{"id":298,"date":"2025-07-15T09:50:07","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T09:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mindgrove.ca\/blog\/?p=298"},"modified":"2025-07-15T09:52:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T09:52:31","slug":"is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mindgrove.ca\/blog\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy","title":{"rendered":"Is My Child Just Shy or Do They Need Social Skills Therapy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It is undeniable that as parents we want our children to grow happy, confident and able to make friends easily. In contrast, have you ever noticed why your child seems too quiet, avoids eye contact or prefers to play alone instead of joining other kids? Now, you might be wondering that if your child is really shy or if there&#8217;s something else. This is a very common concern but it is very important to understand the difference between normal shyness and when a child might need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog, we will discuss what shyness really means, when to be concerned and how social skills therapy can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Shyness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If we talk about shyness, it is a natural or normal human personality trait. That is why some children are simply more reserved by nature. They may take longer to open up to new people around them or sometimes even situations. A shy child might avoid speaking in large groups and take extra time to make friends everywhere they go. They may stick close to their parents and feel nervous when facing unfamiliar environments in the social settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All these things are completely normal and nothing to be worried about, especially if your child is young. That is because most shy kids become more comfortable as they grow older and get used to the social situations in their surroundings. They usually build their confidence over time with gentle encouragement and positive experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is Shyness a Concern?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There may be times when their shyness might point to something deeper while shyness is not just the only problem. If your child is consistently avoiding social situations or struggling to make and keep friends, it might be more than just shyness. Some children also have difficulty expressing their emotions or ideas clearly. They also get extremely anxious or avoid eye contact and hesitate to respond during conversations. If you notice such behaviours in your child and they affect your child&#8217;s daily life, it may be high time to look deeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Social Skills Therapy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Social skills therapy is a type of therapy that helps the children learn how to interact with others positively and confidently. It teaches them the important life skills such as how to start and maintain the conversations, understand the body language and facial expressions. The children also learn how to listen and respond properly and how to make and keep friends. These therapies are usually conducted in small groups or one-on-one settings by the trained professionals like speech therapists or behavioural therapists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signs Your Child May Benefit from Social Skills Therapy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s discuss some signs that indicate that your child needs the help of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindgrove.ca\/blog\/how-does-autism-affect-social-skills\">social skills<\/a> therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your child has trouble playing with their peers because they prefer playing alone and get easily upset during group play.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your child doesn\u2019t understand basic manners or rules like waiting for their turn etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your child doesn\u2019t engage in any conversations even when they are with close friends or family.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other kids may not understand their way of talking or behaving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Note:<\/em><\/strong> These behaviours don\u2019t mean that something is \u201cwrong\u201d with your child. They may just need extra support to learn skills that don\u2019t come naturally to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is It Autism or Just Social Delay?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, parents worry that their child\u2019s behaviour could be a sign of autism. It can be helpful to understand the difference however, only a professional can diagnose autism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your child may have autism if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They face trouble with both verbal and non-verbal communication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They show repetitive behaviours over and over again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They have very specific interests or they don\u2019t like to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindgrove.ca\/autism-summer-camp-brampton.php\">play with other kids of their age<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They avoid eye contact and do not respond to their name.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They prefer the same routine every day and get upset with change.