Child Therapy in Austin, TX & Claremont, CA
Do You Often Worry About Your Child’s Emotional Well Being?
Does your child seem anxious or depressed?
Have you noticed that your child is has been aggressive towards others, and seems increasingly frustrated or upset and withdrawn?
Is your child having trouble in school or struggling to make friends, or navigating a major change in their life?
As a parent, nothing is worse than seeing your child unhappy. Whether your child has been sad, anxious, angry, or even defiant, you may feel like you’ve already tried everything you can think of to help them. Now, you’re trying to figure out where to turn, and considering the benefits of therapy with a child psychologist.
If your child’s grades have been slipping, you might be wondering if they have Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or how other changes in their lives may be impacting their focus, and behaviors. Maybe you’re concerned that your child is suffering from a mental health condition that could be holding them back, and you know the benefits of early intervention.
Getting Through To Your Child May Be Challenging
If your child is struggling with their mental health, it may be difficult for them to express their thoughts and emotions clearly. You’ve likely tried to encourage them to open up, but don’t want to push too hard, especially if they don’t want to talk about it, or it seems to make things worse. You may not know exactly what’s wrong, or how to best support them. Parents often feel responsible, and wonder what else they can do to help.
I know from experience that parenting isn’t easy, especially when your child may need more support than you realized. Seeking help from a child therapist can provide that additional help during this crucial time.
I’m an experienced child psychologist who can teach your child age appropriate skills and coping tools to assist them in tackling the challenges they’re facing in daily life.
Have any questions about child therapy? Send us a message!
Today’s Kids Have A Very Different Childhood Than Their Parents Had
It’s easy to feel like you’re the only parent whose child is suffering from anxiety, depression, or another emotional or mental health issue. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, many parents are increasingly aware of, and worried about their children’s emotional well-being.
Just like adults, children often find it challenging to cope with the pressures of modern life. They often face intense academic and social demands at school, and are impacted by other issues such as loss, change, and trauma. In addition, even very young children are exposed to social media and compare themselves to expectations that are unrealistic.
The State Of The World Impacts Children’s Stress Levels And Anxiety
You probably do your best to protect your child from many of the harsh realities of the world. But in such a fast-paced society, we know that children worry about problems that are outside of their control. Learning how to cope with worries is a normal part of growing up, but persistent, extreme fears could turn into an anxiety disorder.
If your child’s mental health is suffering or you wonder if your child is facing a developmental challenge, therapy can really help. In our work together, your child will feel understood, learn how to regulate and express their emotions, and increase their sense of confidence. I have years of experience working with children to improve social skills, behavior challenges, and in processing difficult feelings.
With Therapy, Parents And Children Can Find Realistic Solutions
Choosing to reach out for professional support for your child can be tough, but it’s the best way to ensure they get the help they need. I always meet with parents initially before I start working with their children, so we can discuss your concerns, your child’s history, and develop goals for therapy.
I know you’ll want to ensure that your kid feels safe and comfortable during therapy sessions. That’s why I create a gentle, calm space in my practice where they have the freedom to explore their emotions in a child-friendly setting.
What You Can Expect In Child Therapy Sessions
I work with children of all ages and different stages of development. I’ll determine how to help them by tailoring their therapy session to their specific needs, activity preferences and our therapeutic goals.
Throughout the process, I’ll also check in regularly with you to ensure that you are seeing progress outside of therapy.
Customizing My Approach To Your Child’s Needs
It’s not unusual for kids to have trouble describing their emotions, particularly around difficult subjects. Because of this, I take a different approach to therapy for children than I do with adults. I provide a range of child-centered therapy opportunities that encourage kids to express themselves in ways that fit their comfort level, instead of putting pressure on them to tell me how they feel.
As an experienced child psychologist, I will also help them work on expressing their feelings in ways that they can feel good about. Your child will learn how to open up when they’re upset, rather than worrying, suppressing their feelings, or reacting aggressively.
I encourage parents to participate periodically in our therapy sessions, often in an effort to improve communication, or discuss new therapeutic techniques to try at home. Your support will help your child get the most out of therapy!
But You May Still Have Questions About Child Therapy…
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If your child doesn’t like the idea of talking to someone unfamiliar about their feelings or behaviors, that’s understandable. Depending on how old your child is, you could suggest going into therapy together, or being open to giving it a try. As a child psychologist who cares about making your child comfortable, I’ll do my best to ensure that their time with me feels positive. I provide a warm, friendly atmosphere that children tend to look forward to.
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It’s easy to blame yourself if your kid is struggling, and as parents, sometimes we just want an answer. My job is to understand your child’s behaviors and feelings in the context of what is going in their life. Since you are actively looking into solutions for your child, I imagine you are a caring, concerned parent. Kids are resilient, and they typically start feeling better with therapy that is geared toward them.
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It’s normal to feel concerned about the time commitment and costs of therapy. Consider shifting your perspective and looking at counseling as a long-term investment in your child’s well-being. Therapy can help them manage and share their feelings with you, and along the way, you’ll watch them bloom into a happier and more confident individual, which is priceless.
Help Change Your Child’s Life For The Better
If you believe that your child would benefit from therapy, consider scheduling a consultation with me. We can discuss whether I might be the right fit for your child, and how to move forward together towards their improved emotional well being.
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