Lisa Surrency, Ph.D. in counseling, the new program director for Counseling Solutions of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, wants to help parents detect unusual changes in their children’s behavior that might indicate anxiety, stress or depression. She offered a few warning signs and tips for parents.
Surrency first suggests that parents be keenly aware of their children’s daily activities to rule out that a child is not just being a child. Armed with that knowledge, changes in eating and sleeping habits or even socialization are easily noticeable.
Warning signs of anxiety or depression could include:
➤ A child is withdrawn, staying home or isolating himself more, not engaging in conversations at home, lying around and not completing regular tasks and chores;
➤ A child has mood changes, such as being overly negative or positive or more irritable;
➤ A child complains about more physical ailments, such as headaches or stomach aches, and doesn’t want to go to school;
➤ An active child loses interest in activities at school or grades are slipping;
➤ A child exhibits changes in mannerisms or personality.
“My first instinct is not to consider that it’s a child just being a kid or being lazy,” Surrency said. “Try to talk to them first and ask them what’s going on.”
Surrency encourages parents to be active in outdoor activities with their children, even in hot weather. Don’t leave children isolated at home. It is preferable to get them involved after-school, church or community activities and even take them on errands. Remain in contact with a child’s school and teachers, who might notice changes in their daily habits.
“Try to be more involved with them, even though you are busy,” she said. “The kids might be going through transitions at school, so try to spend more minutes with them in a day (to learn what’s going on).”
Surrency wants to rid parents of the notion that children who go to counseling have issues.
“It just means they might need some guidance or support, as well as the family might need guidance and support dealing with things,” she said, especially during this unusual time of pandemic.
Counseling Solutions creates a safe, therapeutic environment for kids as young as age 4. Three of its four licensed counselors specialize in child counseling and use play therapy. Surrency is a registered play therapist.
“We don’t just do talk therapy with children,” Surrency said. “We incorporate games, workbooks, any type of activities that will get them thinking more. Children communicate by play, so getting them engaged in play therapy or counseling can tell us a lot more than actually just sitting there talking to us.”
Surrency said counselors advocate for children, encourage them to advocate for themselves and ensure that they do not feel judged when visiting the counseling office.
“We want them to know that we are an extended part of their circle that’s already formed, whether that be teachers, their parents, people in the church community, friends,” Surrency said.
Counseling Solutions also has four additional counselor interns (in partnership with the University of Holy Cross and other universities) who work with people of all ages and faiths. In-person counseling and telehealth counseling are available on a sliding scale fee, with some pro-bono work available. Most major insurances and Medicaid are accepted. Counseling is offered 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday through Friday, with an option of Saturday appointments. Call (985) 785-2113.
cbordelon@clarionherald.org
"behavior" - Google News
August 19, 2021 at 08:07AM
https://ift.tt/37WDe5u
Keep tabs on child's behavior signs - clarionherald.org
"behavior" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2We9Kdi
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Keep tabs on child's behavior signs - clarionherald.org"
Post a Comment