Finding the Right Therapy for Your Child: A Parent's Guide

When children and teens face challenges like anxiety, depression, OCD, or other emotional difficulties, it can be overwhelming to know where to turn. Therapy can be a powerful tool in helping them cope and build resilience, but understanding the different treatment options is key to finding the right fit for your family.

This article highlights three gold-standard, research-backed therapies that have been proven effective in supporting children's mental health. While these are among the most widely recommended approaches, other evidence-based treatments may also be beneficial depending on your child’s unique needs.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most widely researched and effective treatments for anxiety, OCD, depression, and other emotional challenges in young people. It empowers children and teens by helping them understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Key Skills Taught in CBT

• Building Awareness – Recognizing thought patterns, emotions, and behaviours that influence how they feel and respond to situations.

• Relaxation Techniques – Learning strategies such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation to calm the body and reduce stress.

• Cognitive Restructuring – Identifying thinking traps (e.g., "I’ll fail no matter what") and replacing them with more balanced, realistic thoughts.

• Exposure Exercises – Gradually facing fears in a structured way to build confidence and learn that they can handle difficult situations.

Important Note:

• Exposure exercises are the key ingredient of CBT. While relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can help slow down the body in stressful moments, they aren’t enough on their own to create lasting change.

• Real progress happens when kids gradually face their fears or push themselves to do things that feel uncomfortable but are important to them. This helps their brain learn that they can handle challenges and build confidence over time.

Tip: Before choosing a therapist, parents should verify their credentials and experience to ensure they are qualified to address their child's specific needs. Also, make sure you ask if they actively include exposure exercises in their work with clients.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is another research-backed therapy based on CBT that helps young people handle difficult thoughts and emotions while focusing on what truly matters to them. Instead of trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings, ACT teaches kids how to accept, manage, and move forward in a way that aligns with their values.

How ACT Works

• Acceptance: Instead of avoiding or fighting uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, ACT helps children make space for them. By accepting these experiences, they can reduce the struggle and learn to navigate challenges more effectively.

• Commitment: ACT encourages kids to take meaningful action based on their values, even when emotions feel overwhelming. This might include:

  • Spending time with family or friends.

  • Participating in hobbies or activities they enjoy.

  • Setting and working toward personal goals.

Key Skills Taught in ACT

• Being Present – Learning mindfulness techniques to stay grounded in the moment and reduce emotional overwhelm.

• Values-Based Action – Identifying what truly matters to them and taking steps toward those values, even when challenges arise.

• Cognitive Flexibility – Developing the ability to adapt and respond to life’s difficulties with openness and resilience.

By teaching kids and teens how to handle emotions in a healthy way, ACT helps them build confidence, reduce stress, and stay focused on what’s most important to them.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a specialized form of CBT designed for individuals who experience intense emotions that can lead to impulsive behaviours, such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or addiction. It’s especially effective for teens who feel overwhelmed and need practical tools to manage their emotions in a healthier way.

Key Skills Taught in DBT

Mindfulness – Helps teens stay present in the moment rather than getting stuck in distressing thoughts.

• Distress Tolerance – Teaches coping strategies to handle overwhelming emotions without reacting impulsively.

• Emotion Regulation – Helps teens understand and manage their emotions so they feel more in control.

• Interpersonal Effectiveness – Develops communication and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges in relationships.

This approach can be life-changing for teens who struggle with emotional dysregulation and high-stress situations, giving them the skills to build resilience and create healthier coping strategies.

What’s Right for Your Child?

Every child is unique, and the right therapy depends on their specific needs. While CBT, ACT, and DBT are all highly effective, they work best when tailored to your child’s goals and challenges.

About the author: Dr. Juliana Negreiros is a registered psychologist and the founder of Beacon Psychology Clinic. For over a decade, she has worked closely with parents to help them navigate challenges and create a supportive environment that fosters healthy development and emotional well-being.