Children may experience a variety of challenges, traumas, transitions, neurodivergence's, or stressors that can leave kids & parents overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Therapists and other professionals are trained to help families in situations like this.

If you or your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to talk to a professional.

• Unexplained stomach aches and headaches
• Nightmares
• Hopelessness/sadness
• Isolating self from family and friends
• On edge or nervous
• Consistently shares about worries and fears in day to day life
• Irritability
• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
• Loss of motivation
• Big big feelings that persistent even through parent support
• Inflexibility in day to day routines
• Loss of appetite
• Over eating
• Challenges with sleeping( waking up too early, waking throughout the night, or going to sleep)
• Lack of confidence or decrease in self-esteem
• Decrease in play as a family or family connectedness
• Increase of tantrums( screaming, kicking, hitting others)
• Acting younger than their age range
• An experience happened outside of their capacity to cope and manage
• Thoughts of death, not wanting to be here or the family would be better off without me Plans or actions of not being on this earth anymore

What are the benefits of therapy for kids & families?

Enhances Emotional Expression and Regulation: Play therapy provides children with a safe space to express their feelings and thoughts in ways they may not yet be able to articulate verbally. It helps them learn how to identify and manage emotions, which is crucial for emotional development.

Develops Social Skills: Through play, children learn to communicate more effectively, negotiate, cooperate, and empathize with others. These skills are practiced and refined in a therapeutic setting and then can be transferred to everyday interactions.

Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence: Successfully expressing themselves and influencing the world through play can help children feel more confident and capable. Overcoming challenges within play sessions can also contribute to higher self-esteem.

Encourages Creative Problem Solving: Play therapy often involves activities that require thinking outside the box. Children learn to approach problems in creative ways, a skill that is beneficial throughout life.

Provides a Sense of Control: Children often feel they have little control over their lives. In play therapy, they make choices, assert themselves, and take responsibility within the play, which enhances their sense of control over their experiences.

Facilitates Learning and Development: Play is a natural way that children learn. Play therapy utilizes this natural process to help children develop cognitive skills and understand the world around them.

Helps Process Trauma and Heal: For children who have experienced trauma, play therapy offers a non-threatening way to process their experiences. They can use play to express their feelings and thoughts about what happened, often reenacting or replaying events until they make sense of them.

Improves Family Relationships: Play therapy can involve family members in sessions, known as filial therapy, where parents are taught how to use therapeutic play skills with their children. This can help strengthen bonds and improve communication within the family.

Addresses Behavioral Issues: By exploring underlying feelings through play, children can address and adjust behaviors that may be disruptive or inappropriate. Play therapy provides a constructive outlet for expressing and understanding emotions, which can lead to improved behavior at home and in school.

Supports Children with Special Needs: Children with developmental issues, learning disabilities, or neurological conditions like autism can benefit from specialized play therapy techniques that help them express themselves and connect with others.

What are the benefits of therapy for kids & families?

Therapy for children is uniquely tailored to meet them right where they are, making it a dynamic and engaging experience that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Through methods like play therapy, we create a supportive environment that encourages children to express themselves and learn new skills in ways that are natural and enjoyable. Parents play a crucial role in this process, and your involvement can vary based on your child's needs and age. We invite you to take the first step towards supporting your child’s emotional and developmental growth. Contact us at Peck Counseling today to learn more about how therapy can benefit your child and explore how you can be a part of their journey towards happiness and well-being.