By Lydia Sterry | Submitted 2024
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Explaining existential therapy to kids can be a challenge due to its complex concepts. However, simplifying the explanation by focusing on key aspects can make it more accessible. This guide provides a way to introduce existential therapy to children.
Start with feelings:
Begin by describing existential therapy as a tool to understand and manage feelings. Emphasize that it helps explore emotions and make sense of them.
Mention Activities:
Highlight that therapy involves activities and participation. Frame it in a way that calms children, addressing how they don’t have to sit still all the time. Creative activities at the therapist's office could be engaging and contribute to their development.
Discuss Big Questions:
Explain that existential therapy delves into significant questions like the meaning of life. Make it relatable by mentioning common inquiries people have.
Emphasize Personal Growth:
Share that therapy supports personal growth, prompting children to think about their identity, values, and aspirations. Draw a parallel to growing plants, emphasizing internal growth.
Talk about Choices and Responsibility:
Clarify that existential therapy teaches the power of making choices. Children learn to take responsibility for their actions, understanding the impact on themselves and others.
Provide Simple Examples:
Illustrate concepts with straightforward examples children can relate to, such as making decisions about games or expressing feelings.
Highlight Therapist Support:
Explain that during therapy, a therapist is there to help explore feelings and thoughts. Assure children that the therapist listens and supports them in their growth journey.
Discuss Privacy:
Address privacy concerns by explaining that therapy sessions are confidential. Reassure children about the secure nature of the online platform used for therapy.
Talk about the First Visit:
Prepare children for their first visit by normalizing initial nervousness. Emphasize that therapists are skilled at creating a warm and accepting environment, making sessions interactive and enjoyable.
Break the Ice:
For parents assisting their child, ease any apprehension by framing therapy as a visit to a professional who specializes in kids' concerns. Mention the availability of toys and games.
Emphasize 'Kids Professional':
Highlight that the therapist is a 'kids professional/specialist,' using welcoming language to foster a positive perception.
Remember:
Utilize age-appropriate language, keep explanations concise, and encourage questions. Respect their ability to understand complex concepts and maintain engagement.
"Should My Child See a Therapist?"
It’s encouraged to address signs that indicate a child may benefit from therapy, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help in specific situations.
In conclusion, it's crucial to tailor the explanation to the child's age and maintain open communication throughout the process. Encourage curiosity while reassuring them about the positive aspects of therapy.
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Significant life events, such as the death of a family member/friend/pet, divorce, moving schools/house, abuse, trauma, a parent leaving on military deployment, working away, unemployment, major illness in the family or any other significant changes could all seem stressful for a child. This might lead to out of character behaviours, mood, sleep, appetite, academic or social difficulties.
In some cases, it's not as clear what's caused a child to suddenly or progressively seem withdrawn, worried, stressed, sulky, tearful etc.. However, if you feel your child might have an emotional or behavioural problem or needs help coping with a difficult life event, it might be worth trusting your instincts and seekng a child friendly professional to help.
Signs that a child may benefit from seeing a licensed child psychotherapist include:
- developmental delay in speech, language, or toilet training
- learning or attention problems
- behavioural problems (such as excessive anger, acting out, bedwetting or eating disorders)
- a significant drop in grades, particularly if your child normally maintains high grades
- episodes of sadness, tearfulness or depression
- social withdrawal or isolation
- being the victim of bullying or bullying other children
- decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
- overly aggressive behaviour (such as biting, kicking, or hitting)
- sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents)
- insomnia or increased sleepiness
- excessive school absenteeism or tardiness
- mood swings (e.g. happy one minute, upset the next)
- development of or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomach ache or not feeling well) despite a normal physical exam by your doctor
- management of a serious, acute, or chronic illness
- signs of alcohol, drug, or other substance use (such as solvents or prescription drug abuse)
- problems in transitions (following separation, divorce, or relocation)
- bereavement issues
- custody issues
- sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic events
Children who are not yet school-aged could particularly benefit from having a child and parent/carer psychotherapy sessions if there's a significant delay in achieving developmental milestones such as; walking, talking and potty training and if there are concerns regarding autism or other developmental disorders.
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Should you find yourself wanting to know more information, simply contact progressiveprocess@live.com.au or click here.