Does Your Child Need a Child Therapist?

If you’re asking yourself, “Does my child need to see a therapist?” you’re probably feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, sad, or worried. Your child may have ongoing behavioral or mental health issues, be struggling with a recent difficulty or trauma, or just seem distant and possibly depressed.

There are a range of conditions that may lead a parent to consider seeing a child therapist for their child. Let’s discuss some of the most common concerns and questions related to child therapy.

Why do children need a child therapist?

While children are not just miniature adults, they do benefit from therapy for similar reasons as adults, whether they’re experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, etc. The most common reasons children see therapists include these issues, plus attention issues, school performance, behavior problems, and grief or trauma.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, some signs that your child needs to see a child therapist might include excessive anxiety or sadness, significant changes in sleep or appetite, unusually withdrawn behavior, self-destructive behavior, suicidal comments, or overlapping problems in multiple areas, such as at home, school, with friends, etc.

Pay extra attention if any of these patterns are new or newly excessive, or if multiple problems are arising at once. It can be challenging for parents to identify whether a behavior is a result of a normal developmental stage, or something more concerning. Changes in the areas listed will usually be more excessive than what is considered typical for your child’s age and stage of development.

Overall, experts stress that the key thing to remember as a parent is to pay attention to your intuition. You know your child better than anyone else does. If you have a deep sense that something is wrong, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

What happens in child therapy?

What happens in counseling or therapy sessions with your child depends on many factors, including your child’s age and symptoms, the therapist you choose, conversations you have with your child’s therapist, and any involvement from your child’s doctor and other professionals.

There are several types of child therapy. Play therapy is often used when children are too young or struggle to express their emotions verbally. ACT, or acceptance and commitment therapy, can be adapted for children, as can CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and DBT (dialectical behavior therapy). Some children or teens may benefit from family therapy or parent-child interaction therapy.

Talk with your child’s therapist about the expected level of parental involvement. Stay connected and informed and be mindful of giving the process time to work. Be patient; progress takes time. Approach your child’s therapeutic process as a member of their team and support system. And remember that you are your child’s best advocate.

Frequently asked questions about child therapy

How do I know which therapist is right for my child?

Choosing a child therapist will be based on multiple factors. Will you be seeking insurance coverage? Do you want a faith-based counselor? Who is your child comfortable with? Are you comfortable with your child’s therapist?

One of the best ways to choose a therapist is to request a risk-free initial session. You can browse our counselor directory and request an initial session with or without your child, to discuss the concerns that bring you to therapy and potential treatment plans.

What if my child doesn’t want to go to therapy?

The answer to this question will also depend on the age of your child and what they are struggling with. The younger your child, the more straightforward and matter-of-fact you can be about the need to go to therapy. Broach it gently and point out the positive benefits of going to therapy in a way your child can understand.

Talk to one of our counselors for advice on how to approach the topic of therapy with a resistant child or teen. Always be mindful of your child’s feelings about counseling. It may also help to involve other professionals, such as your child’s doctor or school guidance counselor.

As always, risky behavior or mentions of suicide require immediate intervention. If your child or teen is engaged in this type of language or behavior, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.

How can I continue to help my child?

As your child moves through the therapeutic process, check in to gauge the effectiveness, but give it time. Consider individual counseling for yourself. When parents go to therapy, it can help their child(ren)’s mental health.

If you have questions about child therapy or want to schedule a risk-free initial session, please call our office today or contact us online.