Hi Moms and Dads,
If you are here, you may be questioning whether your child might need or benefit from therapy, or perhaps you are already ready to begin finding a therapist for your child.
I see children struggling with gender-identity or whom are gender/sexuality questioning, who feel they have a hard time “fitting in”, or who have experienced a specific trauma.
Lets start with the basics!
Does my child need therapy?
Well, the truth is that therapy, or having a consultation session with a therapist, can’t hurt! If you are concerned, having a skilled clinician address and explore an issue with your child can only be beneficial. In other words, bringing up the ‘elephant in the room’ isn’t going to make it worse. It is instead the first step to healing and resolution.
While sometimes, addressing things in therapy can be difficult, it is ultimately a path toward helping your child.
I have experience with children ages 5 through adolescence with focuses on the LGBTQIA community, deep-feelers, as well as children who have had traumatic experiences. I often utilize play therapy, EMDR, and art therapy. As a trained trauma therapist, I can work with your child through traumatic experiences, anxiety, and issues pertaining to depression. I utilize a wholistic approach and include parents and families in the work we do.
As a mother, I can sympathize with the endless worries that come with parenting. Having a kiddo who feels they are “different” from peers or don’t fit in is particularly heartbreaking. Our kids who are strong feeling , LGBTQIA (or questioning) need extra support, encouragement and opportunity to express themselves and be seen.
Here are some questions to ask if you are questioning whether or not your child might benefit from therapy:
- Is my child worrying constantly, to the point of being unable to engage in or talk about certain necessary day-to-day activities? (Such as school, going to sleep, eating, etc.?)
- Does my child complain often about stomach aches and/or headaches with no findings at the doctor’s office?
- Has my child experienced circumstances or witnessed an event that you feel may be troubling them? (divorce, a death in the family, an accident, etc.) Have you noticed changes in sleep, appetite, increased anxiety regarding separation from parents?
- Is my child struggling to talk about, understand or express him/herself? Do they struggle to feel that they “fit in”?
- Does my child express any gender or sexuality differences or questions? Do they express discomfort with themselves or notable self-consciousness?
- Has my child expressed thoughts of suicide or self-harm?
Parents, you know your children best, and you are their advocate. Therapists are just there to help along the way and support your ability to parent and raise a healthy, happy kiddo! Seeking therapy does not indicate that your child has a mental illness, or is requiring of a diagnosis— it also doesn’t mean you are a “bad” or inefficient parent, or are somehow failing your child! Sometimes, it’s just extra support, tools, coping and processing skills.
For questions or a consultation to better decide if your child might benefit from therapy, just send me a note!
