Sometimes we know our kids are going through something and we’re not sure how to help. Often we can identify what may be bothering them; a recent separation or divorce, a family member or loved one is ill, a new school etc. However, other times we simply see the aftermath such as: disruptive or misbehavior from them. Children and adolescents often demonstrate how they feel through acting out rather than talking about what’s going on. Either way, it may be time to seek professional help.

Common changes include:

• Irritability, anger, or hostility.
• Tearfulness or frequent crying.
• Withdrawal from friends and family.
• Loss of interest in activities that used to give them pleasure.
• Poor school performance.
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
• Falling grades
• Bad attitudes
• Frequent outbursts
• or even physical symptoms such as stomach issues and headaches.

With children and adolescents, it can be challenging to discern whether they are experiencing normal coming of age angst or if what they are feeling is indicative of significant stress. Oftentimes negative behavior changes indicate that something is wrong. During this time they might even try pushing those closest to them away, when in fact; their families could be a great foundation for support during this difficult time. Children and adolescents often state they feel alone and misunderstood and that is the reason they push those closest away.

It’s too scary to let people see them vulnerable and open up about what is bothering them. That’s where the therapists at Heart and Home Counseling can help. One of the primary goals of therapy is helping them to understand the connections between what they are feeling and how they are acting. By doing so, it allows them to practice healthy expressions of themselves rather than acting out.

We encourage and support by giving them the freedom of a safe space to share and the time they need to work through feelings they might not understand or have ever examined closely before. As they continue to practice expressing and examining their feelings, they will begin to connect their feelings and actions rather than redirecting their pain towards others. We will help them to develop effective strategies to cope with and resolve the overwhelming feelings that they are struggling with.

Our goal with our Children/Adolescents Counseling is to help your child find a safe place to feel and heal. We can help your child identify and give voice to their feelings, express them appropriately and learn to cope better. Finally, we aim to strengthen the bonds between parent and child so that you become or remain their safe place and we are no longer needed.