No one knows a child better than their parents. There is a special bond that cannot be broken, and an understanding of what is considered normal behavior for your child and knowing when something seems off. If you notice your child struggling with their emotions or acting out in a way that is not consistent with their normal behavior, it might be an indication that your child needs help, even if they don’t know how to ask for it.
Having your child meet with a therapist may be the solution. With an experienced child therapist, your child will learn how to better communicate, process emotions, manage their strong feelings, and gain perspective for future situations.
Does My Child Need Therapy?
Sometimes, children can struggle with coping with problems. This can lead to an influx of emotions that they don’t know how to properly express. These can be feelings of sadness, anger, stress, worry, grief…the list goes on. What may be seen as your child developing an attitude or becoming self-isolated may be your child’s attempt to navigate how they feel. With a trained therapist, your child will be able to learn to navigate their feelings and express their emotions in a healthier way.
How Do I Find a Therapist for My Child?
When looking for a therapist for your child, ask around for referrals. Consider asking friends and family if they have any recommendations for a child therapist. You should also ask your pediatrician for referrals, as they will likely be able to provide you with a list of providers who work with your insurance.
After gathering referrals, it is time to research. Head online and check out the websites of the referrals, or give their office a call to learn more about their practice and how they could help your child. When narrowing down your choice to select the best therapist for your child, be sure to ask them questions like how often your child will meet with the therapist and who from your family will be included in the sessions. By speaking with the therapists, you will be able to get a better feel for whether they will be a good fit for your child.
How Do I Explain Therapy to My Child?
Depending on the age of your child, the best way to describe therapy is “going to see a person whose job is to help them feel better” according to CHOC Children’s Pediatric Psychologist Dr. Carlos Konishi. This description gives young children enough information to know that a therapist is someone they can trust who will help them navigate their emotions. If your children are older, you may be able to go into more detail about why they are going to therapy and how a therapist will be able to help them.
Taking the Next Step Towards Child Therapy
As a parent, it is upsetting to see your child struggling with their emotions and not knowing what is going on. You can rest easy knowing that there are many parents who feel the same way and that there are many trained therapists out there who are ready to help. By working with a therapist, you can help your child become the best version of themselves. Contact the professional team at Courageous Kids Counseling to learn more about our child therapy services today.
