A therapy program that acknowledges and builds upon an understanding of change, communication, and learning will be much more successful than one that does not. The following concepts contribute to a therapy program that works well for both the child and the therapist. These principles impact on the learning of the therapist as well as the child. In an interactive therapy session the therapist and child are simultaneously teachers and learners. Communication underlies all treatment.
All children communicate, and they communicate at every moment.
When children's messages are received, understood, and respected, their level of trust deepens. Trust is built on a base of authenticity and honesty. The child knows that the therapist's communication is honest. When therapists say one thing and do another, trust does not develop. A child who trusts a therapist is more willing to risk, and learns more easily.