When to seek assistance for a child's emotional problems
When your child has a fever or has fallen from a tree you know what to do. You seek medical advice. When a child shows unusual or odd behaviors, many times a parent will rationalize, "It's just a phase". Too often children's mental health issues are over looked or set aside with the belief , "This too shall pass". Sometimes it does pass and the problem is resolved for the child. Sometimes, however, it is not resolved and the problem worsens. It has been my experience parents will bring their children for treatment when their behavior begins to affect school performance, when there is custody or divorce litigation, or when behavior becomes disruptive for the family. Often times it is the disruptive behavior that gets the attention. The more passive or quiet behavior gets over looked. The erroneous belief is that if a child comes to therapy it indicates parental failure. In fact, bringing a child to therapy indicates a parent is in tune with their child and is able to identify when their child is struggling. |
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So what tells us a child could benefit from therapy? Some of the behaviors to look for seem common place. Indeed at times a child can be traumatized by events within the parents control. Many times a child experiences difficulty with situations not within the parent's control. Also, therapy can begin to help a child deal with medical procedures or to enhance their self esteem. In any case, initiating therapy for children demonstrates love and concern for children.
Behaviors indicating the need for therapy
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Excessive sadness, anger, worry or fear
Regressive behavior- a return to a behavioral task that was previously met (i.e. thumb sucking or toilet training).
School difficulties- academic failure or behavioral problems
Inability to make or keep friends.
Low self esteem.
Extreme shyness or reluctance to participate with others
Physical symptoms without a medical cause (i.e. stomach aches or head aches).
Sexual acting out or preoccupation with sexual behavior.
Difficulty adjusting to family transitions.
Depressive symptoms such as changes in sleep patterns( stop sleeping or not feeling rested) appetite disturbances ( food does not have any flavor to them) loss if interest in grooming, loss of concentration, cutting back on contact with friends or extracurricular activities.
Preoccupied with death or talking about wanting to die
Violence to animals or bullying behavior |
In adolescence, some signs that your child is experiencing difficulties would include those mentioned above and:
demonstrates manipulative behavior
attention seeking
irresponsible
plays cruel jokes
Has trouble handling criticism, frustration, disappointments or failure
Has talked about gaining revenge on another or sees a grim future for himself or herself
Thrill seeking, dangerous behavior, self mutilation or fire setting
Poetry and writing has themes of death, destruction, or violence
Makes subtle or blatant threats to harm certain school personnel
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Traumas that often indicate therapeutic intervention for children and adolescents
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Divorce or separation of parents
Natural disasters, fire, hurricane, floods
Hospitalization, chronic illness, painful/ frightening medical procedures
Birth trauma- premature birth, complicated medical procedures after birth
Adoption of an older child
Illness or injury to a family member
Death of a close family member or friend
Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
Witnessing domestic violence or murder
Witnessing the abuse of other children
Being bullied or teased
Acts of terrorism
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References
© Kid Power 2002 http://www.playtherapycentral.com
Social Work Today February 10, 2003 "Children and Families Blog"
Social Work Today May 5, 2003 "From Preschool to Prozac" |
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