Services
Child Therapy
Our therapists in the Tampa bay & St. Petersburg area provide child counseling services including play therapy and parent training for and children ages 2-17. There is professional help available for mental health services for your child to improve social emotional development.
Child Therapists Serving Tampa & St. Petersburg
While adults and teens can communicate trauma and emotional struggles verbally, children often don't yet have the language or brain development to communicate how they are feeling or what has happened to them.
At IBW, we offer child and family counseling and services designed to meet children where they are developmentally. It Begins within has various skilled licensed mental health professionals such as play therapists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed psychologists, and counselors. These highly skilled and trained child therapists have experience in the latest therapeutic approaches such as sensory integration therapy, client centered play therapy, art therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These approaches can be used many settings but specifically in a private practice environment through talk and play therapy to benefit kids and teens at various life stages in various settings such as school or at home. We also offer parent training, with the goal of providing tools for parents throughout the Tampa Bay area to reach children who are acting out and exhibiting unwanted behaviors to improve overall happiness within families.
How Children's Therapy & Counseling Services work
Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids or psychotherapy for kids, is a supportive process aimed at helping children navigate and cope with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges and improve executive functioning. Therapists, often a trained psychologist or licensed mental health counselor, create a safe and trusting environment for children to express their feelings and thoughts at different stages of their life. Counseling for a child can be providing in various settings.
Therapy typically involves various comprehensive psychological services and interactive activities such as games, art therapy, or storytelling to engage children in a comfortable manner. The therapist observes and communicates with the child to understand their concerns, fears, or struggles. Through this interaction, therapists help children develop healthier coping mechanisms, communication skills, and emotional resilience to improve functioning at home and at school. In addition to prevent potential mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
A licensed therapist or licensed psychologist may also involve parents or caregivers in the process, offering guidance on effective parenting strategies and fostering positive family dynamics. Depending on the child's needs, therapeutic approaches may include play therapy, family counseling, cognitive-behavioral techniques, sensory integration therapy, or other evidence-based interventions where both the child and parent/guardian learn new skills.
Overall, child therapy aims to empower children to understand and manage their emotions, improve their social skills, and navigate challenges more effectively, contributing to their overall well-being and development.
The duration of child therapy varies depending on the child's specific needs and the nature of their concerns. At It Begins Within, sessions are 60-minutes to 90-minutes and may occur weekly or bi-weekly. The overall length of therapy can range from a few weeks to several months or even longer depending on the clients or families presenting concern.
Short-term therapy may be sufficient for addressing specific issues or providing immediate support during a challenging period. In contrast, more complex or ongoing concerns might require longer-term therapy for sustained progress and success.
Counselors continually assess the child's progress and collaboratively decide with the parents or caregivers when the child has achieved their therapeutic goals. Some children may find resolution and improvement in a relatively short time, while others benefit from extended support to address deeper or more persistent challenges.
The flexibility of child therapy duration allows for tailored approaches, ensuring that each child and family receives the necessary support for their unique circumstances for success.
How Long Does Child Therapy Last?
Child therapy employs various therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. Play therapy is a common method, especially for younger children, where they express themselves through play activities, fostering communication and emotional understanding.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps children recognize and change negative thought patterns, promoting healthier behaviors and emotional responses. Additionally, art therapy utilizes creative expression to facilitate communication and self-exploration.
Family therapy involves a licensed therapist or licensed psychologist that includes the child's family, addressing dynamics and improving communication to create a supportive environment. Behavioral therapy focuses on modifying specific behaviors through positive reinforcement or other techniques.
Trauma-focused therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) involve sensory integration and are designed to help children process and recover from traumatic experiences. Social skills training enhances a child's interpersonal abilities, while mindfulness and relaxation techniques teach emotional regulation.
Counselors may seek to integrate a combination of these approaches based on the child's age, personality, and presenting issues. The goal is to create a therapeutic environment that suits the child's developmental level and encourages positive growth and emotional well-being.
Therapeutic Approaches to Children's Therapy
Recognizing if your child needs therapy involves paying attention to behavioral, emotional, and developmental cues. Is what they are presenting normal for their specific life stage? Persistent changes in mood, such as prolonged sadness, excessive worry, or sudden withdrawal, could indicate emotional struggles. Behavioral issues like aggression, defiance, or difficulties interacting with peers may also raise concerns. Are they getting along with their friends, adults and peers? Are they functioning well at school and at home?
Academic challenges, sudden declines in school performance, or learning difficulties might suggest underlying emotional issues. Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches without apparent medical causes may be linked to emotional distress.
Regression in previously acquired skills, such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking, can signal emotional struggles. Additionally, if your child has experienced a traumatic event, loss, or major life change, therapy can provide crucial support. Our counselors are trauma informed practitioners licensed in Florida and are equipped to address various traumatic events that may be negatively impacting your child or teen.
Communication is key; if your child struggles to express themselves, seems excessively irritable, or has difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, therapy could be beneficial. Trust your instincts as a parent – if you sense something is amiss or your child appears to be struggling, seeking the opinion of a family therapist, play therapist or counselor can help determine if therapy is appropriate. Always consult with a healthcare or licensed mental health, professional for a comprehensive assessment tailored to your child's specific situation.
How Do I Know if my Child Needs Therapy?
What should I expect from child therapy?
In child therapy, you can expect a collaborative and supportive process involving both the child and the counselors. Initially, there may be an intake session where the therapist gathers information about the child's history, concerns, and goals. The therapist will work to establish a trusting relationship with the child, creating a safe space for expression.
