When and Why to Consider Child Counseling: A Guide for Parents

July 20, 2024
Child Counseling

Deciding to enroll your child in counseling can be a tough decision; however, it is extremely beneficial to their growth and development. If your child seems to be struggling with emotions, friendships, thoughts, school, or attention, it may be time to look into child counseling. When left untreated, issues like these can greatly impact your child well into adulthood.

When Is It Time To See a Child Counselor?

There are many signals we can use to detect if a child may need counseling. Any changes in your child’s behavior or mood is a major indicator that something may be going on. Defiance, worrying, shifts in interests, regressive behavior, and self-harm are all common indicators of mental health struggles within children. Any major life changes, such as a death in the family, moving, divorce, etc., should also be noted, for child counseling can benefit children struggling to adapt to change.

What Should I Expect?

There are many different approaches to child counseling that your child’s counselor may take.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT approaches psychological issues with the idea that they are caused by negative thought patterns or behaviors, and is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anger-related issues.
Play Therapy: Your child may also encounter Play Therapy, where they can reenact or project traumatic events via play. This is especially useful in younger children or those who have limited verbal communication.
Family Therapy: Family Therapy may also be used, where family members can tag along with the child, expressing how they feel in the therapy session in order to connect and help the child. This also supplies parents with educational techniques they can try at home.

These are only a few of the many therapy approaches your counselor may use with your child.

Therapy also takes time. It is important to keep in mind that your child’s struggles will not be solved immediately. Therapy takes lots of unpacking and work, but will well be worth it in the long run. It also may take a few tries to find what works best for your child, but it is important to not give up.

Getting Started With Child Counseling

If therapy sounds like something your child may benefit from, consider choosing Counseling Simplified in West Lafayette. Our extensive range of specialties is sure to accommodate your child and their needs. Call us today at +1 (765)-637-4884 or email admin@counselingsimplified.com to get started today. No waitlists, no worries.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023b, March 8). Therapy to improve children’s mental health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/parent-behavior-therapy.html

Madrid, A. (2020, October 2). 6 signs your Child needs counseling: Children’s bureau. All For Kids. https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/6-signs-your-child-needs-counseling/

Written By Jessica Kobrick, Intern

Jessica is an Undergraduate Intern at Counseling Simplified in West Lafayette. She is currently an undergraduate at Purdue, studying psychology, human sciences, and family development.

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