In some cases, there may be no events at all that you can tie a child’s problems too; you watch as your once happy youngster becomes withdrawn, angry, anxious or tearful for no apparent reason.
Children, especially teens, can be moody, but if your parental instincts are telling you something serious may be wrong, trust them. Therapy can help if your child is suffering from:
- Learning or attention deficits (such as ADHD)
- Depression or sadness that lasts more than a day or two
- Behavioral problems at home or school ( bedwetting, over-sensitivity, crying or eating disorders)
- Aggression (fighting, destroying property or hurting other people or animals)
- Loss of interest in activities she once enjoyed
- Unexcused school absences or tardiness
- Custody arguments or a change in visitation schedules
- Severe and frequent mood swings
- Insomnia or frequent sleeping
- Developmental delays (walking, talking or toilet training)
- Chronic or serious illness
- Being bullied by peers
- Withdrawing or self-imposed isolation
- A severe drop in grades
- Eating significantly more or less (especially in adolescents)
- Signs of drug or alcohol use (red eyes, erratic behavior, a change in dress or social circles)
- Physical complaints despite a clean bill of health (headaches or stomachaches)
- Grief
- Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
My working with children dates back to when I was a former children’s social worker and school counselor in California in 2006. My experience allowed me to grow a passion for working with children, adolescents and young adults. Working as a high school counselor is where I focused on helping children and adolescents whose emotional symptoms interfered with school performance and family relationships. My ultimate goal is to help children or adolescents learn how to cope with life’s stressful issues that may also impede and affect them academically, emotionally and socially.