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 obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), 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.
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.
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.
Schedule Child and Adolescent Therapy at Thriveworks in Westminster, CO
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.
