When it comes to depression in a child, therapy is a common treatment option. Therapy, commonly known as psychotherapy or talk therapy, has proven effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms of depression in children, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with another treatment option, such as medication.
What Is Psychotherapy?The overall goal of psychotherapy is to produce a change in behavior, thinking, or both. It is believed that faulty thought processes may cause a child to engage in negative behaviors. For example, a depressed child may think that she is worthless or not smart, so she may not do her homework, which causes her to earn a bad grade. Earning a bad grade then reinforces her thoughts that she is not smart or is worthless.
A therapist will work with his clients to reduce symptoms of depression and any other causes of discomfort, as well as teach skills for coping with stress.
Types of Psychotherapy
Many types of psychotherapy exist. However, all types aim to relieve discomfort in clients. Some of the most common types of psychotherapy are:
- Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies
- Behavior therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Humanistic therapy
Therapists may utilize one or more approaches to therapy. Talk to your child's therapists about his approach to depression treatment, and ask for signs of improvement in your child's depressive symptoms.
Who Are Psychotherapists?
Psychotherapists are trained mental health professionals who hold advanced degrees (masters or doctorate) and have a license to practice. A psychotherapist is usually a psychologist, psychiatrist (medical doctor specializing in emotional conditions), or social worker. However, therapists may be of other disciplines in some circumstances.
What to Expect
During your child's initial visit, she and her therapist will meet in a private room. They will start with introductions and have a discussion about confidentiality and her rights as a patient. The therapist will also ask for some background information (family support, symptoms, etc.)
Depending on your child's developmental level, goals of psychotherapy may be discussed. This is what your child hopes to get out of psychotherapy. So this may be: being able to go to school every day; making new friends; joining a club; getting along with parents, siblings, etc.
Your child's therapist will suggest a schedule for therapy based on the type of therapy and the nature of your child's symptoms.
Each session will be different, but the overall goal is to foster a relationship and conversation that can help your child feel and function better.
Time Frame
Again, the length of therapy will depend on the specific type of therapy utilized, your child's therapist, and your child's depressive symptoms. Psychotherapy may time limited for a few months or may be longer term for certain types of symptoms and problems.
Like any depression treatment option, psychotherapy may take time to see improvement in your child.
However, if after a few weeks, you do not see any improvement, or feel that your child's depression is getting worse, discuss this with her therapist, pediatrician, or other mental health professional.
Where to Find a Good Therapist
Your child's pediatrician, school counselor or psychologist may be excellent sources for a recommendation.
Psychotherapists may work in private practice, for hospitals, academic institutions, or government agencies.
Also, you can check with the American Psychological Association (APA) for licensed professionals in your area.
It is important that your child has a strong connection, or therapeutic alliance, with her therapist and is comfortable being open and honest with him. You may want to meet with a therapist before your child does to ensure a good fit.
Your Child's Rights
Your child has a right to privacy in psychotherapy and the therapist will help your child feel safe to share whatever is on her mind. This means that your child can say as much or as little as she wants to during her sessions, or even not talk, and everything she says during her sessions is confidential. Her therapist cannot tell you the details of their conversations without your child's permission, except under certain circumstances for the protection of your child. However, her therapist may work with the family to find ways to involve them in the treatment in ways that can be most helpful.
Your child has the right to refuse therapy sessions as well. However, this may be a sign of resistance or discord with her therapist. In this case, try to understand your child's feelings for not wanting to attend therapy and encourage an open discussion with the therapist around this.
It is important to know to never stop your child's depression treatment without discussing with her mental health provider or pediatrician.
As a parent of a depressed child, you may be anxious about your child starting therapy. Knowing what to expect from her treatment can help ease your fears, and aid in providing a supportive environment for her recovery.
Sources:
Different approaches to psychotherapy. American Psychological Association. Accessed: 09/21/2010. http://www.apa.org/topics/therapy/psychotherapy-approaches.asp
Truant GS, Lohrenz JG.. "Basic principles of psychotherapy. I. Introduction, basic goals, and the therapeutic relationship." American Journal of Psychotherapy.. Winter 1993 47(1):8-18.
Psychologist Locator. American Psychological Association. Accessed: 09/22/10. http://locator.apa.org/
