Child Therapy / Counselling for Children
Child Therapy / Counselling for Children
Every child is unique, with their own set of strengths and needs. With over fifteen years of experience in child psychotherapy, Lia Khalili, a Child and Youth Psychotherapist, is here to guide you in understanding your child and navigating their world. By recognizing the profound impact of early experiences, Lia helps children overcome challenges and develop essential skills for a brighter future. Her play-based methods ease children into therapy, promoting greater cooperation and progress toward their goals. Lia’s holistic approach ensures that she addresses not just the superficial symptoms but the underlying issues affecting your child.
Child therapy typically begins with a virtual or in-person session with parents. During this initial meeting, Lia conducts an in-depth interview to explore the challenges your child is facing and to develop a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
For children under the age of 3, Lia often employs Parent-Child Play Therapy in conjunction with parent counseling and guidance. In this approach, the parent actively participates in play therapy sessions, either as a co-therapist or supportive partner. This method fosters a strong, trusting relationship between therapist and child while enabling parents to learn effective strategies to enhance the therapy’s impact at home.
Common Conditions We Help With:
Emotional and Behavioral Challenges
Developmental and Learning Challenges
Developmental and Learning Challenges
- Anxiety
- Separation Anxiety
- Anger Outbursts
- Depression
- Fears/Phobias
- Obsessions & Compulsions
- Disruptive Behavioral Disorders
- Behavioral Difficulties
- Trauma and Grief
- Self-Regulation
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Confidence
- Self-Control
Developmental and Learning Challenges
Developmental and Learning Challenges
Developmental and Learning Challenges
- Specific Learning Disorders
- Poor Grades
- Poor Concentration and Focus
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Social Skills Deficits
- Relational Problems
- Lack of Friends
Family and Relational Issues
Developmental and Learning Challenges
Physical and Somatic Symptoms
- Parent/Child Conflict
- Attachment Issues
- Relational Problems
- Lack of Friends
- Bullying
- School Refusal
Physical and Somatic Symptoms
Developmental and Learning Challenges
Physical and Somatic Symptoms
- Stomach or Headaches
- Sleeping Problems
- Nightmares/Bedwetting
- Physical manifestations of anxiety or stress (e.g., stomach aches, headaches, muscle tension)
- Panic attacks
- Fatigue or lack of energy related to emotional distress
Benefits of CBT for Children
Improved Self-Control and Awareness
Effective Management of Defiance and Tantrums
Effective Management of Defiance and Tantrums
Effective Management of Defiance and Tantrums
Effective Management of Defiance and Tantrums
Effective Management of Defiance and Tantrums
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
Effective Management of Defiance and Tantrums
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
Coping Strategies
Effective Management of Defiance and Tantrums
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
Play Therapy
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a specialized psychotherapy approach designed to help children aged 3 to 12 explore their emotions and experiences through play. This method enables children to express repressed thoughts and feelings in a natural and engaging way.
The primary goal of play therapy is to teach children healthier ways to express themselves, develop empathy, and address problems constructively. By using play as a medium, children can improve communication, adjust their behavior, and enhance their problem-solving skills. Play therapy is especially beneficial for children facing challenging life events, such as illness, domestic violence, abuse, trauma, family crises, or significant changes in their environment.
Play Therapy is effective for:
- Academic and social difficulties
- Behavioral disorders
- Anxiety and depression
- Grief and anger
- Attention deficit disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
Benefits of Play Therapy for Children:
- Improved Accountability: Children learn to take responsibility for their actions and develop more effective coping strategies.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving: They explore new and creative ways to tackle problems.
- Self-Acceptance: Children build self-esteem and respect for others.
- Emotional Expression: They learn to recognize and express their emotions healthily.
- Empathy Development: They cultivate empathy and understanding towards others' perspectives.
- Social Skills: Children acquire new social and relational skills, improving interactions with family and peers.
- Increased Confidence: Through play, they develop a greater sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their abilities.
Children's Art Therapy at Bright Start Bright Future
What is Children's Art Therapy?
Children's art therapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes the creative process of making art to help children express themselves, process emotions, and develop coping skills. Through the use of various art materials and techniques, children can communicate and make sense of their inner world in a non-verbal way, making it especially effective for children who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
How Does Children's Art Therapy Help?
Children's art therapy can help children:
- Express Emotions: Art provides a safe outlet for children to express a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, fear, and joy.
- Develop Coping Skills: Through art-making, children learn healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and difficult situations.
- Enhance Self-Esteem: Creating art boosts children's confidence and self-esteem as they see their ideas and creations come to life.
- Improve Communication: Art therapy encourages children to communicate their thoughts and feelings, even if they struggle to do so verbally.
- Foster Self-Discovery: Art-making allows children to explore their identity, interests, and strengths in a supportive environment.
Who Can Benefit from Children's Art Therapy?
Children's art therapy is beneficial for:
- Children experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges
- Children who have experienced trauma or loss
- Children with behavioral issues or difficulties regulating their emotions
- Children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disorders
- Children struggling with academic or social pressures
- Children experiencing family conflict or transitions such as divorce or relocation
What to Expect in Children's Art Therapy Sessions
In children's art therapy sessions, our trained art therapists provide a variety of art materials and activities tailored to each child's age, interests, and therapeutic goals. Sessions may include:
- Drawing and painting
- Sculpting with clay or other tactile materials
- Collage-making
- Storytelling through art
- Play-based activities
Our therapists guide children through the art-making process, offering support, validation, and gentle encouragement along the way. Each session is designed to be engaging, creative, and therapeutic, helping children build emotional resilience and develop essential life skills.
Benefits of Children's Art Therapy
Emotional Regulation and Self-Expression
Emotional Regulation and Self-Expression
Emotional Regulation and Self-Expression
Improves emotional regulation and self-expression through creative outlets.
Problem-Solving and Creative Thinking
Emotional Regulation and Self-Expression
Emotional Regulation and Self-Expression
Enhances problem-solving abilities and fosters creative thinking.
Social Skills and Peer Relationships
Emotional Regulation and Self-Expression
Self-Awareness and Reduction of Anxiety
Strengthens social skills and improves peer relationships.
Self-Awareness and Reduction of Anxiety
Emotional Regulation and Self-Expression
Self-Awareness and Reduction of Anxiety
Increases self-awareness and reduces anxiety, stress, and behavioral issues.