There are thoughts and feelings, such as anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors, suicidal thoughts, that we would hope that any adult would never have to experience. Unfortunately, these are not only experiences that occur to adults but children as well.
A parent witnessing their child’s suffering through such distress can be experiencing an overwhelming sense of pain that can be extremely unsettling. It may be difficult for a parent to focus on anything other than to provide help for your child. The mental health and well-being for that child is the utmost concern for that parent.
Unfortunately, children are as vulnerable to traumatic events as adults are. However, because of their under developed coping mechanisms, they are ill equipped to deal with such trauma. But there is hope. There is scientifically based research that demonstrates evidence that the mental health concerns of both children and adolescents can be addressed successfully. This research shows that it is the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the child, rather than the form of therapeutic intervention, that is the strongest predictor in the success of helping a child deal with their mental health issues. The trained and skilled child therapists at Thriveworks Franklin are equipped with the tools to decipher what the most pressing issues are in your child’s life and help develop a plan of action to best address the issues that the child is facing.
Does My Child Need Therapy?
A child’s school reports that there have been multiple trips to the principal’s office in the past month. Episodes of fights with other children, poor grades, and an inability to concentrate have been among the reports that are send home from the school. Every day is a struggle to get the child on the bus for school. The parent is left with no idea how to help their child. Attempts at the child’s teacher, disciplining the child at home by setting up schedules and routines and developing consequences for the child’s bad behavior both at home and at school have had only limited success.
Another parent notices a change in a child’s behavior since they have become a teenager. The teen start to come later and later. They have less regard or even total disregard for family traditions and rules. They seem to be hanging out with a new and different set friends who the parent does not know. And then there is evidence of substance abuse. A parent feels helpless and cannot imagine how much this once happy child has changed almost overnight. There is fear of losing that vital connection between the child and parent. In the midst of the parent’s sense of helplessness, there still may be hope.
Reasons to pursue child therapy
Problems and disorders that afflict adults can often affect a child as well. Such issues may include:
- ADD/ADHD
- Concerns related to Autism
- Anxiety
- Conduct disorders in school
- Conduct disorders at home
- Problems with friends
- Abuse or neglect
- Obsessive and compulsive behaviors
- Life transition such as a move or parent’s divorce
- Death in the family
- Underlying medical issues
- Addictions
- Eating disorders
Symptoms of serious underlying psychological disorders
There is no one that knows and cares more than for a child than their parent. But, the the parent is not alone in regard to bringing the care to that child that is needed. There are many therapeutic strategies that address mental health concerns of children and adolescents. And, as mentioned before, these approaches are backed by strong scientific evidence. Therefore, enlisting the help of a professional can be a significant factor in a parent providing their child with the care and attention that they need to change their lives for the better during their critical developmental years. In this way, that parent is demonstrating strength and effective parenting in knowing that they cannot handle their child’s situation alone.
Both children and adults experience different phases and transition in their lives. While we all experience difficult times, it is important to remember that the help from others is a key component in getting through these tough times with a positive outcome. Even while transitioning through phases that many other children and teens experience, a skilled therapist can be very valuable in helping that child or teen work through the issues that they are experiencing and move through them into a healthier, happier frame of mind.
Methods of Child Therapy
The process of helping children and teenagers work through difficult life experiences in therapy is different and distinct from the help that adults need. Helping a child in difficult times takes a therapist who has the training, experience and skills in implementing techniques that have been shown to be effective with children to effectively address these unique concerns. A therapist with such skills will implement methods and techniques that research has shown to be particularly effective with children and teens. It takes a counselor with specific training and experience in child and adolescent therapy to be able to communicate honestly and clearly to that child in an effective manner. A skilled therapist can build rapport with a child who is scared or unsure of coming to a therapist’s office. A teenager who has but up walls to hide their deeper emotions and thoughts, may be made to feel safe and willing to open up those feelings to a therapist who is skilled at putting that teem at ease. Therapies that are available to a trained therapist include:
- Play therapy
- Talk therapy
- Family therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Developing coping skills
- Teaching relaxation techniques
- Teaching stress management
- Identifying and treating serious medical issues
- Identifying and treating serious psychological issues
The child therapists at Thriveworks Franklin are trained to develop a treatment plan that will address the needs of your child or adolescent. It is true that each child is a unique individual and no one else has the exact same make up as they do. However, the skilled therapist at Thriveworks Franklin will respect each child’s individuality and treat them with a blend of methods and techniques that will fit the unique needs of that child.
Contact a Therapist at Thriveworks Franklin
Parents often struggle alone with their child’s issues for extended periods of time. As a result, these parents often feel isolated and alone. They are afraid that if you share these issues with family and friends, because they and their child may be judged. But parents do not have to deal with these issues alone. The skilled therapists at the Thriveworks Franklin will not be shocked by whatever issues that are presented to therm. Thriveworks counselors are leaders in their field. They have been selected for their talent and experience in dealing with a variety of diagnosis and life situation. They are a selective group who have demonstrated a competency and commitment to serve those with mental and behavioral needs. Thriveworks counselors have been featured in leading publications, such as the Chicago Tribune, Prevention, Psychiatric Times, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and the Journal of Mental Health Counseling. They are more than will to put this expertise to work for your child.
Thriveworks therapist are often available within 24 hours in most cases. Thriveworks takes pride in operating without a wait list but rather scheduling everyone who calls with a need to see someone for help. A simple call may be all that separates a parent and child from the help that they need. We, at Thriveworks, know that a child is the most important thing in their parents’ world. Parents need a place where they can trust that their son or daughter will get the care that they need.
So, call and schedule an appointment with a Thriveworks Franklin counselor now at 617-360-7210. The staff and therapists at Thriveworks Franklin will do everything they can to help your family in this difficult time.
