Once you’ve decided that your child needs therapy, how do you choose the right help? In the UK, children and young people with emotional difficulties are often referred to an educational psychologist or CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services).
An educational psychologist targets problems the child faces in education – social, emotional or learning difficulties. They sometimes provide counselling as long as the goal is to enhance the child’s educational experience.
CAMHS teams are part of the National Health Service and the teams are usually led by a psychiatrist. Most CAMHS teams focus on the more severe mental health disorders in children.
If you choose to pay for the services of a private counsellor or therapist for your child it is important to ask yourself several questions:
What are this person’s qualifications and experience? Therapy with children is often more complex than with adults. Expect the therapist to have considerable training, often in therapy with adults, as well as training/experience with children. This is usually reflected in the cost of sessions. Also, it is essential that the therapist has an enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check, updated at least every three years.
How does this therapist relate to my child? Observe the therapist at any assessment session or meeting you have with your child. Does this person show genuine, professional interest in your child? Does your child respond to this therapist? (Be aware that the relationship may take some time to build.)
What happens in sessions with my child? Children solve problems through play. The therapist working with children will normally focus more on play, drawing and toys than mere talking, especially with younger clients. Check what else the therapist offers and what you are willing for your child to go through. For instance, would you consider: Routine regression? ‘Holding’ techniques? Trance induction? You as the parent/guardian have the right to call the shots.
How much attention does this therapist pay to my child’s environment? Therapy enables children to change. But if other people around them don’t accommodate those changes, then the good of therapy is diminished. Expect your child’s therapist to meet with you as parent/guardian regularly during the course of your child’s therapy to hear your views on progress. Except for older children, it is essential that account is taken of the family or ‘system’ when a child comes to therapy.
How long will therapy last? Research by our own profession, Play Therapy, has shown that most difficulties are resolved within the first 16 sessions, often much quicker. Therapy with children is usually fairly short-term, with the exception of trauma and severe abuse. Question any offer of long-term therapy with no reason.
Sending your child for therapy or counselling is a big step. Make sure your child actually needs therapy. (See our blog http://childtherapy1.blogspot.com/2011/03/roger-christine-day.html)
Then carefully choose the right therapist most suitable for your child’s needs.
Above all, remember that you are the customer. Ask all the questions you need – and ask again.
Roger Day is a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and a Certified Play Therapist. Christine Day has a Diploma in Counselling and an NNEB qualification in working with children up to the age of seven. Together they offer therapy for children of all ages and their families from their base in the Midlands of England.
For further information telephone 01788 541 937 or 07870 737 652. You could also email: brookcreativetherapy@gmail.com. The website is: www.brookcreativetherapy.com
