Counselling can provide many benefits for children, including helping them to:

• Express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment

• Develop coping skills for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions

• Improve self-esteem and self-awareness

• Learn problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Improve communication and relationships with peers and family members

• Address and overcome specific issues, such as grief, trauma, or behavioral problems

• Increase school performance and success

• Improve overall mental and emotional well-being.

What type of therapy is used for kids in counselling?

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play and other forms of creative expression to help children communicate their thoughts and feelings. It is a non-invasive and child-centered approach that can be used to address a wide range of issues in children, including emotional, behavioral, and social problems.

The idea behind play therapy is that children, who are not yet able to express their thoughts and feelings through verbal communication, can use play as a means of self-expression. Through play, children can explore their emotions, work through problems, and develop coping strategies.

There are several different types of play therapy, including directive play therapy, in which the therapist guides the child in specific activities or exercises, and non-directive play therapy, in which the child is free to explore and play in their own way.

Play therapy can be used to address a wide range of issues in children, including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral problems, and social skills deficits. It can also be used to help children cope with major life changes, such as the loss of a loved one or a move to a new home.

Research has shown that play therapy is an effective treatment option for children. A meta-analysis of studies on the effectiveness of play therapy found that play therapy was effective in treating a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems in children.

It's important to note that play therapy should be conducted by a trained and qualified play therapist. It's also important to find a therapist that is experienced in working with children, as different approaches may be needed depending on the child's age and level of development.

The science behind the play - polyvagal Theory

The Polyvagal Theory is a neurophysiological theory that has important implications for counseling and psychotherapy with children. Understanding the body's stress response systems can help therapists understand why certain interventions may be more or less effective for a particular child.

One way that the Polyvagal Theory can be applied in counseling for children is by helping therapists understand why some children may have difficulty connecting with others and regulating their stress response. For example, children who have experienced trauma may have a hard time feeling safe and secure in their environment, which can make it difficult for them to activate their ventral vagal complex and connect with others.

Another way the Polyvagal Theory can be used in counseling for children is by helping therapists understand how to create a safe and secure environment for the child. For example, creating a calm and predictable environment, using soothing language, and providing opportunities for physical contact such as hugging can help activate the child's ventral vagal complex and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Play therapy is one type of therapy that can be particularly effective in activating the ventral vagal complex in children. Play therapy allows children to express themselves through play, which can help them process their emotions and develop coping strategies.

Art therapy is another type of therapy that can be used in conjunction with the Polyvagal Theory. Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses art materials to allow children to express themselves. It can be an effective tool for helping children connect with their emotions and feelings, which can help them regulate their stress response.