Child & Adolescent Counseling

Here at Video Game Counseling, we understand that childhood can be a challenging time due to many different chaotic events that arise. Kids can externalize and internalize their difficult thoughts and feelings as they navigate through different developmental stages, and sometimes, they may need a little extra support to help them through these challenges.

Through various therapeutic techniques and approaches, we help kids overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Children may need therapy for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Anxiety or depression
• Trauma or abuse
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Behavioral issues at home or school
• Grief and loss
• Adjustment to life changes (such as divorce or moving)
• Developmental delays or disabilities
  
   

If you’re unsure if your child could benefit from therapy, here are some signs to look out for:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or worry
• Behavioral changes, such as increased aggression or withdrawal
• Difficulty concentrating or frequent outbursts
• Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite
• Decline in academics or social relationships 

If you notice any of these signs or have concerns about your child’s emotional or behavioral well-being, then they could benefit from therapy with us.

Depending on the age and needs of the child, we would see what would be the best fit for your unique situation.  Some common elements may include:

• Play therapy: Younger children may benefit from play therapy, where they can use toys and games to express themselves and work through emotions.
• Talk therapy: For older children, talk therapy may be more appropriate, where the child and therapist engage in conversation about the child’s experiences, emotions, and behaviors.
• Family therapy: In some cases, family therapy may be beneficial to address issues that are impacting the entire family.

Therapy sessions may also involve the use of art therapy, music therapy, play activities, video games, VR, or other creative outlets to help children express themselves.

Our unique approach using video games and VR helps kids who struggle with coming to therapy, by providing a fun and engaging environment where they feel in control, confident, and seen.

Video games can also offer a way of self-expression and communication that becomes useful in therapy.  Some kids may have difficulty with verbal communication, but may excel in other forms of communication, such as writing, drawing, or playing music. Video games that allow for creative expression, such as sandbox-style games or games with character customization options, can provide kids a platform to express themselves and communicate with others in a way that feels comfortable and natural to them. 

With rapport, safety, and comfort established, the therapeutic alliance can be strongly developed for effective therapy to occur.  Evidence based practices such as CBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, all highlight the importance of the therapeutic relationship being established for their techniques to have an effect.  Having your child actually want to come to therapy can make a huge difference in the outcome of therapy. 

A variety of benefits to both children and families, have occurred, such as:

• Improved emotional regulation and coping skills
• Increased self-esteem and self-awareness
• Better communication and problem-solving skills
• Reduced symptoms of anxiety or depression
• Strengthened family relationships and dynamics

At Video Game Counseling, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy services to you. If you’re interested in learning more about our child therapy services or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.

If your child is hesitant about starting therapy and don’t know how to start the conversation, read this article about it.  I wrote some tips for parents who know their child can benefit from therapy but their child doesn’t see it that way.