Therapy Techniques for Assisting the Child in Coping with Mental Health Problems

Abstract

This chapter presents ideas for enhancing the emotional and behavioral functioning of children with chronic illnesses. Cognitive behavioral techniques and environmental change are reviewed as interventions commonly used in the field. Case studies, developed for use in this chapter, are used as a teaching tool, to review interventions. Three different cases are presented and these include psychotherapy or counseling for a: (1) teenager with encopresis and anxiety, (2) a boy with nut allergies, and (3) a girl with renal failure. The focus of these cases is describing interventions and the counseling process in a manner that provides ideas for various types of mental health providers working with children who have chronic illnesses.

Keywords: Anxiety, chronic illnesses, cognitive behavioral, coping orientation, depression, environmental change, therapy techniques.

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