The Benefits of Therapy for Children
As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, one of the most meaningful parts of my work is sitting with children as they begin discovering their inner world. Parents often come to me unsure about whether therapy is necessary or worried that it might suggest something is wrong. In reality, therapy for children is less about correcting anything and more about offering a supportive space where they can explore feelings, develop a sense of themselves, and practice emotional skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Many children are still learning how to express what they feel. Sometimes emotions show up through behaviors or shifts in mood simply because they have not yet found the words. Research consistently shows that when children receive supportive guidance early, they learn to regulate their emotions more effectively, which can lead to steadier behavior patterns and long-term mental health benefits (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). With gentle support, children learn to recognize their emotions, understand where they come from, and practice grounding strategies that help them feel more centered. Over time, I often see children begin checking in with themselves more naturally and communicating their needs with growing confidence.
One of the most genuinely beautiful aspects of child therapy is how easily children tend to settle into the process. While adults may enter therapy with life experiences that shape how they approach the work, children often walk into the room with a sense of curiosity and authenticity that naturally guides the session. Their expressions are spontaneous and sincere, which brings a feeling of warmth and openness into the therapeutic relationship. This allows the work to unfold in a way that feels intuitive rather than forced.
Approaches such as play therapy support this even further. Instead of relying on verbal explanations, play therapy uses imagination as the primary mode of communication. Landreth’s work (2012) describes play as the language children use and toys as the words they choose. Through symbolic play, children can show what they may not yet be able to say out loud. They might re-create moments that felt overwhelming or explore new ways of responding to situations that once felt confusing. Meeting children in this creative space helps them express themselves in a developmentally natural way. When imagination leads, they tend to open up without feeling pressured or evaluated, revealing their inner world through the stories they create and the roles they inhabit. This gives therapists a gentle window into their needs and supports a relationship based on trust, presence, and collaboration.
Therapy also offers families a chance to deepen connection. Children grow in relationship with the people who care for them, and those relationships form the foundation for emotional development. The CDC notes that some of the most effective child mental health interventions involve active caregiver participation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). In my work, I often support parents in understanding their child’s emotional patterns and finding ways to respond that feel calm, supportive, and aligned with their family values. These shifts can create more ease at home, helping children feel understood while giving parents tools that feel empowering.
For children who have experienced stressful or overwhelming events, therapy can bring a sense of safety and healing. A study from the University of California San Francisco found that child parent psychotherapy, a model involving both caregiver and child, improved emotional well-being and also showed positive changes in biological markers of stress (Shern et al., 2024). This suggests that supportive experiences in childhood can influence not only emotional growth but physical health as well. Many therapists witness this kind of change firsthand, seeing children become more grounded and secure as they experience consistent care and understanding.
Ultimately, therapy for children is about providing a space where they feel seen, supported, and capable. It offers tools for handling emotions that may feel new or big and helps nurture resilience before larger challenges arise in adolescence and beyond. It also creates opportunities for families to communicate with more clarity and compassion.
If you are considering therapy for your child, know that your curiosity and care are completely valid. You are offering them a gift that can support their emotional health, strengthen your relationship, and help them build skills that last a lifetime.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Children’s mental health: Treatment. https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/treatment/index.html
Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Shern, D. L., McLaughlin, K. A., & Garner, A. (2024). Child parent psychotherapy and its impact on biological stress markers in early childhood. University of California, San Francisco. https://psychiatry.ucsf.edu/news/child-parent-therapy-has-biological-benefits-traumatized-kids
