How do I know if my child or teen needs therapy?
It can be hard to know when we need to bring our kids and teens to therapy. We want our children to feel happy, confident, and fulfilled, but sometimes things might seem off. Maybe our child has become quieter, more worried, or irritable. Or maybe we are noticing new behaviors we have never seen before. As parents, we find ourselves with a nagging feeling that something isn’t right.
When struggles are bigger.
We know children experience ups and downs all the time. But when sadness, worry, or new behaviors start to interfere with everyday life, it might be time to consider bringing our child to counseling. Parents in South Florida often reach out for professional help for their children and teens when they notice mood changes, emotional outbursts, constant worry or perfectionism, physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches, changes in sleep or diet, withdrawal from social activities, or difficulty coping with stress.
Therapy gives children and teenagers a safe space where they feel supported to share how they are feeling and learn healthy ways to manage their emotions. Whether this occurs through play or talking, they understand the value of processing their experiences with a caring adult who is not mom, dad, or another caretaker.
When communication becomes harder.
As children grow, especially during the teenage years, communication with their caregivers often becomes more difficult. Sometimes parents become frustrated when they notice changes in their child and the child refuses to tell them what’s wrong. Perhaps their child or teen avoids conversations or seems distant. This is when counseling can help. A trained therapist can help young ones learn how to identify their emotions and express them in a healthy manner, while also helping parents find new ways to connect with their children at home.
When big changes occur.
Often, big changes occur in the lives of our children. For example, parents might go through divorce, the family might move, or a loved one might die. These huge life transitions are often difficult for the adults experiencing them, in addition to children and teenagers. Many parents in South Florida discover that therapy helps their children and teenagers adjust, make sense of their feelings, and regain a sense of stability during uncertain times.
When something just seems “off”.
Sometimes, we can’t quite put our finger on what might be wrong, but we know something just feels “off” with our child. We need to trust our instincts. Often, when something is bothering our children, they might not feel comfortable sharing it with us. When we have a gut feeling that something isn’t right, that’s when it is time to engage the help of a trained professional. We don’t have to wait for something big, like a crisis, to occur. Early counseling can help prevent small challenges from becoming bigger issues down the road.
How Therapy Can Help
Through child and teen therapy, kids learn how to understand their feelings and express them in healthy ways, strengthen their self-confidence and problem-solving skills, improve their relationships, and learn tools to deal with stress and change.
Involving parents in the therapy process is essential. Parents often gain their own insights and learn strategies that strengthen connection with their children and teenagers.
Reaching out for therapy for your child doesn’t mean something is wrong with your child or with you. Reaching out for support means you love and care deeply about your child and know when you could use some extra help.
If you are wondering whether therapy could help your child or teenager, I would be happy to talk to you. I help children and teens all over South Florida, including the Coconut Creek/Coral Springs/Boca Raton area. I also offer virtual therapy throughout the state of Florida.
