Therapy for Children and Adolescents
Therapy for Children and Adolescents
It’s not easy being a kid. . .
Sometimes as adults we forget how hard it is to be a kid. The big people make all the decisions, and kids don’t have much of a say regardless of the impact on them. Parents like you are doing their best, loving their kids and trying to do what’s right. Even with all the love in the world and our best effort, sometimes our kids still struggle.
Many children don’t have the skills to express their emotions in a productive and healthy way. As parents we don’t always have these skills perfected ourselves, and as you can imagine it’s even harder for our children.
And then there are the teenage years. . .
They’re not adults yet, but they’re not really children either. So many responsibilities and pressure coming from every direction. Trying to meet expectations at school and home, maintaining friendships while constantly gauging how to fit in, and making plans for after high school graduation. In the meantime, teenagers also have to deal with major life events like parents divorcing, the death of a loved one, family conflict, or trouble with friendships. The list goes on.
Teens are often caught between a world of sticking to their values and making sure they don’t lose their friends. Wishing they could talk to their parents but not sure how.
This stage of life can feel very lonely at times.
Being a parent and not knowing where to turn. . .
Maybe you’ve noticed your child is missing his spark. That energy that followed them into every room, that smile, that laugh. And now he comes home from school and goes straight up to his room. You can’t put your finger on it, but you know something’s very wrong.
It’s time to give therapy a try.
For many parents, bringing their child to therapy can be a difficult decision – not knowing where to start, whom to trust, or if it’s even the right decision. Some kids tell their parents they want to go to therapy. If this is your case, then go for it. Listen to them. You’ve raised a child courageous enough to ask. This is a sign that they trust you.
But maybe your child hasn’t asked. Maybe you’re not even sure therapy is what she needs. Maybe she’s not one to share her feelings. Maybe you just have that nagging feeling in your gut that something is very wrong.
Listen to your gut.
How do you know it’s time to make an appointment?
We don’t know what they’re thinking and feeling unless they share, but it’s common for kids this age to share far more with their friends than they do with their parents. So, we need to look for behaviors. If you’re observing things that don’t feel right, trust your intuition. It’s usually right!
Some signs that it’s time to call
She’s been isolated or withdrawn, or she’s gotten into the habit of staying in her room excessively, avoiding coming out and joining family activities. She just doesn’t seem herself anymore – she complains of excessive headaches, stomach aches, illness.
He’s not handing in homework, his grades have dropped noticeably, he skips one class or the whole day frequently, and teachers report that he’s lying, disregarding school rules, and exhibiting significant changes in behavior. You think he may be abusing alcohol or drugs.