As a parent, you always want what is best for your child. When it comes to their mental health, you may be wondering if therapy is the right step. You may be wondering when therapy is appropriate for children. In this blog as a therapist from Wellview Counseling, we will explore three signs that it may be time for child counseling.
Have You Exhausted All Other Options Before Considering Child Counseling?
Child counseling doesn’t have to be the first option for seeking support for your child and their struggles. There are other resources, such as school counselors or the family doctor, that you can consult first. Because, for a child, it can be scary coming to counseling and talking to someone new and different. So, while therapy can benefit anyone, with children it’s important that you take other steps first. This way the child therapist can also see what groundwork has been laid before counseling and what did and did not work for the child. Considering what the “issue” is will also help in this decision-making process.
Consider What the “Issue” Is
When your child struggles with any issue, it can feel like the end of the world. As a parent, you want to do whatever you can to help your child through it. But sometimes, no matter what you do and how hard you try, your child still struggles. If you have tried different approaches and nothing seems to be working, it may be time to consider child counseling.
However, before dialing that number, it is important to consider what the “issue” is. For example, if your child is struggling with anger management, have you tried working with your child on their anger? By this, we mean talking them through it, identifying the feeling, and working on what they can do instead of explosive behavior.
A lot of parents haven’t tried anything before resorting to therapy which there are no judgments on. However, it is something to consider because child counseling should be a last resort after you have tried other resources that are available to you. Not only could trying other resources first save you money, but it could also help your child feel more comfortable with the idea of counseling. Now, if you have tried other resources and nothing seems to be working, counseling may be the next step for you and your family.
There are Exceptions to Seeking Child Counseling Right Away
Now, there is an exception to seeking other resources before counseling. This can be if your child has experienced big life changes or trauma, such as the loss of a family member, a traumatic event, or a divorce. In these cases, your child might benefit from having an outside perspective and someone else to trust and confide in. This way they have another safe person to talk to about their experiences and feelings.
For example, if your child is in the middle of your not-so-amicable divorce, they might need someone outside of the family to talk to about how they are feeling. In this case, child counseling could be the place for them to seek support from a third party that can remind them that their feelings are valid and that they are not alone.
Child counseling is a great resource for children, but it is important to consider all your options before deciding to seek counseling for your child. But, we understand that as a parent, you just want to do what is best for your child. So, if you have considered all your options and feel that child counseling is the best next step, go for it! Your child will thank you for it later.
Being Child Counseling in Roswell, GA
At Wellview Counseling, our therapists understand how difficult it can be to seek help for your child. But, we also know how important it is to do what is best for them. So, we are here to help support you and navigate you through this process. To begin working with a child therapist, you can follow these steps:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with one of our caring child therapists
- Gain support to help your child through whatever they are going through
Other Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Our therapists know figuring out if your child needs therapy may not be the only struggle you are currently facing. This is why our therapists offer a wide range of therapy services to support you and your loved ones. You may be dealing with depression because of the stress of being a parent. Maybe you have anxiety because you fear you’re missing out on important parts of your child’s life. Perhaps, your family is struggling with communicating effectively with one another. Whatever you are going through, we want you to know that we are here for you.
The therapists on our team work with children, teens, young adults, and older adults, as well. So, no matter what you are going through, we are here to give you support. We offer in-person counseling at our practice located in Roswell, Georgia. However, we can also see clients from anywhere in Georgia through online counseling. We’re happy to be the place for your healing and growth!
About the Author
Ashley Bobo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and has worked in a variety of settings for over 20 years. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families. Ashley understands that parenting is one of the hardest jobs a person can have and provides support to parents who are struggling. She knows that every family is different and provides individualized care to each one she works with. This is why she is passionate about working with families and parents to help them improve communication, build on strengths, and work through difficulties.