6 Benefits of Taking Your Child to a Mental Health Professional

Many might be on the fence about taking their children to a mental health professional because there are so many factors, questions, and what ifs. Oftentimes, it’s new to the person who is on the fence about therapy. Thankfully, there are so many reasons why therapy can be beneficial. To be honest there are way too many to count (and hopefully I’m not too biased about this “fact”).

Building a Stronger Sense of Self-Identity

Part of therapy that is super, super beneficial is that it helps others build a sense of belonging within their own skin. Lately it is so hard for so many kids to feel comfortable with who they are. No matter if it’s what they appear like, how they behave, or how their brain thinks, kids have been hard on themselves and others.

Even with these tough feelings, some try to hide how they feel or they may try to go to their parents to talk about their feelings. But, sometimes that’s not enough. Having extra support, like a therapist, can help tremendously. Mental health professionals have the resources and strategies to assist your child in growing who they are in a positive and liberating way.

Improving Self-Regulation and Developing Important Coping Skills

Often times, people join the therapeutic process because of anxiety, anger, and other behavioral challenges, and improving self-regulation is one of them. Developing coping skills can go along with this one. Although, to be honest I was initially thinking that this should be another subheading- butttttt, even when things can be said differently about these two, they still pair well together.

Personally, self-regulation is one of the most brought up skills that I bring up in sessions with the kids and families I work with. It’s a tough one but timing matters in this strategy. (Hint, try to start when you or your child is feeling frustrated or worried, and not yet at anger). Now, this is also when I begin the initial conversation about coping skills.

I’m sure we have a similar goal of wanting your child to be able to regulate themselves, but it takes time and support to get to that goal. Thankfully, with the background support and the healthy push of it all, it helps them become more independent with their own choice pertaining to this.

Strengthening Communication

Oh come on, such an easy one to talk about for promoting therapy. Communication is and will always be key!!! Personally, I bring up communication often in sessions. It’s helpful for kids to understand that communication is a skill that helps them so, so much. One thing that is great for kids to know is that even pointing when dysregulated is still communicating. Other mental health professionals will include their own strategies and conversation about communicating is a more positive way.

Having a Safe Space

One of the best benefits of taking your child to a mental health professional is for them to have their own space- a space they can talk about whatever they want and still feel comfortable doing so. I’ve worked with kids that feel comfortable sharing hard things with me, when they were initially worried about sharing it with their parents. Being able to talk it out and process their feelings and thoughts help them to communicate better with their parents- this takes part in the strengthening communication point, as well.

Developing a Better Self-Esteem

This one can be compared to my first topic of building a stronger sense of self-identity, and I’m ok with that. Self-esteem can be a hard one, but with the healthy pushing and the goals being made in therapy, it can develop in a positive and supportive way. By activities, conversation, and a helping hand, kids can build their own sense of confidence while practicing strategies for self-esteem.

Manage Stressors More Positively

In therapy, children have the opportunity to learn how to manage their stressors in a more respectful and positive way for themselves and others. It’s hard to expect kids to still be respectful when anxious or frustrated with their school workload, friendship challenges, etc., yet sometimes that’s just what we do. So, being in this safe learning environment, they have the chance to figure out strategies to help them along the way.

The End!

Each thing that was mentioned helps foster a stronger foundation for your child’s lifelong well-being. Children need to learn things on their own. Having their own space to learn so many helpful skills to grow into their own person is empowering (and useful). Worst case, a little can still go a long way. Everyone is different and has their own paths to be the best version of themselves. Things take time, effort, and care. Good luck on your journey!

Written By,

Eliana Cohn, LSW

www.cuttingedge-therapy.com