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Signs Your Child May Benefit From Therapy

Every child has hard seasons. Here's how to tell the difference between a normal rough patch and a struggle where a little professional support could help.

Kids don't usually say, "I think I need to talk to someone." Instead, stress shows up in their behavior, sleep, schoolwork and friendships. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone, so trust it if something feels off.

Common signs a child may benefit from therapy

Look for changes that are intense, last more than a few weeks, or get in the way of daily life at home, at school or with friends.

• Persistent worry or fear, such as avoiding school, activities or being apart from you.
• Frequent meltdowns or big emotions that are hard to calm, more than is typical for their age.
• Behavior changes at home or school: defiance, aggression, or pulling away.
• Changes in sleep or appetite that don't have a clear medical cause.
• Frequent stomachaches or headaches, especially before school, when a doctor has found nothing wrong.
• Trouble making or keeping friends, or being left out.
• Low self-esteem, such as "I'm stupid" or "Nobody likes me."
• Slipping grades or loss of interest in things they used to enjoy.
• Difficulty after a big change, such as divorce, a move, a new sibling, or a death in the family.

Teens may show stress through irritability, isolation, changes in friend groups, or spending much more time online.

When to get help right away

Don't wait if your child talks about wanting to die or hurt themselves, harms themselves, or seems unsafe. Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

What therapy looks like for kids

Therapy for children looks different from adult therapy. Younger kids often can't put feelings into words, so therapists use:

• Play and art to help children express what they can't yet say.
• CBT adapted for kids to help them notice and change worried or stuck thoughts.
• Calming skills such as breathing, grounding and mindfulness.
• Structure and coping plans that carry over into home and school.

Teens usually do more talking, with practical skills for stress, mood, relationships and decision-making.

How parents are involved

Your child spends one hour a week in therapy and the rest of the week with you, so parents are an important part of the process. Expect:

• Regular check-ins about progress.
• Guidance on how to respond to big emotions at home.
• Simple routines and strategies to practice between sessions.
• Family sessions when they would help.

Older children and teens also need some privacy in sessions so they can speak freely. A good therapist explains the limits of that privacy, especially around safety, to both of you at the start.

How to talk to your child about starting therapy

• Keep it simple and positive: "This is someone whose job is helping kids with big feelings."
• Avoid framing it as punishment or as something being "wrong" with them.
• Normalize it: lots of kids, and lots of adults, talk to someone.
• For younger kids, mention that sessions often include games and drawing.

Start with a free parent consultation

Child and teen therapy is available in person in Southfield or online throughout Michigan, with after-school evening appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The first step is a free call just for parents to talk about what you're noticing.