Children and teenagers today are navigating through a myriad of pressures, from academic demands and social expectations to online influences and the constant comparison brought on by social media. These pressures can often be overwhelming, affecting their mental well-being.
As a parent or carer, you may feel prepared to handle many of the challenges that your child faces, but when it comes to emotional or mental health, it’s essential to consider all of the tools at your disposal, including professional counselling.
Whether traditional talking therapy or art therapy, counselling can be a valuable tool.
Here, we’ll explore how both forms of therapy can provide significant benefits for your child and why investing in counselling could be one of the best decisions you make for their mental health.
Why Counselling Matters for Young People
During the formative years of childhood and adolescence, young people are experiencing significant emotional and cognitive development. During this time, they are navigating their way through a series of firsts – friendships, heartbreaks, the first feelings of rejection and the pressures of academic and social life.
These experiences can lead to anxiety, overwhelm, or sadness. While parents offer comfort and guidance, professional counselling is needed to dig deeper into issues that aren’t immediately visible.
Counselling provides a safe, confidential space where young people can express themselves openly without fear or judgement.
With the support of a trained professional, children and teens can develop self-awareness, resilience, and the skills to communicate their emotions effectively. These skills have lifelong benefits.
Talking Therapy: A Structured Space for Expression
Talking therapy, also known as traditional counselling or psychotherapy, is a common form of counselling. It provides a verbal outlet where children and teens can articulate their thoughts and emotions. Through open-ended questions and active listening, therapists help young people understand their feelings, identify thinking patterns, and develop coping strategies.
The Benefits of Talking Therapy for Children and Teenagers
- Improved Communication Skills
Talking therapy aids children and teens in finding the words to describe their experiences, empowering them to express themselves clearly across all areas of life. - Emotional Regulation
Adolescence can be a whirlwind of emotions. Counselling teaches mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural strategies, and emotional validation techniques that help young people manage and understand their emotions. - Building Resilience
Life inevitably presents challenges from childhood to adulthood. Counselling helps children and teens face life’s challenges with practical tools for managing difficulties. Talking through struggles reassures them that their feelings are valid and that they have the skills to manage them effectively. - Addressing Root Causes
Sometimes, emotional or behavioural issues stem from hidden or underlying problems that may not be immediately clear. Professional counsellors can identify patterns or triggers causing distress and offer solutions tailored to a child’s needs.
Consider talking therapy if your child exhibits signs such as:
● Persistent sadness or mood swings
● Anxiety or extreme fear over daily activities
● Changes in behaviour, such as isolation, aggression or self-harm
● Academic difficulties or a sudden lack of motivation
● Trouble sleeping or eating
● Any experience of trauma or loss
These signs can indicate a need for extra support, and talking therapy could be a constructive step toward helping your child regain balance.
Art Therapy: A Creative Avenue for Emotional Expression
Not all young people are comfortable talking openly about their feelings. Art therapy offers a non-verbal, creative outlet where children and teens can explore their emotions through drawing, painting, or other artistic activities.
Art therapy is particularly effective for those who find it hard to verbalise emotions due to age, developmental stage, or past trauma.
How Art Therapy Helps Children and Teenagers
- Accessible for All Ages
Art therapy accommodates young children and teens who struggle with verbal communication. The act of creating art allows them to express complex emotions that they may not yet fully understand or have the words for. - Emotional Release:
Many children and teens carry emotions they struggle to express, which can manifest in day to day life as aggression, withdrawal, or anxiety. Creating art allows a safe space for young people to release pent-up emotions, reducing feelings of overwhelm, stress and anxiety. - Building Confidence
Creating can be empowering for children and young people with low self esteem and low confidence. They can explore different mediums, make choices, and see their creations come to life, fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting their confidence. - Processing and Healing Trauma
Art therapy has been found to be very effective for children and young people that have experienced trauma. It can be a less confronting way to explore difficult emotions and begin the healing process, allowing children to express painful experiences safely. - Enhancing Emotional Awareness
One of the greatest benefits of art therapy is that it helps children and teens become more attuned to their emotions. Through the process of creating art, they often discover new insights into their feelings, helping them gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
When to Consider Art Therapy for Your Child
Art therapy can be beneficial for children facing:
● School-related anxiety or stress
● Difficulty forming friendships or social connections
● Sensory processing issues or learning challenges
● Grief or trauma
● Behavioural challenges
How to Support Your Child Through Counselling
While professional counselling offers essential tools and expertise, parental support is invaluable. Here are ways to support your child if they are attending counselling:
- Normalise the Experience
Reassure your child that seeking help is a positive step and not a sign of weakness. Emphasise that seeking help is a healthy way to navigate challenges, helping reduce any stigma around counselling. - Stay Involved
Respect your child’s confidentiality but stay engaged in their progress with regular check-ins and open communication. Regular check-ins show them you care and reinforce the support they receive in counselling. - Create a Safe Space at Home
Encourage open discussions about feelings and emotions in a non-judgmental environment to reinforce counselling’s positive effects. Whether your child is attending talking therapy or art therapy, continuing these conversations in a supportive home setting can amplify the positive effects of counselling. - Be Patient
Understand that healing and emotional growth take time and be patient as your child progresses. Whether your child is working through anxiety, low self-esteem, or a more specific issue, progress may come gradually. Patience and understanding go a long way in supporting your child’s journey.
Final Thoughts
Investing in counselling for your child or teenager is an investment in their long-term mental health and well-being. Whether through talking or art therapy, counselling offers a supportive space to explore emotions, build resilience, and develop strategies for navigating life’s challenges. Your involvement and encouragement can make a significant difference in their journey towards emotional well-being.
If you think your child might benefit from professional support, consider reaching out to a counsellor who specialises in working with children and young people. The right counsellor could be the key to helping your child thrive.