Signs Your Child Might Need to see a therapist

Let’s be real…parenting is HARD and as a parent, you want the best for your child. When you see your kiddo struggling, it can be difficult to know how to help them.

Children go through difficult periods just like adults where they need help, support, or someone to listen. Children deal with stress from school, bullying, friend drama, grief, bodily changes, and many other transitions throughout childhood.

Sometimes as much as you tell your child that you are there for them and they can talk to you, children are not comfortable sharing their challenges or emotions with parents. Kids also communicate differently and sometimes need a trained “kid whisperer” to help them understand their thoughts and feelings.

Here are some signs to look for that may indicate your child would benefit from therapy services:

· A return of separation anxiety and/or regressions

· Disrupted sleep

· Changes in eating habits or hygiene

· Digestive issues and recurring stomach aches

· Having trouble in school and/or a decline in grades

· Persistent irritability

· Becoming withdrawn

· Changes in mood that last more than a few days

· Disinterest in sports, activities, or people your child enjoyed before

· Sleeping more or isolating themselves

· Being unable to stop worrying or asking a lot of questions about the future

· Self-harm such as cutting, pulling out hair, picking at their skin or fingernails

· Unwanted behavior that seems out of control

· Having rituals such as erasing and writing repeatedly, rearranging or touching objects, or re-washing hands

Adults go to therapy for many of these exact same reasons. It makes sense that a child would deal with a wide range of emotions and not know the proper coping skills and simply need someone to process with them to who is not their parent.

Our therapists are ready to work with you and your child, so please reach out today!