Thriveworks in Westminster, CO for Child and Adolescent Therapy/Counseling
As your child grows into an adolescent, you may find yourself reminiscing about the smile on his face as he showed you his very first report card, the artwork with stick figures that represented the family and the first school play when he was proud to stand on the stage and say the lines he practiced. Then, it was on to middle school and the first dance, followed by the hustle and bustle of high school with plays, concerts and field trips to places like Florida and New York City.
In the midst of the whirlwind of activity, sometimes a child or adolescent has challenges or issues they are unable to face on their own. Even with the help of family members, some situations are difficult for children. When your child is struggling with an issue, whether it is social anxiety, mood changes, irritability, or an obsessive compulsive disorder, it gets in the way of the many exciting events and fun that life has to offer. You want to help your child, and it is hard to watch as they suffer from their issues.
When you, another family member, a teacher, a coach or somebody close to your child is concerned about behaviors, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or counselor. At Thriveworks in Westminster, CO Child and Adolescent Therapy/Counseling, the professionals have years of experience in the many issues that can affect a child.
Child and Adolescent Therapy/Counseling for Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
Children and adolescents can learn about the issue that is causing them to struggle, find ways to show their emotions positively and work on their ability to solve challenges in therapy. There are many issues that bring children and adolescents to seek therapy, including divorce, a new sibling in the house, a change in behavior, obsessive compulsive disorder and more.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the Child
Like an unwelcome guest with bad manners, OCD moves into the mind and doesn’t want to leave.
Children with OCD may appear to be daydreaming, distracted, disinterested or lazy. They may seem unfocused and unable to concentrate. However, what they are really busy focusing on is their nagging urges or confusing, stressful and sometimes terrifying OCD thoughts and images. In addition, they may be focused on completing rituals, either overtly or covertly, to relieve their distress.
Children with OCD may feel tortured by it, and sometimes it is difficult to identify, because its symptoms are like other conditions and mental disorders.
Common Obsessions in Children with OCD
- Contamination. Kids with this obsession are sometimes labeled “germaphobes.” Children worry about other kids sneezing and coughing, touching things that may be dirty or getting sick. This is the most common obsession seen in children.
- Magical Thinking. This is a type of superstition, such as “step on a crack, break your mother’s back,” but it is taken to extremes. Kids might worry that their thoughts can cause someone to get hurt or sick. A child may think that unless his things (books, toys) are lined up in a certain way, his mother will get in a car accident.
- Catastrophizing. Some kids jump to the conclusion that something terrible has happened. If parents are five minutes late in picking them up, a child who is catastrophizing might tell himself they have decided to abandon him.
- Srupulosity. This obsession is when children obsessively worry about offending God or being blasphemous in some way.
- What Ifs. Kids may be plagued by many kinds of thoughts about bad things they could do, such as if they hurt, stabbed or killed somebody.
- The “Just Right Feeling.” When OCD first develops—from about six to nine years of age—children may not know why they do something. But, they just need to do it until they get what is called the “just right feeling.” For example, they may line things up until they feel just right and then stop. Over time, when they are closer to nine to 12 years old, it evolves into Magical Thinking, becoming more superstitious in nature.
Effect of OCD on Academic Performance
Children who struggle with OCD are typically average to above-average in intelligence levels. They may be unable to learn the same way others do, because their focus is frequently on their obsessions or compulsions. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, some children find it difficult to learn, and others find it almost impossible to concentrate on and complete schoolwork. While they want to pay attention, participate in discussions or presentations, study and complete homework, they feel the pull to respond to their obsessions or urges.
Take the First Step: Seeking Therapy
It is important to be aware of the behaviors that signal OCD. With a variety of symptoms in children and adolescents, they are not always obvious. It is important to keep in mind that OCD symptoms can look like other disorders. It is critical to seek therapy.
Techniques for Child/Adolescent Therapy
The experienced therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Westminster, CO make sure the child and family feels secure in the environment and is able to discuss their situation. The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks know it is important that children feel free about discussing their pain, struggles and feelings. They are professionals who use a variety of methods for child and adolescent therapy, including talk, play, family and cognitive and behavioral therapies, as well as teach relaxation and coping methods.
Thriveworks in Westminster, CO is the Number One Choice for Your Child or Adolescent
The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Westminster, CO have professional licenses and credentials. They have many years of experience in working with children and adolescents with numerous issues, eating disorders, transitions in life, learning disabilities and much more.
The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks create a caring and secure atmosphere to help gain the trust of the child, the parents and the family members in order for everyone to feel comfortable working together.
Therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Westminster, CO have an understanding of the physical, mental and behavioral development of children and adolescents and are experts in the specific issues they face. Call Thriveworks in Westminster, CO at (303) 214-2106 for child and adolescent therapy and counseling, where you won’t be placed on a waiting list.
