How can CBT help children and teenagers?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective form of talking therapy that has gained great popularity in treating mental health issues in children and teenagers.
It empowers children and teenagers to identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours and replace them with positive, healthy ones and is commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What can CBT help children with?
CBT can be useful for many different conditions as it helps form healthy responses to challenging situations, and research has shown particular benefits for the following conditions:
- Anxiety disorders, including PTSD
- Low mood and depression
- Stress
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Phobias
- Bullying
- Behavioural issues
One of the key strengths of CBT for children and teenagers is its practical and hands-on approach. CBT teaches children and teenagers specific skills and strategies that they can utilise in their daily lives to manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. This approach helps to build self-confidence and encourages a sense of control over their mental health.
CBT can also be tailored to meet the unique needs of each child or teenager. For example, some children and teenagers may benefit from using CBT with other forms of therapy, such as play or art therapy. It can also be adapted to suit different age groups and developmental stages, making it an ideal treatment option for children of all ages.
If you're a parent who is concerned about your child's mental health, it's important to know that you're not alone. Many children and teenagers experience mental health issues, and with the right support, they can recover fully.
It can be difficult to know where to start, but support is available. You can start by talking to your child's GP or by calling our experienced team. We'll start by assessing your child's needs before recommending appropriate treatments, such as talking therapy which may involve CBT.