As children and adolescents grow, they learn emotional intelligence and social skills that help them to lead healthy, happy lives. Some children and adolescents, however, also develop mental health issues that negatively affect their behavior, emotions, and overall well-being. The issues could stem from a specific event, like divorce, the birth of a new sibling, the death of a pet, physical or sexual abuse, or moving to a new home. Other issues could develop naturally and over time.
As a parent, you might feel like you don’t know your child anymore. Maybe they seem depressed, angry, or withdrawn. Perhaps they’re complaining of stomachaches, headaches, having a tough time sleeping, and not wanting to go to school, and there’s nothing medically wrong. Their disruptive behaviors could be negatively impacting school and friendships.
Through adolescent and child counseling, your family members will learn to enjoy each other again. At OptimalLife Wellness, our child counselors provide therapy for children and adolescents aged 5 and older who face difficulties at school, home, or with friends. We also offer Parent Training & Coaching for parents with kids of all ages to help you be the best parent you can be.
In particular, the tween and adolescent years of childhood can be an emotional time for many kids and their families. Often, parents feel at a loss at how to reach this stranger their child has become. The old communication methods of getting through to your child and/or changing behaviors often don’t work anymore.
Behavior changes are sometimes due to hormonal shifts and increased peer pressure from peers and school. At other times, older kids may have surly, irritable moods and changes in behavior that suggest more serious underlying issues. Depression in kids often looks different than in adults; kids appear more restless and irritable than sad.
Kids often don’t have the words to express how they are feeling and what they are struggling with. They act out to communicate their distress to you, their parent.
At OptimalLife Wellness, our child therapists have been specially trained to work with children, adolescents, and their families on issues ranging from ADHD to depression to anxiety to divorce—as well as a variety of issues that impact today’s tweens and adolescents. We also offer specialized treatment for teen survivors of sexual assault and other abuse.
Serving the Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Seattle areas, OptimalLife Wellness is here to help your child heal. Contact us for a quick and easy conversation with our scheduling coordinator, who will match your child and their needs with one of our child therapists. Together, we will help your child learn how to become their best selves.
