As a parent, ensuring your child’s mental and emotional wellbeing is a top priority. However, it can be challenging to determine when your child might need support from a professional beyond what you can provide for them at home. Recognizing when to seek therapy for your child is essential in helping them navigate life’s challenges effectively. This blog explores signs that indicate it might be time to consider therapy for your child, and provides guidance on how to take the next steps.

Why Consider Therapy for Your Child?

Children, like adults, face a range of emotions and challenges as they grow. However, they may not always have the language or tools to express their feelings or cope with difficulties. Therapy can offer a safe and supportive space for children to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.

Therapy is not limited to children experiencing severe emotional or behavioural issues. It can also be beneficial for children dealing with everyday stressors. For example, changes at home, school challenges, or social pressures. Early intervention can prevent small problems from escalating into significant issues. This helps make therapy a proactive endeavor in supporting your child’s wellbeing.

When to Consider Therapy

Knowing when to seek therapy for your child can be difficult, especially since children express distress in various ways. Here are some signs that may indicate it is time to consider professional help:

• Behavioural Changes: Sudden or drastic changes in behaviour (increased aggression, withdrawal, or difficulty cooperating), may signal that your child could benefit from additional support. Is your child is acting out at home, at school, or in social settings? Therapy with a counsellor can help address the root cause of these behaviours. It can also help to find alternative and safer ways to meet the needs of the child;
• Emotional Outbursts: Frequent outbursts (uncontrollable crying, tantrums, or extreme anger), might indicate that a child is emotionally overwhelmed. A therapist can work with your child to identify and manage these emotions more effectively;
• Difficulty Coping with Life Changes: Major life changes (divorce, the loss of a loved one, or moving to a new place), can be challenging for children. Is your child struggling to adjust or seems unusually sad or anxious after a significant change? Therapy can provide the support they need to cope;
• Concerns Around Developmental Milestones: If you notice that your child is not meeting developmental milestones, it may be time to seek therapy. Conditions like autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental delays can be effectively addressed through early intervention and appropriate referrals. For more information on Early Communication Development, visit our blog;
• School-Related Issues: Academic struggles, a sudden drop in grades, or difficulties with concentration and focus may be signs that your child is dealing with more than typical school stressors. Therapy can help address underlying issues that may be affecting their academic performance. For example, anxiety, learning differences, executive functioning deficits, or low mood;
• Social Withdrawal or Isolation: If your child is avoiding social interactions, withdrawing from friends, or having trouble making or keeping friends, it may indicate social anxiety or other concerns. Therapy can help your child develop social skills and build confidence in their interactions with others;
• Physical Complaints with No Medical Cause: Emotional distress in children can be seen through physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue), especially when no medical cause is found. These somatic symptoms can be a sign that your child is struggling emotionally and may benefit from therapy; and,
• Self-Harm or Dangerous Behaviours: Is your child engaging in self-harm, expressing thoughts of suicide, or participating in risky behaviours? Seek immediate professional help. These behaviours are serious and require prompt intervention to ensure your child’s safety.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

Early intervention is key when it comes to addressing mental health concerns in children. The earlier a problem is identified and addressed, the sooner the child can learn necessary skills to move through those challenges. Therapy can help children develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve their emotional regulation, and build resilience to face future challenges.

In addition to improving your child’s current wellbeing, therapy can also have long-term benefits. Children who receive early support are more likely to develop into emotionally healthy adults. They often have better social relationships and a stronger sense of self.

What to Expect in Child Therapy

If you have decided to seek therapy for your child, you might be wondering what the process looks like. Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Initial Consultation: The first step is usually an initial consultation, where you, your child, and the therapist meet to discuss concerns and gather background information. This session helps the therapist understand your child’s needs and determine the best approach to treatment;
• Creating a Treatment Plan: Based on the initial consultation, the therapist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs. This plan might include individual therapy, family therapy, or a combination of approaches, such as referrals to psychologists and speech language pathologists, etc., depending on the concerns that are being addressed;
• Therapy Sessions: During therapy sessions, your child will have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Depending on your child’s age and the nature of the concerns, the therapist may use various techniques, such as play therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), or art therapy, to help your child process their emotions;
• Parental Involvement: In many cases, parental involvement is an essential part of the therapy process. The therapist may work with you to provide strategies for supporting your child at home and improving communication within the family; and,
• Ongoing Evaluation: Throughout the therapy process, the therapist will regularly evaluate your child’s progress, check in with parents and caregivers, and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the therapy is effective and that your child is receiving the best possible care.

How to find the right Therapist for Your Child

Finding the right therapist is important for your child’s success in therapy; however, it can be overwhelming! Here are some tips to help you choose a therapist who is a good fit for your child:

• Look for Specialization: Not all therapists are trained to work with children. Look for a psychologist, counsellor, or therapist who specializes in child and adolescent therapy, and also has experience with the specific issues your child is facing, such as sensory processing disorder or developmental delays;
• Check Credentials: Ensure that the therapist is licensed and has the appropriate credentials to practise in your area. You should always feel comfortable asking about their training and experience in working with children;
• Consider the Therapist’s Approach: Different therapists use different approaches in their practice. Some may use play therapy, while others might focus on cognitive-behavioural techniques. Consider your child’s personality and needs when choosing a therapist, as well as whether the type of approach that the therapist uses aligns with your child’s needs;
• Involve Your Child in the Decision: If your child is old enough, involve them in the decision-making process. Let them meet with potential therapists and see who they feel comfortable with. A good therapeutic relationship is built on trust. It is important that your child feels at ease with the therapist; and,
• Ask for Recommendations: Your child’s paediatrician, school counsellor, or other parents may be able to recommend a good therapist. Personal recommendations can be a valuable resource when searching for a trusted professional.

Options for Accessing Therapy for Parents with Limited Resources

Therapy can be expensive, and not all families have easy access to mental health services; however, there are options available for parents with limited resources:

• Community Mental Health Centres: Many communities have mental health centres that offer services on a sliding scale based on income. These centres often provide therapy for children at reduced rates or even for free. For families in BC, they can reach out to Moving Forward Family Services or Foundry for low-cost low-barrier therapy;
• School-Based Services: Some schools offer counselling services for students, either through a school counsellor or a contracted therapist. These services can be an excellent resource for children who need support but cannot access private therapy; and.
• Insurance Coverage: If you have health insurance, confirm which mental health services your plan covers. Many plans offer some coverage or complete coverage for therapy.

Next Steps

Deciding to seek therapy for your child is a courageous and proactive step in supporting their mental health.

At Willow and Sage Counselling, we understand the importance of finding a good fit and providing individualized supports for your family. We are here to support you and your child through every step of the process tailored to your child’s unique needs.

We offer services in Surrey and Burnaby, as well as online therapy options, ensuring that you can access the support you need, no matter your location. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, happier future for your child.