grief counseling for an entire family

Posted on: 29 December 2021

Kids are resilient and highly adaptable. However, even children sometimes need help with their mental health. Kids are still developing and typically don't have access to all of the coping skills that adults do. When faced with difficult circumstances, some children may begin acting out, but a pediatric therapist can help your child identify and express their feelings in healthy ways. Here are four things that pediatric therapy can help your child cope with:

1. Bullying

Adults can expect children to make occasional blunders while learning to interact with their peers. However, sometimes social situations can become aggressive and unhealthy. Kids who experience bullying may become fearful and depressed. They may withdraw as a result of their treatment. A pediatric therapist can help children who have been victims of bullying. Therapy can help children rebuild their sense of self-worth following acute or chronic bullying. 

2. Grief

Grief is a natural reaction to loss. Children may feel grief after the loss of a beloved grandparent, parent, or friend. Even the loss of a pet can cause deep grief in children. Some sadness after an upsetting event is normal and expected. However, some children have trouble processing and moving on from their grief, which can lead to depression. Pediatric therapists can help children work through their grief. For example, art therapy and play therapy can help young children express their feelings even when they don't have the right words to say.

3. Abuse

Children are especially vulnerable because of their young age and place in society. Kids need to be protected, but unfortunately, sometimes children still experience abuse. Abuse can cause long-lasting psychological effects, especially when it is not treated. Pediatric therapy can help children work through traumatic events, such as physical or sexual abuse, in a safe place. 

4. The COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in many ways. Many people have started to work from home as an alternative to going to the office each day. Even schools have opted to offer remote learning programs for children. Unfortunately, social distancing can create mental stress in some people due to feelings of isolation. These feelings can be particularly hard for kids to manage. If your child has been experiencing loneliness or anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, therapy may be helpful. A pediatric therapist can work with kids to find solutions to their distress. Outdoor playdates with trusted friends and age-appropriate, science-based information can relieve many kids' anxieties.