Child Therapy
- Table of Contents
- Helping Children Develop: Understanding the Role of Child Therapy
- Common Challenges Faced by Children in Thailand Today
- When to Seek Support: Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Therapy
- Our Approach to Child Therapy: Safe, Respectful, and Tailored to Each Child
- The Role of Parents and Families in Child Therapy
- What is the Difference Between a Child Therapist and a Child Psychologist?
- How We Work with Schools
- Frequently Asked Questions
- In-Person and Online Sessions
Helping Children Develop: Understanding the Role of Child Therapy
At Counselling Thailand, we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow into a happy, confident, and resilient individual. Child therapy provides a safe, supportive space where children can explore their thoughts and feelings, even though they may struggle to understand or put these into words.
In today’s world, therapy is not only for times of crisis; it is a proactive way to nurture emotional resilience, build empathy, and strengthen coping skills. Early support can help children navigate difficulties, overcome challenges, and prevent long-term emotional or behavioural issues.
By working closely with both children and families, we aim to encourage healthy emotional development and help them flourish both now and in the future.
In addition to child therapy that is usually tailored for children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old, we also offer counselling for teens and adolescents aged 13 to 19.
Further information can be found by visiting our teen counselling in Chiang Mai or Bangkok pages.
Common Challenges Faced by Children in Thailand Today
It is natural for children to experience a wide range of emotions as they grow. However, when these feelings or behaviours become overwhelming or persistent, they can affect wellbeing, relationships, and school performance.
Child therapy can help address concerns such as:
- Anxiety, worry, or excessive fear
- Anger outbursts or frequent tantrums
- Defiant behaviour
- Sadness, withdrawal, or low mood
Typical Behavioural Issues
Some children may also face school-related difficulties, including:
- Refusal to attend school
- Struggling with academic pressure
- Experiences of bullying — whether as a victim or a perpetrator
Typical Emotional Issues
Others may be coping with life changes or distressing events, such as:
- Grief following the loss of a loved one
- Family separation or divorce
- The impact of a traumatic experience
Our child therapists provide a compassionate and understanding environment where these challenges can be explored safely, helping children develop healthier ways to manage their emotions and behaviour.
Cultural Considerations for Luk Khrueng and Relocated International Children
In Thailand, many children grow up navigating more than one cultural identity, whether as Luk Khrueng (half-Thai with one parent from another country) or as children who have relocated from another country, often referred to as Third Culture Kids or TCKs. These experiences can be enriching but may also bring unique emotional and social challenges.
Common cultural and adjustment challenges include:
- Feeling caught between different cultural expectations or languages
- Struggling to fit in at school or in peer groups
- Experiencing identity confusion or feelings of isolation
For relocated international children, additional challenges may involve:
- Adjusting to a new education system
- Making friends in an unfamiliar environment
- Living far from extended family and familiar support networks
At Counselling Thailand, our experienced child therapists are sensitive to these cultural dynamics. We help children embrace their identities, build confidence in cross-cultural settings, and develop a genuine sense of belonging.
Our Approach to Child Therapy: Safe, Respectful, and Tailored to Each Child
At Counselling Thailand, we focus on creating a safe, welcoming environment where children feel heard, understood, and respected. Sessions are adapted to each child’s age, personality, and needs, using approaches that encourage self-expression and build trust.
Key aspects of our approach include:
- Child-centred sessions using play-based techniques, creative activities, or structured conversations
- Collaboration with parents to ensure consistent support at home
- Liaison with teachers or school counsellors (when appropriate) to align support between home and school
- Integration of perspectives from school counsellors and external therapists for a fuller understanding of the child’s needs
- Maintaining confidentiality by providing a neutral, private space away from the school environment
- Regular progress check-ins to adjust strategies and maintain alignment with the child’s comfort level
By combining insights from family and school with the privacy of an external therapy setting, we can provide a well-rounded, personalised plan that supports lasting change.
Creative and Evidence-Based Child Therapies
To support each child in the most effective way, we use a mix of evidence-based and creative methods,, adapting each one to suit the child’s developmental stage, personality, and goals.
Therapies we may use include:
- Play therapy – helping younger children express feelings through games and activities
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – developing practical coping skills to manage emotions and behaviour
- Art and creative therapies – encouraging self-expression through drawing, painting, or other creative mediums
- Mindfulness-based techniques – supporting emotional regulation and focus
- Integrated approaches – blending elements from multiple therapies to create a flexible plan that evolves over time
By combining structured techniques with empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity, we help children develop the tools they need to understand themselves, build resilience, and approach life with greater confidence.
The Role of Parents and Families in Child Therapy
Parents and families play an essential role in the success of child therapy. While sessions focus on supporting the child, progress is often strengthened when the home environment reinforces what is learned in therapy. Our child therapists work closely with parents to share insights, provide practical strategies, and offer guidance on responding to challenges in a constructive way.
Family members may be invited to join certain sessions, particularly when communication patterns, routines, or shared experiences are part of the issue. By fostering understanding and cooperation at home, parents can help their child feel supported, valued, and confident as they navigate their emotional and developmental journey.
In Thailand, What is the Difference Between a Child Therapist and a Child Psychologist?
Within Thailand, a child therapist and a child psychologist have very distinct roles and differing areas of focus. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right professional for your child.
Child Therapist
- Provides counselling or psychotherapy to address emotional, behavioural, and social challenges
- Uses age-appropriate techniques such as play therapy, creative expression, or guided conversation
- Helps children understand their feelings, develop coping skills, and improve relationships
Child Psychologist
- Has specialised training in psychological assessment and formal testing, using these skills to diagnose learning difficulties, developmental disorders, and some mental health conditions, often in collaboration with a licensed psychiatrist.
