152 Parents Corner
school programs designed to help adults support the child within the context of their daily routines. Research consistently shows that this integrated approach is highly effective for children. We often recommend Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and developmental psychology for children. If a more cathartic or exploratory therapy is needed, art, play, music, adventure, and animal-assisted therapies can be incredibly valuable. Children do better with experiential, relational, and play-based approaches (e.g., play therapy, art therapy, sensory integration, parent-child interaction therapy).
As parents, we all strive for the best for our children. There are times when a child needs a little more support than others. Approximately 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability(WHO), and educators increasingly note the challenges of addressing diverse needs in mainstream classrooms. For instance, 81% of teachers surveyed said they have more pupils now with emotional and behavioural issues compared to pre-pandemic times (Mary Immaculate College, 2025. The word "therapy" can sometimes carry a stigma or be overused. Historically, it often happened behind closed doors, with little transparency about the process or what to expect. While the information revolution has changed this, the sheer volume of available information can now be overwhelming. So, here are some common myths and truths about therapy: 1. Myth: Therapy means psychological- based interventions such as counseling, psychotherapy, or behavioral therapies. Truth: Therapies encompass a wide spectrum. This includes developmental therapies such as Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, as well as psychological-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Non-directive approaches like art, music, adventure, and even animal-assisted therapies are also valuable. The key is to understand what outcome you seek. Not all therapists within the same discipline work identically. For younger children, more supportive therapies and therapeutic environments are often more beneficial than "talk-based" one-on- one sessions that expect the child to have a full understanding of their emotions or behaviors. Children should be supported by adults, not the other way around. 2. Myth: Therapy means someone will talk to my child. Truth: Children are not generally "talking" people—yet! Aside from potential speech and language delays, when children dysregulate (evident through heightened emotional and behavioral concerns), their ability to process information or articulate thoughts significantly diminishes. Children also have developing frontal lobes, leading to poorer impulse control. Therefore, sitting them down for a direct "talk" can often exacerbate the situation. Most child and adolescent therapies incorporate home and
Powered by FlippingBook