Emotional intelligence (EI) is described as the “capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.” Building emotional intelligence can help children foster improved self-awareness and self-regulation skills, which can enhance overall mental health and emotional well-being. Child and adolescent developmental experts assert that greater emotional intelligence can be developed, especially early in life. Therapy can play an important role in helping children understand and manage their emotions. The American Psy ..read more

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), also referred to as pet therapy, is a type of therapy that involves animals as a part of the therapeutic process to improve physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning. Pet therapy is rooted in the Biophilia Hypothesis, which is the “idea that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.” A professor at Western Carolina University, Psychologist Harold Herzog, is an expert in the human-animal connection, and has spent over three decades investigating the complex psychology of human interactions with other sp ..read more

Journaling is a self-care technique that involves writing down and documenting one’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is a simple and effective form of self-reflection that helps young people process emotions, relieve stress, and gain clarity. Journaling is a safe and private space where kids can externalize their emotions without the fear of being judged, and better understand themselves by putting their thoughts down on paper. According to the Child Mind Institute, journaling can help children develop coping strategies and learn to regulate their emotions more effectively. Verywell ..read more

The Mayo Clinic defines family therapy as “a type of psychological counseling (psychotherapy) that can help family members improve communication and resolve conflicts.” Family therapy is deeply rooted in family systems theory, which is based on the notion that families are “continuous entities with rules, beliefs, and values that shape each member over time.” Family therapy can illuminate and correct dysfunctional family patterns and aims to disintegrate unhealthy family dynamics. Through participating in family therapy, family members are provided with an emotionally safe environment to ad ..read more

Loss is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) as “the fact or process of losing something or someone.” Loss is a universal experience and an unavoidable part of being human. When a child experiences loss, it is emoted through grief, which is defined as deep sorrow. The more significant the loss, the more intensely grief is experienced. The American Counseling Association further explains that “grief is an inevitable, never-ending process that results from a permanent or temporary disruption in a routine, a separation, or a change in a relationship that may be beyond the person’s co ..read more

Group therapy, as explained by Verywell Mind, “is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several people at the same time.” Group therapy began when physician Joseph Hersey Pratt who was treating individuals with tuberculosis, found that conducting group sessions benefited members as they were able to provide emotional support to one another in shared experiences. Pratt began referring to his sessions as group psychotherapy. Research shows that group psychotherapy is a useful clinical practice for adolescents with mental health issues (e.g., depression, obe ..read more

Many people describe mindfulness as a form of meditation, however Positive Psychology explains that “mindfulness is a quality; mediation is a practice…mindfulness describes a specific way of living that can be cultivated through practice.” Meditation is the process by which a person can intimately learn the interworking of his or her own mind. Mindfulness, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, is “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.” The purpose of practici ..read more

Anxiety is a normal, emotional reaction to danger, and has been explained as “the body’s automatic fight-or-flight response that is triggered when you feel threatened, under pressure, or are facing a challenging situation.” It is the body’s natural response to stress and will manifest differently in different people. The feelings of anxiety can range from mild (e.g., fluttering in one’s stomach) to severe (e.g., heart palpitations). Regardless, anxiety can be a challenging emotion for kids to manage. Fortunately, there are many effective tips and techniques that child therapists use to supp ..read more

Self-care is defined as “the ability to care for oneself through awareness, self-control, and self-reliance in order to achieve, maintain, or promote optimal health and well-being.” Self-care practices involve both nurturing one’s physical and mental health, which can be accomplished in many ways. Self-care encompasses activities, practices, and habits intended to reduce mental and physical stress and strain while simultaneously fostering feelings of inner peace and happiness. Mental Health America explains that “Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and ..read more

Identity can be explained as a “person’s sense of self, established by their unique characteristics, affiliations, and social roles.” It is a complex concept that encompasses a range of factors, including gender, ethnicity, culture, family history, and personal experiences. Identity plays a pivotal role in forming a positive relationship with oneself. The current understanding of identity development is largely influenced by psychologist Erik Erikson, who theorized that identity formation is the critical task of development in adolescence. It is important to bear in mind that identity ..read more