting concerns. Psychotherapy is often used in
combination with other treatments (medication, behavior management, or work
with the school). The relationship that develops between the therapist and
the patient is very important. The child or adolescent must feel
comfortable, safe and understood. This type of trusting environment makes it
much easier for the child to express his/her thoughts and feelings and to
use the therapy in a useful way.
Psychotherapy helps children and adolescents in a variety of ways. They
receive emotional support, resolve conflicts with people, understand
feelings and problems, and try out new solutions to old problems. Goals for
therapy may be specific (change in behavior, improved relations with friends
or family), or more general (less anxiety, better self-esteem). The length
of psychotherapy depends on the complexity and severity of problems. Child
and adolescent psychiatrists are specifically trained and skilled to provide
psychotherapy.
Parents should ask the following questions:
- Why is psychotherapy being recommended?
- What are some of the results I can expect to see?
- How long will my child be involved in therapy?
- How frequently will the doctor want to see my child?
- Will the doctor be meeting with just my child or the entire family?
- How much do psychotherapy sessions cost?
- How will we (the parents) be informed about our child's progress and how can we help?
- How soon can we expect to see some changes?
A child and adolescent psychiatrist will be able to provide you with
answers to your questions and concerns.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) represents
over 6900 child and adolescent psychiatrists who are physicians with at
least five years of additional training beyond medical school in general
(adult) and child and adolescent psychiatry.
The Facts for Families© series is developed and distributed by the American
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). Facts sheets may be
reproduced for personal or educational use without written permission, but
cannot be included in material presented for sale.
Free distribution of individual Facts for Families sheets is a public
service of the AACAP Special Friends of Children Fund. Please make a
tax-deductible contribution to the AACAP Special Friends of Children Fund
and support this important public outreach. (AACAP, Special Friends of
Children Fund, P.O. Box 96106, Washington, D.C. 20090).
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