Is Your Child Struggling With Worry Or Self-Doubt?

Is your child overcome by worry? Perhaps they anticipate that something will go wrong. Or, maybe they seem painfully lonely. They may express fears, like no one likes them.

Perhaps there was a time when your child loved school, but now they dread going. They may even fake sick or come up with other excuses to avoid school and other social activities. Morale and motivation may seem sorely low. It’s possible they’ve stopped engaging in activities that used to bring them joy.

Or, maybe they’ve become so focused on school work they continually ask teachers for feedback or insist on retaking tests multiple times. You may find that no matter how much you praise them for their hard work and success, they continue to feel inadequate.

It may seem like no matter what you try, nothing helps your child feel better. It’s possible that you feel pulled in different directions. On the one hand, you want to push them so they learn coping skills. On the other hand, you don’t want to see them suffer.

Do you wish your child possessed the skills needed to deal with daily pressures? Would you like to see them thrive socially and academically and feel good about themselves?

Anxiety In Children Is More Common Than You Think

All children worry. Being afraid of the dark or making friends in a new school are typical concerns for children. However, if the anxiety interferes with your child’s day-to-day life, there may be something more going on.

Your child is not alone in their anxiety. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, nearly 32 percent of adolescents experience an anxiety disorder. The median age for the onset of this disorder is 6 years old, making early detection critical.

There are several potential culprits to child worry. Moving to a new city, starting at a new school or transitioning from grade school to high school can create stress. All of these changes lead your child constructing a new way of life. If there is turmoil in the family or you and your spouse are going through a divorce, your child may be fearing what happens next.

The good news is that anxiety counseling can teach your child to cope with daily stressors and overcome fears. With reduced anxiety, your child can feel confident and happy.

Child Anxiety Treatment Can Help Your Child Thrive

Therapy can be incredibly effective in teaching your child how to self-soothe and maintain balance and calm. Through proven techniques, your child will once again feel confident in themselves, setting them up for a brighter, more successful future.

During our first session, you and I will meet privately so I can understand your concerns and what’s bringing you into therapy. We’ll discuss the symptoms you’re witnessing and the ways your child is coping, which oftentimes looks like avoiding responsibilities. Then, I’ll meet one-on-one with your child to understand how they view their obstacles and stressors. From there, we’ll devise a therapy plan that is specifically tailored to address your child’s needs.

As a child anxiety therapist, I am here to support your child and help them understand and overcome daily pressures. Throughout this journey, we will walk, step-by-step, until your child experiences relief. Here, your child can learn how to respond to stressful situations in new, healthier ways. Using evidence-based stress reduction techniques, like deep-breathing and positive self-talk, your child can begin to experience more ease and calm.

Throughout this work, we may also draw on techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT treatment is designed to help your child understand thoughts that lead to troubling emotions. When your child is aware of what triggers their distress, they are then more prepared to respond and cope with upsetting situations.

With 15 years’ experience as a school social worker, I have the skills and tools necessary to help you, your child and family overcome debilitating stress. I am confident that therapy can set your child up for success—now and down the road.

You may still have questions or concerns about child anxiety treatment…

What if my child is just shy?

You know your child the best. It may be that your child wasn’t always worried, but their recent behavior makes you wonder if something bigger is simmering beneath the surface.

If you have a gut feeling that your child is struggling, you shouldn’t ignore that intuition. Getting help now can prevent symptoms from worsening or turning into depression. Seeking out help is a sign that you are a wise, proactive parent who wants the very best for your child.

Does going to therapy mean I’m a bad parent?

Absolutely not. In fact, reaching out for help proves that you are perceptive to your child’s needs. Anxiety in children can often lead to adolescent and teen depression, which increases the risk of adult anxiety and depression disorders. For that reason, getting help early on is critical for your child to mature in a healthy way.

You love your child very much, and you want to help them succeed no matter what. Child anxiety treatment does not need to be scary or overwhelming, rather, it will offer your child a new way of life.

My child doesn’t want to come to therapy.

Having worked with many children, I can say that most kids build a rapport with me quickly. Once you and I have met, I will meet with your child one-on-one. During our introductory meeting, I will be at their eye level so they do not feel intimidated. After a fun ice breaking exercise, your child and I will spend time just getting to know each other. I am extremely comfortable working with ambivalent or reluctant children, and most kids can sense that.

Your child may take comfort in knowing that they are not alone—other kids worry, too. Most kids know that there’s something they want to change or improve. Anxiety therapy simply provides a fast track to a more enjoyable, connected, relaxed life.

Your Child Can Thrive

If you would like to learn more about child anxiety treatment, please call me at 307-214-7592 for a free 20-minute consultation. I’m happy to speak more about how childhood anxiety can support your child and family.