Kid-Friendly CBT

Ever wondered how therapy designed for adults gets reimagined for kids? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a research-based mental health treatment that can be adapted for children.

Think of CBT as connecting three dots: thoughts, feelings, and actions. When kids learn that changing their thoughts can change how they feel and how they behave, they gain powerful skills for handling life’s challenges.

How is CBT Different for Kids?

It’s Play-Based: While CBT for adults often relies on discussions, children benefit from experiential learning through play. Instead of talk therapy, therapists may use:

• Games and activities that teach emotional regulation skills
• Puppets and stuffed animals to externalize and discuss difficult emotions
• Drawing and crafts to represent different thought patterns
• Stories and role-play to practice new behavioral responses

It Uses Simple Language: Instead of complex terms, therapists might say:

• “Thinking traps” instead of “cognitive distortions”
• “Body clues” instead of “physiological responses”
• “Feeling stuck” instead of “rumination”

It’s Visual and Hands-On: Children learn by doing, so therapists often use:

• Colorful charts, worksheets, and stickers
• “Feelings thermometers” with matching coping strategies
• Actual tool boxes filled with calming items
• Picture cards to help identify emotions

Parents Are Part of the Team: To ensure skills transfer from the therapy room to everyday life, parents often:

• Learn the same skills their child is learning
• Help practice techniques at home
• Adjust home routines to support progress

What Can CBT Help With?

CBT has been effectively adapted for numerous childhood challenges, such as:

• Anxiety Disorders: Children learn to identify anxious thoughts, challenge unrealistic fears, and gradually face anxiety-provoking situations through carefully planned exposure exercises.
• Depression: Young clients work to recognize negative thought patterns, develop balanced thinking, and increase engagement in enjoyable activities.
• Behavior Problems: CBT helps children understand the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions, while developing better problem-solving skills and impulse control.
• Trauma: Trauma-focused CBT provides children with a structured approach to processing difficult experiences and reducing related symptoms in a safe environment.
• OCD: Children learn to externalize OCD as something separate from themselves and gradually face fears without performing compulsive behaviors.

Is There Evidence to Support CBT Treatment?

Research consistently supports CBT as an effective treatment for children. Studies show it can reduce symptoms of anxiety by 50-60% in children as young as four years old. CBT for childhood depression has demonstrated similar efficacy rates to medication in some cases, with longer-lasting results.

What makes CBT particularly valuable is its focus on teaching skills rather than just alleviating current symptoms. Children develop a toolkit of cognitive and behavioral strategies they can use throughout life, potentially preventing future mental health challenges.

Is CBT Right for Your Child?

CBT techniques work well for many children, especially when:

• They can talk about basic feelings
• They’re willing to try new activities
• They demonstrate some capacity for self-reflection
• They have caregivers willing to consistently participate and support skill practice

The best way to determine if CBT is appropriate is to consult with a qualified child mental health professional who can assess your child’s specific needs and recommend appropriate treatment approaches.

Where Can You Start?

The best way to determine if CBT is appropriate is to consult with a qualified child mental health professional who can assess your child’s specific needs and recommend appropriate treatment approaches.

Bellaire Family Counseling’s therapists are able to help with your decision, and are skilled in providing CBT treatment. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more, or call (713) 300-8951.

About the Author

Shelby Kallus is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Bonnie Mondragon, M.S., LPC-S, RPT-S. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, and their families to address a variety of mental health concerns including depression, grief, trauma, behavioral concerns, and life transitions. She specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help her clients achieve positive outcomes. Click here to learn more about Shelby.