Information for Parents and Care Givers

Does My Child Need Therapy?

It’s completely normal for children and adolescents to face crises and challenges as they grow up. Not every difficulty signals a mental health disorder. Often, the balance is naturally restored after a short period, and the crisis resolves.

However, not everything "just grows out of it."

When difficulties persist—such as:

  • prolonged mood swings

  • Sudden behavioral changes

  • increased anxiety

  • Sleep troubles

  • withdrawal

  • escalating conflicts

  • or growing concerns at school

  • or when troubling neurotic or psychosomatic symptoms appear

So, what’s normal and what’s not?

It’s normal for kids to have tough days, but if worries or behaviors are affecting their happiness or daily life, extra support can make a difference. Child therapy, including play therapy, offers a safe, supportive space for your child to understand their feelings and develop healthy ways to cope.

From a psychodynamic perspective, mental health conditions are often rooted in unresolved inner conflicts, whether conscious or unconscious.

Symptoms like anxiety, depressive moods, psychosomatic issues, or behavioral problems (e.g., restlessness) are seen as expressions of emotional distress and unsuccessful attempts at self-healing. These coping strategies are the child's or adolescent's way of trying to restore internal and external balance, but they often lead to further difficulties.

This can block their age-appropriate development and place strain on their relationships. Early therapeutic intervention can help to understand and address these challenges, enabling children and adolescents to regain their emotional balance and continue their developmental journey.