Children

Do you recognize some of these behaviors in your child?

• Crying and whining
• Arguing and yelling
• Hitting, biting, scratching or breaking things
• Not wanting to go to school
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Seems to lack friends, or has friends who do not value you child

Are you confused or worried about what to do?  Maybe they will grow out of it.  But, what if they don’t?  You might be worried that you are not the best person to deal with or confront these issues.  I believe just the fact that you have noticed, makes you the best person to be proactive with your child.

Benefits of Therapy

• Decrease in acting out or aggressive behaviors
• Reduction in anxiety
• Increase in school performance
• Improved self esteem
• Increase in social and emotional adjustments
• Increase in self responsibility, self reliance and motivation
• Making better choices and owning them

Please, call me if you have concerns about your child, or you think that your child can benefit from therapy.

When you talk with your child about coming for therapy, be honest.  Many kids have called me the “worry doctor”.  While I am not a doctor, I do help kids with their concerns.  I find it is helpful to explain the following to your child the day of the appointment:

“Sometimes when we feel sad, mad, scared or just feel mixed up, we go to someone who can help sort out our worries.  You won’t be alone.  I am coming with you.  We will meet Miss Debbie together.  I hear that she is fun and has lots of toys in her office.”

Staying positive and giving a brief explanation like this usually helps before the first visit.

Read this article for additional information about choosing the right therapist.