When is it time to see a therapist?

One of the most common questions we field is, “How do I know when it’s time to see a therapist?”  We all know there is a wide range of ‘normal’ – a 2 year-old with some single words, or another putting strings of sentences together.  A teenager withdrawing from family gatherings, or another involved at every level of social activities.  So what key signs are there that you may need to seek the help of a therapist?  And when is the best time to do this?

When your child is not keeping up with their peers

For very young children, your Child and Maternal Health Nurse, GP, Paediatrician or Kinder teacher will be the best person to guide you towards therapy as they understand child development and know when your little one is not performing at the level they should be for their age.

GPs and teachers will help guide you if they feel your school age child is not where they should be with their skills.

As always, if you are concerned and are unsure whether therapy is required, call your chosen therapy practice and ask their advice. Sometimes we see children for a ‘quick check’ to ensure they are hitting all their milestones and reassure parents that their child falls within the norm or help plan sessions if therapy is needed. This can help alleviate any concerns and give you a clear plan of action.

When challenges are impacting on everyday functioning, self esteem, confidence or relationships

Many people function day to day with communication, physical or mental health challenges.  They have strategies in place or have found a way to function without this impacting on their relationships, schooling, work, self-esteem or confidence.  However for many, these challenges pose a problem and it is important that you seek help if this occurs.

Whether it be difficulty articulating sounds, concentrating long enough to read a story book, sitting still in the classroom, talking to people at the shops, or visiting a café with your children, if you or your child appear restricted and it’s impacting on the ability to function then it’s time to see a therapist.

If you or your child’s emotional reactions are extreme

We all have bad days when the smallest issue seems to set us off but if you or your child are experiencing extreme emotional reactions to everyday situations more frequently, then it’s likely a therapist will be able to assist.

In children, we see extreme reactions manifesting as meltdowns (extended, exhaustive episodes where the child has difficulty remaining control over his behaviours), hitting out, biting, fidgeting to the point of distraction (of himself and others around him), oppositional behaviour (saying ‘no’ to everything), and anxiety or avoidance of events such as kinder, playgroups or parties.

In adolescents and adults, extreme emotional responses include feeling angry or sad a lot of the time, reacting to everyday situations unusually, avoidance of situations to the point of disengaging and finding no joy in activities you would usually enjoy.

When you don’t know how to help anymore

Being a parent is tough – and a lot of the time we know what to say or do that will help the situation (for ourselves, or our children). However if you reach a point where what you have tried isn’t working anymore then seeking the help of a therapist can be a positive step.

When is the best time to seek help?

There isn’t any right or wrong time to ask for help as we are able to help families at any point. That said, the earlier you identify concerns and make contact, the earlier we can introduce strategies that may alleviate future issues. We always encourage families to give us a call to talk through any concerns as we are able to guide you towards therapy or another appropriate avenue such as a Paediatrician.  Either way, we are there to assist.