At times, it can be difficult to unwrap a young person’s anxiety, pain, and distress, especially when it is buried deep inside them. During those times, a caregiver may be uncertain about next steps and they may need extra support and encouragement in navigating this new territory.
One of the most common questions that surfaces for parents and guardians is “Do you think therapy is the most appropriate next step for my child?” Following are a few questions to get you started:
Does your child experience:
- frequent feelings of unhappiness, sadness, tearfulness, anxiety, and hopelessness?
- changes in their sleep habits including difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep, nightmares, night terrors, and racing thoughts at bedtime?
- worries that make it challenging to make and keep friends, play, and learn?
- a tendency to isolate from friends and family and lack of willingness to share their thoughts and feelings?
- changes in eating habits including under- or over-eating while anxious?
Has your child:
- experienced or witnessed a traumatic event?
- experienced significant loss, such as a death in the family, divorce, loss of friendship?
- been falling behind in school due to emotional disengagement?
- engaged in harmful behavior toward themselves or others?
At Trovarti Counseling, Leila Erlandson, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, understands and relates to young people. She will walk alongside you and help navigate the therapeutic process. Leila will work closely with you to unwrap your child’s social, emotional, and behavioral challenges so you can determine the most thoughtful and holistic path toward healing. Leila celebrates the tenacity of young people and strives to encourage them to find strength in themselves.
Written by Leila J. Erlandson, MA, LMFT
Trovarti Counseling LLC 