Child Counseling:
When Is It Time?

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Being a parent can be rewarding and confusing all at the same time. There’s no instruction manual, leaving you to figure out what is best for your child. To make matters more complicated, no two children are the same! There are many common challenges when it comes to raising a child, however, few are as concerning as helping your child overcome intrusive symptoms of a medical or mental health condition. If you are concerned that your child may be struggling with an emotional health condition, consulting with a professional counselor can help.

Seeking Professional Help: When?

You and your family are among the first people to notice if your little one is behaving in an “unusual” manner. If your child is already attending school, you can gather feedback from the school mentors to validate your observations. Getting information from multiple sources can be helpful, especially if you are going to bring your child to see a therapist. It can be helpful for them to have feedback from a number of adults to gain a clearer picture.

If you are observing any of the following, it may be time to schedule with a counselor:

  • Decline in school performance
  • Poor grades despite strong efforts
  • Regular worry or anxiety
  • Repeated refusal to go to school or take part in previously enjoyed activities
  • Hyperactivity or fidgeting
  • Persistent nightmares
  • Persistent disobedience or aggression
  • Frequent temper tantrums
  • Depression, sadness or irritability

If your child is experiencing intrusive symptoms, they may not respond to your usual parenting techniques, even if they were effective for your other children.

Some of the specific emotional/behavioral conditions that affect children can include:

  • Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Conduct Disorder
  • Depression, which has a major symptom of excessive sadness
  • Anxiety

The Gift of Counseling: Towards a Happy Childhood

It can be remarkably distressing when your child is unhappy. You may be left not knowing what to do to help them. It is important to pay attention to their symptoms, this could be their way of communicating with you. It is equally important to bring in professional help, just like you would bring your child to a medical doctor when they have symptoms like fever, cough, rashes, etc.

The best form of help may be a consultation with a mental health expert. Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts with therapists who can help. Knowing where to turn can make a world of difference. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

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