Questions and Answers about Psychotherapy with Children

What is child psychotherapy?

Child psychotherapy is a process where a psychotherapist helps a child resolve emotional, behavioral or interpersonal problems. The process is designed to change the child in some way. It may be by easing emotional pain, changing undesirable behavior, or improving relationships between the child and important people in the child's life.

How does a psychotherapist help a child to change?

Change in the child can happen in several ways. Common methods are: changing how the child acts, play therapy, family therapy and individual counseling.

When is play therapy used?

Play therapy is used when it can help the child better communicate with the therapist. It can be hard for children, especially young children, to talk about their feelings and the problems they are having with other people, which are often the reason why the child was brought to the clinic. Through play materials the child can use action, fantasy and words to show how he or she feels.

When is play therapy not appropriate?

If the parent is unhappy with a child's behavior, such as not picking up his or her room, talking back, staying out too late and the like, play probably will not change how the child behaves. Parent counseling or parent-child sessions would be a better way to tackle these kinds of problems.

Can play therapy be used with other therapies?

Yes. Often children who are brought to mental health professionals because they are wetting the bed, having troubles learning or have attention deficit disorder also may feel incompetent, shame, depression and a negative self-image. In such cases the approach could be twofold: a) directly treat the symptom and b) use play therapy to help the child to change his or her negative feelings and attitudes.

Will my child's school be involved?

Yes. If the child’s problems happen mainly in school, the therapist, with parental permission, can work with the school to change how the child acts.

How do I know if my child's behavior is so bad that professional help is needed?

Here are some signs that a child is having serious psychological difficulties:

• Prolonged, constant anxiety, apprehension or fear that is not proportional to reality.
• Signs of depression, such as a growing apathy and withdrawal from people.
• An abrupt change in a child's mood or behavior so that the child does not seem to be him or herself anymore. For example, if a very polite and reliable child suddenly becomes irresponsible, self-preoccupied and hostile to others.
• Sleep disturbances, such as sleeping too much, not being able to sleep enough, restless or nightmarish sleep, not being able to get to sleep or waking up early.
• Loss of appetite, weight gain due to excessive eating or eating bizarre substances such as dirt or garbage.
• Problem sexual behavior, such as promiscuity, exposing oneself or excessive masturbation.

Will the parents be involved in their child's therapy?

Absolutely. Parents will be involved in each step of the child's therapy. The therapist's goal is for the parents to learn the best way to relate to their child and to understand their child's feelings and attitudes in order to prevent or to find a suitable way to solve future problems or difficulties.

How can I find out more information about child psychotherapy?

Catholic Charities has therapists who are available to discuss your child's problem. They can suggest realistic ways to deal with the problem your child is experiencing, or refer you to an another agency for help. If a consultation is needed to further assess the problem, an appointment can be made with one of our therapists at that time.

We're Ready To Help

Our trained and accredited counselors look forward to helping you solve your child’s problem.

Our five full-time offices, in Green Bay, the Fox Cities, Oshkosh, Marinette and Oshkosh, and three outreach offices, in Sturgeon Bay, Waupaca and Wautoma, mean help is available in all areas of Northeast Wisconsin. Most counseling offices are open weekdays and evenings by appointment.

For a list of our conveniently located offices to set up an appointment

For additional information contact Catholic Charities at:

The Green Bay Diocese
(920) 272-8234
Toll-free: 1-877-500-3580 ext. 8234

E-mail

Who We Serve

Catholic Charities extends a helping hand to those in need, no matter what his or her religious background, race or nationality, or ability to pay.

Accredited and Certified

Catholic Charities is nationally accredited by the Council of Services for Families and Children. It also is a state certified mental health clinic, and is licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a child welfare agency.

Counseling and Child Welfare are accredited by the Council of Accreditation (COA). Accreditation from the Council on Accreditation for Family and Children’s Agencies ensures that Catholic Charities operates under the highest professional standards and best practices in the nation.

Cost and Payment Options

Costs of Catholic Charities services are supported by the Bishop's Appeal, governmental contracts, United Way contributions, grants, bequests, donations and fees. Any service fees charged to clients are based on ability to pay; some services are covered by insurance.

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