Play Therapy
Evidenced Based Treatments
Children are developmentally at a different level than adults and because of this they require a unique approach to therapy. There are many evidence based treatment options available for children and adolescents. This means science has shown that these treatments are more effective and efficient for specific problems. At Achieve Family Therapy, we utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Family Therapy, and Play Therapy techniques. These treatments have been shown by science to help improve your child’s chances of recovery.
Play Therapy Techniques
Play is the language of children and the process in which they make sense of their world. Through play children learn to process feelings, communicate with others and solve problems. The child develops a trusting relationship with the therapist where he or she is able to work through problems through the play. The child is provided the safety of limits where they learn they are safe to work through blocks to their development. The child is provided the choice to utilize games, puppets, art, sand tray or toys.
In conjunction with talk therapy, sand tray provides a hands on approach to working with our issues. Through the use of a container, sand and objects the client is able to create a representation of their inner world and tap into their own unique capabilities to heal. This technique is both effective for children and adults as it allows them to experience and feel often at a deeper level and in a way that they were unable to express in words. During the process of creating a tray, the therapist observes and once the tray is completed will explore with the client their world, upon completion a photo is taken for documentation.
Help is Available
It can be very overwhelming for parents when their child presents with extreme behaviors or symptoms of a mental illness. Parents usually recognize that behaviors or qualities that were once a part of their child’s experience are now missing and in their place are new behaviors or symptoms that confuse, frustrate or overwhelm the child, family members and at times school personnel.
At Achieve Family Therapy, we understand that at these times children and parents need extra support. We provide a comprehensive evaluation which assists parents and children to understand their presenting problem, identify specific needs, create treatment goals, and formulate a plan that will assist the child on a road to recovery. This may include individual therapy sessions, family therapy or couples therapy.