Therapy and Kids

At  Peaceful Solutions Counseling, we care about the welfare of you, your children,  and your family. We approach family problems with a non-judgmental approach to  parenting. We also understand that children and teens may not want to be here  initially, but we assure you that after meeting our empathetic staff, they will  see that we are here to help and that we care. If your child or teen asks to see a therapist, help them find one that is an appropriate fit. It doesn't reflect negatively on you as a parent to have your child in therapy. In fact, it means that you are getting your child the help they need. If you are wondering whether or not therapy would be beneficial for your child or teen, here are some indications to consider.

Is your child usually easygoing and happy, but has recently become withdrawn or irritable? If your child's mood seems to have dramatically changed, it might be a sign that something is wrong.

These are among the most serious reasons for therapy and  require immediate intervention. Any talk of suicide or self-harm should be taken seriously. Forms of self-harm can include intentionally scratching, burning, or cutting anywhere on their own body. Self-harm can be very dangerous, even life-threatening, so seek help even if it only happens once. Do not dismiss these incidents as "attention-seeking". Call 911 if your child is in immediate danger.

Events such as divorce, moving, school changes, death in the family, new step-parents coming into the home, can be very stressful to children. If they seem to be having a difficult time coping, or their negative behavior increases, it may be connected.

If everyone in your family is "walking on  eggshells" around your child to avoid a blow-up, it may be time to seek help. Similarly, if your child is constantly in trouble at school or appears to  have few or no friends, this may be a sign that your child could benefit from  therapy.

This can include physical, sexual or emotional abuse. It may also include exposure to violence or severe bullying. Being a witness to domestic violence, even if they were not harmed themselves, can also be very traumatic for children.