Feeling an immense load of stress or negativity doesn’t only affect adults. Unfortunately, your children can go through traumatic experiences or suffer mental health issues, too. Parents will start to notice changes in their child’s behavior. If your love and support isn’t enough to help, you may want to consider putting them in therapy.
“It’s important to remember not to wait and see if they might get better on their own,” said Lakiah Bankston, a psychotherapist and self-care coach. “They usually don’t.”
There are some signs that may indicate that a child needs to go to therapy. Here’s how families can navigate it.
What Are The Signs?
Parents should pay close attention to any different pattern they see in their child. The need for therapy will depend on the situation and the child’s age.
“A few examples you might start to see are changes in how they’re doing in school [and] changes in their behavior,” Bankston told 21Ninety.
Those changes in school can include making poor grades or refusing to even go. You may also notice that your child is having trouble sleeping, concentrating or not socializing like they normally do.
“Self-harming or suicidal thoughts, or even frequently complaining about headaches or stomachaches can be signs,” Bankston said.
When looking for a therapist, find someone who specializes in the problem your child is having.
“Many therapists who work with children are trained in play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, anxiety treatment, [and more],” Bankston said.
Can Parents Force Therapy?
One of the tough realities of therapy is that some children may not be open to it.
“Legally, yes, a parent can make their child go to therapy,” Bankston said. “But, it can make it hard for that child to feel motivated to open up and get the help they need.”
She also warns this may depend on state laws and the severity of what a child is going through. She suggests communicating that you want to support them as much as possible. Be sure to talk with them and not at them.
“It’s best to have the conversation with them about their life,” Bankston said. “Talk about how therapy can help them in ways that you’re limited in,” Bankston said.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents don’t need to be aware of everything discussed in a child’s therapy session. Bankston believes this puts extreme pressure on your child.
“[It] can result in them not feeling safe enough to get what they need from therapy in the first place,” Bankston said.
Eventually children will volunteer that information if they want you to know. Although, there would be an exception if something posed a risk to your child or someone else’s safety. It is mandatory that therapists report that information.
“Any and all information between [a therapist] and their client is confidential, unless there is an extreme problem that needs to be addressed,” Bankston said.
Other than that, your child is entitled to the same privacy that you are.
“No matter what’s going on, be compassionate with your child and yourself,” Bankston said.
Benefits of Therapy
Bankston said the successful participation of therapy comes with many benefits for children. First, it gives them the tools to set and keep healthy boundaries. Additionally, they will learn how to accept and communicate their feelings in healthy ways. When they experience problems at different stages in their lives, they will understand how to resolve them. A child will also learn healthy coping skills. If you are looking for a therapist, Bankston offers a free guide that includes a list of professionals who may be in your area. She encourages families prioritize their mental health journey.
“Just don’t give up if you don’t find the right therapist for you on the first or second try,” Bankston said.