Should My Child See a Therapist?
Significant life events—such as the death of a family member, friend, or pet; divorce or a move; abuse; trauma; a parent leaving on military deployment; or a major illness in the family—can cause stress that might lead to problems with behavior, mood, sleep, appetite, and academic or social functioning.
In some cases, it's not clear what has caused a child to suddenly seem withdrawn, worried, fearful, sulky, oppositional or tearful. But if you feel your child might have an emotional or behavioral problem or needs help coping with a difficult life event, trust your instincts.
Here are some signs that a child may benefit from seeing a licensed Therapist:
Significant life events—such as the death of a family member, friend, or pet; divorce or a move; abuse; trauma; a parent leaving on military deployment; or a major illness in the family—can cause stress that might lead to problems with behavior, mood, sleep, appetite, and academic or social functioning.
In some cases, it's not clear what has caused a child to suddenly seem withdrawn, worried, fearful, sulky, oppositional or tearful. But if you feel your child might have an emotional or behavioral problem or needs help coping with a difficult life event, trust your instincts.
Here are some signs that a child may benefit from seeing a licensed Therapist:
- learning or attention problems (such as ADHD)/frequent teacher complaints, behavioral problems, such as excessive anger, compulsive lying, acting out, bedwetting or a significant drop in grades, particularly if your child normally maintains high grades
- episodes of sadness, tearfulness, or depression
- social withdrawal or isolation or kids who feel they have no friends or who chronically feel left out
- being the victim of bullying or bullying other children
- decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
- overly aggressive behavior (such as biting, kicking, or hitting)
- sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents)
- insomnia or increased sleepiness
- excessive school absenteeism or tardiness—or a child who usually likes school suddenly does not want to go
- mood swings (e.g., happy one minute, upset the next)
- development of or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomachache, or not feeling well) despite a normal physical exam by your doctor
- signs of alcohol, drug, or other substance use (such as solvents or prescription drug abuse)
- problems in transitions (following separation, divorce, or relocation)
- grief and loss issues, including loss of a pet or good friend
- therapy following sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic events