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if your child is simply quiet and struggles mainly with social situations, they might only need help to build social skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Social Skills Therapy Helps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Social skills therapy uses fun and engaging methods to help children build the confidence to talk to others and understand how their behaviour affects people around them. This therapy can help children:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To build confidence to talk to others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To understand how their behaviour affects others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To learn how to make friends and work in groups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To handle bullying or teasing in a healthy way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To practice role-playing and problem-solving skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Supporting Your Child at Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The support of parents matters a lot whether your child is shy, autistic or attending therapy sessions. That is why the parents should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Encourage Small Social Steps:<\/strong> You can start with some small situations like inviting one or two friends for a short playtime rather than sending your child to big and crowded events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be Patient and Avoid Pressure:<\/strong> You should give your child the time they need to open up and avoid forcing them into conversations or group settings before they are ready.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Model Positive Social Behaviour:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindgrove.ca\/parent-coaching-mississauga.php\">parents should also maintain positive social behaviours<\/a> like how to greet people, take turns and express emotions. That is because the children often learn by watching their parents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Celebrate Every Effort:<\/strong> You should praise your child even for their small achievements and efforts whether they are saying hello to others, joining other kids to play or simply trying to talk to someone new.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Seek Professional Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is highly advisable not to wait if your child\u2019s social challenges are affecting their daily life, academics or even happiness. A professional can assess your child and guide you on the next steps. This is because early support leads to the better outcomes. Also, social skills therapy can truly make a positive difference in your child\u2019s confidence and their relationships with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every child is different but unique in their own way and being shy doesn\u2019t always mean that they need the help of some therapy. Some children take time to open up and they may struggle with basic social interactions. If your child avoids communication or group play often, they might need some gentle guidance. Mind Grove Therapy provides professional guidance to help the parents and families understand their child\u2019s emotional and behavioural needs. We believe that every child can thrive socially and emotionally with the right support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It is undeniable that as parents we want our children to grow happy, confident and able to make friends easily. In contrast, have you ever noticed why your child seems too quiet, avoids eye contact or prefers to play alone instead of joining other kids? Now, you might be wondering that if your child is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":299,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-298","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-parenting"],"blocksy_meta":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is My Child Just Shy or Do They Need Social Skills Therapy? - Mind Gove Therapy Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mindgrove.ca\/blog\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Is My Child Just Shy or Do They Need Social Skills Therapy? - Mind Gove Therapy Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"It is undeniable that as parents we want our children to grow happy, confident and able to make friends easily. In contrast, have you ever noticed why your child seems too quiet, avoids eye contact or prefers to play alone instead of joining other kids? Now, you might be wondering that if your child is [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mindgrove.ca\/blog\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Mind Gove Therapy Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MindGroveTherapy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-07-15T09:50:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-15T09:52:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mindgrove.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Is-My-Child-Just-Shy-or-Do-They-Need-Social-Skills-Therapy.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"675\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mind Grove\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mind Grove\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Mind Grove\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5afd6b7a1e1fa375c72991c46f8b7864\"},\"headline\":\"Is My Child Just Shy or Do They Need Social Skills Therapy?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-15T09:50:07+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-15T09:52:31+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy\"},\"wordCount\":1074,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Is-My-Child-Just-Shy-or-Do-They-Need-Social-Skills-Therapy.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Parenting\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy\",\"name\":\"Is My Child Just Shy or Do They Need Social Skills Therapy? - Mind Gove Therapy Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Is-My-Child-Just-Shy-or-Do-They-Need-Social-Skills-Therapy.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-15T09:50:07+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-15T09:52:31+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/is-my-child-shy-or-need-social-skills-therapy#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Is-My-Child-Just-Shy-or-Do-They-Need-Social-Skills-Therapy.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mindgrove.ca\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Is-My-Child-Just-Shy-or-Do-They-Need-Social-Skills-Therapy.