Much like an untreated cold can lead to a more serious secondary infection, untreated emotional problems in children can lead to problems that are more complex and prove more difficult to treat later on. Its important to keep close tabs on your childs emotional health so that any problems he has can be resolved as quickly and effectively as possible.
How to know if your child needs help
When a child is in physical pain, the cause is often clear, and the treatment is often straightforward and specific. However, when a child is suffering emotionally, more often than not the cause is complex and the signs and symptoms are confusing. As a parent, it can be difficult to know when and how to reach out for help. Fortunately, there are signs to look for in both children and teens, such as:
Sudden drastic personality changes Severe mood swings Withdrawal/ refusal to talk to family members Difficulty socializing and making friends A loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Failing grades in school Negative self-talk, such as Im stupid, Im worthless, or I cant do anything right. Difficulty sleeping/ chronic nightmares Persistent anxiety Persistent irrational fears Frequent angry or hostile outbursts/ an inability to control anger
Some additional signs to watch for that are specific to teens include:
Sudden peer group changes Extreme secretiveness Persistent rebellious and/ or disrespectful behavior Experimentation with drugs or alcohol Self-destructive or dangerous behavior
If your child is exhibiting one or more of these signs, she may benefit from a professional evaluation by one of our trained therapists. He or she will help you determine the seriousness of your childs problems, and which steps to take next.
Why Choose InnerPath?
Children and adolescents dont think, reason, or communicate in the same way adults do. At InnerPath, we understand the unique needs of children and how best to effectively treat even their most serious behavioral and emotional problems. All of our counselors specialize in treating children and adolescents, and our clinic provides them with a comfortable, secure place to heal and grow.
We provide specialized treatment thats based on your childs individual personality and specific problems. Through the use of behavioral therapy and play therapy techniques, we build a comprehensive treatment plan that deals with your child as a whole, and treats both his behavioral symptoms and their underlying causes. Through careful guidance, we teach your child to use his natural strengths to help him overcome his problems.
We also understand the stress, confusion, sadness and anxiety parents and family members experience when a child suffers from emotional or mental problems. We dont just deal with a child we give parents, siblings and caregivers tools to help them cope, and to help the whole family heal.
We offer the following types of therapy for children and adolescents:
