Counseling for Children

It can be very hard for a parent to see that their child is going through something because they are young and innocent. At Keller Christian Counseling in Texas, we are here to make the journey easier for the child and their family. There are many reasons why parents might seek the help of a Counselor for their child, below are some common situations:

Trauma and/or PTSD – If a child has gone through a traumatic situation, it is always advisable to get professional help to help them process their experience and also teach them how to cope after. Trauma in children could be a result of abuse (sexual, physical, emotional), domestic violence, accidents, natural disasters, and more.

Developmental Milestones – Although children do not grow at the same level, there are times when a child is behind their peers. This can be a situation where parents can seek the help of a counselor to help them understand how to help their child, but also help their child understand their condition.

Mental Health Conditions – Depending on how old a child is, they sometimes suffer from a mental health condition. Children can be diagnosed with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and more. If a parent suspects that their child might be suffering from these, getting help from a professional will help in seeking the answers they require. They will also be informed of treatment plans to help support their child.

Life Transitions – Times of transition can be very challenging for children. There can be a lot of anxiety due to uncertainty and new beginnings. If parents are aware of an impending transition, it is prudent to get help in preparing their children for that transition so they are equipped and are not anxious as they are taught what to expect. Big transitions could be relocating, the birth of a sibling, or parents separating, only to mention a few.

Grief and Loss – Any loss can be huge to children, from the loss of a blanket to the loss of a loved one. If you find that your child is not coping after any loss, it could be time to get them help. In counseling, they will be allowed to process their grief in a safe and loving environment where their feelings are validated and explained.

Bullying – Experienced mostly at school and in friendship circles, bullying can be detrimental to a child’s development, self-confidence, and ability to learn. In extreme cases, bullying can end up causing physical harm. A child that is being bullied needs help to build themselves up and also deal with their feelings. Counseling can help combat issues such as a negative self-image.

Personal Development – Most times people consider counseling for children as a response to huge topics like abuse or trauma, but parents can seek counseling for their children for other reasons. Counseling can help them master life and all its complexities, and it can be used for personal development. Children can be made aware of their strengths and weaknesses and guided through a process of self-discovery and self-mastery.

Substance Abuse and Addiction – It can be very alarming when parents learn that their child is involved in drugs or any other substances. Substance abuse can be a symptom of other problems the child might be going through. Counseling will examine all of this to help appropriately.

When a child is involved with substances it can be stressful for the family, they might not have the knowledge or tools how to help their loved one. Bringing your child for therapy will help them deal with their substance abuse, and the family can be educated on how to help.

Signs and Symptoms

One sure way that parents can use to answer the question, “Does my child need therapy” is to watch out for changes in behavior and their child’s personality. When children experience troubling situations, they act out as a way of signaling that something is wrong. Below is a list of some behaviors to look out for:

• Sudden loss of appetite or eating more than usual
• Inability to sleep properly, either sleeping too much or too little
• Social Isolation
• Bed wetting (Regression)Nightmares
• Being too clingy
• Suicidal thoughts and ideation
• Self-Harm
• Unjustified aggression and violence
• Deviant behaviors
• Lack of interest in school and grades dropping drastically
• Excessive worrying and sadness
• Crying excessively