Therapy Types For Your Depressed Child

If you have a teen son or daughter who is dealing with depression, you may want to assist your child in finding a type of therapy that works well for them. There are a variety of different therapies that can be explored and implemented by a psychological professional. Keep reading to learn about a few types of therapy.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

One of the most common types of therapy is called cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and it is often the cornerstone of most therapy programs. CBT is also sometimes called talk therapy in which a problem-solving approach is taken to fighting depression. Specifically, the therapy involves your child talking to a therapist. The professional listens to the way your son or daughter deals with emotional turmoil and also how they solve problems involving their emotions.

Psychology professionals will ask questions, and they will also help to show your child how negative thought patterns develop. These negative thoughts can further be examined, and your child can learn how to develop positive and appropriate feelings. In other words, your son or daughter will learn how to break out of bad habits and in turn form new patterns of behavior.

CBT is not only helpful in treating depression, but it can also prevent your child from self-harming. The therapy often starts with personal or one-on-one sessions but may branch out to family or group therapy. 

Play Therapy

Sometimes children are not able to communicate their feelings verbally. These situations are common when kids are younger or when they have dual disorders or ailments that affect verbal communication, like autism.

When communication is hampered, play therapy can be used in which toys, drawings, games, and dolls can be used to express emotions. In this way, the actual play sessions or the toys themselves are utilized to create a story or act out emotions.

Art therapy is a common therapy utilized as well that help kids use illustrations to convey how they feel. The actual act of creating art can also be used as a treatment for depression. Music therapy may be used as well if non-verbal therapy types are helpful to your son or daughter.

In some cases, therapists will gain trust through play that will encourage children to speak. Other times, children may start to verbalize feelings without realizing it. So, it may not seem helpful to encourage play, art, or music therapy, but it may be an instrumental part of the overall therapy process.

If you want to know about other types of troubled youth treatments that can help your depressed child, speak with a psychotherapist or other type of mental health professional.