Helping children to talk in therapy
Children for a variety of reasons often are reluctant to talk about their feelings and concerns in therapy whether individual, group, or family therapy. Therapists sometimes need to be resourceful to help children who are anxious to participate in a meaningful way in the therapy process. It is important for children to feel included in the process. Some children may not feel they can express themselves because they may be too young, others may be silent due to anxiety, anger, fear, resentment, and a few may not be able to talk due to trauma events.
Therapists need to have various strategies that do not rely on language such as symbolic play either directive or non-directive, drawing, storytelling, or therapeutic work with symbols. Many therapists, irrespective of the therapeutic modality (e.g. CBT, Interpersonal, Psychodynamic), have integrated play techniques in their work with children.
Most children do not choose to come to therapy, rather they are “brought” or “sent” by parents, teachers or other professionals who in turn are sometimes pressured to do so by extended family, social services, or courts. The child’s experience upon arrival at the therapist’s office is often like being punished and sent to the principal’s office.
Creative methods of engagement are dictated by necessity because good therapy doesn’t usually take place in a context of fear and punishment. The therapist must think out-of-the box for ways to transform the experience for the child and make the context a safe, comfortable, and playful context that gradually allows for trust to build and for the child to be able to use the therapeutic space in a helpful way.
for more information go to: http://cognitivetherapyforchildren.net
