Child, Youth and Family Counseling

 

Child, Youth and Family Counseling

Whenever you have a family you will find good days and bad days. It is just a fact of life that whenever a group of people who are related are with each other day in and day out there will be times when some people will want to flee in the dead of night and never come back. On the other hand, when things are going well and everyone in the family is happy and healthy, no one wants to get out.

It does not matter if it is an issue with a child, teen or adult in the family, stress is a byproduct of any situation that turns into a problem. Sometimes those problems can be minor, like a child who has trouble sleeping at night. Other times they can be more challenging, like a teen who has been diagnosed with depression.

Not all families can be happy, healthy and stable all of the time. The daily stresses of today’s world with everyone seeming to be so busy can bring even the most stable of families to their knees. No matter what your family is going through, there may come a time when you need to decide if counseling is right for your situation.

Ask yourself these questions and by answering honestly, you will know if your family needs to seek professional help:

  • Is your family running on “borrowed time?” In other words, does each day feel like it is draining the life and sucking the joy out of everyone (or most everyone)?
  • Are family members having severe emotional reactions? Are certain family members struggling with how to respond to various situations?
  • Are there any problems with communication among family members? Normally, the first sign of any severe trouble is a breakdown in communication, including some members retreating to the “silent treatment” too often.

 

 

  • Does anyone in the family appear to be withdrawing from daily routines? One of the first signs of depression is withdrawing from daily routines, so if you have family members who are doing this it might be time to get help.
  • Is violence becoming a problem? If anyone in the family feels threatened by the behavior of other members that is not normal.
  • Is anyone showing signs of alcohol or drug abuse? Oftentimes, stress can lead a family member, even teens and children, to misuse alcohol and drugs. Learn the warning signs before it is too late.
  • Have there been changes in mood and behavior? Sometimes children will become moody and exhibit disruptive behavior if they are having a problem at school.
  • Has the family experienced a traumatic event? For example, the death of a loved one, or a job loss can be enough to push a family over the edge.

Deciding to see a professional counselor is a big step, but an important one. Don’t let too much time go by before you find someone who can help your family.

Contact us today to see how one of our child, youth and family counselors can help you – (616) 499-4711