- Some child psychologists may also provide therapy, but in Thailand, they often focus more on assessment and work alongside counsellors, therapists and medical or educational institutions when needed.
- Parents or schools might seek a child psychologist when a formal diagnosis, tailored learning support, or a detailed psychological report is required
At Counselling Thailand, we can help you determine which professional is best suited to your child’s needs and coordinate care when different types of expertise are required.
Working Together with Schools
Many children spend a large part of their day in school, making it an important setting for recognising and supporting emotional wellbeing. At Counselling Thailand, we work closely with school counsellors and teachers to ensure that a child’s needs are met consistently at home and in the classroom.
While school-based counsellors focus on the child during school hours, their role usually does not extend to the wider family. Our service bridges this gap by supporting not only the child but also parents and, where appropriate, siblings. With parental consent, we can share insights, collaborate on strategies, and provide continuity of care so that therapeutic progress is reinforced in both environments.
Choosing Between School & External Counselling – Benefits and Considerations
Why some children may prefer seeing a school counsellor:
- Existing relationship with a trusted adult at school
- Immediate access during the school day without additional travel
- Counsellor’s familiarity with the child’s behaviour, routines, and peer interactions
Why do some children and families choose an external counsellor?
- A confidential space outside of school where children may feel more comfortable sharing openly, with greater privacy than a school-based setting.
- Access to a different range of therapeutic approaches and specialist expertise.
- Flexible scheduling that can accommodate after-school, weekend, or online sessions.
By integrating perspectives from both school and external counselling where possible, we create a more complete picture of the child’s needs and provide a consistent, supportive framework for their growth and wellbeing.
When to Seek Support: Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Therapy
At Counselling Thailand, we often find that children may behave quite differently at home compared to how they present in a school environment. For this reason, the first step in the counselling process is often to speak with the school counsellor or family coordinator. In some cases, the school can provide the necessary support directly; in more complex or ongoing situations, they may refer the child to a specialised practice such as ourselves.
Occasional changes in mood or behaviour are a normal part of growing up. However, when patterns become persistent or concerning, it may be a sign that extra support is needed.
Possible signs that a child may benefit from professional support include:
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
- Regression to earlier behaviours, such as bedwetting or clinginess
- Trouble concentrating or staying focused
- A sudden drop in school performance
- Ongoing emotional distress that impacts daily life
If you or your family feel unsure or overwhelmed about how best to help, child therapy can provide clarity, practical strategies, and a tailored support plan to meet your child’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I meet the therapist before my child’s first session, and do I need to attend the call?
Absolutely, we offer three flexible options for the free initial consultation:
- Parent first call: You have a 15 minute meeting with the therapist first. If you’re happy to proceed, a separate 15 minute call is arranged with your child.
- Child-first call: Recommended mainly for older teens (ages 17–20). Your child has a 15 minute initial call with the therapist on their own, followed by a separate parent call if needed.
- Combined 30 minute call: You, your child, and the therapist meet briefly together. You then step away while your child speaks privately with the therapist, returning at the end for a short follow-up.
Q: What can we expect in the first few sessions?
- We aim to make the beginning of therapy feel calm, clear, and collaborative for both children and parents. The first sessions focus on building rapport with your child and gaining an understanding of their world, experiences, and perspectives. We also involve parents in the assessment process and share initial strategies so you can help reinforce progress at home.
Q: Will I be involved in my child’s therapy?
- Yes. While sessions often focus on your child, we believe parental involvement is vital. We provide regular updates, guidance, and strategies so you can support your child’s progress at home.
Q: Is everything my child says kept confidential?
- We respect your child’s privacy and encourage open communication. However, if there are concerns about safety or harm to themselves or others, we are professionally obliged to share this information with you and, if necessary, other relevant professionals.
Q: How do I know if therapy is helping?
- Progress can be seen in many ways, such as improved mood, better coping skills, fewer behavioural issues, and stronger relationships. We review goals regularly and adapt the approach as needed to ensure therapy remains effective.
Q: How long does child therapy usually take?
- The length of therapy depends on your child’s needs, goals, and progress. Some children benefit from short-term support over a few weeks, while others may require longer-term sessions to address deeper or ongoing challenges.
Q: Can therapy help even if my child isn’t in crisis?
- Absolutely. Therapy can be a proactive way to build resilience, emotional awareness, and confidence, not just a response to difficulties. Early support can make a lasting positive difference in a child’s life.
In-Person and Online Sessions
We offer flexible access to therapy so your child can receive consistent, high-quality support wherever you are in Thailand. In-person sessions are available exclusively in Chiang Mai, providing face-to-face care in a comfortable, private setting.
For families in all other areas, including Bangkok and Phuket, online therapy is an effective and convenient option. Using trusted, private video call platforms, children can meet their therapist from the comfort of home or another familiar environment — often helping them feel more relaxed and open.
Online sessions remove the need for travel and fit easily into busy family schedules. They are ideal for families living outside major cities, homeschooling families, expats, or those who travel frequently. Therapy can continue uninterrupted during school breaks, moves, or holidays, and sessions can be arranged during school hours or after school to suit your child’s needs.
How to Get Started with a Free Initial Consultation
At Counselling Thailand, we understand the importance of finding the right therapist for addressing your concerns and needs. That’s why we offer a free initial 15 minute consultation for individuals and 30 minutes for couples and families before booking your first therapy appointment.
First, complete our online client enquiry form. This will give a little extra information to help us select whom we believe the most suitable therapist would be and then we can email you a list of available appointment times for the free initial call.
During this consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and determine whether our approach aligns with your needs. We will also answer any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed with counselling, we can then schedule the first full session(s) at a mutually convenient time.
If you have any questions before booking the free initial call you can either visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page, or mention these whilst completing the online enquiry form.