Children
(Ages 6-12)

 

We understand that children experience the world differently than adults. Therapy for kids requires creativity, patience, and imagination. Our sessions for children ages 6 to 12 combine conversation, art, and music to help children express themselves, understand their feelings, and learn practical skills to navigate life’s challenges. Every child is unique, and our approach is tailored to meet their individual needs while keeping therapy engaging and meaningful.

 

Many children struggle to put their feelings into words. We help them understand that emotions are like temperature: sometimes they feel cool, sometimes warm, and sometimes boiling. Learning to notice these changes before they become overwhelming helps children respond to their feelings in healthy ways. Art and music provide concrete ways for children to explore emotions, whether through drawing what they feel, painting a “temperature scale” of their emotions, or creating a song that represents their mood. This approach makes feelings less confusing and gives children tools to recognize and manage them.

 

Children’s thoughts can also feel overwhelming, like a busy road with ideas constantly zooming by. Some thoughts help them move forward, while others create traffic jams that block their focus and peace of mind. Therapy helps children recognize which thoughts they can let pass and which ones need attention. Creative activities, such as drawing “traffic maps” of their thoughts or composing songs about their experiences, give children a hands-on way to see their thinking patterns and practice guiding their minds in helpful directions. Over time, this helps them gain clarity, confidence, and self-control.

Sometimes children see the world through what we call “mean glasses” or “worry glasses,” which can make problems feel bigger or scarier than they really are. Therapy helps them clean these lenses so they can see what is truly happening. Using drawing, role play, and musical expression, children explore what their glasses show them, then practice imagining or creating a clearer, brighter view. This not only builds confidence but also teaches perspective and emotional insight.

 

Children also carry an invisible backpack filled with experiences, emotions, and challenges. Therapy helps them pack it with tools such as calm-down strategies, brave choices, and problem-solving skills, giving them resources to rely on when life feels difficult. Hands-on exercises with art, music, and structured play make these skills tangible and memorable, so children can use them outside of therapy in real-life situations.

Managing big feelings can feel overwhelming, like trying to change the channel on a TV without a remote. Therapy helps children build a mental remote, giving them the ability to pause, turn the volume down, rewind, or switch the channel. Practicing these skills in a safe and supportive environment allows children to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, giving them control over their emotions and behavior.

Therapy is like a practice field where children can try new ways of expressing themselves, make mistakes, and learn from them without fear of judgment. The skills they develop in sessions prepare them to handle challenges at school, at home, and with friends. Each small success builds confidence, resilience, and self- efficacy, helping children feel empowered to navigate life’s ups and downs.

At Same Time Next Week, we strive to create a supportive space where children feel understood, valued, and equipped to handle their emotions. Through talk, art, and music, we help children turn challenges into opportunities for growth, equipping them with tools they can carry with them for years to come.

 

When you are ready to address your concerns related to these and many other related mental health issues, please contact the counselors at Same Time Next Week? Counseling & Consultation, PLLC. We have counselors with immediate openings and are ready to help.