Delivering Child Therapy and Engaging Young Minds

Dr. Marta recognizes that working with children requires a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and empathy. Engaging children in therapy is not solely about delivering treatment—it is about building trust, creating a safe and supportive environment, and using child-friendly approaches that resonate with young minds. Dr. Marta’s therapeutic methods are carefully tailored to meet the emotional and developmental needs of children at various stages of their lives, helping them overcome challenges, build resilience, and navigate the complexities of growing up.

Building Trust and Creating Safe Spaces

Establishing a trusting relationship is at the heart of effective therapy with children. Dr. Marta understands that for many young people, entering therapy can feel intimidating. Children may not always have the words to express how they feel or what they’ve been through. That's why our approach focuses on creating an environment where children feel understood and valued, not judged.

Dr. Marta will spend time getting to know the child in an informal, non-threatening way, ensuring they feel heard and respected. Building rapport can take time, especially if the child has experienced trauma or emotional distress, but once trust is established, children are more likely to open up and engage in the therapeutic process.

Child-Centered and Developmentally Appropriate Approaches

Children’s emotional and cognitive development differs significantly from adults, which is why Dr. Marta's therapeutic techniques are specifically tailored to each child's developmental stage. Dr. Marta uses child-centered therapy techniques, which put the child’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences at the forefront. Therapy is designed to empower the child, helping them to make sense of their emotions, their environment, and their relationships.

We also incorporate a range of creative and playful techniques, that are drawn from varied modalities such as:

Art Therapy: Art provides children with a non-verbal way to express feelings they may not yet have the words for. Drawing, painting, and other creative activities can serve as powerful tools for emotional expression, helping to unlock difficult or suppressed emotions.

Play Therapy: Play is the natural language of children. Through games, toys, and role-playing, we can help children explore their thoughts, fears, and anxieties in a safe, non-threatening way. Play therapy is particularly effective for younger children who may struggle to articulate complex emotions.

Storytelling and Narrative Therapy: We often use stories and metaphors to help children reframe their experiences. This helps them make sense of difficult events or emotions, allowing them to see things from a new perspective. Narrative therapy empowers children to become the authors of their own story, shifting from passive victims of circumstances to active agents of change.

Movement and Body Awareness: For children who may find it difficult to articulate their emotions verbally, using movement or mindfulness activities can be an effective way of engaging them in therapy. Simple exercises like breathing techniques,  or physical activities help children gain better control of their emotions and become more aware of their physical and emotional states.

Tailoring Approaches to Individual Needs

Dr. Marta knows that every child is unique, and therapy should reflect that. Whether the child is dealing with anxiety, trauma, family issues, social challenges, or behavioral difficulties, our therapy approaches are flexible and personalized. We draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): With older children and adolescents, we use CBT to help them identify and challenge negative thoughts and patterns of behavior. CBT can be particularly effective in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.

Trauma-Focused Therapy: For children who have experienced trauma or abuse, we provide trauma-sensitive interventions designed to help them process and heal from their experiences in a safe, supportive way. This often involves working through the trauma in a gradual manner, using techniques likeTrauma-Focused CBT.

Solution-Focused Therapy: When working with children who may feel overwhelmed or stuck, we use solution-focused techniques to help them identify their strengths and explore potential solutions to the challenges they face. This can help foster a sense of empowerment and build hope for the future.

Engaging Parents and Caregivers

Therapy with children often involves collaboration with parents, caregivers, and other significant adults in their lives. Dr. Marta believes that the best outcomes are achieved when everyone involved in the child's life works together to support their emotional well-being. She encourages active participation from parents in the therapeutic process, providing guidance on how to support their child’s emotional development at home.

Dr. Marta offer parents consultations and family therapy sessions where appropriate, helping to create a consistent, supportive environment that extends beyond the therapy room. This holistic approach ensures that children receive the reinforcement and encouragement they need to make lasting positive changes.

Creating Lasting Change

Ultimately, Dr. Marta's goal is to help children develop the skills and emotional resilience they need to thrive. Therapy provides them with the tools to navigate challenges, manage their emotions, and build healthy relationships. It’s not just about addressing the issues of the present—it’s about empowering children with the confidence and coping skills to face the future.

Dr. Marta is committed to helping children reach their full potential. Whether it’s addressing behavioral difficulties, supporting emotional regulation, or working through trauma, I offer a comprehensive, compassionate approach to therapy that respects the child’s unique needs and journey.

If you are seeking support for a child or young person, Dr.Marta invites you to get in touch to learn more about how I can help. Together, you can create a positive path forward for the children we work with.