Anxiety Counselling for Children

From time to time, your children may feel worried or anxious but this is completely normal. This can be for many reasons some including a move to a new area or home, or when they start at a new nursery or school. For some children, anxiety can affect their thoughts and behaviours every day, which would interfere with their social life, schooling, or at home. The earlier you treat these problems the easier it will be for them and for you as a parent. Professional help will tackle any of these issues. Serious untreated anxiety can tend to get worse over time so it is important to seek help from an anxiety counselling therapist for the most effective treatment options.

What is Anxiety?  

Anxiety is an emotion that involves feeling scared, afraid, worried, or nervous. When we feel anxious it is generally because we think something bad is about to happen.

Anxiety in Children   

When a child has anxiety and it becomes an issue it can affect their daily life. Anxiety is a normal way for a child to react, only the severity of the issue is not clear so a parent will not know how the child is feeling. Throughout their childhood, your child may experience anxiety feelings at any stage and several different times. Separation anxiety can be used here as an example however this can be a normal stage in a child’s development and it will ease off. If the feelings of anxiety don’t go away, then seeking help should be considered. Young children may not know how to express themselves or may not understand why they are feeling this way, so as a parent it is essential you know what signs to look out for.

Symptoms of anxiety    

There are many signs of anxiety these include:

• Being clingy
• Loss of appetite
• Irritable
• Tearful/always crying
• Lack of confidence
• Waking in the night/difficulty sleeping
• Lack of concentration
• Getting angry quickly
• Out of control outbursts
• Nightmares
• Feeling fidgety/tense
• Avoiding socialising/going to school/everyday activities
• Always worrying/negative thoughts
• Complaining of a tummy ache/unwell

Causes of anxiety    

Some children can be born more anxious than others and are less likely to cope with stressful situations. They can also pick up on anxious behaviour from other children and people. Certain stressful events can initially bring on child anxiety some of these include:

• Parents arguing
• Moving to a school or home
• Getting injured in an accident or becoming seriously Ill
• Being neglected or abused
• The death of a close friend, relative or family member
• School related problems like bullying

If your child is autistic or has ADHD they may also experience and struggle with anxiety problems throughout their lifestyle.

Counselling to help children    

Counselling is the most common form of talking therapy which can be available through school-based or a professional counsellor and psychotherapist. Counselling is there for you to talk, and support the child with no judgment, in confidence, and also in a safe and secure place. Counselling is recommended if your child is going through anxiety issues, it can also help many other mental health issues including depression, anger, low self-esteem, and much more. The counsellor will help explore the problem, go through it with the child what symptoms they are experiencing, and figure out what coping strategies would be best suited to your child to help them cope.

Different Types of treatment options for anxiety   

CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy)   

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of talking therapy that can initially help your child manage their anxiety by changing the way they behave and think. The therapist will set the goals for your child and bring them to where they should be in life. CBT is about helping your child think more positively, looking into their pattern of behaviours and trying to change these rather than thinking through past events.

Counselling    

Having a regular counselling session will help your child understand what they are going through, make them understand why they are feeling anxious, and help them work through these issues on a weekly basis.

How can you help your child?   

Family and friends are very important in supporting your child during this tough time. You can help them cope through difficult and stressful times. If your child is seeking counselling be positive about it, let your child know that it is the best thing for them to help them get through their difficult times of anxiety. If your child doesn’t feel comfortable face to face with a counsellor, an online service may also be available. It is important to let your child know that you care as their parent and are willing to help them in any way that you can. Stay positive and calm and be strong for them. Listen to them and provide emotional support so they know you are there for them.