Signs Your Child Might Need Extra Support
By Ellen Laughlin, Psychotherapist at Kids' Therapy Works
Many children and young people go through emotional or behavioural challenges at some stage. For some, these difficulties pass with time and with support from family and school. For others, a bit of extra help from children's counselling can make a meaningful difference.
As a parent or carer, it's not always easy to tell when something more serious might be going on. Children don't always have the words to explain how they feel, and teenagers might not want to express their feelings – so changes in behaviour are often the first signs that something isn't quite right.
You might notice things like:
Big or sudden changes in behaviour
Ongoing sleep difficulties
Withdrawing from friends or social situations
Losing interest in activities they usually enjoy
Signs of self-harm or neglecting themselves
Trusting your instincts
You know your child better than anyone. If something feels significantly different or concerning, it's worth paying attention to it.
It can help to reflect on what might be happening:
Has there been a recent change in environment or stressful event in their life?
Do the difficulties show up in certain situations – at school or at home?
Are these changes lasting longer than you would expect?
Sometimes, understanding the context can bring clarity. Other times, it can highlight that your child may need a bit more support.
Reaching out for help
Feeling worried or unsure doesn't mean you have to figure it out on your own. Speaking to a professional can provide reassurance, guidance, and a clearer sense of what your child might need.
At Kids' Therapy Works, children and young people are offered a safe, contained, and supportive space to explore their feelings at their own pace.
Getting support early can make a real difference – both in how your child feels now, and in how they continue to grow and develop. If you think your child could benefit from counselling, please fill out this form.
What counselling at Kids' Therapy Works looks like
Sessions take place at our Lakelands clinic in Stanway, Colchester. It’s a safe, contained, and supportive space where children and young people can explore their feelings at their own pace. There's no pressure to talk about anything before they're ready.
If you'd like to find out more, or think your child might benefit from some support, please get in touch via our counselling page. I'd be happy to have a chat.
Ellen Laughlin holds an MA in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy and works with children and young people experiencing anxiety, emotional difficulties, and relationship challenges. She is based at Kids' Therapy Works, Lakelands, Stanway, Colchester.
This post is part of the Children's Counselling Explained series, written to help parents understand the support available for their child's emotional wellbeing.