Parenting comes with countless joys and just as many challenges. As your child grows, you might notice emotional ups and downs, sudden behavior changes, or struggles that are hard to explain. While it’s natural for children to go through different phases, some patterns may signal that they need extra emotional support.
At Hera Therapy, we believe that seeking help early can make a meaningful difference in your child’s emotional health and development. Therapy offers a safe, nurturing space for children to express themselves, process their feelings, and learn healthy coping skills.
So how do you know when to seek therapy for a child? Here are some signs, insights, and tips to help you make that decision with confidence.
Also Read: 5 Signs You Could Benefit from Individual Counselling
7 Signs Your Child Should See a Therapist
While every child experiences emotional ups and downs, certain behaviors or patterns may signal a deeper concern. Here are 7 signs your child should see a therapist:
1. Persistent Sadness or Irritability
If your child seems unusually sad, tearful, or irritable most days, it could be more than a passing phase. Prolonged sadness or frustration may indicate underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
Children may not always have the words to describe how they feel, so their emotions often show up as moodiness, withdrawal, or even anger.
Therapy can help your child understand and express their emotions in healthier ways, while helping you as a parent learn how to support them effectively.
2. Sudden Changes in Behavior
A noticeable shift in your child’s daily habits, such as changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, or social behavior can be a sign of emotional distress.
For example, a child who once enjoyed playing with friends but now prefers to be alone might be struggling with social anxiety or emotional overwhelm. Likewise, sudden disobedience, irritability, or clinginess could be their way of expressing fear or insecurity.
A therapist can help uncover the root of these changes and guide both you and your child through healthy coping mechanisms.
3. Difficulty Managing Anger
Every child gets upset sometimes, but frequent or intense outbursts, such as yelling, hitting, or throwing things which can point to deeper frustration or unresolved emotions.
If your child’s anger seems out of proportion to the situation, or they struggle to calm down afterward, therapy can help.
Through techniques like play therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), children learn to recognize their triggers, manage emotions, and express their feelings safely.
As a parent, you’ll also gain tools to handle these moments with empathy instead of exhaustion.
4. Struggles at School
School can often reflect what’s happening inside a child’s mind. A sudden drop in grades, frequent absences, or behavioral issues in class might be signs of emotional distress.
Sometimes, academic challenges stem from anxiety, attention difficulties, bullying, or problems adjusting to new environments.
In therapy, children can explore what’s bothering them and develop problem-solving, focus, and stress-management skills. When teachers and parents collaborate with a therapist, it creates a supportive network for the child’s growth.
5. Loss of Interest in Activities
If your child suddenly loses interest in activities they once loved like sports, art, or spending time with friends, it may reflect emotional withdrawal or depression.
This loss of joy, known as anhedonia, can signal that your child feels disconnected, hopeless, or overwhelmed.
A therapist can help them reconnect with their emotions and rediscover motivation. Therapy also encourages self-expression and helps children rebuild confidence and curiosity about the world around them.
6. Excessive Worry or Fear
Some level of worry is normal for children, but when anxiety starts to interfere with sleep, school performance, or daily routines, it’s time to pay closer attention.
Children experiencing excessive worry may appear restless, seek constant reassurance, or express fears that seem irrational or repetitive. Others might try to hide their anxiety through perfectionism or avoidance.
Therapy helps children identify what fuels their fears and teaches them calming strategies to regain control over their thoughts and emotions.
7. Traumatic Experiences
Major life events such as divorce, loss of a loved one, bullying, or moving to a new home can deeply affect a child’s emotional world.
Even if your child seems “okay” on the surface, unresolved trauma can show up later as anxiety, withdrawal, or behavioral problems.
Therapy provides a safe, supportive space for children to process these experiences at their own pace. With professional guidance, they can make sense of what happened and learn healthy ways to heal and adapt.
Should Kids Go to Therapy?
Yes and therapy can be incredibly beneficial. Child therapy provides a safe, supportive space for children to express their thoughts, process emotions, and develop coping skills. It helps children improve communication, self-esteem, and problem-solving abilities.
For parents, therapy also offers guidance on how to support their child’s emotional health at home.
Types of Child Counselling
There are different types of child counselling, depending on your child’s age, personality, and needs:
- Play Therapy – Common for younger children who express themselves better through play rather than words.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps children identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones.
- Behavior Therapy – Focuses on modifying problematic behaviors and reinforcing positive ones.
- Family Therapy – Involves parents and siblings to improve family communication and relationships.
- Art or Music Therapy – Uses creative expression to help children process emotions and trauma.
Each approach aims to help children develop resilience and emotional balance in their own unique way.
When Does a Child Need Behavior Therapy?
Behavior therapy is often recommended when a child’s actions repeatedly disrupt daily life at home, school, or in social settings. If your child struggles with aggression, defiance, impulsivity, or difficulty following rules, behavior therapy can help them learn better ways to respond and regulate emotions.
Conditions like ADHD, conduct disorder, or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) can particularly benefit from this form of therapy.
Should My Child See a Therapist or Psychologist?
Parents often ask, “Should my child see a therapist or psychologist?” The answer depends on the situation.
- A therapist or counselor can help with emotional, social, or behavioral challenges through talk or play therapy.
- A psychologist can also conduct psychological testing to diagnose learning difficulties, ADHD, anxiety disorders, or depression.
In some cases, your child may benefit from working with both a therapist and a psychologist for comprehensive care.
Child Therapy Tips for Parents
If you’ve decided to seek help, here are some child therapy tips for parents to make the process smoother:
- Be open and calm – Present therapy as a positive step, not a punishment.
- Choose the right therapist – Look for someone experienced with children and certified in relevant child therapy techniques.
- Participate when needed – Some sessions may include you to strengthen family dynamics.
- Be patient – Change takes time; trust the process.
- Reinforce skills at home – Encourage your child to use what they learn in therapy in real-life situations.
How Much Is Therapy for a Child?
The cost of therapy for a child varies based on location, therapist qualifications, and session type. In Kenya, sessions can range from KES 3,000 to KES 8,000 per hour on average.
Some clinics or organizations offer sliding-scale fees or online therapy options to make mental health care more accessible.
A Compassionate Step Toward Healing
Knowing when to seek therapy for a child is one of the most loving choices a parent can make. It shows your commitment to their emotional growth and mental health. Whether your child needs help managing anxiety, coping with change, or improving behavior, therapy can provide the support and tools they need to thrive.
At Hera Therapy, we offer gentle, evidence-based support for children and families. Our experienced therapists create a safe, warm environment where your child can express themselves freely and where healing begins with understanding.
Reach out to Hera Therapy today to learn more about our child counselling services and how we can support your family’s well-being.