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":675,\"caption\":\"Is My Child Just Shy or Do They Need Social Skills Therapy? It is undeniable that as parents we want our children to grow happy, confident and able to make friends easily. In contrast, have you ever noticed why your child seems too quiet, avoids eye contact or prefers to play alone instead of joining other kids? Now, you might be wondering that if your child is really shy or if there's something else. This is a very common concern but it is very important to understand the difference between normal shyness and when a child might need help. In this blog, we will discuss what shyness really means, when to be concerned and how social skills therapy can help. What is Shyness? If we talk about shyness, it is a natural or normal human personality trait. That is why some children are simply more reserved by nature. They may take longer to open up to new people around them or sometimes even situations. A shy child might avoid speaking in large groups and take extra time to make friends everywhere they go. They may stick close to their parents and feel nervous when facing unfamiliar environments in the social settings. All these things are completely normal and nothing to be worried about, especially if your child is young. That is because most shy kids become more comfortable as they grow older and get used to the social situations in their surroundings. They usually build their confidence over time with gentle encouragement and positive experiences. When is Shyness a Concern? There may be times when their shyness might point to something deeper while shyness is not just the only problem. If your child is consistently avoiding social situations or struggling to make and keep friends, it might be more than just shyness. Some children also have difficulty expressing their emotions or ideas clearly. They also get extremely anxious or avoid eye contact and hesitate to respond during conversations. If you notice such behaviours in your child and they affect your child's daily life, it may be high time to look deeper. What is Social Skills Therapy? Social skills therapy is a type of therapy that helps the children learn how to interact with others positively and confidently. It teaches them the important life skills such as how to start and maintain the conversations, understand the body language and facial expressions. The children also learn how to listen and respond properly and how to make and keep friends. These therapies are usually conducted in small groups or one-on-one settings by the trained professionals like speech therapists or behavioural therapists. Signs Your Child May Benefit from Social Skills Therapy Let\u2019s discuss some signs that indicate that your child needs the help of social skills therapy. \u2022 Your child has trouble playing with their peers because they prefer playing alone and get easily upset during group play. \u2022 Your child doesn\u2019t understand basic manners or rules like waiting for their turn etc. \u2022 Your child doesn\u2019t engage in any conversations even when they are with close friends or family. \u2022 Other kids may not understand their way of talking or behaving. Note: These behaviours don\u2019t mean that something is \u201cwrong\u201d with your child. They may just need extra support to learn skills that don\u2019t come naturally to them. Is It Autism or Just Social Delay? Sometimes, parents worry that their child\u2019s behaviour could be a sign of autism. It can be helpful to understand the difference however, only a professional can diagnose autism. Your child may have autism if: \u2022 They face trouble with both verbal and non-verbal communication. \u2022 They show repetitive behaviours over and over again. \u2022 They have very specific interests or they don\u2019t like to play with other kids of their age. \u2022 They avoid eye contact and do not respond to their name. \u2022 They prefer the same routine every day and get upset with change. However, if your child is simply quiet and struggles mainly with social situations, they might only need help to build social skills. How Social Skills Therapy Helps Social skills therapy uses fun and engaging methods to help children build the confidence to talk to others and understand how their behaviour affects people around them. This therapy can help children: \u2022 To build confidence to talk to others. \u2022 To understand how their behaviour affects others. \u2022 To learn how to make friends and work in groups. \u2022 To handle bullying or teasing in a healthy way. \u2022 To practice role-playing and problem-solving skills. Supporting Your Child at Home The support of parents matters a lot whether your child is shy, autistic or attending therapy sessions. That is why the parents should: \u2022 Encourage Small Social Steps: You can start with some small situations like inviting one or two friends for a short playtime rather than sending your child to big and crowded events. \u2022 Be Patient and Avoid Pressure: You should give your child the time they need to open up and avoid forcing them into conversations or group settings before they are ready. \u2022 Model Positive Social Behaviour: The parents should also maintain positive social behaviours like how to greet people, take turns and express emotions. That is because the children often learn by watching their parents. \u2022 Celebrate Every Effort: You should praise your child even for their small achievements and efforts whether they are saying hello to others, joining other kids to play or simply trying to talk to someone new. When to Seek Professional Help It is highly advisable not to wait if your child\u2019s social challenges are affecting their daily life, academics or even happiness. A professional can assess your child and guide you on the next steps. This is because early support leads to the better outcomes. Also, social skills therapy can truly make a positive difference in your child\u2019s confidence and their relationships with others. Final Thoughts Every child is different but unique in their own way and being shy doesn\u2019t always mean that they need the help of some therapy. Some children take time to open up and they may struggle with basic social interactions. If your child avoids communication or group play often, they might need some gentle guidance. Mind Grove Therapy provides professional guidance to help the parents and families understand their child\u2019s emotional and behavioural needs. 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In contrast, have you ever noticed why your child seems too quiet, avoids eye contact or prefers to play alone instead of joining other kids? 