At Bridges Family Center, we understand that children see and do things differently than adults, including how they communicate.  Because of these differences, children need treatment that is specialized to meet their developmental needs.  This allows them alternate ways to process their thoughts and feelings.  Our approach to treatment combines the use of play and art therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy.  This gives children a means to communicate their thoughts and feelings and engage in a hands-on approach to learning new skills.

Child Therapy begins by participating in an intake session in which both the child and parents will meet with their counselor. Discussion will focus on gathering information relating to family relationships, stressors, and concerns.  The purpose of the intake is to get to know one another and devise a course of treatment. After the intake is complete, the child will then participate in a developmental play assessment.  This assessment can last from 3-4 sessions. It is comprised of a number of different sand tray and art assessments which are used to give the counselor information about the development of the child and the child’s perspective. At the completion of this assessment, parents are asked to meet with the counselor apart from the child to discuss and create treatment goals based on the results. These goals will be unique to your child’s individual needs. They may provide that your child is seen individually, with family, or in a group setting.  Parents may also receive training, including how to provide positive discipline for children while managing troublesome behaviors.  Wrap- around services are available to coordinate care between schools, doctors, and your therapist.

Reasons a child may participate in counseling vary greatly but some of the most common reasons are as follows: poor school performance, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable or moody, stress, family issues, low self-esteem, anger management, mood disorders, poor conflict resolution, parents’ divorce, grief and loss, victim of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse.  Children diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, CD, depression, Bi-Polar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders and Adjustment Disorders are welcome. Families who have experienced sexual, verbal or physical abuse, domestic violence, divorce, death, chronic illness or incarceration of a parent will find a safe place at Bridges Family Center.