Choosing the Right Support
Child & Adolescent Therapy vs. Family Therapy
So what’s the difference?
Child & Adolescent Therapy focuses on helping your child or teen work through issues individually — whether it’s anxiety, mood swings, school struggles, or trauma — through age-appropriate tools and strategies.
Family Therapy, on the other hand, is about addressing how family dynamics, communication, and relational patterns impact everyone involved. It’s a collaborative process that often includes multiple family members in the room.
Read on to find out about each modality, because therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in taking that next step.
Understanding Child/Adolescent Therapy
Child or adolescent therapy focuses on the individual needs of the young person. The therapist works one-on-one with the child to address their emotional, behavioral, or developmental concerns.
Key Features of Child/Adolescent Therapy
- Individualized Focus: Tailored to the specific concerns of the child, such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges.
- Skill Development: Helping the child build coping mechanisms, emotional regulation skills, and problem-solving abilities.
- Safe Space for Expression: Providing a confidential environment where the child can explore their thoughts and feelings.
Expectations for Child/Adolescent Therapy
- Parents may be involved in periodic sessions to discuss progress or provide context.
- Sessions center around the child’s experiences and goals, with the therapist acting as their primary advocate.
- Confidentiality is maintained to build trust, though therapists will communicate key themes or concerns when necessary.
Understanding Family Therapy
Family therapy involves multiple family members working together with a therapist to address relational dynamics and shared challenges.
Key Features of Family Therapy
- Systemic Approach: Focuses on how family interactions and communication patterns influence behaviors and relationships.
- Collaborative Goals: Helps families improve understanding, resolve conflicts, and strengthen connections.
- Shared Participation: All family members contribute to the therapy process, even if one member’s issues are the primary focus.
Expectations for Family Therapy
- Sessions include multiple family members, and each person’s perspective is valued.
- The therapist facilitates discussions, identifies patterns, and guides the family toward healthier dynamics.
- Goals often focus on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and building empathy within the family system.
Choosing the Right Modality
Deciding between child/adolescent therapy and family therapy depends on the nature of the challenges and goals for treatment.
When to Consider Child/Adolescent Therapy
- The child is struggling with personal issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- The primary focus is on helping the child develop individual coping strategies.
- The family dynamics are stable, but the child needs targeted support.
When to Consider Family Therapy
- There are ongoing conflicts or communication breakdowns within the family.
- Multiple family members are affected by or contributing to the issue.
- The goal is to strengthen family relationships and address systemic challenges.
Why Therapists May Not Provide Both Modalities Simultaneously
While child and family therapy often overlap, it’s important to maintain clarity of roles and goals:
- Therapeutic Boundaries: A therapist focusing on individual therapy is primarily the child’s advocate and maintains confidentiality. In family therapy, the therapist’s role is to address the needs of the entire family system.
- Potential Conflicts: Combining both approaches can blur boundaries and impact trust, especially for the child.
- Specialized Focus: Therapists often specialize in one modality to provide the most effective and tailored support.
How Touchstone Therapy Center Can Help
At Touchstone Therapy Center, we offer both child/adolescent therapy and family therapy to address a wide range of needs. Our experienced therapists help families navigate these decisions and create customized treatment plans.
Our Approach
- A thorough initial assessment to determine the most appropriate modality.
- Clear communication about the goals and expectations of therapy.
- Flexibility to adapt as needs evolve, ensuring the best outcomes for the child and family.
Building a Path Toward Resilience
Choosing the right type of therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to make this decision alone. Contact Touchstone Therapy Center to learn more about our services and how we can support your family’s journey toward healing and growth.