Child & Teen Therapy
Even though it has its rewarding moments, parenting can be one of the hardest jobs there is.
Counseling can help children cope with the bold new emotions they face both in and outside of developmental leaps. Establishing a healthy sense of self-esteem, confidence, focus and emotional security are often core goals for any parent – but how exactly can you ensure the best success for your child?
Good intentions and love are a great basis for parenting and they often come naturally. No matter how prepared we may feel, we often learn quickly that there are situations and conversations we are not equipped to deal with at the level of understanding and helpfulness that our children might need.
Counseling provides a safe space for children to practice their new skills, sharpen their internal dialogue, and work through common issues that children and adolescents often face such as educational deficits, bullying, problems at home, and more.
Struggling to communicate their internal emotions can result in external consequences, such as frustration turning into a tantrum or overstimulation turning into an emotional outburst. While learning to deal with these emotions is a normal part of a developmental leap, sometimes, children are unable to cultivate healthy coping strategies. This can result in social or emotional distress that may ultimately require a professional to navigate.
How do you know if your child needs counseling?
When your typically balanced child starts to teeter towards worrisome behaviors, such as isolation, self-harm, a drop in academic performance, or is acting out, these are red flags to seek professional guidance. Being that most children are sensitive, any drastic or concerning change in their behavior may be a cry for help.
What kind of counseling is available for children?
There are many different techniques that a child psychologist might take when working with a child. Typically, they will have already factored age into their approach before the first session is set. What might be effective for a 5-year-old, may not be the best approach for a 9-year-old. Play therapy, client-centered therapy, and family therapy are commonly selected treatment modalities.
How common are mental issues in children?
The CDC estimates that 1 in 6 children, ages two to eight years old, have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Early treatment is key for their mental health. Children, more so than adults, have a hard time dealing with adult emotions like depression and anxiety. Without guidance or the right tools to cope, it is not only their behavior that is negatively affected but their perception of themselves and the world around them as well.
Counseling can prevent children from taking negative coping strategies into adulthood. Whether your child is having a particularly difficult time through their developmental leap or is suffering from a mental or behavioral disorder, getting them help is the first step towards a happier and healthier version of your little one. Positive changes may begin to surface such as increased social activity, better grades in school, better communication at home, and a decrease in outbursts. These changes may happen quickly or they may take some time, but the journey is your child’s to embark upon.
Our Approach
At Great Lakes Psychology Group, we believe that no problem is too small or too big. Our network of child therapists and psychologists use a family-centered approach to child and adolescent counseling that keeps parents in the loop every step of the way while surrounding your little one with compassion and encouragement.
Most of the child psychologists in our network use a strengths-based family approach, aimed at empowering you as a parent with new techniques so you have the tools to help your child. Using scientifically-backed parenting support, we are able to help families in a shorter timeframe than it might take if we only worked with children. Because of this, many of the children and teens we see are able to do short-term therapy.
Our network of therapists understands, supports, and guides parents, children, and teens to help achieve healthy family dynamics. Our network of child and teen counselors are dedicated to helping families build and maintain strength as they work through any difficult challenges they may be facing. We are familiar with the complexities of family life and how complicated it can get when one or more family members are struggling with mental health concerns. Not only are we sensitive to every family we meet, but we listen to what makes your situation unique and provide you with the most accurate help in order to reduce the issues standing in the way of your child’s happiness.
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