It’s an unfortunate truth that a lot of children struggle in their formative years with mental health issues that are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed until they reach adolescence or even adulthood. For the problems that can’t be solved physically, the trained pediatric counselors at St. Hope Pediatrics will work closely with you and your child to overcome and manage mental health challenges.
We’re committed to taking prompt and effective action and recommending solutions to best help your child through what they’re feeling. Even when there isn’t a simple solution, counseling from a dedicated and compassionate professional early on can help prevent long-term emotional and behavioral struggles that could potentially persist and worsen into adulthood.
Types of Pediatric Counseling
Play Therapy
Play is a powerful tool for children. Many children may still be learning to communicate and could be years away from being capable of clearly conveying how they’re feeling psychologically. As such, play is often the only way they can fully express themselves and make sense of the world. Properly trained counselors can use this to their advantage. During play therapy, they’ll utilize toys, games and art to help children communicate their thoughts and emotions and uncover the root of their issues.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses more on goals than expression. It concentrates on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, including anxiety and depression. Therapists work to help children and adolescents recognize irrational thought patterns and teach them effective coping strategies to challenge those perceptions.
Family Therapy
Family therapy recognizes the influence of family dynamics on a child's well-being and entails working with the entire family to improve communication, resolve conflicts and create a supportive environment. Therapists facilitate discussions and activities that enhance understanding among family members. By addressing relational issues, family therapy contributes to a healthier family structure and a more positive environment for the child.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy works to modify problematic behaviors and is often used to address issues such as ADHD, oppositional behavior and conduct disorders. Therapists use reinforcement and consequence strategies to encourage positive behaviors and discourage negative ones. This type of counseling often involves collaborating with the parents and caregivers to ensure these procedures are applied consistently at home.
Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy is geared toward children who have experienced trauma – whether through abuse, neglect or other adverse events. The goal of trauma therapy is to help children process what they’ve experienced and learn healthy coping methods. Therapists use storytelling and play to help children better understand what they’ve gone through, express their feelings and learn how to cope with their PTSD.
Social Skills Training
Social skills training can be beneficial for children struggling with communicating and interacting with others, particularly those with autism. Therapists can help children acquire the necessary social skills for positive relationships with other children and adults, improving their ability to navigate social situations successfully.
Why Pediatric Counseling is Important
Pediatric counseling is crucial for ensuring the holistic well-being of children and adolescents. The right therapy can help them manage their symptoms, promoting healthier emotional development so they can thrive and move toward a happier future.
At St. Hope Pediatrics, our counselors are trained to understand non-verbal cues and use developmentally appropriate language to communicate with our young clients. We’ll help your child feel understood and supported as they work to overcome the challenges they’re facing and improve their mental health.
Our Experienced Houston Pediatricians Will Be With You For Every Step of Your Child’s Physical and Mental Growth
At St. Hope Pediatrics, we’ll help you reassure your child that they aren’t alone in what they’re feeling. Our experienced pediatricians and counselors can help guide you and your child through the tumultuous moments of growing up and give them the tools they need to protect themselves. We’ll support you through every moment of anxiety and doubt and help ensure your child stays healthy and happy.
Book your child’s appointment with one of our experienced pediatric counselors today by calling (713) 778-1300.
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