What Does A Pediatric Counselor Do?
A pediatric counselor or therapist treats children and teens dealing with mental health challenges. Children are not immune to stress or other environmental factors that can affect mental health. Even young children can experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health related issues. Pediatric therapists work to help children become mentally and emotionally stable and happy.
A pediatric counselor may use different modalities to treat young children, such as play therapy and art therapy. Typically, they require parental input and participation, so that counselors can teach parents skills to help their children. A pediatric behavioral therapist will take a history of the child’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in different settings. The earlier mental health counseling is provided, the better the child’s chances are of preventing long term effects on their well-being.
Children and teens can have mental health disorders which interfere with the way they think, feel, and act. Some behavior problems are attributable to normal child development, while some will require professional help. When mental health issues are persistent, severe, or affect daily activities, a mental health therapist should be consulted. Untreated mental health disorders can lead to failure in school, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide. The key to a positive outcome is seeking help early.
The following behaviors may indicate that a child needs a pediatric therapist.
Spending the majority of his or her time alone, instead of with family or friends
Declining grades or interest in school
Hyperactive, impulsive, or has trouble concentrating
Often worried, fearful, or sad
Not interested in things they previously enjoyed
Dramatic changes in sleep or appetite
Overly aggressive toward others, or self-destructive
Mental health therapy for children or teens can be very successful in addressing mental health issues. Sessions can include role-playing to build new interpersonal skills, practicing relaxation to build coping skills, talk therapy either individually or with family members, and art activities and therapeutic games to encourage expression. A pediatric therapist may provide supplemental reading material or homework activities like journaling between sessions; or practicing new skills or activities together as a family.
Teenagers can feel intense pressure as they adjust to physical changes, social challenges, phase of life issues, family issues, grief and loss, or trauma. When a teen shows symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems, a therapist for depression and anxiety can help support the teen and the entire family trying to heal, communicate, learn, and create boundaries.
It may not always be obvious when a child is struggling emotionally; but recognizing the symptoms and seeking effective mental health therapy early are important for the long-term health of children and teens. Mental health is as important as physical health, and a pediatric therapist can help your child resolve issues and make changes that will lead to wellness. Gypsy Leaf Counseling can help your teen deal with social skills and communication deficits, depression, trauma, anxiety, autism, ADD/ADHD, low self-esteem, and many other mental health issues. I firmly believe that struggles can make you stronger in the long run. If you are in need of a pediatric therapist in the Cochise County area, please get in touch below!