Signs Your Child Needs Counseling
When you notice signs your child needs counseling, you might wonder when to see a child therapist. Some questions you have might include:
should my child see a therapist or a psychologist?
Who provides counseling for child behaviour?
What are some types of child therapy?
How do you get your child to see a therapist?
First, know you are making an excellent decision for your child and your family by considering counseling. Child therapists are trained to help kids process big feelings such as anxiety, fear, sadness,grief, and trauma.
While we idealize childhood as a time of great joy, it can also include events or problems children cannot cope with on their own.
Child therapists can help children navigate bullying, sexuality, and family dynamics. Concerns about behavior, autism, and testing can also prompt parents to seek help.
When to Seek Therapy for Children
Some signs you should seek therapy for your child include trouble at school, health problems, and family discord.
Other reasons to find a therapist include:
Trouble focusing
Shortened attention span
Obsessions
Compulsions
Stress
Worry
Loss of a loved one
Self-injury
Disruptive behavior
Types of Child Therapy
As Psychology Today notes, “There is a wide array of modalities that therapists employ, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, systems-based therapy, and more. Many therapists use a combination of approaches, all of which have as their goal relief of suffering and achievement of healthy functioning in the present and the future.”
At Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center, we offer therapy options for children, including individual therapy, group therapy, trauma-informed therapy, yoga and movement-informed therapy, and family therapy.
Our therapists are also trained to offer psychological testing and testing for autism. Our therapists use techniques such as play therapy to engage even our youngest patients. We are happy to discuss your needs and help match you with the therapist who is right for you.
No matter which type of therapy you seek, our therapists are highly trained to make the experience a helpful one for you and your child.
What if My Child is Resistant to Therapy?
You might also be wondering how you will get your child to see a therapist. Many parents are concerned their children will resist or not understand the value of therapy at their young age.
We recommend discussing the benefits of therapy with your child in simple terms. You might also consider exploring our website with your child: look at a picture of your child’s therapist together and discuss the therapist's background and approach.
For young children, explain that they will talk and do some activities with their therapist. Make sure children understand that seeing a therapist is not a punishment and that the therapist is only there to help and support them.
Taking Older Children to Therapy
For older children, understand they might be worried about the stigma attached to therapy.
Remind them that their healthcare history is private and support their decision to keep this decision quiet among friends and other family members if they choose.
Discuss how a typical therapy session involves talking about your behaviors, fears, and concerns; considering how these impact your life; engaging in activities designed to help; practicing new skills; and solving problems.
Their therapist’s job is to provide guidance, not to critique. Inform them their session is confidential and they can trust their therapist to keep information private unless there is a safety concern.
Child Psychologist Near Me Reviews
Many parents look for a therapist nearby based on reviews.
Reviews can be helpful in making a final decision; however, we also encourage you to find out more about specific therapists, specifically their backgrounds and specialties.
At Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center, you can find a therapist who is right for your child by exploring our “About” page on our website.
Here, you’ll find information about our therapists’ education, experience, and interests. You will want to speak to your child’s therapist and to meet with them to make sure they are a good fit for your family.
We know this is a big decision, and we are here to support you. We are committed to helping you find the right resources for and approach to your child’s unique therapeutic needs. Remember, we have locations in Buckhead and in Smyrna for your convenience.
How AICC Can Help
Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center has helped many families like yours connect with the right therapist. We are eager to partner with you and your child to meet your specific needs.
With twenty therapists available between our two locations, we offer a selection of specialties and clinicians ready to support you. Please visit our website and reach out to let us know how we can help. We are here for you!