Children while growing up can be fraught with challenges and obstacles for many. We offer child therapy in Illinois that gives children and adolescents a safe place to express themselves as well as learn ways to cope with difficult issues. Here at CLAY Therapeutic Services, we are able to connect with your children and figure out what is motivating their behaviors, so that we can address the root cause.

Common issues addressed with child therapy include:

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Growing up can be challenging, especially today. Apart from social and academic expectations and familial changes, the introduction of hormones during puberty and the continual difficulties of regulating their emotions are all challenges that young people face. Since the range of potential concerns and strong feelings is extensive, it is crucial for children to learn how to manage these emotions.

When Is It Time for You to Take Your Child to Therapy?

Child therapy can assist children (and their parents) in better understanding critical connections in their lives, particularly if they have concerns or wish to make big changes in their lives. 

Families usually come to us when one has difficulty managing their emotions or is frequently angry, depressed, or anxious. 

Therapy, regardless of age, could be the right approach for assisting a child in making real changes.

We’re here to assist you in any way we can, whether by helping your child set goals or providing them with the resources they need to achieve their daily obligations.

Process and Benefits of Child Therapy

Therapy teaches children to recognize and express their feelings, making them excellent communicators and relationship collaborators. They learn to make links between acts and outcomes, which aids them in making better judgments. 

In Child Therapy, we use a series of approaches to teaching children how to connect with others respectfully. Perspective-taking is a strategy that helps children develop compassion and empathy by encouraging them to envision themselves in somebody else’s shoes.

Below are ways therapy can help children prepare for the unavoidable challenges that will develop as they grow older.

Child therapy can aid in bonding children and their parents.

Forming a supportive relationship with someone who isn’t involved in familial relationships allows children to communicate desires, anxieties, and emotions that would otherwise be suppressed at home.

Parents who restrict their children from expressing anger encourage them to feel shame and internalize their feelings, leading to depression or self-harm. Some parents encourage their children not to cry or exhibit vulnerability, resulting in children who keep a stiff upper lip while suffering in silence.

A therapist may help parents comprehend their children’s feelings and worldviews, as well as encourage their development into distinct persons by bridging this communication gap.

Child therapy fosters tolerance and empathy.

Children are frequently trained to think in terms of black and white. Either someone is nice or evil. This paradigm can lead to children passing harsh judgments on themselves and others. Therapy allows for the presence of gray. We’ve all had instances when we’ve done things we later come to regret. Therapy aids in the development of compassion for oneself and others, as well as the formulation of effective and acceptable distress management skills.

Child therapy groups teach children that they are not alone in their difficulties.

Children feel accepted when they belong to a group of peers who connect with and support each other in an atmosphere of trust, whether they are dealing with academic, familial, or peer challenges. Kids grow confidence in becoming vulnerable when they feel understood and accepted, which is necessary for establishing meaningful connections.

Child therapy teaches children to make decisions based on their values and assess the consequences.

Childhood is a time when things are constantly changing. Adolescence is particularly difficult for teenagers as their bodies and emotions mature and their expectations rise. There is a lot of social stress in adhering to a standard that is often unrealistic. To fit in, kids understand that they must look and act in a particular way. The emphasis on appearance and achievement limits children’s capacity to discover who they are as unique people. Therapy provides a safe environment for children to dwell on their ideals without being judged.

Contact the Experts in Adolescent and Child Therapy

Our therapists have experience in child therapy and working with children of all ages using a variety of techniques that help promote good communication and improved behavior. With our child therapy services, our therapists collaborate with you as well as other professionals as necessary to find the best long-term solutions to improve the life of your child.