Starting Early

Parents and caregivers take their children to doctors and dentists for preventative care of their bodies. Should they be doing the same when it comes to their mental health? 

We asked two of our Happier Living clinicians who work with youth to share their insights on when to initiate therapy.

Angela Kiel, LPC

When many people think about therapy for children, they often believe it’s only necessary when a child is experiencing a major behavioral or mental health concern. In reality, therapy can benefit all children as they grow and navigate the everyday challenges of life. Every child experiences change. As they move toward adolescence, they face new emotions, changing friendships, increasing responsibilities, and growing independence. They may struggle with making and maintaining friendships, sibling rivalry, balancing school and household responsibilities, or navigating the natural ups and downs of their relationship with their parents.These experiences are a normal part of growing up, but they can still feel overwhelming.

Therapy provides children with a safe, supportive space to talk about what they’re experiencing while learning healthy ways to communicate, manage emotions, solve problems, and build confidence. These skills not only help children handle current challenges but also prepare them for future situations they will inevitably face. 

The goal of therapy isn’t to eliminate every obstacle because challenges are a natural part of life. Instead, therapy equips children with the tools and resilience they need to navigate those challenges in healthy, productive ways.

Seeking therapy doesn’t mean something is wrong with your child. It means you’re investing in their emotional wellbeing and giving them the opportunity to develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Growing up isn’t always easy, but families don’t have to navigate it alone. With the support of compassionate professionals, children can develop the confidence, resilience, and emotional skills they need to thrive through every stage of childhood and beyond.

Farah Aziz, D.O.

Children and adolescents are often neglected or considered too young to require therapy. However, there are numerous observable benefits including improvements in communication, emotional regulation and recognition of life difficulties as well as their impacts. I have seen  benefit in many cases where therapy has often been preventative in preserving a child’s mental health. Furthermore, it has often facilitated a child’s emotional growth and wellbeing. To me, maintaining direct therapeutic goals and most importantly, a strong therapeutic alliance based on developmentally appropriate interventions are key components of effective work. 

Children often grow up more self-aware and more adaptive than adults without previous therapeutic exposure. They are also often faster learners for coping skills, more receptive to alternative views and are more honest than adult clients about their struggles. 

As I tell many patients, there may be much more to gain than lose by trying therapy as a modality. 

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Ready to get started on your and your child’s journey to a happier, healthier life? Take the first step here.

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