Counselling Children

Synopsis

The definitive guide to the skills and techniques used when working with children experiencing emotional problems, this book covers all you need to know about: 

• The goals for counselling children and the child-counsellor relationship
• Practice frameworks for working effectively with children
• Play therapy and the use of different media and activities
• Building self-esteem and social skills through the use of worksheets.

This fifth edition has been updated to include:

• A new chapter on technology; its influence on children and ways that technology can be used during counselling
• New content on issues of diversity and difference in counselling children
• The different contexts in which counselling children occur
• Discussion of concepts of wellbeing and resilience
• Updated references and research.

 

The book is supported by a new companion website that provides training materials and handouts on a range of skills for counselling children including: helping the child to tell their story sand tray work, the use of miniature animals, the use of clay, and helping the child to change thoughts and behaviour.

This highly practical guide is vital reading for counsellors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses and teachers working or training to work with children.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Counseling Children

* Defines child counseling and its importance for children's emotional and psychological well-being.
* Provides an overview of the historical development of child counseling and the different theoretical orientations used.
* Example: A 9-year-old girl seeks counseling after experiencing anxiety and nightmares following her parents' recent divorce.

Chapter 2: Play Therapy

* Explores the use of play as a therapeutic technique for children.
* Explains the benefits of play therapy, such as promoting self-expression, building relationships, and resolving conflicts.
* Example: A 6-year-old boy engages in sand tray therapy, using toys to represent his family and play out his feelings about their separation.

Chapter 3: Art Therapy

* Describes the use of art as a therapeutic tool for children.
* Explains how art can facilitate self-expression, self-discovery, and emotional catharsis.
* Example: A 10-year-old girl uses painting to express her sadness and anger about her mother's recent diagnosis with cancer.

Chapter 4: Music Therapy

* Explores the therapeutic benefits of music for children.
* Explains how music can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and facilitate emotional expression.
* Example: A 12-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder uses music therapy to improve his communication and social skills.

Chapter 5: Group Counseling for Children

* Describes the benefits and challenges of group counseling for children.
* Explains how group settings can provide a safe and supportive environment for children to explore their experiences and build relationships.
* Example: A group of 8- to 10-year-old children participate in a weekly support group to discuss their experiences with bullying and social anxiety.

Chapter 6: Trauma-Informed Counseling

* Explores the importance of understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on children.
* Provides strategies for creating a trauma-informed counseling environment and supporting children who have experienced trauma.
* Example: A counselor works with a 7-year-old girl who has witnessed domestic violence. The counselor uses trauma-informed practices to build a safe and supportive relationship and help the girl process her experiences.

Chapter 7: Ethical Issues in Counseling Children

* Discusses the ethical principles involved in counseling children.
* Provides guidelines for confidentiality, informed consent, and cultural sensitivity.
* Example: A counselor acknowledges and respects a child's decision to not share certain details of their experience with their parents, ensuring the child's confidentiality.

Chapter 8: Parent Involvement in Counseling

* Explores the role of parents in their children's counseling.
* Explains how parents can support their children's progress in therapy and foster a positive counseling experience.
* Example: A counselor collaborates with a child's parents to provide a consistent and supportive environment for the child's therapy, involving them in setting goals and monitoring progress.