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It is undeniable that as parents we want our children to grow happy, confident and able to make friends easily. In contrast, have you ever noticed why your child seems too quiet, avoids eye contact or prefers to play alone instead of joining other kids? Now, you might be wondering that if your child is really shy or if there's something else. This is a very common concern but it is very important to understand the difference between normal shyness and when a child might need help. In this blog, we will discuss what shyness really means, when to be concerned and how social skills therapy can help. What is Shyness? If we talk about shyness, it is a natural or normal human personality trait. That is why some children are simply more reserved by nature. They may take longer to open up to new people around them or sometimes even situations. A shy child might avoid speaking in large groups and take extra time to make friends everywhere they go. They may stick close to their parents and feel nervous when facing unfamiliar environments in the social settings. All these things are completely normal and nothing to be worried about, especially if your child is young. That is because most shy kids become more comfortable as they grow older and get used to the social situations in their surroundings. They usually build their confidence over time with gentle encouragement and positive experiences. When is Shyness a Concern? There may be times when their shyness might point to something deeper while shyness is not just the only problem. If your child is consistently avoiding social situations or struggling to make and keep friends, it might be more than just shyness. Some children also have difficulty expressing their emotions or ideas clearly. They also get extremely anxious or avoid eye contact and hesitate to respond during conversations. If you notice such behaviours in your child and they affect your child's daily life, it may be high time to look deeper. What is Social Skills Therapy? Social skills therapy is a type of therapy that helps the children learn how to interact with others positively and confidently. It teaches them the important life skills such as how to start and maintain the conversations, understand the body language and facial expressions. The children also learn how to listen and respond properly and how to make and keep friends. These therapies are usually conducted in small groups or one-on-one settings by the trained professionals like speech therapists or behavioural therapists. Signs Your Child May Benefit from Social Skills Therapy Let\u2019s discuss some signs that indicate that your child needs the help of social skills therapy. \u2022 Your child has trouble playing with their peers because they prefer playing alone and get easily upset during group play. \u2022 Your child doesn\u2019t understand basic manners or rules like waiting for their turn etc. \u2022 Your child doesn\u2019t engage in any conversations even when they are with close friends or family. \u2022 Other kids may not understand their way of talking or behaving. Note: These behaviours don\u2019t mean that something is \u201cwrong\u201d with your child. They may just need extra support to learn skills that don\u2019t come naturally to them. Is It Autism or Just Social Delay? Sometimes, parents worry that their child\u2019s behaviour could be a sign of autism. It can be helpful to understand the difference however, only a professional can diagnose autism. Your child may have autism if: \u2022 They face trouble with both verbal and non-verbal communication. \u2022 They show repetitive behaviours over and over again. \u2022 They have very specific interests or they don\u2019t like to play with other kids of their age. \u2022 They avoid eye contact and do not respond to their name. \u2022 They prefer the same routine every day and get upset with change. However, if your child is simply quiet and struggles mainly with social situations, they might only need help to build social skills. How Social Skills Therapy Helps Social skills therapy uses fun and engaging methods to help children build the confidence to talk to others and understand how their behaviour affects people around them. This therapy can help children: \u2022 To build confidence to talk to others. \u2022 To understand how their behaviour affects others. \u2022 To learn how to make friends and work in groups. \u2022 To handle bullying or teasing in a healthy way. \u2022 To practice role-playing and problem-solving skills. Supporting Your Child at Home The support of parents matters a lot whether your child is shy, autistic or attending therapy sessions. That is why the parents should: \u2022 Encourage Small Social Steps: You can start with some small situations like inviting one or two friends for a short playtime rather than sending your child to big and crowded events. \u2022 Be Patient and Avoid Pressure: You should give your child the time they need to open up and avoid forcing them into conversations or group settings before they are ready. \u2022 Model Positive Social Behaviour: The parents should also maintain positive social behaviours like how to greet people, take turns and express emotions. That is because the children often learn by watching their parents. \u2022 Celebrate Every Effort: You should praise your child even for their small achievements and efforts whether they are saying hello to others, joining other kids to play or simply trying to talk to someone new. When to Seek Professional Help It is highly advisable not to wait if your child\u2019s social challenges are affecting their daily life, academics or even happiness. A professional can assess your child and guide you on the next steps. This is because early support leads to the better outcomes. Also, social skills therapy can truly make a positive difference in your child\u2019s confidence and their relationships with others. Final Thoughts Every child is different but unique in their own way and being shy doesn\u2019t always mean that they need the help of some therapy. Some children take time to open up and they may struggle with basic social interactions. If your child avoids communication or group play often, they might need some gentle guidance. Mind Grove Therapy provides professional guidance to help the parents and families understand their child\u2019s emotional and behavioural needs. 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