Child Depression
CHILD COUNSELING SERVICES
YOU AND YOUR CHILD ARE NOT ALONE
Childhood depression can occur in even the healthiest of families. A child’s temperament, relationship dynamics, or life transitions can culminate in ways that contribute to a pervasive sense of sadness and negativity. When a rough patch pops up, childhood depression can have a variety of factors ranging from poor nutrition to trauma. Through specialized assessments, an effective and personalized treatment methods can help. With the right support, many children respond well to treatment and recover with coping skills that are helpful throughout their development and the rest of their life.
HAS YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIOR BEEN CONCERNING TO YOU LATELY?
Does your child seem to carry a lot of shame or tend to be hard on himself or herself emotionally?
Would you describe your child as moody, withdrawn, or agitated?
Does your child seem to be struggling to move past a significant loss or transition?
Is your child experiencing bouts of helplessness, hopelessness, or negativity?
Are there activities and interests your child has participated in that he no longer seems to enjoy?
THE RIGHT CHILDREN AND FAMILY COUNSELING CAN OFFER ASSISTANCE AND RELIEF
The highly-trained professionals at Journeys desire to walk with your family through this season of depression and help your child get on the right path to happiness. We strive to help your child rediscover hope and re-engage in life, while also empowering you and your child toward lasting gains and a strong relationship.
Topics addressed in therapy may include:
Identifying losses that have not been fully grieved
Recognizing, expressing, and experiencing validation for a variety of emotions
Decreasing shame (“I’m bad.” “Something is wrong with me.”)
Increasing acceptance (“I have value.” “I’m going through something difficult but there is hope.”)
Improving interpersonal relationships
Developing a posture of thankfulness
Rediscovering the power of play
Child and Family Counseling will help with understanding the root of the depression, while adding positive experiences to your child’s life. Children will also have the opportunity to express creativity and emotions through play, art, puppets, or story-telling. Connecting with your child on a personal level will encourage them to lose all intimidation and ease into talking about their issues.
You Aren’t the Only One With Concerns
“I’m afraid that a depression diagnosis will mean that my child will have to take anti-depressant medication.”
We genuinely understand that coming to counseling might seem overwhelming at first. Know that we are here to answer any questions and concerns you might have about the treatment process, implications, or simply to address many common misconceptions about diagnoses, medication, and counseling. Rest assured, not all individuals diagnosed with depression take medications. It is an option available in the treatment of depression, but there are many other therapeutic, naturopathic, and environmental options as well. If therapy progress is limited due to the severity of the depression, the friendly staff at Journeys are able to refer you to trusted psychiatrists who are equipped to discuss the benefits and concerns related to anti-depressants. Our desire is to empower you with the right information you need to make healthy decisions for your whole family.
CONTACT A JOURNEYS THERAPIST
We generally recommend scheduling a specialized assessment with a trusted Journeys counselor to evaluate what your specific needs are, as well as determining best the options for treatment and more precise answers to the questions you may have about the process. The Journeys team strives to provide you with the best fit professionally, and will happily direct you to the counselor with the best personality, expertise and approach for your family.
Check out our team to connect with a therapist that’s right for your situation or contact our client coordinator with any questions, concerns or to be matched with a therapist that is best suited for you and your family’s needs.
