As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to differentiate between normal development and the need for additional support. You don’t have to wait for a problem to intensify before reaching out to a children's therapist.

Here are 10 signs that your child may benefit from therapy:

1. Big or Frequent Emotional Reactions- that cause significant distress to the child/family or inhibit overall functioning 

Your child displays frequent, intense emotional reactions, tantrums, or difficulty calming down.  

2. Excessive Worry or Anxiety

Your child regularly worries or avoids activities.  Your child's inability to separate from a parent/caregiver inhibits their ability to engage in daily tasks or events (school, extracurricular activities, etc.) 

3. Significant Behavior Changes

You notice new aggression, withdrawal, defiance, irritability, increased tearfulness or other behaviors that seem different from your child’s typical personality. 

4. School Difficulties

Your child is struggling with concentration, emotional regulation, friendships, behavior, or adjusting to school.

5. Social Challenges

Your child has difficulty making friends, understanding social situations, or managing conflict. 

6. A Major Life Change or Difficult Experience

Your child is struggling to recover from divorce, loss, bullying, moving, or another significant change. 

7. Difficulty Managing Anger or Impulsivity

Your child frequently acts without thinking, becomes easily frustrated, or has difficulty controlling strong reactions.

8. Changes in Sleep or Daily Routines

You notice persistent changes in sleep, appetite, or everyday living activities. 

9. Difficulty Expressing Feelings

Your child has trouble communicating their needs. They may communicate through behavioral issues or display physical symptoms. This could include- persistent headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension, etc. 

10. Instincts Tell You Something Isn’t Right

You may simply notice your child isn’t acting like themselves. You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before getting help.

How Can Therapy Help?

Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re experiencing. Play therapy allows children to express emotions, process experiences, and develop coping skills that align with her developmental needs.

If your child is experiencing anxiety, behavioral concerns, ADHD, Autism-related challenges, trauma, grief, etc., therapy may provide valuable support.  You don’t have to wait until your child’s struggles become overwhelming to ask for help.

Contact MV Kline Counseling:  

Mary Virginia Kline, M.Ed., Ed.S., LMHC, RPT, ITR-CTT
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Registered Play Therapist

ITR Certified Trauma Specialist
Tampa, Florida
(850) 296-8653
 

Neurodivergent-affirming play therapy for Autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, social-emotional development, and early childhood mental health.

This is not professional advice.