Childhood anxiety affects roughly 7.1% of children aged 3-17, according to the CDC. Whether it’s general anxiety, social anxiety, or anxiety linked to trauma, it can disrupt a child’s daily life. Unlike adults, children often don’t have the emotional tools or language to express what they’re feeling, leaving parents feeling helpless. The good news is that therapy can make a transformative difference. From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to play therapy, children can learn to manage anxiety, express their emotions, and develop resilience. This guide will help you understand the different types of therapy available, especially for children who have experienced trauma or are in foster care. The right therapy can be the key to unlocking a child’s emotional health and long-term well-being.
CBT THERAPY
CBT is one of the most effective therapies for treating anxiety in children. It focuses on helping children, teens & adults identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more constructive ways of thinking. CBT helps children challenge their fears and develop practical coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing and mindfulness techniques.
PLAY & ART THERAPY
Play Therapy & Art Therapy are not just for children. It can help children teens and adults express what is troubling them when they can’t find the verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings. It can help young children develop empathy, self-esteem, and problem-solving skills. While helping teens and adults process anxiety, trauma and various challenges using creative non-threating techniques to explore emotions.
DBT THERAPY
DBT focuses on emotional regulation and mindfulness, helping children who experience intense emotional responses. Through DBT, individual, children & teens can learn how to tolerate distress, manage their reactions, and navigate difficult social interactions without being overwhelmed by anxiety.
Therapy doesn’t just manage anxiety; it builds emotional resilience. Children can learn how to identify their emotions, develop coping strategies, and communicate their feelings more effectively. These skills not only reduce anxiety but also prepare children to handle future stressors with greater confidence.
For children, who often face ongoing uncertainty, building emotional resilience is crucial. Therapy helps them develop the inner strength needed to navigate the challenges of their environment, fostering a sense of stability even in difficult circumstances. With professional guidance, you, your child or teen can learn to navigate their anxiety and grow into a more confident, emotionally healthy individual.