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“If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.”
~Diane Loomans, from "If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again"
Wouldn't it be nice if children came with a manual on how to raise them? Well maybe. But even if we possessed a manual on perfect parenting, life happens and parents aren't perfect, and children will experience particular thoughts and feelings in a reaction to the stressors of everyday life. Young children act out their thoughts and feelings through behaviors rather than verbalizing them, and depending on the way they behave, the functioning of the whole family can be negatively affected. If a child is sad, angry, or worried, it may show up as:
- Aggressive and/or Abusive Behavior
- Tantrums
- Excessive Neediness, Insecurity, &Clinging
- Nightmares & Sleep Disruption
The Therapists at Dallas Counseling and Wellness Center can help your child using proven techniques such as play therapy.
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"In my world, everyone’s a pony and they all eat rainbows and poop butterflies"
-Dr. Seuss
Children express themselves through their play activities using their imaginations. In Child-Centered Play Therapy, the therapist is skilled in using playful activities and toys to communicate with the child. The child is purposely allowed to choose the toys and the way they want to play with them, with few limits. This provides a comfortable environment for the child to open up and for their problems to come out naturally in their play. The therapist carefully observes the child’s actions and when appropriate, engages with the child in their play behavior. The therapist then interprets the meaning of the child’s play and works with the parents or caregivers to discuss the possible sources of the troublesome behaviors and to develop a plan for lasting change.
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- Express Feelings
- Increase Self Esteem
- Cope with Stressors such as Divorce, Death, Change, Abuse, Neglect, Illness
- Learn New Social Skills
- Manage their Anger
- Develop Empathy and Consideration for Others
- Take Responsibility for their Behaviors
For more information on child counseling or to make an appointment contact us today!
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