3.4. Identify therapies that could be used to treat a child or young person experiencing mental health problems

This guide will help you answer 3.4. Identify therapies that could be used to treat a child or young person experiencing mental health problems.

Children and young people can face various mental health challenges. These may range from anxiety and depression to more complex issues such as trauma or eating disorders. It is important to be aware of the therapies available to support their recovery. Choosing the correct therapy will depend on factors such as the specific issue, the child’s age, and their preferences. In this guide we cover some of the therapies in supporting children and young people with mental health difficulties. Understanding mental health disorders is crucial in determining the most effective approach to therapy. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be beneficial for addressing anxiety and depression, while dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may be more suitable for treating eating disorders or self-harm behaviors. By understanding the specific challenges a child or young person is facing, caregivers and mental health professionals can better tailor their approach to provide the necessary support and intervention.

Talking Therapies

Talking therapies help individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings. Talking to a trained professional helps children and young people understand their emotions, develop coping skills, and find solutions to problems.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. It is commonly used to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Key elements of CBT include:

• Teaching the individual to recognise how thoughts impact feelings and actions.
• Helping the individual develop more balanced, positive thoughts.
• Equipping the young person with lifelong coping techniques.

CBT is goal-oriented and works well with measurable progress. Sessions are structured and often last around 6–20 weeks.

Counselling

Counselling provides a safe space for children or young people to talk openly about their feelings. Unlike CBT, it is less focused on problem-solving and more about allowing the individual to express themselves freely. For young children, therapists might use creative tools such as art, drawing, or storytelling to help them communicate.

Counsellors help children explore the root causes of their worries and offer support without judgment. This form of therapy is suitable for various mental health concerns, including bereavement or low self-esteem.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT looks at the connection between relationships and mental health. It is especially effective in cases where issues in personal relationships contribute to the young person’s challenges.

The therapist focuses on:

• Conflict resolution.
• Improving communication skills.
• Building positive, supportive relationships.

IPT is typically used to address depression or anxiety caused by changes in or difficulties with relationships.

Creative Therapies

Creative therapies utilise arts and play to allow children to express emotions they cannot easily put into words. These therapies are particularly effective for younger children or individuals who have experienced trauma.

Art Therapy

Art therapy uses activities like painting, drawing, or sculpting to explore emotions. The focus is not on the quality of the artwork but on the act of creating.

Benefits of art therapy:

• Encourages self-expression.
• Builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
• Provides a non-verbal way to process complex emotions.

This therapy is well-suited to children who find it hard to communicate verbally or who have experienced traumatic events.

Play Therapy

Play therapy involves structured playtime led by a trained therapist. Using toys, games, and activities, children are encouraged to express their feelings and explore their experiences.

During sessions, the therapist observes and interprets the child’s actions to understand their feelings or struggles. Play therapy works well for younger children with behavioural issues, separation anxiety, or difficulty adjusting to life changes.

Music Therapy

Music therapy uses exercises such as singing, playing instruments, or listening to music. Like art therapy, it gives children and young people non-verbal ways to express themselves.

Potential benefits:

• Reduces anxiety and stress levels.
• Encourages emotional release.
• Boosts motivation and communication skills.

Music therapy is effective for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or those with sensory processing difficulties.

Behaviour-Based Therapies

These therapies aim to improve a young person’s behaviour by reinforcing positive actions and helping them manage negative behaviours.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

ABA is often used with children who have ASD or other developmental disorders. It involves teaching new skills in small steps while using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours.

Key components:

• Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
• Using consistent rewards to reinforce good behaviour.
• Tracking and monitoring progress carefully.

Supporting long-term skill-building is one of ABA’s main goals.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

PCIT is aimed at young children who exhibit problematic behaviours, such as frequent tantrums or defiance. The therapist works directly with both parent and child to strengthen their relationship.

Parents learn techniques for:

• Managing difficult behaviour constructively.
• Encouraging positive behaviours.
• Communicating more effectively with their child.

This therapy is designed to support parents in creating a healthy environment for their child to thrive.

Trauma-Focused Therapies

Children and young people who have experienced traumatic events may benefit from trauma-specific therapies. These approaches are designed to help them process their experiences without feeling overwhelmed.

Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT combines elements of cognitive behavioural therapy with a focus on trauma recovery. It supports children and adolescents to work through traumatic memories gradually.

Processes involved:

• Learning relaxation and coping techniques.
• Discussing the trauma at a pace that feels manageable.
• Identifying and addressing ongoing fears.

Parents or carers may also be involved in the healing process, creating a strong support system for the child.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR helps individuals process traumatic memories by using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process allows the brain to reframe traumatic experiences into less emotionally charged memories.

How it works:

• The therapist identifies the trauma and uses eye movements to activate both sides of the brain.
• The young person reprocesses the memory, reducing its emotional impact over time.

EMDR is considered effective for children who have experienced significant trauma and struggle with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Family-Based Therapies

Mental health issues often impact the whole family. Family therapies involve working with parents, siblings, and carers to create a supportive network for the young person.

Systemic Family Therapy

Systemic family therapy looks at family dynamics to find solutions. The goal is to improve communication and address patterns that contribute to difficulties.

Sessions might focus on:

• How the family reacts to stressors.
• Building better conflict-resolution skills.
• Strengthening trust between members.

This therapy is effective for issues such as eating disorders, anxiety, or behavioural problems.

Support Groups

Support groups bring families together who are facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences helps reduce feelings of isolation for both the children and their families. It also offers opportunities to learn from others.

Medication and Combined Approaches

In some cases, therapy alone may not be enough to address mental health difficulties. Medication can be prescribed by a doctor to support recovery, especially in moderate to severe cases.

Examples of medications include:

• Antidepressants for depression or anxiety.
• Stimulant medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Anti-anxiety medication or sedatives for conditions that severely impact sleep.

The combined use of therapy and medication offers a balanced approach, addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of mental health.

Online and Digital Therapies

As technology advances, online therapies have become widely accessible. Digital platforms provide children and young people with convenient options for mental health support.

Examples of digital tools include:

• Online CBT modules delivered through apps or websites.
• Virtual counselling sessions via video calls.
• Mobile apps for monitoring mood or practising mindfulness.

Online therapies suit individuals who feel uncomfortable attending in-person sessions or those who live in remote areas. These tools can be a useful first step in seeking support.

Choosing the Right Approach

When choosing a therapy for a child or young person, consider their unique needs. Assess the type of mental health concern, age, family involvement, and the child’s communication preferences. Mental health professionals will often work collaboratively with children, their families, schools, and support workers to decide on the best course of action.

Therapies provide valuable tools to help children navigate challenging emotions and develop resilience. By offering consistent support, you can play a key role in their recovery.