Child counsellinginvolvestherapyto assess the issues that the child is experiencing. The process of child counselling involves the assessment of the child, parents, their school environment, their temperament, habits, likes-dislikes and psychometric tests. This helps inidentifying the problemhenceproviding the best possible solution.Parental counselling is also conductedalong with the child for professional tips and adviceto deal with their child.
It is important to be aware of whereand whenyourchild acts out especially ifbehaviours are out of place in certain situations. Homelifesuch asfamily dynamicscanimpact the behaviour ofa child.The behaviour of a childcan alsodramatically changeduring times of emotional stressespecially if these stresses are associated with major life changes. This can be when they aremoving to a new houseor losing a loved one. Over time,the child’sbehaviour would usuallyimprovehoweversomechildrenhavemore trouble adjustingcompared toothers.
A shift in interests and habits such as withdrawal and loss of interest from any activities in which the child was very interested can show that there may be underlying reasons for their mental wellbeing. These can besymptoms of depression.It isessentialduring this periodto determine if the disinterest ismood-related or merelyfatigue from engaging in that favoured activity.Ifa childusuallyenjoysartbuthas beenactivein art projectsfrequentlyfor the past two or more months, he/shemay just be tired ofengaginginartactivities.There can be several underlyingfactorsin which a professional can further assess the shifts in habits and interests
Regression can vary however children would act in a younger or needier way including more tempertantrums, sleepingor eating difficulties or reverting to more immature ways of talking.
Regressions are common when any major life changes take place in the home such as a new sibling is born or when divorce occurs.When adivorce occurs within the child’s family, it can bedistressing for a child aschildrenoften blame themselvesforthe situationas a resultthese childrenfeel unlovable. A child having thento choose between parents cancausethe child tofeel uneasy, anxious, andguilty,especiallywhenthey have to decide whothey want toresidewith.Additionally, childrenwhosedecisionsoften do notalignwith their parents or siblings often feel sad, confused, distressed, and overwhelmed.
On a positivenote, childcounsellors can teach children, who are going through or who have gonethrough a divorce how to cope with their conflicting and confusing feelings through a wide range of techniques, such as deep breathing, art or music therapy, positive self-talk, journaling, exercising, and talking to a trusted friend or relative about their feelings and thoughts.
If your child or teen spending more time in their room and not reaching out to family or friends, this is another sign that they may need to get some extra support. Whilesome children maywant a little downtime to themselves, too much alone time can exacerbate depression.
Not sure what social isolation may look like as a child? Here are a few ways that children socially isolate when they are upset:
Eating lunch alone
Avoiding playdates and other social activities
A lack of desire to leave the house for any reason
If a child is displaying more heightened distress, frequent crying, sadness, anger, irritability, agitation, or not engaging in previously enjoyable activities this may also signal there are mental health issues that a psychologist could help with. Other things to be aware of are:
Change in sleeping patterns may mean a child may be feeling anxious or depressed. Perhaps the child is having trouble falling asleep due tocertain stresses or concern
Headbanging
Repeated biting, hitting or kicking
If your childshows any feelings or ideas of self-harm, it is important that you seek help for themurgently.This can present itself subtly with hints of hopelessness andloneliness.Otherwise, it can bemuch more direct and can beknownwiththe presence of suicidal thoughts and cutting.
While suicidal thoughts and cutting may seem extremefor younger children, it is important to note that feelings of self-harm can be expressed invariousways. Hitting oneself, banging one’s head against somethingordigging nails into the skinaresigns of self-harm. If younoticeanyof these behaviours,acknowledge them andseekprofessional assistancefor your childimmediately.
Here are moresignsthat a child may require child counselling
Counselling for children is important especially if they are experiencing any of the above symptoms.Child counsellors are certified mental health specialists with an expert to deal with children. They know how to attend to a child and identify what’s wrong with them. They are trained to go deep inside the mind of children and find the problematic area.It is also an opportunity for the child to learn to regulate their emotions and understand the connection between their feelings and behaviour in order to have more control over them.
The therapist develops a relationship of trust with the child allowing the child to freely express themselves,gain awareness and understanding of the inner-self.This can help the child inthe longrunwith:
Decrease of anxiety and depression.
Development of a healthy sense of self
Increase of social competencies
If you notice any signsor symptomsshown above, please seeking online professional help for the benefit of your child, especially during times of Covid. Please rest assured as our professionals are here to help you! If you would like to consult or connect with a professional feel free to download our Cyber Clinic app on theApple Storeor onGoogle Play. You may also head tohow it workson how to download the app. Our practitioners offer Medicare rebates.
Feeling better starts by talking to someone. We give you access to online support that can help you feel better. Our therapists can help you manage problems with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, eating disorders, child counselling and much more.
The first step towards the new you is by downloading the Cyber Clinic app through the Apple or Google Play store. Explore our online mental health treatment and connect with professionals that can really help.
Take our short quiz so we can learn more about you and find out what areas in your life we can help you with.
Asking for help from a stranger is difficult, our app is built to help connect you with psychologists and counsellors that understand your specific needs and are more likely to connect with you personally.
Book your consultation with a therapist you’ve been matched with and take your first step towards a healthier, happier you