Child Counselling is often neglected by some parents which may lead to greater difficulty at a later stage. Children are one of the greatest gifts entrusted to us to nurture and care for them. There has been a greater need for child counseling in recent times as there has been a surge in the issues faced by children.
With the increasing boon of technology, there comes a greater danger of falling prey to cyberbullying and online predators. Many children undergo trauma and separation from their parents. They might be scared by the demise of their loved ones, or any kind of abuse. This could take a toll on the mental health of children and if you approach a Child Counsellor, it would help the child to a great extent to overcome such difficulties.
ANJ Therapy is a dependable Child Counsellor in Sydney. We provide a safe environment to reach out and interact with children in dire need of support. We have the knowledge, experience, and skills to make a significant difference. Children between the age group 7 to 12 can benefit from our counselling services. And teen counseling sessions are also offered. Specialist child counsellor assists kids in overcoming the issues faced and gaining improved skills for a healthy upbringing.
When you should consider Child Counselling?
Any child influenced by symptoms such as those listed below can seek the help of a Child Counsellor to overcome it.
- Abuse, trauma, or neglect
- Adoption
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Behavioral problems (such as aggression, defiance, oppositional and controlling behaviors)
- Bereavement and Loss
- Bullying
- Depression
- Disabilities including Autism and Developmental Delays
- Divorce and separation
- Eating disorder
- Giftedness
- Learning Difficulties
- Obsessive behaviors
- Self-harm and suicide ideation
- Separation anxiety
- Shyness and clinginess
- Sibling Rivalry
Child therapy is crucial because it gives the child the chance to learn how to control their emotions and grasp the link between their emotions and actions, giving them more control over their actions. Therapy for children encourages An improvement in confidence and self-worth. decrease in depression and anxiety.
How is a Child counseling session done?
Creating a secure place for the kid to explore and express their struggles is the first step in effective child counseling. Some children fail to verbally describe what is happening to them. There may be additional obstacles as well as the fact that they do not yet have the necessary language.
The couple and family specialists are trained in methods to aid in the identification and treatment of children’s problems. To prevent children from receiving an incorrect diagnosis and to guarantee that they benefit as much as possible from their child therapy sessions, a cautious, sensitive, and patient approach is also crucial.
Children’s minds are like sponges, soaking in everything that is around them. Children who have positive childhood experiences develop positive views on life, whereas those who have negative experiences develop negative attitudes. Child counseling is crucial in helping children develop rational thoughts and break harmful attitudes.
At our child counseling session, main objectives of ANJ therapy are:
- To create a safe and secure environment to express themselves freely
- To help in identifying the root cause of the problems faced and resolving them
- To help children develop problem-solving skills and emotional regulation skills to form healthy coping mechanisms.
- To help in learning to cope and work on developmental delays and learning disabilities.
- To equip children to adapt to different situations
What are the Steps Involved in Counseling Sessions?
The first session is always between the child and the counselor with the assistance of either parent to establish a rapport. In the session, the counselor assesses the child and analyses the difficulties faced by him/her
The counselor may then consult with parents or other caregivers and offer advice on how to handle the situation involving their child. This is done occasionally with the child there and occasionally not. Depending on the child’s age, our counselors may work one-on-one with the youngster, however, this is less typical than working with parents.
The evaluation procedure focuses on a thorough history of the child, the system they are a part of, as well as on any specific problems and current triggers that the parent feels is concerning for their child.
Play, art, and other non-verbal counseling techniques are used a lot more in child and adolescent counseling, particularly when a child may lack the linguistic skills necessary to express completely and engage in a cognitive exercise.
The use of play tactics allows for therapeutic engagement while also assisting the child in expressing their feelings, wishes, and desires. Working with children and teenagers also involves more coaching and skill development. Depending on the child’s age, problems, and personality type, several types of counseling are used. There are occasions when more than one kind of therapy is used.
A session with a Child Counsellor will comprise of:
A child counsellor will help in the following sessions when you take up Child Counselling Services from ANJ Therapy
- Play therapy: It is a form of medium in which through play, children learn to express their feelings, thoughts, and emotions.
- Art therapy: This therapy involves promoting unrestricted self-expression through modeling, painting, or sketching as a therapeutic or diagnostic activity.
- Talking therapy: It focuses on describing a person’s feelings through discussion, conversation, and listening.
- Expressive therapies: It emphasizes using creative forms of expression as its main theme. People who find it challenging to communicate their ideas and emotions may benefit most from this therapy. It involves music therapy, art therapy, dancing, etc.
- Cognitive Therapy: The foundation of cognitive therapy is the idea that certain circumstances or events trigger incorrect thinking, which then leads to unhealthy behaviors and unfavorable feelings. To assist someone achieves their goal, a counselor will encourage them to evaluate and deal with their damaging ideas and habits.
What are the signs to look out for?
The clearest indication that your child may require counseling is their behavior. Their behavior may alter suddenly or gradually, and it may last for a longer period. It’s crucial to notice the child’s “out of character” behavior and discuss it with a professional.
In addition, you should seek counseling for your child if you believe that he or she has undergone a significant life transition that could have an impact on them.
Your child may need counseling if they exhibit any of the following symptoms of distress:
- Abrupt aggression
- Rebelliousness
- Abrupt avoidance of social situations
- Difficulty in reading, writing, math, etc.
- Fear of sleeping alone, nightmares, etc.
- Persistent bodily issues
- Observable weight loss or gain or change in appetite
- A sudden shift in their usual interests and habits
Children frequently experience confusion, sadness, or frustration in trying circumstances. They might not, however, be equipped with the required coping mechanisms to manage these feelings. Children could find it challenging to deal with stressful situations and life upheavals on their own. If your child appears to be struggling to adjust to significant life changes—like a divorce, a move, a change in schools, a death, the arrival of a new sibling, or even a breakup—consider seeking additional support. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms at the earlier stages.