How Do I Know If My Child Needs Therapy?
As parents, you want what is best for your child. But actually knowing what is best? That’s another story. There can be so many layers, nuance, and uncertainties. A qualified child therapist can be a good resource to help you determine if services are indicated, or provide additional resources or insight!
First, let’s start with what child therapy actually is. Child therapy is not adult therapy made child size. Child therapy, when done in a developmentally affirming way, is playful, creative, and collaborative. I wrote more on play therapy here which is one way that child therapy can look. I like for parents to know that they can and should be involved in the process; although, how this looks will depend on the therapist and modality they are using.
So the question: how do I know if my child would benefit from therapy? Read the following with your child in mind but remember there can be a lot of nuance.
Factors to Consider
Concerns persist for several weeks to months with little to no shifts or improvements
Concerns are not otherwise attributed to a medical concern (we always recommend a medical assessment as well!). For teens/ pre-teens, assess for signs of puberty.
Just one of the signs if not necessarily an indicator for therapy; however, if they are persistent, difficult to manage, or impacting functioning then a second opinion may be helpful.
Signs To Look Out For
Changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels not otherwise explained
Persistent worry or difficulty separating from adults.
Avoidance of tasks, preferred and non-preferred
Negative self-comments (while some can be developmentally normal when engaging in a frustrating task take note if they are disproportionate or excessive.
Increase in difficulty regulating emotions, may look like tantrum like behavior, emotional melt-downs, and inability to be consoled.
Increase in defiance or oppositional behavior, such as talking back or not following expectations.
Increase in “attention seeking” behaviors, such as whining, time together, risky behaviors.
Low mood or energy.
Any sudden and severe shifts in behavior, mood, and emotions.
Changes in relationship with food (eating more, less, or comments about food/ body).
Increase or sudden onset of nightmares
These are some common signs your child may be struggling. While therapy is not the only answer, it can be a helpful tool in addressing the concerns head on and supporting you as parents in feeling more secure and confident.
Therapy isn’t a forever thing and certainly doesn’t mean you failed. Let’s face it, things can be tough. With the rise of the internet, social media, and general unease kids are struggling more and there is support out there. We have qualified child therapists who can set up an appointment for further insight and recommendations along with supporting your family in feeling better today.
-Rebecca Powers, LCSW
