Behavioral therapy is a general term for different types of therapy that help treat mental health issues. It’s based on the idea that behaviors are learned and can be changed if they are causing problems in life. Types of behavioral therapy like ACT and ABA focus on teaching new behaviors for a rich and meaningful life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, and commit to actions that align with their values. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that helps people learn new skills and improve important behaviors by using techniques based on how people learn and behave.

Here are some signs that your child might need behavioural therapy: 1. Behavioral Issues Frequent Temper Tantrums: Intense and prolonged outbursts that are difficult to manage. Aggression: Hitting, biting, kicking, or other forms of physical aggression toward others. Self-Injury: Engaging in behaviors that cause harm to themselves, such as head-banging or scratching. Non-Compliance: Regularly refusing to follow instructions or rules. Destructive Behavior: Destroying property or engaging in dangerous behaviors. 2. Emotional Regulation Anxiety: Excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily activities. Mood Swings: Rapid and extreme changes in mood. Depression: Persistent sadness, low energy, or lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed 3. Social Challenges Difficulty Making Friends: Struggling to form and maintain friendships. Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and preferring to be alone. Poor Social Skills: Difficulty understanding social cues, taking turns, or participating in group activities. 4. Attention and Focus Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, easily distracted. Hyperactivity: Excessive movement, fidgeting, or an inability to stay still. Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, or difficulty waiting their turn. 5. Communication Difficulties Limited Verbal Skills: Delayed speech development or limited vocabulary. Non-Verbal Communication: Difficulty using gestures, facial expressions, or eye contact. Understanding Language: Challenges in comprehending spoken language or following conversations. 6. Academic Challenges Learning Difficulties: Struggling with schoolwork, falling behind academically. Disruptive Behavior in Class: Behaving in ways that disrupt the learning environment. Lack of Motivation: Showing little interest or effort in school-related tasks. Reasons to Seek Help Persistent Issues: Behaviors that persist over time and do not improve with typical disciplinary measures. Impact on Daily Life: When behaviors interfere with the child's ability to function at home, school, or in social settings. Family Stress: When the child's behavior causes significant stress or strain on the family.

The recommended hours of therapy for a child can vary greatly and will be determined during the initial consultation. Research has consistently shown that more intensive therapy leads to greater skill acquisition in children. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to be actively involved in the intervention, providing additional support and guidance outside of therapy sessions. Regardless of the number of hours recommended, parents should insist on being involved in the process.

Online sessions are 45 minutes long and cost 120 SGD. Each session is followed by a report summarizing the session and providing recommendations. Did you know that many insurance policies cover the cost of my services? It's worth checking with your insurance provider to see if you're eligible for a refund. Feel free to contact them for more information on coverage. For more details, please get in touch.

I won’t lie; the answer depends on factors such as the child’s age and the nature and severity of their mental health concerns. It’s crucial to ensure that the therapy is provided by a licensed mental health professional experienced in working with children and the technology involved in online therapy. In some cases, online sessions may be facilitated by parents, coaching them on managing challenging situations. From my experience working with many families online, it’s clear that both adults and kids can find value in this format. The flexibility in time and location with online therapy is definitely a plus.