6 Signs Your Child Needs To See A Therapist in Coquitlam

Changes in your child's behavior might make you wonder, "Does my child need therapy?" These changes can occur after a difficult event or seemingly out of nowhere. Regardless of the cause, it's important to pay attention, as they could be signs that your child could benefit from child and teen counselling in Coquitlam. Here are six signs to look out for:

#1 Defiant Behaviors

​One prominent sign that your child might benefit from counseling is if they display defiant behavior, whether at home or elsewhere. This could include being more argumentative, complaining often, and becoming defensive, even in response to minor requests or conversations. Pay attention to these reactions, especially if they occur more frequently. Often, this behavior indicates your child's silent cry for help, even if they're not aware of it.
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In school and extracurricular activities, talk to teachers and other parents who interact with your child regularly. Share your concerns with them and encourage them to report any instances of unusual defiance displayed by your child.

#2 Usual Interests and Habits

Similar to changes in behavior, deviations in your child's daily habits and preferences can also indicate a need for counseling. Significant changes in eating habits, sleep patterns, and personal interests are noticeable and often meaningful. If these changes persist for more than two weeks, consider scheduling an assessment with your child's doctor. They can offer guidance if they suspect emotional stressors are the underlying cause.

#3 Excessive worrying and sadness

​Excessive apprehension and melancholy are arguably the most obvious and tangible indicators that your child may need help beyond what you can provide. While some level of apprehension and melancholy can be considered normal, especially during transitional phases and life changes, when these feelings grow disproportionately and start to overwhelm your child's psyche, it warrants closer scrutiny.

#4 Regression

​It's common for children to experience regressions after major life events like the arrival of a new sibling or parental divorce. However, when regressions occur without an apparent cause, it's worth closer attention. Here are several common regressions that might indicate a need for counseling:

1. Bedwetting (in children who were previously dry at night)
2. Frequent temper tantrums
3. Separation anxiety and clinginess
4. Excessive fearfulness and shyness
5. Reverting to using baby talk or infantile language

#5 Isolation

​If you notice your child withdrawing socially, it's another sign that warrants closer attention to their emotional state. Often, when children are dealing with sadness or anxiety, they withdraw from social interactions and become more inward-focused. If this behavior becomes frequent and hinders their relationships with others, it suggests that it might be more than just a passing phase of sadness. This is especially true if your child is not typically reserved or introverted.
Not sure how social withdrawal might manifest in a child? Here are three signs of emotional distress:

1. Eating meals alone
2. Avoiding playdates and group activities
3. Showing a strong reluctance to leave the house for any reason

#6 Contemplation of Self-Harm

​Finally, if your child expresses thoughts or feelings of self-harm, immediate intervention is crucial. Sometimes, this might be subtle, showing signs of despair and isolation. However, it can also be explicit, such as talking about suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-injury.
While suicidal thoughts and self-harm might seem extreme in younger children, it's important to recognize that expressions of self-harm can take various forms. Hitting oneself, banging one's head against objects, and cutting one's skin are all signs of self-harm in young children. If you notice any of these behaviors, seek child and teen therapy in Coquitlam. promptly.