Will Going To Therapy Make the Situation Better or Worse ?

Posted on: Monday, February 6th, 2012 In: Blog

I spoke to a mom recently who has a daughter that is struggling with anxiety about going to school. The girl had been having issues with her friends and seemed more introverted than usual. The family had never been to therapy and wondered if it would help or hurt the situation. The mom seemed awfully concerned about her daughter but was also worried about the possibility that therapy could make the situation worse. She wanted my opinion as to how she should handle the situation. Needless to say, I conveyed that speaking with someone about her daughter’s anxiety was the right choice. I believe that many other parents who are wavering with the same question could benefit from this article as well.

Children who are suffering with anxiety and having trouble with their daily activities can benefit tremendously from the proper guidance and support from a trained psychologist, social worker, or psychiatrist depending upon what their individual needs are.

When a child has a stomach ache or their throat hurts, doesn’t it make a parent feel better to go to the pediatricians office and get it checked out? Even if it turns out to be nothing, you feel relieved to know that the belly ache was just gas and the strep culture was negative and there is nothing to worry about. It’s the same thing when it comes to taking your child for therapy. Being pro-active and giving your child a safe place to talk about their feelings and learn how to manage them is extremely beneficial.

Have you ever heard the expression, “things get worse before they get better”? Initially when sharing what is bothering you or your child, you may feel “exposed” and feel like- Why did I even bring this up in the first place, it would have gone away on its own! But usually those feelings don’t go away. Sitting with unhappiness, and sadness is uncomfortable and unnecessary. Children need to be comfortable talking about what is bothering them so you can work together to make things better.

Sometimes telling mom or dad isn’t so easy! You may be thinking… it’s me , my child can tell me ANYTHING. Well many times that is not the case. Children, especially as they reach adolescence, may be hiding things that they would feel more comfortable talking to a neutral party about.

Kid’s find it very helpful when speaking to someone who has experience dealing with other kids that have similar problems. It’s a relief to hear that they aren’t the only ones feeling the way they do. Hearing about positive outcomes and solutions makes a child hopeful that they can get to a better place too.

Many times parents disagree about how they should handle a situation with their child. Dad may be the strict one, while mom may be the softy , so a division is formed that is often felt by their child This can be very difficult on a marriage when this happens. When a family goes to a therapist, that third party is giving a professional opinion based on the child’s needs which helps mom and dad to learn to be on the same page. This makes things in the home much more manageable!

Things suddenly come up in life. A divorce, argument, death, a problem as school, or with a friend. All of the sudden you are in a position where you wish you had a therapist you can call and turn to, someone who knows you and someone you trust. Having this person on speed dial is very handy!

Yes, at first it is difficult to muster up the courage to make that initial phone call, but once your appointment is made you and your child are finally on the road to feeling better because you are going to get the help your family truly needs.