Does My Child Need Counseling?

It is normal to worry about your child’s well-being and want to protect them from being hurt or upset. However, you cannot protect them from every up and down in life. Oftentimes these bumps in the road are short-lived and your child learns to adjust and move on. This is not always the case, though, and sometimes these events can affect your child’s daily function. When they are having a difficult time coping or adapting, counseling can be a beneficial option. With professional guidance and support, they can learn to cope.

There is no definitive line that determines when your child needs counseling, and when they do not. Each child is different, but follow your instincts. If you feel something is not right or are worried about their well-being, talking to a counselor can be helpful.

Situations Where Children Could Benefit from Counseling

There are a variety of reasons why you may decide to take your child to counseling. Here are just a few:

• Life-changing events are occurring such as divorce, marriage, a new baby, deployment, or moving.
• To help them cope with the loss of a family member, friend, or pet.
• They have experienced trauma such as an accident, major illness or surgery, a natural event such as a tornado or flood, or some form of abuse.
• They have been diagnosed with a medical condition such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, cancer, a learning difference or another disorder.
• They are acting out of the ordinary or seem to be struggling with everyday life.

Talking to a counselor or therapist can assist your child in working through these situations and making sense of their thoughts and feelings. They can learn different strategies for coping and lessening the impact on their daily life. Whether your child is struggling at school, at home, or both, counseling can be a valuable way of supporting improved mental health and a higher quality of life. Contact PediaPlex today to discuss how your child may benefit from counseling.

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