Does Your Child Need Therapy? Here’s What to Know

Knowing when your child needs help isn’t always easy. Kids don’t always say when something feels wrong.

Instead, they may hide pain. Sometimes, they try to protect their parents from more stress or sadness.

Fortunately, therapy can help. It gives children a safe space to express feelings without guilt or fear.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Children may show distress through actions instead of words. Pay attention to any changes in their normal behavior.

Common Warning Signs:

• Uncontrollable crying

• Sudden anger or aggression

• Avoiding friends or family

• Becoming overly clingy

• Bedwetting or other regressive behaviors

These behaviors could signal emotional distress.

Types of Therapy for Children

Therapy must match the child’s age and developmental stage. It should also evolve as they grow older.

Therefore, we recommend finding therapists trained in evidence-based child methods. Here are the four main types of child therapy:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps with anxiety and depression. Children learn how thoughts affect feelings and behaviors.

Eventually, they learn to shift their thinking toward healthier patterns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT teaches mindfulness and coping strategies. Children learn to regulate emotions and reduce impulsive behaviors.

As a result, their world feels more predictable and safe.

Family-Focused Therapy (FFT)

FFT involves the whole family. Together, families learn to improve communication and behavior patterns.

Children feel more supported and understood through this approach.

Why We Use Play Therapy

Play therapy is a core service at Family-Strategies Counseling & Mediation. It uses play to help children process emotions.

Importantly, children naturally learn through play. Therapy builds on this instinct.

Play Therapy Helps Children:

• Communicate thoughts

• Express feelings

• Build empathy

• Change unhelpful behaviors

• Solve problems

• Process trauma, including sexual abuse

Play becomes their voice when words are hard to find.

Family Involvement in Therapy

Children don’t heal alone. We often encourage family participation during treatment.

Sometimes, children’s behavior reflects family stress. Other times, it causes stress for others.

Therefore, therapists work closely with caretakers. They may recommend sessions that involve parents or guardians directly.

This approach can improve long-term results.

Final Thoughts

Children often can’t explain emotional pain. That doesn’t mean they aren’t hurting.

If your child shows excessive crying, anger, or regression, therapy may help. Early support can make a big difference.

At Family-Strategies Counseling & Mediation, we specialize in play therapy. We help children learn to cope and communicate.

Sometimes, involving the family is key to healing. We guide that process with care.

Contact Us

We proudly serve the Chicagoland area. Our therapists support children, couples, and families through difficult times.

📞 Call (708) 798-5433
📧 Email: info@Family-Strategy.com

Let us help your family take the next step forward.