Child Therapy
Our approach for Child Therapy:
At our counseling practice, we understand that children often communicate differently than adults. Their feelings, thoughts, and experiences may be difficult to articulate in words. That's why we offer a compassionate and supportive environment where children can explore their emotions through various therapeutic modalities. Our specialized child therapy services include play therapy, art therapy, and sand tray therapy, each designed to help children express themselves and navigate their inner worlds.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is specifically tailored for children aged three to twelve. During a typical session, which lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, the primary goal is to create a safe space for children to express their emotions through play.
Therapist’s Role
The therapist's approach is flexible and adapts to the child's unique needs and comfort levels. As children engage in play, the therapist observes their behavior and introduces new activities to support emotional understanding and communication.
Benefits
Play therapy is particularly beneficial for children who have experienced trauma or stressful events, helping them regain a sense of normalcy. Additionally, children facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD often find this form of therapy effective in enhancing their emotional and social expressions.
Art therapy
Art therapy provides a creative outlet for children to explore their inner emotions in a non-threatening way. This unique approach bridges the gap between verbal expression and complex feelings.
Therapeutic Process
By engaging in creative activities, children can communicate emotions that may be challenging to express verbally. The act of creation fosters **self-awareness**, reduces stress, and promotes personal growth.
Breakthroughs
Many mental health clinicians observe accelerated breakthroughs in children engaged in art therapy. The creative process not only allows for emotional exploration but also encourages children to gain insights into their feelings, leading to healing and self-discovery.
Sand Tray Therapy
Sand tray therapy is a powerful technique that utilizes a tray of sand along with various figurines and objects. This method allows children to externalize their emotions, often revealing feelings that may be difficult to articulate.
An Expressive Medium
Through the sand tray process, children can explore their inner world using symbols and figures, providing a safe, non-verbal avenue for emotional expression. This technique is suitable for various age groups, including children, teens, and families.
Safe Exploration
Sand Tray Therapy is particularly helpful for young clients who may struggle to verbalize their feelings due to age or comfort levels. This innovative approach helps them uncover emotions and experiences, facilitating a deeper understanding of themselves.
At our practice, we are committed to providing a nurturing and empathetic environment where children can feel safe and understood. We recognize that every child's journey is unique, and our therapists are here to walk alongside them, offering guidance and support through their emotional exploration.
If your child is facing challenges or you believe they could benefit from therapeutic support, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can create a plan that meets your child's specific needs and helps them thrive. Please note that, at Kelle DeBruin Counseling, we request that parents and caregivers are open to being part of some of their child’s therapy sessions to help address therapeutic concerns from a holistic perspective. For those interested in a family-oriented therapy modality, click here to learn about the collaborative family therapy offered at our practice
Your journey begins here!
Every journey is unique, and we are committed to walking alongside you. Our therapists are dedicated to helping you build a deeper understanding of yourself and develop the skills needed to face life's challenges. We aim to empower you to make positive changes and live a fulfilling life.