Child Therapy Strategies
Providing Affirmation
Aside from asking good questions, facilitating a healthy flow of conversation is essential during therapy. Doing this shows a mutual respect between the therapist and the child, because it means that the therapist accepts and listens to what he has to say. Feeling respected is important in getting the child to open up more. When he feels that his person, his feelings, and his opinions are valued, he will be less likely to hold back. Even with this in mind, it is okay for the therapist to express a difference in views and opinions, as long as it is uttered in a respectful manner.
Avoiding Interrogatory Sessions
A big mistake commonly done by some child therapy professionals in Toronto is turning a seemingly good conversation into an interrogation. Even those who are great at counselling cannot force a child if he is just not ready to talk. This does not equate to a failed session. It is quite possible for them to take some time before sharing, or that they may feel more comfortable with another therapist.
Good Child Therapy in Toronto and Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Langley ..Asks Open-Ended Questions
A big part of therapy relies on asking questions and having the child answer as openly and honestly as possible. On the part of the therapist, it helps garner more information if the questions are open-ended rather than close-ended. Close-ended questions are those answerable by simply Yes or No. Open-ended ones, on the other hand, encourages the child to expound on a more detailed answer.
Here are good examples:
- How do you feel about this [situation]?
- What are the benefits of doing things the way you want to?
- What are the downsides of doing things the way you want to?
These let the child explain more, as opposed to questions like these:
- Are you excited about the holidays?
- Are you happy?
- Are you sad?
Good Child Therapy in Toronto,Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Langley… Offers Post-Therapy Reflection
Therapists should take ample time to review notes regarding their conversation with the child after the session. They must reflect – first, on their own, and later with supervisors or colleagues – about the sharing that they have just had. This allows them to lift any concerns that they may have, especially if they feel that the case is going too far beyond their depth of practice.
Seeking child therapy in Toronto is a loving, caring gesture for parents or guardians to take. It may not be an easy one, but it can definitely start the journey towards healing and understanding. Asking about what kinds of strategies a counselor uses during sessions can help ease any fears that loved ones may have, and give reassurance that they are taking the best action for the child.