What is it about ?
Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that is applied by a psychotherapist (psychologist or psychiatrist) in the event of mental problems. These problems can be very diverse:
- unjustified fears (phobias);
- delusions and hallucinations (psychosis);
- depressive disorders;
- developmental disorders;
- problems when interacting between children and parents or other adults;
- cognitive development (learning) and behavior disorders;
- consequences of traumatic experiences;
- etc.
The goal of psychotherapy is to help the person deal with their fears and problems. In children, it is important to promote balanced development. Sometimes it is necessary to help him to interact harmoniously with other children of his age or with adults. In other children, it is important to develop a positive outlook on themselves and relationships with others.
Before starting psychotherapy, a thorough examination will take place to make a diagnosis. On this basis, a treatment plan is drawn up. The child’s family is still involved in the treatment and must give consent before it can begin. Older adolescents must also give permission.
To ensure the user-friendliness as much as possible, the treatment always takes place in the same place, and the session always lasts the same duration. Individual therapy usually takes place once a week and lasts about 45 minutes. A family therapy session lasts a little longer and takes place at shorter intervals.
What are the different forms of treatment that exist?
Individual psychodynamic therapy
It is the therapy most often used in children with anxiety or depression. The therapist allows the child to communicate his inner experiences. It takes very strong account of all the characters which make the particularity of this particular child (individuality of the child).
The objective is as follows:
- promote normal psychic development;
- help manage emotions, problems and disappointments;
- improve communication skills;
- boost self-esteem;
- decrease anxiety.
Cognitive and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies
Cognitive psychotherapies focus on disorders in the development of the learning process and thought patterns. According to behavioral and learning theories, disorders are the result of learned behaviors or reactions to thought patterns.
The goal of therapy is for the child or adolescent to recognize and put words into their feelings, to change their negative and distorted ideas about themselves, others and the environment, and that his social and communication skills improve.
This form of therapy can be used in children with depression, eating disorder, anxiety, or attention or behavior disorder. As this therapy requires a certain maturity of mind, it is not used until school age.
Family therapy
More than other forms of treatment, family therapy is aimed at the family. It is used when the child’s disorder causes problems in interactions between family members. Family members need to find new ways to communicate with each other and grow in the right direction.
Often the family is accompanied by two or three therapists. It is also important to involve family members in the treatment of the child’s disorder so that they know and understand the situation better and so that the relationship between the parents and the child can improve.
Trauma psychotherapy
Trauma psychotherapy aims to progressively go through the traumatic experiences of the child. They are in a way relived, but in a controlled and safe environment. The number of sessions is limited. In the event of long-term trauma, psychotherapy is more suitable.
Trauma psychotherapy uses play. Through play, the child expresses his emotions, which can have a therapeutic function. In adolescents, trauma psychotherapy involves talking and verbalizing.
Therapy for early interaction
This is about the relationship between the baby or toddler and his parents, that is, mother-child therapy or mother-father-child therapy. This therapy can be used for depression after childbirth (postpartum depression) or if there are eating, sleeping or interaction problems.
The positive experience of being a mother brings healing. Parents are directly assisted in the interaction, but psychodynamic techniques are also used to address self-image, desires and emotions.
Art therapy
Art therapy focuses both on the expression itself and on the interaction with others that results from it. The therapist tries to translate the inner images, and he helps to deal with the fears and conflicts that stand in the way of therapy. This form of treatment can take place individually or in groups.
Horse-assisted therapy (hippotherapy)
Horses are used in therapy for children who are physically disabled or sick, or with behavioral or emotional disturbances. Contact with the animal can stimulate the communication skills of inhibited and emotional patients.
The goal is to allow children to have fun, be successful and have confidence in their own skills. It is possible to use this therapy for:
- behavioral disorders;
- attention disorders;
- eating disorders;
- interactive relationship disorders;
- autism.
Music therapy
Music therapy focuses on listening to music or allows the patient to make music on their own. Different parts of the brain are thus stimulated. It can help children who find it difficult to tell their story in words, who have difficulty making contact with others, or who are aggressive or psychotic. Music is generally good for people, which can increase the effectiveness of other forms of treatment.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is a form of therapy that sees the person as a body-mind unit. The goal is to teach the child to express himself better and to live this experience as a success. Creative activities such as drama, music, the arts or physical exercise help develop learning skills.
By practicing the skills needed on a daily basis during therapy, autonomy increases, which makes it easier to pursue leisure activities that provide pleasure on a daily basis.
Group therapy
In group therapy, group members are encouraged to develop forms of communication in which they can help each other. It is an effective treatment, especially for children who have contact problems with children their age. With a facilitator, they learn to communicate constructively through play, or (for adolescents) during discussions. The therapist’s job is mainly to supervise the conversation or the game. A group is made up of 3 to 5 children with 1 or 2 facilitators. Sometimes parents are also included in group therapy.
What can you do as a parent?
As the parent of a child with mental health problems, it is important to support your child as much as possible and to accept the diagnosis and treatment. The younger your child, the more important it is to support treatment as a parent. This increases the chances of success. Sometimes this requires therapy for the parents, often with a therapist other than the child’s. In adolescents, of course, an approach must be agreed with the young person himself.
The therapist will always have contact with the parents to get the correct general information about the child. For his part, the therapist will explain to the parents the effects of the therapy on the development of the child and how the parents can optimally support the child. A collaborative relationship must develop between the parents and the therapist.
What can the doctor do?
To start good psychotherapy, a diagnosis should be made as clearly as possible, and treatment goals should be established. This of course takes place in consultation with the parents. The doctor will check the need for explanation and therapy with parents and family members, in order to obtain as much support as possible for the child within his immediate circle.
Want to know more?
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Mental Health Services – The Social Guide
- PMS Center – Wallonia-Brussels Federation
- Find a psychologist – Commission des psychologues
- Find a therapist – AEMTC – Association for the Study, Modification and Therapy of Behavior
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