Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy Program:

The Individual Therapy Program introduces some brief techniques children can use to deal with the trauma of abuse. These techniques can help children understand what had happen to them, understand their feelings associated with the abuse, and reduce trauma in their lives.

This level of care is appropriate for children who have been victims of physical and sexual abuse. These children may benefit from emotional support after disclosing abuse.

Referrals can be made by DCF and Staff from the Children’s Center. A licensed behavioral health therapist will meet with the child to determine the need for treatment and assess the severity of the crisis. The therapist works closely with the parents, family and/or guardian to ensure a successful outcome for the child.

Counseling Process:
  1. First session: Build therapeutic trust so child can begin to express and work through his/her feelings related to the abuse. During the first session, encouragement and support is given to both parent and child. Empowerment of child is discussed.
  2. Second Session: The child will learn how to deal with his/her feelings. The child will learn about old and new feelings. The therapist will use art, storytelling, writing therapy and/or therapeutic games to help child identify and discuss feelings toward the perpetrator or present emotional situation.
  3. Third Session: The child will explore feelings of guilt and shame connected to the abuse. The therapist will assign the “you are not alone” and other therapeutic exercises to help her/him express feelings connected to the abuse.
  4. Fourth Session: The child will develop a list of safe places as well as a list of supportive people whom he/ she can turn to for support, guidance and affirmation. The therapist will identify safe places and review good versus bad touch protocols.
  5. In most cases the child will not need to return after the fourth session. However, if there is a need for the child to go beyond four sessions, a treatment plan will be developed based on an assessment of the child’s needs. The child will continue to meet with the Children’s Center’s behavioral health therapist until the treatment plan is completed or until it is determined that the child requires long term therapy. If long term treatment is required, the child will be referred for further treatment elsewhere. In the meantime, the child will continue to meet with the Children’s Center behavioral health therapist until the child is connected with an outside provider.