Therapy for Children
Children need a consistent and loving presence, in addition to healthy limits and boundaries, to function in the world we live in.
At Every Heart Dreams Counseling, our team of mental health professionals specializes in providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy for children. We understand that each child is unique, with their own set of strengths and challenges. That's why our approach to children's therapy is always personalized to meet your child's specific needs.
Children who struggle with anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, or developmental concerns like autism spectrum disorder can find support through our specialized therapeutic approaches. Our group practice creates a safe, nurturing environment where children can express themselves, learn valuable coping strategies, and build the resilience they need to thrive.
We serve families throughout El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Placerville, Folsom, and Sacramento areas, providing accessible mental health care for children of all ages.
Please note that Every Heart Dreams Counseling does not specialize in issues of divorce, child custody, mediation or litigation issues.
Our Specialized Children's Therapy Approaches
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Our trauma-informed approach recognizes the significant impact that adverse experiences can have on a child's developing brain and behavior. Using specialized techniques from EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting, our therapists help children process traumatic experiences in a safe environment. These approaches can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and allow children to move forward with greater emotional freedom.
Child-Centered Play Therapy
For younger children who may not have the verbal skills to express their thoughts and feelings directly, play therapy offers a natural way to communicate and process emotions. Through carefully selected play activities, our mental health professionals help children express themselves, work through challenging feelings, and develop new coping strategies. Play therapy creates a safe space where children can explore their inner world and find solutions to their problems.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavior therapy helps children identify and change negative thought patterns that may be contributing to emotional or behavioral difficulties. Our therapists use age-appropriate activities and exercises to teach children how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Through CBT, children learn practical skills to challenge unhelpful thoughts and develop more positive behavioral responses.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
Our group practice specializes in adapting dialectical behavior therapy skills for children, teaching them emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness in developmentally appropriate ways. These skills help children manage strong emotions, improve relationships, and make better choices even when feeling overwhelmed.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
Parent-child interaction therapy works directly with both the parent and child to improve their relationship and address behavioral concerns. Through coaching and guided practice, parents learn specific techniques to strengthen their bond with their child while effectively managing challenging behaviors. This approach emphasizes positive reinforcement and clear communication, giving parents the tools they need to support their child's emotional development.
Family Therapy
Recognizing that children exist within the context of their families, we often incorporate family therapy into our treatment approach. Parents, caregivers, and family members play a crucial role in supporting their child's therapeutic progress, and our therapists provide guidance, education, and practical strategies to help families create a home environment that fosters emotional health and growth.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Therapy
As a parent, it can sometimes be difficult to determine whether your child's behaviors are part of normal development or signs of a more significant issue. Here are some indicators that therapy might be helpful for your child's health and well-being.
Emotional Signs
Persistent sadness, worry, or fear that interferes with daily activities
Symptoms of depression or anxiety
Frequent emotional outbursts or mood swings
Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness
Behavioral Signs
Significant changes in the child's behavior
Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities
Sleep disturbances or changes in appetite
Problems at school or declining academic performance
Social Signs
Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
Bullying others or being bullied
Poor social skills for the child's age
Deteriorating relationships with family members
If you notice several of these signs persisting for more than a few weeks, it may be beneficial to consult with one of our mental health professionals. Early intervention can prevent more serious mental health conditions from developing and help your child get back on track developmentally.
The Children's Therapy Process
Engaging Therapy Sessions
During regular therapy sessions, our therapists build a trusting relationship with your child while implementing evidence-based techniques to address their specific challenges. Sessions are designed to be engaging, age-appropriate, and therapeutic, providing your child with both emotional support and practical skills development.
Parent Coaching and Involvement
Parents are essential partners in the therapeutic process. Our therapists provide regular feedback, education, and practical strategies to help you support your child's progress at home. This collaborative approach ensures consistency across environments and maximizes the benefits of therapy. Strong parental involvement is crucial for allowing children to practice and maintain the skills they learn in therapy.
Progress Monitoring and Adjustment
We continuously monitor your child's progress toward their therapeutic goals, making adjustments to the treatment approach as needed. Regular check-ins with parents help us track improvements and address any new concerns that may arise during the course of therapy.
