When parents are concerned about their child, a great place to start is with your child's pediatrician. Ruling out any medical causes for the concerning symptom(s) is important. The pediatrician can make recommendations based on his/her knowledge of your child.

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Some risk factors and symptoms to consider:

• Sudden onset and/or significant change in the child's behavior, affect and/or mood.

• Change in school performance, activity level, sleep patterns, appetite, relationships, or interests.

• A significant stressor like divorce, loss, a medical procedure, or traumatic event in a child's life (even if your child is not exhibiting any adverse symptoms.) The risk of developing symptoms could be mitigated with the opportunity to explore feelings and thoughts about these stressors in a safe, therapeutic environment.

• Behavioral or psychological symptoms that cause a significant decline in a child's daily functioning like anxiety, depression, and other symptoms.

Play Therapy is an effective therapeutic approach that helps children process and heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. By creating a familiar environment, Play Therapy allows your child to work through past traumatic experiences, reduce intense and unpleasant emotions, and develop resilience skills for their future well-being.

Play is the natural language used by children to make sense of their experiences and the world around them. This specialized therapy utilizes toys, games, art, movement, and books—tools that are familiar and comforting to children—to help them feel secure. Through these activities, the therapist can better understand and address the child's presenting issues, whether related to trauma, emotional dysregulation, or social anxiety. Play Therapy promotes emotional healing and strengthens your child's ability to cope with stress and parental challenges.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective therapy for children dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. By using bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps your child process traumatic events, reduce unpleasant feelings and emotions, and minimize intrusive thoughts. This evidence-based therapy has been proven to help children reprocess and diminish the overwhelming effects of trauma, including PTSD, emotional dysregulation, and stress-related behaviors, leading to improved mental well-being and emotional stability.

Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence based model of treatment for children and adolescents used to reduce the symptoms of trauma. Research indicates TF-CBT reduces symptoms related to post traumatic stress disorder. The model has specific sessions that are used for both the child/adolescent of the traumatic event as well as their parents.

Yes, attending therapy with your child can be highly beneficial. Family therapy is an excellent option for improving family dynamics and functioning. It helps to increase positive communication between you and your child, and can reduce negative behaviors within family interactions. By working together in therapy, you can strengthen your relationship, address underlying issues, and create a more supportive and harmonious home environment.