Does my child need therapy?

1. Persistent Behavioral Issues: If your child consistently displays disruptive or aggressive behaviors that interfere with daily life and relationships.
2. Emotional Distress: If your child seems excessively sad, anxious, or withdrawn, especially if these emotions persist over time and periods of being dysregulated or overwhelmed seem to be frequent or extended.
3. Difficulty Coping: If your child has trouble coping with stress, changes in routine, or transitions.
4. Academic or Social Struggles: If there’s a noticeable decline in academic performance or difficulty making or maintaining friendships.
5. Traumatic Experience: If your child has experienced a significant trauma, such as any form of abuse, loss of a loved one, or a major life change, processing the thoughts and emotions associated with this time or event can be very beneficial for them.
6. Physical Symptoms: Sometimes psychological distress can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches without a clear medical cause.
7. Regression: If your child starts behaving in ways that are younger than their age (e.g., bed-wetting after being toilet-trained).

If you notice these signs or if you have concerns about your child’s well-being, it may be helpful to do a one-off consult with a qualified mental health professional who can help determine with you whether therapy would be a beneficial option for your child.  This collaborative approach with a psychologist can be a wise and conservative approach to either settle your concerns or look at a plan together for moving forward with supportive therapy.

Marguerite Schultz, Senior Clinical Psychologst and Clinic Director.