Does My Child Need Pediatric Counseling Services?

If you have raised children before (or been around them for any length of time) then you know about their normal mood swings and irritability. Toddlers are famous for their tantrums, preschoolers for their unfiltered mouths, and middle schoolers for their moodiness. But, when should you consider the behavior serious enough to warrant pediatric counseling services?

Sometimes a child truly cannot express their emotions without some form of help. Pediatric counseling services are available for those who need help managing their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Why children sometimes need pediatric counseling services

We must allow our children to solve many of their problems on their own. Of course, we offer guidance, but a child needs to learn how to pivot and problem-solve when faced with a crisis. These small victories give a child confidence and emotional maturity that will serve them well in adulthood.

The problem is that sometimes the child is faced with extreme emotions that hinder their ability to perform under pressure or manage stress effectively. The child may withdraw from other people and lose interest in things they once enjoyed, which could be a sign of depression. They may be faced with abuse, neglect, or trauma – things a child should never be introduced to – and become unable to move past the pain.

Children with mental health conditions need child counseling to learn how to manage the symptoms so they can continue to follow a normal routine. Some mental health disorders require medications and psychotherapy to assist the child in experiencing a higher quality of life.

Those with behavioral disorders need guidance from a licensed child behavioral therapist who can offer suggestions and techniques to help change the behavior. They may teach the child how to identify and reframe the thought, check-in with their emotions, and subsequently change how they respond.

Children of divorce may also have trouble accepting the transition from one family into two. They may blame themselves for the separation of their parents or blame one parent for dissolving the marriage.

Children who’ve lost a parent due to tragedy or illness may develop complicated grief symptoms. In this type of grief, the child struggles to come to terms with the loss. They may obsess over the parent’s belongings or pictures. They might even report dreams or hallucinations involving the late parent.

At the other end of complicated grief are children who pretend that the parent hasn’t passed away or that it doesn’t affect them. They may avoid the places that they once visited with the parent or leave the room when someone brings up the parent’s name.

In each of these cases, professional help such as pediatric counseling services may be required.

Signs that your child may need pediatric counseling services

Other signs that a child might need pediatric counseling services include:

Changes in behavior, often negative

Their grades might drop, or they may start getting into trouble at school.

Spending less time with friends

The child may avoid their close friends or begin socializing with a new group who may have a negative influence on the child.

Loses their self-confidence and self-worth

A child under emotional duress begins to doubt themselves. They may begin to compare themselves with others or have intrusive negative thoughts.

Brings trouble with them

It may seem like the child is having a bad day every day. They may pick fights with their family and friends, cause trouble in school, and stop attending extracurricular activities. All areas of their life are affected.

Worries and panics to the extreme

The child may have a constant fear of the future and develop chronic anxiety. Sometimes this fear can be debilitating.

Lashes out at others in anger

The child may show signs of anger, resentment, and bitterness. They may have angry outbursts at home and at school.

Focuses too much on their body

Middle schoolers and teenagers are prone to comparison and may develop eating disorders to control their weight and size

Trouble falling asleep or getting a night of restful sleep

The child might develop insomnia, night terrors, or intrusive nightmares. At the other end, children with depression may want to sleep all the time to escape from the life around them.

Engages in self-harm or self-destructive behaviors

The child might cut or burn themselves, or they might participate in high-risk behavior.

Begins to obsess over death and/or makes suicidal comments

Seek help right away if the child is making suicidal comments or threats.

Counseling for kids is available for every age group. The therapist will work with the child using the appropriate therapy techniques for their age, maturity level, and condition.

The difference between adult and pediatric counseling services

Although many therapists are qualified to treat both adults and children, you will want to work with a therapist who specializes in treating kids from preschoolers through the teenage years. A pediatric therapist focuses on using play, art, and music therapy with the child, compared to only using talk therapy as they would an adult.

A child can express their emotions through one of these mediums. The simple act of playing reveals emotions that these children may be unable to verbalize on their own. The child may pretend with dolls, write and act out in skits, or draw pictures. The therapist observes this play and analyzes the child’s behavior.

Not only will the therapist work with your child, but they will work closely with you and any other caregivers. You will learn what to expect through the child’s healing process and have access to the child’s mental health care plan that includes the goals the therapist may want the child to focus on between sessions.

Finding a child therapist

Once you’ve determined that your child needs the help of pediatric counseling services, speak to your child’s pediatrician. The physician knows your child and can recommend a therapist based on your child’s mental health concerns. The physician may give you a referral to a counseling center near you.

You can also research nearby Christian counseling centers and therapists. Typically, you can read online reviews and testimonials from former clients. You can also ask for referrals from your friends and family about child therapists they may have used in the past.

If your child attends school, the school guidance counselor may be able to recommend a therapist to help your child. The school counselor is one of the first lines of communication about a child’s behavior. You can speak with the counselor privately about any concerns you have about your child.

Experts suggest that you interview at least three therapists before choosing one for your child. There are different types of mental health care professionals and you will want to choose the one who can help your child with their specific condition. For example, certain disorders require prescription medication to manage the symptoms. You will want to work with a professional who can prescribe the medicine needed.

Preparing for the first session

The first session with a child therapist will consist of completing paperwork and sharing your child’s signs and symptoms. Before you head to the appointment, make a list of your child’s concerns. List emotional, mental, and behavioral issues as they affect your child and any other concerns you may have.

Make sure you bring your child with you to the appointment even if it is just a preliminary meeting. This will set your child’s mind at ease when they meet the therapist ahead of an actual therapy session. If your child currently takes medication, bring a list with you so the therapist can determine if some of your child’s behavior is due to side effects from the medicine.

It can be difficult to admit that our child needs help and that we are not qualified to heal their wounds. Knowing you have a team of professionals by your side can alleviate some of that fear. Children are resilient. Although they may have trouble now, through therapy they can learn to eventually overcome unwanted thoughts and behaviors.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with me or another Christian counselor in our online directory to start the healing process.