Lifesong therapists use a variety of techniques and methods  to help children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties with their emotions or behavior.  Although there are different types of psychotherapy, each relies on communications as the basic tool for bringing about change in a person's feelings and behaviors.  Treatment  may involve an individual child, a group of children, a family, or multiple families.  In children and adolescents, playing, drawing, building, and pretending, as well as talking, are important ways of sharing feelings and resolving problems.  As part of the initial assessment, a clinician will determine the need for psychotherapy.  This decision will be based on such things as the child's current problems, history, level of development, ability to cooperate with treatment, and what interventions are most likely to help with the presenting concerns.  Psychotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments (medication, behavior management, or work with the school).  The relationship that develops between the therapist and the patient is very important.  The child or adolescent must feel comfortable, safe and understood.  This type of trusting environment makes it much easier for the child to express his/her thoughts and feelings and to use the therapy in a helpful way.  Counseling helps children and adolescents in a variety of ways.  They receive emotional support, resolve conflicts with people, understand feelings and problems, and try out new solutions to old problems.  Goals for therapy may be specific (change in behavior, improved relations with friends or family), or more general (less anxiety, better self-esteem).  The length of psychotherapy depends on the complexity and severity of problems.

See Our Frequently Asked Questions for ways approach your child about therapy.