Comprehensive Assessment
The therapeutic journey begins with a thorough assessment by a clinical child specialist who will evaluate your child's strengths, challenges, and needs. We gather information about your child's developmental history, family dynamics, school performance, and any specific concerns you may have, considering the child's age and developmental stage.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Based on the assessment, we create an individualized treatment plan with clear goals and strategies tailored to your child's unique situation. This plan serves as a roadmap for therapy, helping both the child and family understand what to expect from the therapeutic process.
Working with Different Age Groups
Children (Ages 4-12)
For younger children, we utilize play therapy, art therapy, and other expressive techniques to help them communicate their feelings and experiences. Our approach focuses on building self-esteem, developing healthy emotional expression, and improving social skills through age-appropriate activities.
School counselors often refer children in this age group for issues related to anxiety, behavioral problems, or difficulty adjusting to school or family changes. We work closely with parents and educators to ensure consistent support across all environments in the child's life.
Adolescents (Ages 13-17)
Adolescents face unique challenges as they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood. Our therapists who specialize in working with adolescents understand the complex biological, psychological, and social changes that occur during this time.
For teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression, identity issues, peer pressure, or family conflicts, we offer tailored therapeutic approaches that respect their growing independence while providing the guidance they need. Our goal is to help adolescents develop healthy coping mechanisms, build resilience, and make positive choices as they work toward independence.
Benefits of Children's Therapy
Effective therapy can have profound and lasting benefits for children. At Every Heart Dreams Counseling, we've seen countless children transform through the therapeutic process:
Improved Emotional Regulation
Children learn to identify, express, and manage their emotions in healthy ways, reducing emotional outbursts and increasing emotional resilience.
Enhanced Coping Strategies
Therapy equips children with practical strategies to handle stress, overcome challenges, and adapt to life's ups and downs.
Stronger Relationships
As children develop better social skills and emotional awareness, their relationships with family members, peers, and teachers often improve significantly.
Better Behavioral Control
Children learn to understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, allowing them to make more positive choices even in difficult situations. This improvement in the child's behavior often extends to multiple settings, including home and school.
Academic Improvement
As emotional and behavioral challenges decrease, many children show improved concentration, motivation, and performance in school. School counselors often report positive changes in classroom engagement and academic achievement.
Greater Resilience
The skills learned in behavior therapy help children bounce back from setbacks and navigate future life transitions with greater ease and confidence.
Long-term Mental Health Benefits
Early intervention through therapy can prevent more serious mental health conditions from developing later in life, particularly for adolescents who are at higher risk for certain mental health challenges.
How to Support Your Child in Therapy
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in their child's therapeutic journey. Here are some ways you can support your child's progress:
Maintain Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels safe discussing their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Follow Through with Recommendations: Implement the strategies and techniques recommended by your child's therapist at home.
Attend Parent Sessions: Participate actively in parent sessions or family therapy components to gain valuable insights and tools.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's efforts and improvements to help build self-esteem.
Be Patient: Therapeutic change takes time, and progress may not always be linear. With patience and persistence, most children show significant improvement.
Model Healthy Coping: Demonstrate healthy ways of managing stress, expressing emotions, and solving problems in your own life.
Our Specialized Programs
In addition to individual therapy, we offer specialized group therapy sessions for children with similar challenges. Group therapy provides children with the opportunity to connect with peers who share their experiences, practice social skills in a supportive environment, and learn from group dynamics.
For children with communication skills challenges, we provide targeted interventions to help them express themselves more effectively and navigate social situations with greater confidence.
Our commitment therapy approach includes elements of interpersonal psychotherapy, which focuses on improving relationships and social functioning. This can be particularly beneficial for families experiencing conflict or communication difficulties.
Get Started with Children's Therapy
If you believe your child could benefit from therapeutic support, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Every Heart Dreams Counseling. Our intake process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, connecting your family with the right mental health provider for your child's unique needs.
During your initial contact, we'll gather basic information about your concerns and schedule a comprehensive assessment to better understand your child's situation. From there, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan and begin the therapeutic journey together.
The decision to seek therapy for your child demonstrates your commitment to their mental health and overall well-being. It's an investment in your child's life, providing them with skills and support that will benefit them throughout their development.
Contact Us Today
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive emotionally and mentally. At Every Heart Dreams Counseling, we're committed to helping your child develop the skills, resilience, and emotional well-being they need to lead a fulfilling life.
Our group practice serves families throughout El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Placerville, Folsom, and Sacramento. Contact us today to take the first step on this important journey.