Practice-base studies show that cognitive-behavioral techniques are effective in the treatment of children’s mental health problems such as depression, generalized anxiety, school refusal, social phobias, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma and sexual abuse, and eating disorders.
Two phases of CBT treatment in children includes: 1) Psycho-education, where children learn to recognize the problematic emotions or behaviours and the accompanying bodily responses, identify the distressing recurring thoughts, acquire new coping skills to deal with their emotions and thoughts, and learn to evaluate their performance. 2) Practice what they have learned in therapy. It is important that children feel the support of the therapist with whom they have started this journey. The therapist is the one person who has been aware of their fears and worries. Children learn how to expose themselves to anxiety provoking situations and apply coping skills.
Our behavioral-based art therapy approach in the treatment
of the mental health problems provides children with a safe space to evaluate their problematic behaviors/thought patterns,learn new behaviors, and apply creativity in problem solving. Art therapy for children help them practice what they learn in therapy by applying the tools in role-play, story telling, and story making before transition to real life.
The pressure of growing up can be overwhelming for children and adolescents. Help them overcome this period of life by taking them seriously! Call us now!
By: Reyhane Namdari/ Art therapist