Children can be prone to mental health issues as much as adults are. Although all children have emotional ups and downs, having concerning psychological hurdles can stand in their way of development. If children with emotions or behavioral problems are not taken care of, it can stand in their way of learning, growing, and appropriate behavior forming.

What is Child Counseling?

Similar to adult therapy, child therapy offers a safe space and empathic ear to children while providing them with tools to control their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Child therapy is an effective mode of treatment that can help your child.

Child therapy completely focuses on young children or adolescents. A child psychologist is a trained professional that helps children resolve conflict, understand their own thinking, and find new solutions to their daily life problems. Child therapists are experienced in understanding children and communicating with them on a level that children can easily understand. Child therapy puts great emphasis on making children understand what’s happening and that they are not alone.

At the same time, the therapist works with parents too so they can better understand what incites their child’s negative behavior. And most importantly what they can do to make their child’s condition better.

How to find a Child Therapist

If you are looking to find the perfect Child therapist it is crucial to make sure that they have the appropriate qualifications, knowledge and experience. At Expat Therapy 4U we only accept therapists who have full professional proficiency in English and are highly experienced in working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. The clinicians we approve share our values and commitment to provide high quality therapy to the expatriate community in the private sector across Europe and online worldwide. We strongly believe that therapy changes lives, and being accredited ensures all our therapists are qualified to a high standard. You can find a Child therapist who is insured to practice and accredited with a recognised membership body online here.

What can Child Therapy help with?

Child counseling focuses on dealing with a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems such as:

• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Behavioural Problems
• Conduct disorders
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Bullying
• Witnessing traumatic events
• Death of loved ones
• Parent’s divorce
• Relocation issues
• Emotional or physical abuse
• Addictions in the family
• Attachment disorders
• Trauma

How to know if your child needs therapy?

It is all too common for children to undergo tantrums, anxiety, and disciplinary issues, but usually, they can recover and it doesn’t have a huge impact on their behavior. But, a few signs can indicate that your child is suffering through something more serious. Here are a few common symptoms that your child needs therapy:

• Your child has problems in multiple areas of life. Family issues, academic performance, friendships, etc all seem to put a lot of pressure on your kid.
• They start feeling bad about themselves and are less confident in their abilities.
• Your child shows excessive worry and constant anxiety.
• They express hopelessness.
• Your child avoids social gatherings or is too worried about what other kids think of them.
• They shows signs of developmental delay or learning disabilities.
• Your child does not find activities enjoyable anymore, such as family, friends or playtime don’t interest them any longer.
• They show a significant change in sleeping and eating patterns.
• Your child talks about or engages in self-harming behavior.
• They have repetitive dangerous panic tantrums such as pulling one’s hair.
• Your child makes comments such as “I wish I was not here” or “nobody would care if I run away”

What to expect during a Child Therapy session?

Child psychologists work on developing a good relationship with the child. Often in scenarios of behavioral problems, children can develop a sense of resistance towards their parents. They may not share honestly with their parents about how they feel.

Child therapists can work on developing trust with a child so they can be completely open and honest with them. They can play a role as a friend for the child who can listen and help them deal with problems their parents could not resolve. Not only that, but a child psychologist also helps the child develop the necessary insight they need to face their issue.

Children are often not even aware of what they are suffering from. But when they share their feelings, it can play a big role in extracting necessary information about what causes their behavior.

You can expect the following roles of your child therapist:

• They research and practice on child adolescent behavior.
• They develop a trustworthy bond with the child so they can be completely open with them.
• Observe children and give valuable information regarding what causes their behavior. At the same time giving advice to parents on how their children can cope and be different.
• They can prescribe tests and perform diagnosis regarding these issues.
• They mostly deal with children having behavioral problems.
• Recognize and resolve any developmental barriers such as language.
• They focus on solving the child’s issues while at the same time putting emphasis on moral development as well.
• They work towards boosting self-esteem and solving other confidence related problems in children.

Another great thing about child therapy is that it is not limited to conventional ways of talk therapy. A therapist just doesn’t talk with the child to help them open up. To engage children,  your therapist might use the help of drawing, art, toys, or other similar things that can engage your child.

Why should you seek a Child Therapist?

The early childhood developmental years determine a lot about how a person will turn out to be in their adulthood. Some form of distress and worry is normal, but if your child is facing unresolved issues that are causing problems in their life, then it could mean that they are facing some deep-rooted issues and should be taken to a medical professional.

Child psychotherapy can teach your kids not only how they can deal with their problems but also how they can function in a better way. If you think that your child seems to be struggling, then you should consult a therapist so they can resolve inner conflicts and that it does not affect their lives in the future.

Find an Child Therapist through the Expat Therapy 4U platform

The truth is that a child himself doesn’t know the complexities of the situation they are facing emotionally and mentally, and a child psychologist is the best person who can help you and your child understand the current issue.

If you see abnormal behavior in you and don’t know how to help them anymore, then seeking a child therapist can help your child overcome any emotional issues and get back on track.

Further Readings on Child Therapy

https://theinternationalpsychologyclinic.com/services/child-psychologist-in-london/

https://positivepsychology.com/child-therapy/

https://www.therapytribe.com/therapy/child-counseling/

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/11-signs-your-child-may-need-a-therapist/

https://www.healthline.com/health/play-therapy#when-its-used