The Impact on Child Development: When Children are the Focus of Therapy

In psychotherapeutic practice, child-centred therapy plays a crucial role in promoting children’s development, resilience and well-being. Through an approach that focuses specifically on the needs, emotions and perspectives of young patients, therapists can gain valuable insights and develop effective interventions.

The Verus Bonifatius Hospital specialises in the psychotherapeutic treatment of parents with children. One focus is on child-centred therapy, which supports the individual development of each child while also initiating positive changes in family dynamics.

Find out more about family therapy interventions at our hospital!

Research Findings on the Effectiveness of Child-Centred Therapies

Studies show that short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy achieves significant improvements in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, depression and behavioural problems.

One example is a study conducted at the Psychiatric University Hospital in Heidelberg:

• 13 children and adolescents with anxiety disorders were treated with 25 sessions of psychodynamic psychotherapy over a period of four months.
• In 11 of these patients, additional accompanying parent consultations took place.
• Compared to a waiting control group, the treated children showed significant progress.

The therapy was based on a manual that integrated various psychoanalytic theories (drive theory, ego psychology, self psychology, object relations theories, attachment theory). It followed a clearly structured sequence: getting to know each other – working through – saying goodbye.

The result: lasting improvements in anxiety disorders, depression and behavioural problems – clear evidence of the effectiveness of child-centred therapeutic approaches.

Aspects of Child Development That are Promoted by Therapy

Targeted therapy can have a positive influence on various areas of development:

Cognitive Development

• Promotion of problem-solving strategies
• Strengthening critical thinking and self-reflection
• Development of new perspectives and options for action

Emotional Development

• Recognising, naming and regulating emotions
• Promotion of self-acceptance and empathy
• Development of healthy forms of emotional expression

Social Development

• Improvement of conflict resolution strategies
• Development of empathy and cooperation skills
• Promotion of healthy relationships in family and peer groups

Behavioural Development

• Recognising and changing problematic behaviour patterns
• Learning new coping strategies
• Strengthening everyday coping skills

Child-Friendly Therapy Methods and Approaches

Child-centred therapy uses methods that are tailored to the specific needs of children:

• Play therapy: Children process feelings and experiences through play and develop problem-solving strategies.
• Art therapy: Creative forms of expression such as painting or modelling help to work through inner conflicts.
• Behavioural therapy: Children learn to recognise unfavourable behaviour patterns and replace them with constructive ways of acting.

These approaches create safe spaces in which children can reflect on their experiences, express their emotions and develop new coping strategies.

Learn more about the therapy methods used at our hospital!

Long-Term Effects on Mental Health

The positive effects of child-centred therapy go far beyond the immediate treatment:

• Strengthening resilience: Children learn to cope better with stressful situations.
• Reducing risks: Early intervention reduces the likelihood of mental illness later in life.
• Lasting effects in the family environment: Improvements in behaviour and emotional management have a positive effect on the entire family.

The therapy thus lays an important foundation for stable mental health and a fulfilling adult life.

Conclusion

Child-centred therapy is a crucial component of modern psychotherapy for children. It promotes cognitive, emotional, social and behavioural development, strengthens mental health and reduces the long-term risk of mental illness.

With its clear focus on child-centred work, the Verus Bonifatius Hospital offers families effective support that benefits both the child and the entire family system.

FAQ

At what age does child-centred therapy make sense?

Child-centred therapy can begin as early as preschool age, as children benefit from playful and creative methods even at a young age.

How long does child-centred therapy last on average?

The duration depends on the individual situation. Some children benefit after just a few months, while more complex problems may require longer-term support.

What role do parents play during child-centred therapy?

Parents are actively involved in order to transfer the progress made in therapy to everyday family life and to support their children in the long term.

When children are the focus of therapy | Verus Bonifatiusimpact-child-development-therapyDiscover the benefits of child-centred therapy approaches: reducing behavioural problems, strengthening attachment security and more.The impact on child development: when children are the focus of therapy