Child & Family Counseling

As children grow, they become aware of the world.  They also learn about their internal world, such as their feelings, body and mind.

They learn about patterns, relationships, norms, and big ideas.

Whenever there are changes in the family structure or routine, children can typically bounce back and adapt.

However, every child is unique and circumstances can vary. Whenever the family goes through a stressful or difficult life experiences, children might not have the internal resources to cope with it, developmentally.

In fact, children’s resiliency increases with the support of caring and trustworthy adults in their lives.  Children start to develop belief systems about themselves, others and the world from early childhood experiences.

These belief systems impact our thoughts, feelings and behaviors.  What happens in the mind impacts our actions and vice versa.

So, when is the right time to get help? 

The National Institute of Mental Health outlines the following as warning signs in children regarding mental health:

• Have frequent tantrums or are intensely irritable much of the time
• Often talk about fears or worries
• Complain about frequent stomachaches or headaches with no known medical cause
• Are in constant motion and cannot sit quietly (except when they are watching videos or playing videogames)
• Sleep too much or too little, have frequent nightmares, or seem sleepy during the day
• Are not interested in playing with other children or have difficulty making friends
• Struggle academically or have experienced a recent decline in grades
• Repeat actions or check things many times out of fear that something bad may happen. (Child and Adolescent Mental Health)

If any of these are present in your child’s mood or behavior, we recommend seeking help.

Child & Family Counseling provides both support to the child and the child’s parents or caregivers.  A child does not live in isolation due to the attachment nature of relationships, therefore, caregiver involvement is of utmost importance.

Counseling for children is a safe place for them to express their internal world by sharing their thoughts, feelings and life experiences in the presence of a professional counselor.

This is also a place for children to increase self-awareness, coping skills and ways to express needs in healthy and safe ways.

When working with children, your provider will incorporate play-based approaches due to the children’s cognitive development.

In fact, play facilitates expression, flexibility and acceptance in ourselves and others.  When working with the child’s family, your provider will provide resources, guidance and in some cases, if appropriate, include in sessions.

We are here to help.

Feel free to call us for more information.

Reference

Child and Adolescent Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index.shtml