You might have the misconception that therapy for children is only necessary if your child has an uncontrollable behavior problem, or has experienced a huge loss or trauma.

A child could have the best childhood ever. And still experience trauma that you are unaware of.

When children experience their parents going through divorce, they feel uncertain and scared. They may experience trauma. But also being bullied can be a trauma. And they can again, if your child is sensitive and doesn’t have anyone to help them express how they feel. Children don’t come into this world with all the wisdom and tools necessary to comprehend what’s going on. Therefore, children internalize a lot of these experiences. They think to themselves, “I’m no good “or “I am unlovable.” As well as, “there’s something wrong with me “or “It’s all my fault.”

Of course, it’s heartbreaking. Because you may not even realize that it’s happening.

In therapy, most of us learn that what bothers us today, stems from things that happened in your childhood. Just like all children, we are ego centric and tend to think what happens around us, is about us.

A child does not understand much of the world, and they file away an unchecked belief that things are their fault. This is where child therapy can help.

Then, these distorted views and interpretations get comfortable, and spread and grow throughout the child’ subconscious.

By the time children reach adulthood, the choices they make, their self-esteem, much of their life is influenced and tainted. Tainted by these long-ago childhood experiences (which they may not even fully consciously remember), and what they took them to mean.

It’s easy to see when therapy is indicated after a traumatic life-changing event. Sometimes you can point to a very clear line in the sand and say, “here’s where everything changed, and I had to do a lot of work to reclaim my life.”

But the smaller infractions can damage as well. Because they are less visible, it is harder to detect.

So, it goes without saying that therapy is an excellent resource for your child.

You child will be met where they are. Depending on your child’s age, this will be revealed through art, play, or story. The therapist’s main objective is to gain your child’s trust. Children open up and help the therapist to see how they interpret things.

For instance, if your child is bullied, the therapist will help your child unpack and process the experience appropriately. By doing so, the therapist helps them avoid life-long burden these experiences can leave.

If a child has behavioral issues or difficulties expressing themselves, a therapist helps guide them. Then, they show them a better, more effective way to express their needs.

Children spend 12-plus years learning about the world. But much of what they learn is about their external world. They learn about things that exist outside of themselves.

Far too little attention is placed upon getting to know and understand oneself. When we develop a relationship with ourselves, learn about boundaries and what is and isn’t appropriate we gain strength. It would be great if this is taught in school, but it isn’t so therapy is a great source.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. How much heartache could you have been spared. If you were given the tools to set out into the world knowing that you are worthy of love exactly as you are? Similarly, if you had learned at a young age not to internalize the voice of a critical teacher, or a trio of bullies. Imagine if you had been taught to articulate your needs, or even that it’s ok to have needs.

When you think of your child, about anything they may be struggling with, even if it seems manageable, give them the tools now. While they’re young and then it can pay off tenfold later.

If you’re curious to learn more, we’d love to chat with you. At the Relationship Therapy Center, our belief is, the foundation of any incredible relationship begins with the relationship we have to ourselves. The younger we are when we learn and begin to cultivate that, the better.

Begin Play Therapy or Therapy for Children in Roseville or Fair Oaks, CA today!

If your child is struggling one of the best things you can do is be proactive in getting your child help from a trained play therapist. With the help and support your child can overcome the things that are troubling them and move forward in their life with more confidence and peace. Our counseling practice offers specialized play therapy and child counseling services by trained play therapists at both of our locations.  Your child, and your family, can get to a better place. Our child therapists are here to help.

To begin counseling in Fair Oaks, CA, Roseville, CA, or online, follow these steps

• Contact the Relationship Therapy Center and schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to learn more about in-person or online child or teen therapy

• Make an appointment for your teen to meet with one of our compassionate child therapists

• Get the support your child or teen needs to navigate adolescent challenges with confidence!

Other Counseling Services at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:

In addition to teen therapy, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.