Family Counseling

Therapy takes on a lot of different forms. Talking is the most obvious but not the most accessible for children. Learning to communicate with children is often done better with strategies that involve playing rather than talking. Play therapy for children in Plano, Texas is used by trained therapists in Plano as a way to help children become comfortable with sharing and learn different tools for responding to their stress, trauma, or struggles. When to Use Play Therapy Children who have emotional and behavioral difficulties or have been struggling with depression, anxiety, or aggression can benefit from play therapy. Children who have had developmental delays or learning disabilities benefit from it as well. If you watch children you may notice that they use play as a form of practicing life. When directed this type of play can help children work through things they struggle with in a controlled environment. They can be given coping mechanisms and tools to replicate the solution found in this kind of play on a larger scale. Some Examples Sand play therapy Children use sand, water, and miniature objects to create a world that represents their inner thoughts and feelings. Art therapy Children use art materials such as paints, clay, and markers to express themselves creatively. This can sometimes be done as a conversational tool, “I drew a square. What would you add to make it look like a house?” Music therapy Children can use music to express their emotions. This could use instruments or computer programming to create music. Drama therapy Children use drama and role-playing to explore different situations and learn new ways of interacting with others. Puppet therapy They use puppets to tell stories and express their feelings. Many children may find it easier to communicate in this more indirect manner. Movement [...]

Children can be affected by mental health issues that are related to emotional behavior disorders. These disorders make it hard for the child to regulate emotions. When this happens, they may not make the right choices for the proper behavior in certain situations. Understanding disorders that a child may have, such as emotional behavior disorder, can help caregivers choose strategies to manage behavioral issues. Plano Christian Counseling provides faith-based guidance and support to help families navigate these challenges with compassion and effective strategies. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27, NIV Causes of Emotional Behavior Disorders There are no defined causes of emotional behavior disorders in children. To properly identify these disorders, many factors are considered. The difference in brain chemistry and genetics are known to play a role in the presence of emotional behavior disorders when there are other mental health issues involved. Other causes connected with these disorders are traumatic experiences that result in behavior issues such as abuse and neglect. Types of Emotional Behavior Disorders Emotional disorders are related to mood disorders. When a professional refers to emotional behavior disorders, they are typically describing mental health conditions that affect a person’s mood. Children can suffer from emotional behavior disorders as well as adults. ADHD - Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder This is a neurobehavioral disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood. Most of the symptoms are characteristic of inattention and impulsivity. Easily distracted. Restless. Interrupting others. Has difficulty following directions. Disruptive. Impulsive actions. Conduct Disorder Children with conduct disorder often express aggression toward others and violate normal behavior with peers. Bullying others. Cruel to animals or others. Destruction of property. [...]