Child and youth therapy is different than adult therapy since it is tailored to the specific developmental needs of young people. The goal of child and youth therapy is to help children and teens learn how to cope with their mental health issues. In addition, they learn to strengthen their social skills and develop a sense of self-worth in a safe environment.
When children and teenagers are dealing with problems, it can be hard for them to express themselves. They don't have the same emotional maturity as adults, so they can't always identify their feelings. Therefore, a counsellor needs to be able to consider all of their behaviours, including their emotions and actions, in order to understand what might be bothering them. So, if you think that your child is experiencing complicated feelings they can't accurately express, therapy can help. Here are some common signs to look out for.
Social Withdrawal
If your child is displaying uncharacteristic social withdrawal, they may be experiencing challenges such as bullying, domestic violence or self esteem issues.
Lingering Sadness
Sadness is commonly one of the most noticeable signs that something is wrong. If your child is experiencing persistent sadness, there may be a deeper issue.
Anger & Aggression
Children are often unable to articulate their feelings or explain what is going on with them. This can lead to them feeling frustrated, angry and aggressive.
Dropping Grades
Distressed or struggling children and teenagers may start to neglect their school work or have difficulty focusing which can negatively impact their grades.
Difficulty Focusing
It is normal for children to be distracted, but persistent difficulties with concentration can indicate concerns such as ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, depression, and more.
Moodiness
Mood swings are common, especially in teenagers, but if they are so extreme that they are unable to function normally at school or home, it may be cause for concern.
Sleep Issues
If your child is sleeping too much, having trouble sleeping, or having frequent nightmares, it may be a sign that they are experiencing mental health issues.
Dietary Changes
If you notice that your child is suddenly engaging in unhealthy eating habits such as binging, purging, or starving themselves, it’s important to seek help from a professional.
Bullying Issues
Bullying is when someone targets another person repeatedly over time by using insults, threats or physical violence. It can happen face-to-face or online. Many children and teenagers experience bullying in school, and it can leave them feeling powerless, lonely, and anxious. Therapy can help children and teenagers cope with these feelings, develop the skills to manage their emotions, develop resilience and recognize the signs of bullying in other people so that they can avoid becoming a target themselves.
Family Situations
Children and teenagers may develop mental health issues when they experience persistent stressors in the home. In many cases, they absorb and experience the same mental health issues observed in the adults of the home including anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and grief. Additionally, domestic violence, divorce, and sibling bullying are other common contributors to mental health issues in children and teenagers.
The effects of these stressors can be devastating to children and teenagers who are trying to cope with their own feelings while also absorbing the feelings of others around them. It is important for parents to understand how their behaviour affects their children in order to avoid creating a negative environment at home. Therapy is often necessary to help children and teenagers process and interpret their feelings about these stressful situations and to help them develop healthy coping skills that can be used throughout life.
Children & Youth Therapists
Virtual & In-Person
Joel Brooks
Registered Psychologist
$220 per hour
Location:7015 Macleod Trail SW #400, Calgary, AB T2H 2K6
Joel works with adults and youth living with anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, emotional dysregulation, lack of self-control, developmental & adjustment concerns, and more.