Sessions often involve age-appropriate activities such as play, art, or talk, allowing the child to communicate and explore their feelings in a comfortable manner. The therapist will observe behavior, identify patterns, and provide guidance to address challenges. Depending on the child's age and preferences, sessions may include parental involvement or updates.
Therapists use evidence-based techniques tailored to the child's needs, which could include cognitive-behavioral strategies, play therapy, or other therapeutic approaches. Progress varies, but therapists regularly assess and discuss the child's development towards therapeutic goals. As a parent, you can expect ongoing communication with the therapist to stay informed about your child's progress and to receive guidance on supporting their emotional well-being outside of therapy.
Ultimately, child therapy aims to empower your child with coping skills, emotional resilience, and improved overall well-being.
How much does Child Therapy cost?
The cost of child therapy can vary widely based on factors such as location, the therapist's qualifications, and the type of therapy provided. Here at It Begins Within, we are in the Tampa area, specifically in our South Tampa therapy and St. Petersburg therapy locations, our child therapists charge $150 per hour, for a full 60 minute session. Family therapy will cost $200 per hour, for a full 60 minute session. These rates are fairly standard in the Tampa area.
Child Therapists
Child therapists play a crucial role in understanding and nurturing the mental well-being of young minds. These professionals specialize in addressing the unique challenges children face, from developmental issues to emotional struggles. These therapists employ a blend of empathy, expertise, and innovative therapeutic techniques in order to create a safe space for children to express themselves and navigate their emotions.
By employing a variety of assessment tools, observation, and communication strategies, psychologists help identify and treat a range of issues such as anxiety, trauma, and behavioral disorders. Their interventions not only support individual children but also provide valuable guidance to parents and educators. In a world where the pressures on children continue to evolve, the work of child psychologists is instrumental in fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and a foundation for a healthy future. Ultimately, their contributions extend far beyond the therapy room, shaping the well-being and potential of the next generation.
How do you approach your child about therapy?
Approaching the topic of therapy with a child requires sensitivity and open communication. Here are some suggestions on how to tell your child they need therapy:
Choose an Appropriate Time: Find a quiet and comfortable time to talk when you won't be rushed or interrupted. Ensure that you have enough time to discuss the matter calmly.
Use Simple Language: Tailor your language to your child's age and understanding. Use simple and clear explanations to convey the idea that counseling is a helpful way to talk about and work through feelings and challenges.
Emphasize Support: Frame the conversation positively by emphasizing that counseling is a resource to help them, not a punishment. Highlight that it's a safe space where they can express themselves freely.
Be Honest and Direct: Be honest about why you believe counseling would be beneficial. You can mention specific behaviors, emotions, or challenges without placing blame. For example, "We've noticed that you seem really sad lately, and we think talking to someone who can help might be a good idea."
Assure Confidentiality: Reassure your child that what they share with the therapist is private and that therapists are there to help, not to judge or share their information without permission.
Share Positive Stories: If you know someone who has had a positive experience with counseling, consider sharing their story to normalize the idea and reduce stigma.
Listen to Their Feelings: Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns. Acknowledge their emotions and let them know you are there to support them throughout the counseling process.
Involve Them in the Decision: Whenever possible, encourage your child in the decision-making process to find the right place. Ask for their input on what they think might be helpful and encourage them to share their thoughts and preferences.
Remember that discussing therapy may be an ongoing conversation. Be patient, understanding, and ready to answer any questions your child may have. If they are hesitant, consider attending a session together or meeting the therapist beforehand to alleviate concerns.
What type of challenges does child therapy solve?
Child therapy is designed to address a wide range of challenges that children may face, including:
Emotional Issues: Therapy helps children navigate and manage emotions such as anxiety, depression, anger, or sadness.
Behavior Challenges: It addresses behavioral problems like aggression, defiance, impulsivity, or attention difficulties based on the specific ages of the child and person.
Social Skills: Therapists work on improving a child's ability to interact with peers, make friends, and navigate social situations.
Academic Struggles: Therapy can assist with learning difficulties, school-related stress, or behavioral issues impacting academic performance.
Family Dynamics: Family therapy helps improve communication and relationships within the family, addressing conflicts or disruptions.
Trauma and Loss: Therapists support children dealing with traumatic experiences, grief, or significant life changes.
Developmental Delays: Children with developmental challenges benefit from therapy that focuses on improving skills and overcoming obstacles.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Therapy can provide strategies for managing symptoms and improving focus and impulse control.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Therapists use specialized approaches to address communication and social challenges in children on the autism spectrum.
Self-Esteem and Identity: Therapy helps children develop a positive self-image and navigate issues related to identity and self-worth.
Child therapy is versatile, adapting to the unique needs of each child, and can provide valuable support in promoting emotional well-being, healthy development, and improved overall functioning.
Related Services
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This is a therapeutic approach used within child therapists to better understand and resolve emotional and behavioral struggles in children.
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Parent training gives parents a set of tools to improve communication with their children or adolescents in a way that elicits a change in unwanted behavior.
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The goal of family therapy is to improve familial conflict and help family members find new, healthy ways to work together.
Because we do not work with insurance providers…
We are able to tailor therapy plans to the needs of each person and each child, without having to comply with common insurance limitations.
If you think it may be time to ask for help
We offer comprehensive mental health services for children, teens and families. We are dedicated to the best outcome for our clients. Please reach out to us today to book a session with one of our skilled therapists.