Child Therapy

Like adults, children can sometimes benefit from therapy. Childhood is typically a time for creative imagination, fun, and excitement. However, children can be impacted by a number of life stressors which deeply affect their ability to "just be a kid." Therapy can help children develop problem-solving skills and coping strategies for dealing with challenging life situations.

Can my Child Could Benefit from Therapy?

Many children can benefit from additional support in dealing with pressures such as school stress, test anxiety, bullying, or peer pressure. Some children need assistance in discussing their feelings about family issues, particularly if there is a major transition such as divorce, move, or serious illness. Loss of a loved one, trauma, or abuse are significant life events that are likely to impact a child's emotional and psychological well-being and are deserving of therapy.

Parents should be aware of changes in their child's behavior such as withdrawing, having difficulties with separations and transitions, decreased interest in activities that he or she once found enjoyable, anger or hostility, aggressive behavior or conduct problems, changes in sleep and appetite, difficulties with friends, conflict with family members, tearfulness, or mood swings.

Children with special needs often benefit from seeing a therapist. Special needs include children with developmental delays (such as speech), learning or attention problems (such as ADD/ADHD), behavioral problems (such as acting out, bedwetting, or eating disorders), and pervasive development concerns (such as Autism).

How can Therapy Help?

Therapy is helpful for teaching children stress management strategies, relaxation techniques, employing healthy coping skills, and improving communicating with others. In therapy, children learn how to identify and describe their emotions and appropriately express their feelings in challenging situations.

What can I expect from Child Therapy?

Typically children are invited to meet with the therapist on a one-to-one basis. However, parental involvement is a crucial component to Child Therapy. Parents provide information concerning thir child's behavior, and are relied upon when outlining goals for therapy. Throughout the course of therapy, parents frequently receive consultaton from Dr. Perper regarding positive parenting techniques to manage disruptive behaviors and interventions to use at home to help support children's emotional needs.

Play Therapy

Unlike therapy for adults, Child Therapy often includes the use of art, therapeutic toys and games, and imaginative play. Dr. Perper is skilled in the techniques of Play Therapy, a form of therapy that allows children the opportunity to practice problem-solving skills through play.

To learn more about Play Therapy, click here for an informational guide.

Throughout therapy, your child's strengths will be highlighted and a nurturing approach will be taken to encourage positive change. Dr. Perper maintains a Play Therapy office specially designed for working with children that makes for a comfortable and productive working environment. Your child is likely to find therapy an enjoyable experience and may even look forward to visits!