Individual Therapy and Counseling for Children
*Currently Providing Online Therapy in California*
From the parent’s perspective. . .
I don’t know why my child acts like this. Didn’t I raise them better than this? I thought that I taught them better than this. I try to understand what’s going on in their head, and maybe what could be making them act like this. But nothing makes sense! Why would they act like this? Their behavior can be so out of control sometimes. One minute they’re my sweet child that wants to be held when they fall down. Then the next minute, they’re a tornado of a child. I’ve tried everything. My child’s behavior really concerns me, and have no idea what to do next.
From the child’s perspective. . .
Everyone tells me I’m bad. I don’t want to be bad. I don’t mean or try to be bad. But, I feel like I can’t control it. Sometimes I do things that I don’t mean to. I say something bad or do something bad, but it’s not on purpose. It’s even like this when I try to be good! Sometimes, I really try my best. I try to remember what my parents told me to show that I’m behaving. And, I’ll feel like I’m doing really good! But no one likes anything I do. All I do is make the grown-ups around me angry. Sometimes, it makes me feel really bad about myself. And, I can feel confused sometimes. I’m treated differently by my teachers, parents, family members, and other grown-ups. I have really big feelings, and I have a hard time letting grown-ups know. I don’t think always feel like I’m wanted, and I have no idea what to do next.
If this dynamic sounds familiar, you could benefit from child therapy in San Diego, CA.
You’re frustrated or worried about your child’s behavior
The struggles with your child have been building up over time. At any point, you’ve been waiting for the volcano to erupt. It’s something you’re always hyperaware of- and this is draining. Or, it developed quickly and seemed to come out of nowhere. Your child wasn’t acting like before and it seems like there’s nothing to explain. You wonder if something happened that you don’t know about? Or, that maybe you missed something right in front of your face. You feel stressed out all of the time and unsure of what to do. In either circumstance, you’re constantly trying to find a way to help them. Constantly spinning your wheels in the snow to do the “best thing.” But you’re not sure that you even know what that means.
Before starting child therapy, many parents feel this way
You’re trying your best. You’re doing everything you think you should be doing. Undoubtedly, you love your 
child. Truly, you want the best for them. And, you want them to be happy. But, the stress, frustration, and worry eats away at you. There is constant worry and constant questioning…
“Why is my child doing this.”
“I don’t know how to help them.”
“What do I do now?”
Even though you may know your child the best, it might be difficult to understand the challenges they are experiencing. And, why they might respond to situations in certain ways. It is heartbreaking to see them struggle and not know how best to help them.
Common Reasons Parents Begin Child Therapy
It is true that all children are unique and express themselves in different ways. Each child has a unique story and experience that contribute to the behavior that our child displays. However, we have seen some common themes of behavior in child therapy. Some common behaviors we see in child therapy include:
- Experiencing frequent emotional outbursts
- School avoidance
- Processing feelings
- Working through trauma or upsetting events
- Complaining of feeling sick all of the time
- Irritability and angry outbursts
- Disruptive behaviors
- Coping skills for attention deficit disorders
- Social skill development
- Managing tics effectively
- Developing understanding and coping skills for spectrum disorders or other developmental disorders
Child Therapy in San Diego, CA Can Help
As a parent, you’re in a difficult place. You want to help your child in the best way you can, but you’re not sure what the best thing to do is. Luckily, this is where child therapy comes in handy. Our child therapists have worked with children having a variety of different experiences. Through our work together in child therapy, we can help your child navigate the emotions they’re experiencing. At the end of the day, your child’s happiness is the most important component in our work. Our greatest joy is helping them find their best self so that they can enjoy their childhood and you can enjoy parenting.
The Headway Therapy Approach to Child Therapy
From the moment you and your child walk through the door at Headway Therapy, you will be met with support and understanding. Child therapy is both supportive and inclusive of parents and caregivers. In addition, our child therapists see the value in bringing other important adults into child therapy. We know that some children benefit from having their teachers and other caregiver be part of the process. So, when necessary, we’re happy to include them in child therapy.
What to Expect for Your Child in Child Therapy
In child therapy, we personalize and tailor our approach to meet your child’s specific needs. Each child is different and needs different kinds of support. We acknowledge how hard it can be to parent children who are struggling. And, we also recognize how much you have likely tried already. Our initial goal is to meet with parents or primary caregivers so that we can best understand your child’s history and their experience. This provides a strong foundation for developing an appropriate treatment plan in child therapy. Typically, child therapy includes much play and art. Additionally, we’ll teach them behavioral strategies. The goal is to help them explore and verbalize their experiences, while also introducing and developing appropriate strategies or coping skills to help them navigate the challenges they face.
What to Expect as a Caregiver in Child Therapy
Parents and caregivers are an integral part of the treatment plan. You’re with them on a day-to-day basis and are often heavily involved in their life. What’s more, other caregivers and adults are involved in your child’s life. Through our experience of providing child therapy in San Diego, we know that the adult in a child’s life can have an impact on their development. With this in mind, we encourage participation in our process. We anticipate meeting every 6-8 weeks (more if necessary) to provide feedback for parents. And, to learn how your child is doing at home, at school, and with their friendships.
Online Therapy for Children in San Diego, CA
Currently, we are offering online therapy for children in San Diego, CA. Through online therapy in California, we are able to offer you quality therapy services anywhere you are in the state. With online therapy for children, you don’t have to factor in the travel time or extracurricular schedules when scheduling your appointments. Online therapy for children offers many unique benefits that traditional therapy lacks. First and foremost, safety! Parenting during a pandemic can be nerve-racking. Through our online platform, you don’t have to worry about having your children come in contact with additional germs that they don’t need to. So, whether you’re in Bakersfield, San Fransisco, or Sacramento, our child therapists are ready to offer your child quality services!
Begin Child Therapy in San Diego, CA
Your child does not have to struggle. Child therapy can help them express their emotions and experiences. Our Encinitas counseling practice has caring therapists who specialize in working with children. To begin child therapy, follow these simple steps:
- Contact Headway Therapy.
- Meet with one of our expert child therapists.
- Help your child feel better.
Additional Services at Headway Therapy
Therapy for children is not the only service we offer in our Encinitas therapy group. Other mental health services at Headway Therapy include treatment for depression and mood, anxiety treatment, premarital counseling, marriage counseling, grief therapy, therapy for teens, therapy for infertility, therapy during pregnancy and postpartum therapy. We look forward to hearing your story!