As parents, we want the best for our children. We want them to be happy and successful, and most of all, we want them to feel secure in themselves and their place in the world. But what do you do if your child is struggling? While many people are quick to suggest therapy as a solution, (and I am somewhat biased!) there can be skepticism about whether or not it’s really necessary or helpful. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of therapy for kids that may surprise you.
7 Benefits of Therapy for Kids
1. Emotional Regulation Skills
One of the most important skills that children can learn through therapy is emotional regulation. This is just therapy-speak for helping them develop the ability to manage their feelings in healthy ways rather than resorting to outbursts or lashing out when they feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), children can learn how to recognize their emotions and practice techniques like deep breathing, counting backward from 10, recognizing triggers for certain behaviors, and other calming strategies.
2. Improved Problem-Solving Skills
Once kids are better able to stay in control of their emotions, they are able to use the analytical and ‘rational ‘ side of their brain more often. Because of this, they will be better able to take in feedback, and look at angles of a problem they weren’t able to before. Being a problem-solver with a growth mindset will come much more naturally to them.
3. Increased Self-Esteem
When children are struggling with issues like anxiety or depression, it can have an impact on self-esteem. By engaging in CBT-style therapy sessions with a knowledgeable therapist who understands their individual needs, children can gain insight into why they may be feeling low self-worth and then work on solutions together. Therapy also helps kids build their self-advocacy skills so that they can better express themselves both verbally and nonverbally when faced with difficult situations.
4. Improved Relationships
In addition to emotional regulation skills, therapy can help kids develop better relationship skills by providing them with the tools they need to communicate effectively with others. Through role-playing exercises and other activities, children can learn how to navigate social interactions more confidently as well as how to handle disagreements without resorting to negative behavior patterns like name-calling or physical violence. They can also gain a better understanding of social cues, which will help them identify when someone is uncomfortable during conversations or when someone needs space during conflicts.
5. Avoiding Bullying
Another benefit of therapy for kids is that by improving their self-esteem, they will naturally become less of a target for bullying, and they’ll be better able to not take negative comments to heart. Kids can also learn how to set boundaries, which is essential for their mental well-being and overall success in life.
6. Not Feeling Alone
One of the most wonderful things therapy can do for people of all ages is to help them realize they’re not in this alone. But due to their brain development, kids often think they’re the only one who feels like this. A good therapist will help normalize these feelings, and reduce some of the loneliness and isolation kids might be feeling.
7. Having Someone to Talk To
This one might be more obvious, but it’s one of the underrated benefits of therapy for kids. Studies have show again and again that the therapeutic alliance (the relationship between the client and therapist) can be the most healing part of therapy. Kids will appreciate having a place to feel seen and heard, and not judged for what they say; they don’t have to worry about getting a lecture if they say they hate someone right now- and don’t risk hurting anyone’s feelings when they vent. Having a safe place and person to talk to allows your kid to be able to voice and let go of the emotional baggage they carry. AND they learn how to talk to themselves in a therapeutic way, so maybe they’re avoiding more therapy in the future!
All in all, therapy has many hidden benefits that may not be obvious at first glance but that are incredibly important for helping kids grow into emotionally healthy adults who are capable of managing stressors without resorting to harmful coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or outbursts of anger. If your child is struggling emotionally or socially—or even academically—consider giving therapy a try; you just might find that it’s the key your family needs for unlocking greater happiness and success.