Are There Any Strong Indicators My Child Needs a Therapist?

Why does a child need to see a therapist? When should they see one? How do you pick a good therapist for your kid? These are all good questions. We will talk about all these things and help answer these important questions.

There's probably a reason why you're considering therapy for your child. We say, trust your gut and follow your instincts. There is no wrong reason or time for children to see a therapist. However, there are situations where therapy would be more than ideal. For example, living with depression, anxiety, or trauma are all indicators that therapy could be very beneficial. 

In this article, we will talk about reasons a child would see a therapist. Likewise, we'll explore types of therapy, what to look for, and how to find a good match.

Why Would My Child Need a Therapist?

First of all, many adults and children see a therapist, and it's actually quite common. For example, therapy can be very helpful in navigating big feelings and life changes that we all face.

Next, counseling is a good idea if your child is dealing with depression, anxiety, or other significant life changes, like a death or divorce. 

Similarly, if your child has been through trauma, such as abuse or a distressing event, it may be helpful for them to talk to someone. In therapy, they can process and explore, sometimes hard to understand, emotions.

Therapy can also help children with relationships. For example, suppose they're having a hard time getting along with parents or siblings. In that case, they may lack social or communication skills. Likewise, there could be deeper-rooted issues that, with clarity or resolution, could help everyone in the long run.

When is the Right Time for My Child to See a Therapist?

First, there are some signs to look for as you consider therapy for your child. Examples include disruptions in areas of life such as family, social, school, eating, or sleeping patterns. If they are struggling in multiple areas, that's a good indication that there may be more going on.

Next, it's always best to consider professional help if they are making suicidal comments. For example, "I don't want to be here anymore." "No one would notice if I was gone." "I wish I was dead." Many times, we'll hear responses such as, "They're just doing it for attention." However, needing attention could be due to an underlying issue. As such, it's valid to take them seriously and err on the side of caution. Suicidal thoughts can come from minor feelings of overwhelm to more hidden problems such as cyberbullying. Regardless, it's always a good idea to talk to them. Therapy may not be necessary, but ensuring you see and hear them could be huge.

Sometimes, a child's struggles may also manifest as disruptive behavior. If they don't know how to express themselves with words, they may begin to express themselves through behavior. Behavior is another way to communicate. So, if your child is acting out, displays excessive anger, is destructive, or self-harming, they may be expressing emotional pain. As such, now would be a good time to talk to a therapist.

In the end, you know your child best. If you feel like something is off, it may be worth taking them to see someone. Keep in mind; there is little to no risk in seeing a therapist. Likewise, if it ends up that it's not the right time or there isn't a huge issue to work through, you can always opt out of more sessions.

How Do I Pick a Child Therapist?

First of all, you will want to be familiar with the different therapy options for children. Some examples are individual therapy, play therapy, sand tray therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.

Developmentally, young children do not often have the ability to express themselves with words. As a result, traditional talk therapy doesn't offer many benefits. In these situations, play therapy can be an excellent option. Play therapy involves toys, games, figures, and other ways to engage with your child. Likewise, it allows them to express themselves in a less intimidating setting.

Somewhat related, sand tray therapy is a technique where your child will use a variety of figures and a tray of sand to create a scenario. For example, they get to select whatever figures they want, play in the sand as they choose, and set up their own world. With the careful guidance of the therapist, this can lead to great insight and exploration. Likewise, this can help to identify your child's feelings and issues they may be experiencing.   

If the child is older and can process their emotions, then individual therapy could be a good fit. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is very effective in treating anxiety and depression. This could be a good place to start with older children and teens. 

Remember, not many parents say they regret taking their child to a therapist. On the contrary, there are too many who wish they would have acted upon their instincts. It's hard to determine what will be right for you and your family. However, we may be able to help. At Capstone Counseling and Coaching, we would love to answer your questions about therapy and your child's situation. We have experienced counselors who work with children, including play therapy options. Please call us today!