“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6)
A recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2010) estimated that by age 5, up to 14% of children are developing significant social or emotional issues.
Similar reports indicate approximately 70% of children and adolescents in need of treatment do not receive professional help.
What to Look For
- Academic or behavior problems at school
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Dysfunctional patterns such as increased anger and aggression, self-destructive behavior, severe inattention or hyperactivity, deception, or criminal behavior.
- Mood swings
- Excessive fear or worry
- Social withdrawal
- Bizarre or unusual behavior (reporting thoughts or feelings not based in reality)
- Exposure to stress (including divorce, significant family illness, or any major family trauma).
Please note that children demonstrating the above
indicators may be at risk of developing lifelong emotional and social problems.
Many families will avoid taking their children to a mental health center for an evaluation. This is understandable, as often children can be quickly labeled and placed into a “one size fits all” treatment approach. Often this is a poor fit for families.
Faith based counseling begins with an assessment of the child in a non-threatening environment. Families can come to a church, not a clinic setting. With Christian Counseling, the family receives professional help and has the opportunity to be “trained up” in faith and engage a Christ-led process of healing.
Interventions incorporate all of the vital care that would be received in a clinic setting. However, an encouraging community of faith is now available and can provide many resources that will help.
It is our hope that children who are struggling, will have this type of life changing experience.
We have child and family specialists available in all of our locations. To find out more….
Thanks for reading weekend edition! Have a great one!God Bless,Richard Hoffman Ph.D.
Clinical Director
Christian Counseling Associates of Western PA
Website: stg.ccawpa.com
