Children & Youth Counselling

Children and Youths today may at times struggle to cope with family conflicts, peer or school stress, and/or is exhibiting behavioural issues and you are grapple with communicating with them. As they mature, they may even face challenges in managing their own expectations of themselves, of which may cause them to feel down, anxious, withdrawn or “rebellious”.

At times like this, it feels as though we as caregivers are at wits end when it comes to helping our children and youth, as nothing seems to be working. However, taking steps to reach out to overcome the bumps in the road could help.

It’s normal to feel loss and helpless, and perhaps speaking to a counsellor could provide a space where your child/youth are given a safe to talk about their inner thoughts and feelings, and to co-create skills to help them cope with challenges ahead.

Signs that you may want to consider seeking help for child:

• Significant changes from normal behavioural baseline:
  • Your child has been observed to be behaving differently as compared to previously and that is not developmentally appropriate. For example, a chirpy child suddenly withdraws from interaction/activities (i.e. doesn’t want to go to school; or a significant decline in Child’s academic performance).
  • When your child talks about himself/herself in a negative manner
• When there is a big or sudden shift in family dynamics (i.e. divorce, separation, loss of family member), and when parents feel loss in navigating this change with children.
  • This could look like a communication breakdown between yourself and your child, leading to more disruptive/aggressive behaviours or distancing behaviours

Hence, it may be useful to take steps forward to address any underlying issues that may be existing to provide your child with the necessary support by equipping them with the necessary coping strategies during trying times.

Note:
You will need to accompany your child or youth for the first session. Our counsellor will decide to see your child/youth alone or jointly with you for subsequent sessions.

For younger children who may find it hard to describe their inner state verbally, expressive art, music, body movement or play can be used.

Read more about Play Therapy below.