THERAPY OPTIONS FOR YOUR CHILD
Therapy for kids can be scary to navigate. Our mission is to help parents understand their children’s unique needs and develop ways to help them in their healing process. We believe every child can feel safe and secure enough to explore themselves and find the things in life that motivate and inspire them.
HELPING YOUR CHILD BUILD CONNECTIONS
Therapy for kids is about helping every child in our community build the connections they can count on to thrive. We work with families to address behaviors that interfere with educational and social functioning. In addition, our goal is to help your child learn emotional regulation through behavioral modifications. Children express emotions differently than adults. It is not uncommon for children to act out emotionally or exhibit mood, sleep, and social disturbances. And because they are not mature enough to articulate their emotions effectively, it can manifest itself in many ways.
Our licensed child therapists understand the unique needs of children, and we offer a variety of treatment approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Children’s Groups to address those needs.
COMMON CONCERNS
Academic Struggles • Self-Esteem • ADD/ADHD • Anger • Family Transitions • Trauma • Social Skills • Bullying
UNDERSTANDING PLAY THERAPY
Play therapy is a technique used in children’s therapy that honors their unique developmental level and language. Through Play Therapy, a licensed mental health professionals use play therapy to help their clients, most often children ages three to 12 years better express themselves while resolving their concerns. Play therapy works for behavioral problems, such as anger management, grief, loss, divorce, abandonment, crisis, and trauma.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy of which can be with children, teens, and adults. The goal is to get people to look at their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In addition, it shows them how to replace negative thoughts with more realistic, positive ones. Thus, helping them change behaviors that are getting in the way of healthy functioning. CBT can be most effective with younger children when focusing on the behavioral part of the therapy. The goal is to unlearn the avoidant behavior.
When treating children with anxiety, one of the most prominent techniques used in CBT is called “exposure and response prevention.” This technique exposes a child to the things that trigger their anxiety in structured, incremental steps within a safe setting. Learn more about CBT.
Child Therapy in Valley Stream, NY
Children don’t always have the words for what they’re feeling. Worries and big emotions can show up as tantrums, trouble sleeping, stomachaches, school problems or pulling away from friends. Child therapy at Lighthouse helps kids express themselves in age-appropriate ways and gives parents clear strategies to support them at home. We work with families from Valley Stream and across Long Island and New York City.
What we help children with
- Anxiety, fears and worry
- Managing big emotions and behavior
- Big changes, such as divorce, a new sibling or a move
- Grief and loss
- Friendships and social skills
- School stress
- Self-esteem
How child therapy works
Sessions are tailored to your child’s age and personality and may use play, drawing and conversation to build skills like naming feelings, calming down and solving problems. Parents are partners in the process. We’ll meet with you to understand your concerns, share progress, and give you tools to use between sessions.
Common questions
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
If a change in mood or behavior lasts several weeks, shows up at home and at school, or gets in the way of everyday life, a consultation can help you sort out next steps.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on your child and your goals. We’ll review progress with you regularly.
Is child therapy covered by insurance?
Many plans cover it. See Billing & Insurance.
How do we get started?
Call (516) 303-9925 or send us a message, and we’ll help you find a therapist who fits your needs and schedule.