Christian counseling for children in Rowlett is an option that many parents don’t consider. Yet it can be a turning point in responding to a child’s struggles.

Parental instinct is a powerful tool to help you know if your child is in need. If you sense something is “off” with your child, listen to that instinct, even if you don’t have a solid reason you can identify as to why your child needs help.

You may be aware of significant changes or concerns in your child’s life and want to seek therapy to protect and strengthen his or her mental health. Alternately, you might just have a sense that your child is struggling, even if you can’t pinpoint why.

It’s crucial that you and your child feel comfortable with your counselor and the counseling process. The best place to start is with an awareness of the services offered in Christian counseling for children and how you can begin the process of meeting with a counselor.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(469) 333-6163

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Common Reasons to Seek Counseling for Children

There is a long list of reasons why parents might feel that their child needs counseling. As we’ve already mentioned, you might simply have noticed a shift in your child’s emotions or behavior and think they could benefit from some support. Another reason is you might be aware of changes in your household, family, or life and want to support your child as best you can through the shift in circumstances.

Anxiety is highly prevalent in children right now, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens, increasing in frequency by over 50% from 2007-2017. Though this is an alarming statistic, it’s meant to spread awareness and not fear. Children’s and teens’ mental health concerns are highly treatable, and early intervention can make a world of difference.

You can begin by being aware of symptoms of possible problems. Here are some behaviors of which you can be aware, especially if they are new and go on for longer than a couple of weeks:

  • Changes in mood/behavior
  • Social problems
  • Academic problems
  • Conflict
  • Nightmares
  • Change in eating habits
  • Isolation
  • Risky behavior/acting out

All of these symptoms can point to a variety of concerns, such as a mental health issue, possible trauma, bullying, etc.

Children and adolescents don’t always have the skill to verbally communicate any emotional struggles they might be having. This is why parents, caregivers, and educators need to be aware of the signs. Early intervention for mental health issues can make a world of difference in reassuring your child that their mental and emotional well-being is a priority.

God loves your child and has a plan for their life. The professional counselors at Rowlett Christian Counseling would love to be a part of that journey. Psalm 127:3 reminds us that children are a gift from the Lord. In a world that often looks down on children or dismisses them for being inconvenient, we want to prioritize children’s well-being and remind them that they are loved and valued, and deserve safety and care.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(469) 333-6163

Schedule an Appointment

While talk therapy is very common with adults, children’s developmental capacity for verbal processing is not yet fully developed. Therefore, it’s important that you find a counselor who is trained in evidence-based therapy methods for children.

Along with ensuring your child is comfortable with his or her counselor, you as the parent need to feel at ease with them as well. Part of that process is becoming familiar with the type of approaches your child’s counselor might take. Here are a few of the treatment approaches that are often used in counseling for children.

The exact method(s) used will depend on your child’s individual situation, personality, and other factors. Feel free to call our office with questions and schedule a risk-free initial session to find out more.

The first priority in Christian counseling for children in Rowlett, Texas is to provide evidence-based treatment combined with a spiritual approach. We know that if you are seeking Christian counseling, you want your child to be in an environment that acknowledges God’s truth and love, as well as the best research-backed practices for children’s counseling.

Depending on the situation, your counselor may introduce play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and/or trauma-focused therapy (TF-CBT). Other alternative therapies such as art, group, etc. may be available. Activities during counseling sessions can range from talking to activities, skill-building, practice with problem-solving, etc.

During your first session, you can ask the counselor about his or her most common approaches and any other questions you have.

You might be asking yourself, “How are parents involved in their child’s counseling?” Again, this depends on your child’s age and situation. It’s very common for parents to be present for counseling sessions, especially if your child is under 13. If your child is older, you can discuss with the counselor what the best approach might be.

Whether or not you are present for every counseling session, you will be kept informed each step of the way so that your child’s treatment can be a collaborative effort.

If you would like support in navigating your concerns about your child and best parenting practices, you can also reach out for individual counseling in Rowlett to walk you through that process.

Methods and Approaches for Children’s Counseling

Types of Issues Treated in Christian Counseling for Children

At Rowlett Christian Counseling, we work with a wide range of concerns and conditions. Your child does not have to receive a mental or behavioral diagnosis in order to benefit from counseling. If your child does have one or more diagnoses, this can help guide the treatment to ensure they receive the best support possible.

Some common issues for which children and teens need counseling are anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, coping with bullying, coping with parental divorce or separation, eating disorders, self-harm, and PTSD. Other concerns might be sibling conflict, nightmares or night terrors, social or academic problems, aggression, or attention issues.

Depending on the specific concern(s), your child’s counselor can also work with their medical provider to ensure they are receiving the best combination of care. If you have concerns that may relate to physical health, medications, etc., ask your child’s counselor how they can connect with any medical provider(s) whose involvement may help.

How to Support Your Child?

Providing care and support for a child who is struggling is one of the most important things a parent can do, yet it can also be fraught with anxiety, confusion, and exhaustion. You might wonder if you’re doing the right thing or taking the most helpful approach. Remember that you can work with your child’s counselor to ensure you have the tools to support them well.

Along with modeling emotional expression and healthy coping skills, work to make sure your child has a predictable routine at home, which can increase feelings of security. Set reasonable limits for screen time and provide opportunities for fresh air and movement. Practice authoritative parenting:

“Authoritative parenting is characterized by reasonable demands and high responsiveness. While authoritative parents might have high expectations for their children, they also give their kids the resources and support they need to succeed.

Parents who exhibit this style listen to their kids and provide love and warmth in addition to limits and fair discipline.” (Very well Mind)

Another expert describes authoritative parenting as “warmth, sensitivity, and the setting of limits” (Parenting Science).

We can compare this parenting style to how God parents his children in Scripture. He reminds us again and again of his love (Psalm 136), kindness (Ephesians 2:7), patience (2 Peter 3:9), and the commands he gives us for our good (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Knowing that we are to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-2), studying his character in Scripture and how he loves, guides, and corrects his children can be a wonderful model for parenting our children through their own difficult times.

You can talk with your child’s therapist about parenting resources, and seek individual counseling for more focused encouragement in supporting your child.

Schedule Your First Children’s Counseling Session

Being a parent can be difficult. So much weighs on your decisions, and if you don’t have a good support system in place, it can feel isolating to know what your child needs. The counselors at Rowlett Christian Counseling are here to support you and work with you to ensure your child is healing and thriving.

Feel free to browse our counselor directory or call us with any questions or concerns.

Resources:

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(469) 333-6163

Schedule an Appointment