THE FRUSTRATION OF NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO
We want so much for our kids to feel happy, secure and carefree. Our entire purpose is to protect them from pain and suffering, and keep them innocent and optimistic about life as long as possible. But what do we do when our child seems to be struggling so hard and no matter what we do, we can’t seem to help them? It’s so painful as a parent to see them suffering and not know what to do, when the parenting books don’t seem to apply, when our kids just seem so stuck, miserable, angry, out of control. The family atmosphere becomes tense, everyone seems frustrated, we feel guilty as parents that we don’t know what to do, our kids turn in on themselves because they feel bad about getting in trouble so much or they turn their frustration outwards on us and rebel, argue, act out. You may be thinking now something’s gotta give, we can’t live this way anymore. You don’t have to. I’m so glad you found me, I can help.
Children
Let’s talk about how therapy can help if your child:
Seems anxious or worried a lot of the time.
Can’t seem to regulate their energy. They seem driven by a motor (the “Energizer bunny kid”), is having a hard time settling at night, struggling to focus at school, receiving lower grades than expected even though you know they are so bright.
Holds it together while in school or in public, but comes home and falls apart, crying and escaping, or arguing and acting out.
Experiences difficulty making friends, relating with peers, feels different and is often lonely, feeling rejected.
Has recently gone through something difficult, like moving away from friends, losing a loved one, or experiencing parental conflict or divorce.
Is exhibiting any other symptoms or behaviors that concern you and you’re not sure what else to do.
Appears angry, irritable, sad, doesn’t seem to be interested in some of the things they used to love. Maybe they are isolating themselves, making remarks that indicate they feel like no one cares about them or that they feel hopeless.
There is hope. I work individually with children and in partnership with parents to help your child:
Learn to identify core emotions in themselves and others.
Learn to recognize their unique physical signs associated with their emotions and stress responses.
Identify and take responsibility for the actions/behaviors they exhibit.
Learn a variety of coping skills including positive self-talk, thought challenging, physical relaxation, distress tolerance, problem solving skills, mindfulness, etc.
Learn how to handle worries and fears and gain increased confidence in the face of anxiety-provoking situations.
Gain increased self-esteem and become more confident in expressing themselves, and advocating for themselves in difficult social situations.
