Should my child see a therapist?
All parents need support and encouragement and sometimes someone to see things from a different perspective, lend expertise, or help resolve things that aren't working in the family.
Many young people need help dealing with school stress, such as homework, test anxiety, bullying or peer pressure. Others need help to discuss their feelings about family issues such as parents being away on work or divorce, a house move, or serious illness.
Significant life events — such as the death of a family member, friend or pet; a move of house or school — can cause stress that might lead to problems with behaviour, mood, sleep, appetite and academic or social functioning.
In some cases, it's not as clear what's caused a child to seem withdrawn, worried, stressed, sulky or tearful. If you feel your child might have an emotional or behavioral problem or needs help coping with a difficult life event, trust your instincts.
Signs that a child may benefit from seeing a qualified therapist include:
• developmental delay in speech, language, or toilet training
• learning or attention problems (such as ADHD)
• behavioral problems (such as excessive anger, bedwetting or difficulties with sleeping or eating )
• a significant drop in grades, particularly if your child normally maintains high grades
• episodes of sadness, tearfulness or depression
• social withdrawal or isolation
• being the victim of bullying or bullying other children
• decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
• overly aggressive behavior (such as biting, kicking, or hitting)
• sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents)
• insomnia or increased sleepiness
• excessive school absenteeism or tardiness
• mood swings (e.g. happy one minute, upset the next)
• development of or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomachache or not feeling well) despite a normal physical examination by your doctor
• a serious, acute or chronic illness
• signs of alcohol, drug or other substance use (such as solvents or prescription drug abuse)
• changes in behaviour following separation, divorce or relocation
• bereavement issues
• custody evaluations
• sexual, physical or emotional abuse or other traumatic events
Sessions with a trained psychotherapist offer an environment in which you and your child can express your feelings and gain a deeper insight into your situation. Psychotherapy sessions are confidential, so you can talk about things you might not feel comfortable discussing with anyone else. The aim is to help you and your child find better ways to cope or to bring about changes in the way you think and behave that will improve your well-being.
Many young people need help dealing with school stress, such as homework, test anxiety, bullying or peer pressure. Others need help to discuss their feelings about family issues such as parents being away on work or divorce, a house move, or serious illness.
Significant life events — such as the death of a family member, friend or pet; a move of house or school — can cause stress that might lead to problems with behaviour, mood, sleep, appetite and academic or social functioning.
In some cases, it's not as clear what's caused a child to seem withdrawn, worried, stressed, sulky or tearful. If you feel your child might have an emotional or behavioral problem or needs help coping with a difficult life event, trust your instincts.
Signs that a child may benefit from seeing a qualified therapist include:
• developmental delay in speech, language, or toilet training
• learning or attention problems (such as ADHD)
• behavioral problems (such as excessive anger, bedwetting or difficulties with sleeping or eating )
• a significant drop in grades, particularly if your child normally maintains high grades
• episodes of sadness, tearfulness or depression
• social withdrawal or isolation
• being the victim of bullying or bullying other children
• decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
• overly aggressive behavior (such as biting, kicking, or hitting)
• sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents)
• insomnia or increased sleepiness
• excessive school absenteeism or tardiness
• mood swings (e.g. happy one minute, upset the next)
• development of or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomachache or not feeling well) despite a normal physical examination by your doctor
• a serious, acute or chronic illness
• signs of alcohol, drug or other substance use (such as solvents or prescription drug abuse)
• changes in behaviour following separation, divorce or relocation
• bereavement issues
• custody evaluations
• sexual, physical or emotional abuse or other traumatic events
Sessions with a trained psychotherapist offer an environment in which you and your child can express your feelings and gain a deeper insight into your situation. Psychotherapy sessions are confidential, so you can talk about things you might not feel comfortable discussing with anyone else. The aim is to help you and your child find better ways to cope or to bring about changes in the way you think and behave that will improve your well-being.
