Individual therapy is frequently done in combination with family or group therapy, and, when needed, psychopharmacology. It may take the actual form of play therapy, art therapy, or several other applicable forms depending on the child's age, development and diagnosis.
There are four theories on which individual therapy for children and adolescents are based. - Psychoanalytic. In this theory, a therapist tries to reverse the course of an emotional disturbance by reenacting and desensitizing a traumatic experience. This is accomplished through free expression in an interview or play format. The goal is to help the child understand his or her subconscious feelings and fears. While many practitioners use this form of therapy, there is in fact still very little evidence available to demonstrate that "it works."
- Behavioral. The therapist intervenes in helping the child (and/or parent through teaching the parent to in the principles of behavioral therapy, also call "parental management training"). This approach focuses on helping the child either learn appropriate behavior that was never learned or in unlearning inappropriate behavior. This form of treatment, when used with parents or teachers to assist the child in learning appropriate behavior is the best-studied form of psychotherapy in children and adolescents.
- Family Systems. The basis of this theory is for the therapist to understand the roles of each person, particularly the patient, how these roles have developed within the family, and how that role or roles is reflected in the child's disorder. A number of studies have been conducted to show that specific types of family therapy in fact are effective, especially in youth with conduct, delinquency, and substance abuse problems. When this theoretical approach is used with all members of the family in a group setting, it is called "family therapy."
- Developmental Theories. This theory involves the knowledge and understanding of children's age-appropriate behavior and skills (social, motor, emotional, intellectual, etc.). Some therapists may use an approach called "play therapy" to use the methods and materials that children normally use (toys, puppets, games) to better understand the child's world-view and then to interact with them through these materials to help them develop more effective ways of perceiving and responding to their environments. Other developmentally oriented therapists may focus on the child's "attachment" to their caregivers, and their perceived sense of safety and security with these "attachment figures."
Regardless of the form of child-focused individual therapy, parental involvement beyond the initial information gathering varies, ranging from a very active role in therapy (such as coaching parents in the use of behavioral methods they should use with the child) to merely providing transportation and bill paying. |
