But that's not the only reason children should see a therapist. Today, we're covering all the reasons why it might be worthwhile to look into child and family therapy.
1. There have been significant changes in your child's mood
Have you noticed any significant changes in your child's mood recently? If so, that's a sign they may be struggling with an undiagnosed mood disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Of course, some struggles are certainly normal, but, if your child is feeling down or anxious more often than not, seeing a psychologist can help them better manage their mood.
2. There have been significant changes in your child's behavior
As a parent, you'll notice gradual behavioral changes in your children over time. If you've noticed behavioral problems arising, such as intensifying and more frequent anger or overreactions, it can be tough to determine whether or not it's a phase or something more serious. When in doubt, it's best to seek the professional help of a child psychologist. If your child is displaying angry and/or violent tendencies at school or at home, they could have behavioral issues that can be corrected through talk therapy and/or play therapy.
3. Your child is having difficulty learning
Children having difficulty keeping up at school frequently benefit from counseling services that focus on their emotional world. Keep in mind a learning disorder or disability is not a problem with your child's motivation or intelligence. It may just be that your youngster’s brain is simply wired differently or in a period of neurological catching-up to other already more established brain areas.
While every child has difficulty with homework from time to time, if you’ve noticed their struggles are consistently problematic, they could be struggling with a learning disorder. Counseling and psychological assessment can work in tandem to help identify the specific disorder, teach your child how to cope with their condition, and identify alternative learning strategies so they can reach their full potential.
4. Your child is having difficulty coping after a loss or divorce
After experiencing a loss, such as a death or a divorce, a period of bereavement is normal in both adults and children. However, if your child is struggling with extreme grief and profound sadness for more than 6 months, that's a sign they could benefit from counseling. Your child's psychologist will help them make sense of their feelings, express their emotions in a safe space, and identify healthy coping mechanisms to help them move forward.
5. Your child is going through significant life changes, such as a move or blending of families
Life changes are hard on anyone, but they're especially so on children, who are usually used to routines and consistency in their daily life. If your family is moving to a new neighborhood or city, that can be scary. Counseling can help your child navigate life changes like this so your child learns to cope and feel comfortable with their new normal.
The blending of families is another major change children often struggle within the aftermath of parental divorce. Counseling can help them navigate relationships and connect positively with their new step-family members.
6. Your child is struggling with body image and/or eating disorders
Various studies have shown that children begin to worry about body image as early as three years old. A negative view of body image can greatly impact self-esteem and even interfere with daily well-being. A child psychologist can help address these concerns, determine if an eating disorder is present, and help them develop a healthier image of their body.
7. Your child is dealing with a stressful situation, such as bullying or abuse
Stressful situations of any kind, whether bullying, abuse, or peer pressure, are exceptionally difficult for children to navigate. As much as you may want to help as a parent, you can't provide the same kind of help that a trained professional can. Without therapy, many children can experience long-term effects due to those stressful situations, effects that linger well into adulthood.
Psychologists can help your child manage the complex emotions of anger, sadness, and shame and practice limit-setting skills and proactive, assertive communication.
Seek the professional help of a child psychologist in Chicago today
Whether your child is struggling with a mood disorder, behavioral disorder, or going through a stressful time, Wellington Counseling Group is here to help. Our child life specialists can help treat a wide range of disorders and conditions and help your child navigate complex and challenging life experiences.
Contact us today to learn more about how your child could benefit from talking to a child psychologist in Chicago.