COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (under 12)
“Teach my child coping skills” is a request I receive often from parents. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a great option when it makes sense to introduce this modality for your child. Play is still where I start in my approach and style of blending in CBT. Why is this the process for me? In order for coping strategies to be effective like those used throughout CBT your child needs to be aware enough of their emotions and regulated enough to apply them when and how they are needed for these tools to be successful.
My approach is to start with Play Therapy so I can gain a sense of your child’s ability to feel when they are starting to escalate. Some children still escalate too fast to be able to pick-up on these early indicators, or for parents to see the early signs to cue the coping skills like breathing techniques for the child. CBT is still a great modality for common issues children come into therapy for including depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety disorders, OCD, anger, ADHD, or thoughts of self-harm.
*** When choosing a CBT therapist for your child please ensure you are comparing apples to apples because the majority unfortunately many therapists claim they have CBT, but since it is not a regulated modality on its own many claim they have it when they have simply not invested in the full certifications. I have my full CBT Certification through Sir Wilfred Laurier and with the specialization in the Level 2 CBT specifically for tailoring CBT to children and youth. I say this not out of ill-will, but in order to convey that vulnerable populations especially deserve the highest quality of care, and you have the right to ask any therapist for proof of any of their credentials to ensure your investment in their therapy is getting you the caliber of care you are hoping to provide for your child.