Benefits of Mental Health Therapy for Children With ADHD
Benefits of Mental Health Therapy for Children With ADHD
Children with ADHD often struggle with various challenges that affect their every day lives. In some ways, they may have trouble concentrating, controlling impulses, or controlling emotions. It can impact how a child performs in school and their relationships with others to the point that they may begin to develop low self-esteem. Mental health therapy provides a safe space for children to learn skills to deal with these problems and emotions in treatment. If you’re asking, “Where can I find an in-network therapist near me?” or “What’s there for my child?” read on.
Understanding ADHD and Its Impact
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a disorder in which those effected struggle to pay attention or focus on particular tasks, as well as exhibiting greater hyperactivity (fidgety or restless) or impulsiveness. It’s a disorder that impacts how you pay attention, stay alert, and manage stress and emotions. ADHD is not just about being “hyper” or easily distracted. On the other hand, it’s a medical condition that can make simple things, like finishing homework or waiting in line, very difficult for a child.
Parents often notice symptoms like:
- The inability to pay attention for long periods.
- Constant moving or fidgeting.
- Action without thought.
However, these behaviors can be frustrating to the child and their family as well. For that reason, receiving help, such as from an ADHD therapist, can aid significantly.
How does Mental Health Therapy help children With ADHD?
Treatment may provide the tools children need to deal with their symptoms and live more comfortably. Here are some key ways mental health therapy supports kids with ADHD:
1. Building Focus and Self-Control
Fun and interactive techniques are used by therapists to teach children how to focus better. It might be playing memory games or making some visual reminders. The therapist might also introduce mindfulness exercises that will help children stay present and calm.
2. Managing Emotions
Often, the emotions can be overwhelming for kids with ADHD. They can learn how their feelings make them feel and find healthier ways to show it. Kids can grasp this process if they are taught techniques such as role-playing or even drawing emotions.
3. Improving Social Skills
Many children with ADHD have difficulty forming or keeping friends. Therapy for ADHD usually involves teaching sharing skills, taking turns, and social cues. In fact, your local therapy provider near you might offer group sessions where kids can practice such skills while accompanied by peers.
4. Supporting Parents
Parents benefit from their child’s therapy sessions as well. If nothing else, a qualified ADHD therapist can help assist parents in learning how to enforce clear rules, set up routines, and effectively tame unruly behavior. It can guarantee that the child will have consistency in his or her life in all areas.
Standard Therapy Approaches for ADHD
While not all therapies are created equal, the vast majority have shown to help significantly in children struggling with ADHD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Through CBT, children learn the connections between their thoughts and behaviors. Let’s take an example: If a child fails to complete a task and becomes frustrated, they learn to reframe their thinking and take small, manageable steps. For parents looking into using CBT, a great place to start is to look for a therapist near you who specializes in CBT.
Play Therapy
In play therapy, the child plays games and toys, and you better enable them to communicate themselves. For therapists, it’s a non-threatening way to help children understand the challenges they have and teach them self-help problem-solving skills. For younger children, KindMind Counseling can customize services that work in a playful setting.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is concerned with teaching positive behaviors, and reducing negative ones. This usually consists of introducing the reward systems or other charted systems to encourage positive habits. Many therapists in the field of counseling are trained to do this, including KindMind’s therapists in Clarkston and Rochester (MI).
How to Find the Right Therapist?
It doesn’t have to be difficult to find the right therapist near you, either. Here are some tips:
Start With Recommendations
Talk to your child’s teacher, pediatrician, or other parents and seek out suggestions. You’ll hear many suggest trusted options like KindMind Counseling in Clarkston and Rochester (MI) or a local therapist near you.
Check for ADHD Specialization
Some therapists aren’t actually trained to work specifically with ADHD. Consider someone whose specialties are listed as “ADHD therapy” or “child behavioral therapy.”
Ask About Their Approach
There is no standardized style for each therapist. Some may have a special interest in play therapy and others will utilize CBT or family-based methods. Further it can be helpful to find time to speak with your child’s teachers to determine if their processes align with your child’s needs.
Consider Location and Convenience
You can also do a search for “therapy near me” to help find options near home, which will ease yours and your child’s stress with the added convenience.
Why Choose KindMind Counseling?
For families living in Clarkston or Rochester (MI), families with ADHD can turn to KindMind Counseling. We offer a personalized, client-centered approach designed specifically for each individual child. KindMind’s therapy practices present a warm environment with a well-experienced team of ADHD therapists to help support children and parents alike.
Though we name this type of therapy the “Clarkston therapy approach” and “Rochester therapy approach”, if you’re looking for a therapist near you, know that KindMind is focused on practical solutions that are proven to work.
Benefits of Starting Therapy Early
The earlier your child begins therapy, the quicker they can learn the skills they’ll need to effectively manage ADHD. Starting young allows kids to:
- Give them confidence that they are capable of accomplishing the tasks they are presented with.
- Learn coping mechanisms for things at school and in social situations.
- Build a solid foundation for creating success in the future.
An ADHD therapist can help children unlock their potential, get past impossible challenges, and work around their symptoms.
Tips for Parents
Having a child with ADHD is never easy, but you are not alone and there is plenty of support. Here are some tips to complement your child’s therapy:
- Stick to Routines: Children with ADHD thrive on consistency. Schedule daily routines around activities such as homework, play, and relaxation.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Whatever your child’s successes are large or small, they should always be celebrated! Positive reinforcement increases the level of self-esteem and also promotes good behavior.
- Work Closely With Your Therapist: Your child’s therapist is your sounding board for this approach. Comment, offer updates, and follow through with ideas.
- Take Care of Yourself: Parenting a child with ADHD can be tough. Make space for yourself for self-care routines and stay calm and supportive.
Final Thoughts
Mental health therapy is a powerful ally for children with ADHD. Kids can learn to focus better, manage emotions, and build meaningful relationships by working with a skilled therapist near you. KindMind Counseling is here to be a trusted source of support in the Clarkston and Rochester areas.
Visit KindMind Counseling to find the right ADHD therapist for your child today.