Counseling for Early Childhood (Age 4 to 8)
Young children respond to and process emotional experiences and traumatic events in ways that are very different from adults and older children. Play therapy is an effective way for children experiencing difficulty identifying, communicating, and regulating their emotions.
"Play is your child's most natural form of expression."
Some Potential Benefits of Play Therapy:
- Taking more responsibility for certain behaviors
- Developing coping strategies and creative problem-solving skills
- Self-respect
- Empathy and respect for others
- Alleviation of anxiety
- Learning to fully experience and express feelings
- Stronger social skills
- Stronger family relationships
- Expanding self-expression
- Increasing knowledge of self
- Transferring ideas into real life
- Problem-solving
- Relieving stress
- Making connections with other people
How Does Play Therapy Work?
Children learn to understand the world and their place in it through play. It’s where they’re free to act out their inner feelings and deepest emotions. Since the child can’t adequately express themselves in the adult world, the therapist joins the child in their world, on their level. As they play, the child may become less guarded and more apt to share their feelings. But they aren’t pressured. They’re allowed to do so in their own time and with their own method of communication.
MORE INFORMATION
You may be frustrated with your child's behaviors, emotional reactions, or want to develop a stronger relationship with your child. This is where therapy comes in to play. Attending therapy at a young age has been shown to improve self-confidence, overall mood, and social skills. Your child will learn to strengthen vital skills such as emotional regulation, effective communication, assertiveness, empathy, and self-awareness. I will provide praise and support along the way, as I will help your child believe in themselves and build upon their strengths.
An individual or family counseling session at Spreading Your Wings lasts for 55 minutes, although some sessions may be longer or shorter depending on your needs and preferences.
You will be invited to the initial intake session to provide insight and aid in the beginning of the therapeutic relationship. You will be involved throughout the counseling process, so please let me know if any new behaviors, concerns, or change in the home have occurred. The therapeutic relationship is important, so unless there are safety concerns or your child has given me permission to share with you, I will respect their confidentiality. However, I will share what tools we are working on or ask for input on what you would like us to focus on. I believe receiving counseling as a parent is important, as well.
Besides images of ourselves or our office, all photos on this site are stock photos posed by models.
2454 N McMullen Booth Rd, Suite 608 Clearwater, FL
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