Therapy for Children
Play therapy
Trauma
Anxiety & OCD Treatment
Is your child:
struggling with overwhelming or BIG emotions?
having meltdowns several times week?
finding it difficult to focus or concentrate?
acting oppositional and defiant?
struggling with their relationships?
refusing to go to daycare or school?
Has your child seen or experienced something that was scary or upsetting?
Are you, as the parent overwhelmed, exhausted and at your wit's end?
It may be time to get your child in therapy.
Intake & Assessment
The first session is to assess the reason for therapy, explore what is going on and identify the goal for therapy. This information will then be used to identify the appropriate therapy model and to create a treatment plan to meet the identified goals.
The Work
As a child therapist Cerissa Rhodes is trained and certified to provide several forms of therapy to children 0-18.
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Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) & Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) are two structured approaches addressing trauma. CPP, is for children aged 0-6 and their caregivers, and focuses on enhancing the parent-child relationship to promote healing and resilience. TF-CBT, is for children aged 3-18, and helps children and their caregivers process traumatic experiences, manage anxiety, and develop coping skills.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are two models that when combined prove highly effective for addressing child anxiety and OCD. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety and distress, helping children develop healthy coping skills. ERP gradually exposes children to anxiety-inducing situations and assists them in resisting compulsive behaviors, fostering resilience and empowerment.
Structure of Sessions
Play Therapy
Children's first language is play and child therapists will utilize play therapy techniques through out treatment...it is how young children learn, communicate and explore their world. Through play children can explore their emotions, process difficult experiences, and develop essential coping skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
Older children may share "all we did was play uno" or "I just painted." Rest assured parents, more is taking place than they realize.
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement in therapy is crucial as children see the world through their parent's eyes. By actively participating in sessions with their child therapist, parents gain insights into their child's needs and emotions. This collaborative approach empowers families to navigate challenges and support their child's growth both inside and outside the therapy room, fostering resilience together. For children under the age of 6, parents should plan to be present and involved at every session.
Relationship Building
A lot of the success of therapy is in the relationship between the therapist and client. This is no different when working with children. The therapist will invest significant time and interest in building trust and safety in their relationship with both the children and parents.
DISCHARGE
Discharging from therapy is a cause for CELEBRATION!!!
This is especially true with children. Discharge is planned in advance with lots of discussion, counting down and of course a celebration of sorts during the final session.
