Child & Teen Counselling

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Child & Teen Counselling

It is fascinating to watch your toddler grow into a school-age child. While a child may have first not wanted to let go of your hand and enter the doors to elementary school, he now has blossomed and is finding his way–making new friends, learning new things and finding what clubs and activities he is interested in.

Like adults, children can get stressed, unhappy, worried, anxious and depressed. Sometimes these emotions last for a day or two. But, if these feelings persist for weeks or months and get in the way of a child’s enjoyment in life, it is a sign that they may need to visit a therapist.

Whether you, a teacher, or somebody close to your child feels it is time to talk with a therapist or a counsellor about an issue or concern, choose Family Life Psychology & Wellness. When your child is having trouble focusing on homework and school, is sad or anxious, or is not adjusting to a recent transition, the therapists and counsellors at Family Life Psychology & Wellness are professionally licensed and have years of experience in the field.

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Reasons to Seek Child and Adolescent Therapy/Counseling

Adults like to think of childhood as a carefree time with no worries and days filled with play, laughter, and contentment. Unfortunately, that is not true for all kids. Children are susceptible to the same emotional health issues and mood disorders that adults are. It is estimated that one out of five children and adolescents may have a mental disorder that needs to be treated. About one in 10 children has a serious emotional disturbance.

Therapy and counselling can help with many of these issues. Therapy can help children and adolescents who have problems, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, conduct disorder, and many other problems.

Signs to Watch in Children and Adolescents

If your child or adolescent is showing the following signs, it is important to make an appointment with a therapist or counsellor. Therapy can be very helpful to children and adolescents, especially if a problem is identified before it becomes worse.

Feelings of sadness and hopelessness that continue.
Anger and overreaction to certain situations is displayed.
Worry, anxiousness and fearfulness on a regular basis.
Preoccupied with physical illness.
Feeling that he is out of control and somebody else has control of his mind.
Loses interest in the clubs and activities he used to enjoy.
Grades at school go down suddenly.
Wants to be alone rather than with friends or family.
Has thoughts of suicide.
Can’t concentrate or focus.
Can’t make decisions.
Is unable to sit still.
Has nightmares on a regular basis.

Child/Adolescent Therapy Techniques

Play is essential to human growth, development, learning, and cultivating relationships. Play is our first language. Just as adults use words to communicate, children use play. When playing, we express thoughts and feelings that might otherwise remain hidden.

Play therapy is a powerful tool for addressing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional challenges in children. Licensed professionals therapeutically use play to help younger clients better process their experiences and develop more effective strategies for managing their worlds. Play therapy is used as a primary intervention or as supportive therapy for:

1. Behavioral issues caused by bullying, grief and loss, divorce and abandonment, physical and sexual abuse, and crisis and trauma.
2. Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, academic and social impairment, physical and learning disabilities, and conduct disorders.

Research suggests Play Therapy is an effective mental health approach, regardless of age, gender, or the nature of the problem, and works best when a parent, family member, or caretaker is actively involved in the treatment process.

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