Treatment Options For Children With Anxiety
At NPS, we work with the whole family, not just the child. We understand that when a child is struggling (like a hanging mobile from a ceiling, when one piece moves, all the other pieces move along with it) the whole family can be impacted by one person in a family.
After we complete an evaluation, we can offer insight as to “why” your child struggles. The real question being answered is what happened or what is happening that is making your child struggle.
At NPS, we like to say that we want to ring 3 bells for the parent(s) in the diagnostic feedback session after completing the evaluation:
- Ring the bell in your intellect, that what he is presenting makes sense to your logic/rational/science part of your brain.
- Ring the bell in your heart- that someone is finally understanding why your child is struggling and that your child is being “seen” and you are being “heard” as a parent. Many times, our counselors will hear from a parent that they must be watching in the back window of their life because they so accurately describe the what and why of their child’s behaviors.
- Ring the bell in your gut as a parent. That part of you that intuitively knows that someone has cracked the code on your child’s struggles and can provide a way to help your child be all he or she is meant to be.
After the diagnostic feedback session, NPS will lay out a plan of intervention to address the underlying reasons for the struggles and help you and your family move forward. We have built a strong team and have many community connections built over 39+ years. Trust that we will cover all options and discuss natural alternatives to medications, which is always our first go to.
He is always open and well-versed in the conventional, traditional medication approach. Because there are different factors impacting why a child behaves the way he or she does, there are always multiple factors for helping a child be able to self regulate.
Treatment plans for anxiety in children are tailored based on their unique situation. There are a variety of options to choose from. It depends on what is causing your child’s anxiety. Is it situational or biochemically based?
After we complete an intake evaluation, we will know how to direct you and your child. Sometimes, no direct contact with your child is needed. We can coach the parent on what a child needs. If at all possible, we avoid having a child become a client. We prefer, if possible, to team up with the parent(s).
Possible treatments include:
- Play therapy
- Coping skills
- Relaxation techniques (e.g. breathing techniques)
- Mindfulness meditation stress reduction strategies when triggered
- Social connection
- Therapy animal
- Diet free from chemicals to improve neurotransmitter production
- Using nutrition through foods to improve neurotransmitter production
- Supplements
- Essential oils
- Medication if necessary based on urgency of situation
Counseling interventions in the form of play therapy are important in the treatment of anxiety in children. Play therapy offers children a place to share their worries without fear of judgment, rejection or feeling dismissed.
Through the process of play, our counselor will help your child with things such as:
- Developing and using relaxation techniques
- Developing positive self-talk to help reduce anxiety
- Identifying fears and worries
- Increasing coping skills like socialization, physical activity and self-assurance
- Openly sharing thoughts and feelings
Sleep routines, eating habits, and physical activity all contribute to your child's well-being. Your child might struggle in a certain area like sleep or physical activity, especially if they experience restlessness, muscle tension, or fatigue due to their anxiety.
Medicine For Children With Anxiety?
Putting your child on medication is most often a high concern for parents. That is why our center has spent decades learning about natural alternatives. Our counselors are also willing to discuss medication options if a parent wants to explore this as an option.
We are aware that sometimes medication may be warranted. If a parent decides that they want to go in that direction, NPS has a network of child psychiatrists who can prescribe.
Alternative Options To Medicine For Children With Anxiety
We embrace an integrative, functional medicine approach to helping a child with anxiety. When treating the mind, body and soul, we do not reach first for medications. Rather we offer many natural alternatives. Please click the link to learn more about our NPS natural approach to anxiety.