Ten Signs Your Child Needs Child Therapy

Written by Michele Kamerman, M.A., LPC, RPT

Children face many obstacles as they grow. These might include school challenges, social issues, bullying, life transitions, etc. Each of these can rock their world and lead to heightened childhood anxiety or depression.

A young student hides their head as they sit alone while other kids run by. This could symbolize the isolation felt as a result of depression symptoms. Contact a child therapist in Houston, TX for support today & learn more about child therapy.

All too often, parents hesitate to care for their child’s mental health, worrying more about their physical health and academic success. You take your child to the doctor if they’re physically ill or sick. If they’re struggling in school you get them tutoring. So, why not seek help from a professional to take care of their mental health?

It Can Be Difficult to Know When to Start Child Therapy

Many parents wait to seek counseling because they attribute their child’s behavior to a developmental phase. Assuming their child can work through it and grow out of these behaviors. If you’ve found yourself thinking the same thing, you’re not alone. But, at what point should you stop pushing their mental health struggles aside and seek support from a child therapist?

Here are ten signs that your child may benefit from working with a child therapist:

There are many reasons why parents seek counseling for child therapy. However today, I want to share with you ten “warning signs” your child’s mental health is suffering. These are all concerns that warrant talking to a child therapist.

A young girl peeks from behind a dark chair with a cautious look in her eye. This could represent the self isolation that is addressed by a child therapist in Houston, TX. Contact us to learn about child therapy, play therapy for children, and othe…

  1. Decreased self-esteem: Perhaps you’re child often refers to themselves as a “bad kid” or someone that “can’t do anything right.” And, you’ve noticed their self-esteem is poor. Then, it may be time to start child therapy. A child therapist can support and promote a child’s self-esteem and well-being. All while supporting the parents with strategies.

  2. Isolation: If your child refuses to socialize and states they have no friends on many occasions, this may be a sign of depression that a child therapist could assess.

  3. Increased irritability: This is also a sign of depression in children.

  4. Destructive towards objects or self: This could be a sign of anger, sadness, or feeling loss of control.

  5. Change of behavior: Behavior such as negative attitude, talking back, and oppositional behavior.

  6. Physical body issues: Anxiety will often manifest as somatic symptoms. A child may complain of stomachaches or headaches and may have no idea that their mental health is the cause.

  7. Talking about dying: We never want to overlook when a child states they want to die. A child therapist can explore those thoughts and discuss alternative coping strategies.

  8. Developmental regression: Potty accidents, thumb sucking, or acting like a baby could signal a mental health struggle.

  9. Change in sleep or appetite: This can include not eating or eating too much. A change in sleep could include night terrors, nightmares, struggles with falling asleep or staying asleep.

  10. Constant worrying or sadness that prevents your child from doing daily activities.

A child holds hands with his father as they talk about a sensitive subject. This could represent a son opening up to his father about his mental health concerns. We offer similar support with child therapy in Houston, TX. Contact a child therapist f…

It’s important to check in with your child daily. Ask about their feelings and how they are doing. Most importantly, listen to what your child has to say. Instead of trying to “fix” the issue, be present and reflect on how they are feeling. You know your child best. If you feel something is off, it may be time to start child therapy.

Begin Child Therapy in Houston, TX

Your child deserves the right support as they grow and overcome new obstacles. Our caring child therapists at our Houston, TX-based counseling practice would be honored to support your child and your family. Heights Family Counseling has helped many children work through their emotions. To begin child therapy, follow these steps:

  1. Contact our counseling practice to set up a free phone consult

  2. Meet with one of our caring child therapists

  3. Start child therapy and give your child the support they deserve.

Therapy Services Offered at Heights Family Counseling

Michele offers a variety of mental health services for kids, teens, and adults at our Houston Heights Therapy Clinic. Other mental health services include child counseling, play therapy, depression treatment, and anxiety treatment. She also offers online therapy in Texas to meet your mental health needs when you can’t make it to our therapy clinic. To learn more, please contact our counseling office, or visit our blog!

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