CREATIVE MINDS THERAPY FOR CHILDREN

adult therapy :: couples therapy :: children's therapy

To enter a child’s world is to enter a world of play. Toys, games, pictures, action figures, dolls, paint, artwork, drama and puzzles are all a part of this world. Through the use of creative play children enter an imaginary world where they can express their desires, emotions and private aspirations without the difficulty of words. By entering this magical realm in therapy, children can begin to overcome their personal difficulties, and gain a new sense of achievement.

Children are brought to therapy for many reasons. Sometimes schools request counseling for a child because of their problematic behavior in the classroom, or their inability to concentrate. At other times children may be struggling with feelings related to the separation of parents or a family illness. Often, parents feel that their child is simply unhappy, and they are unsure of what to do for them. In all cases, being a parent is difficult, and entering a child’s world can be very confusing.

For a parent who is working hard to maintain a happy household, while trying to juggle the demands of the outside world, parenting can be a complicated puzzle that at times requires outside assistance.

Goals of therapy with children include:

• Increase a sense of confidence and mastery.
• Improve relatedness with peers and adults.
• Reduce aggressive behaviors and increase positive self expression.
• Decrease anxiety and replace it with joy.
• Develop a healthy sense of independence.
• Improve mind / body coordination and concentration through integrative techniques.

Dr. Karen Sharf also works with children who are given an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from the New York City Board of Education