At Step Up Family Services, we believe every child deserves the tools to thrive. One of the most effective tools we use to support emotional growth and mental wellness is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—a proven, practical approach that helps children and teens understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented type of therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions. It helps children recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with healthier, more positive ones.
For example, a child who often thinks, “I’m not good at anything,” may learn to challenge that thought and replace it with, “I’m still learning, and I’ve improved a lot.”
CBT is especially effective for children and adolescents dealing with:
Through age-appropriate techniques like role-playing, journaling, and interactive activities, CBT empowers young people to:
CBT sessions are collaborative and engaging. Therapists work closely with children and their families to set goals and track progress. Parents are often included in the process to reinforce skills at home and support long-term success.
CBT is backed by decades of research and is considered a gold standard in mental health treatment. It’s effective, short-term, and adaptable to each child’s unique needs.
At Step Up Family Services, our licensed therapists use CBT to help children not just cope—but grow. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, behavior issues, or just needs extra support, CBT can be a powerful step forward.
