Covid-19 update: OFFERING ONLINE THERAPY SERVICES
Signs/symptoms of anxiety in children/adolescents, may include:
* Difficulty to concentrate
* Sleeping problems, nightmares
* Irritability, anger outbursts, crying
* Constant worry and/or having negative thoughts
* Feeling tense
* Fidgeting
* Appetite/eating problems
* Clingy behaviors with parents/caregivers
* Somatic complains (ex. stomachaches, fatigue, etc.)
* Social anxiety
* Panic attacks, fear
Anxiety symptoms can be overwhelming and impair children's ability to function at school, home, or play activities.
Anxiety is a typical response to different events and circumstances. It is completely normal for children/teens to have fears and worries from time to time.
Some children can pick up anxious behaviors from people around them, or simply be born more anxious and less able to cope with stress.
When the capacity to cope is overwhelmed, an internalizing disorder such as anxiety may develop.
Anxiety may be also developed as a response to stressful events (such as bullying, divorce/family separation, changing schools or moving, the loss of a family member/friend/pet, abuse, domestic violence, medical problems, accidents, etc).
If your child/teen experienced trauma, please click here to visit my trauma therapy page.
Children/teens with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity disorder for example, are more likely to have anxiety problems.
Anxiety disorders can get worse and also lead to other disorders such as depression.
Social Anxiety is frequently observed in adolescents and Separation Anxiety (being afraid when away from parents) tends to be more frequent in younger kids.
At times, fears can become a Phobia to a specific situation, like going to the dentist, spiders, etc.
Being worry about different topics and being afraid that something bad may happen, are typical symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and can really cause significant distress in a child/teen.
In many circumstances, anxiety can escalate causing panic attacks, which can be really debilitating. Panic attacks are sudden, unexpected episodes of intense fear that may include symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, and many others.
After experiencing the first panic attack, it is very common to fear having more panic attacks and avoiding some places or situations to prevent further episodes. In these cases, the anxiety has developed into a panic disorder and the avoidant behaviors and panic episodes interfere with daily activities.
Anxiety can take many forms and be very difficult to manage, but an effective anxiety treatment can freed your child/teen from the disorder.
Both, medication (prescribed by doctors) and psychotherapy can help to fight anxiety.
Psychotherapy for anxiety can give children the necessary tools to manage their symptoms by themselves and prevent future episodes of anxiety.
Schools can also be included in the treatment plan and provide support in the school setting.
The younger the child, the more essential it is for parents/caregivers to participate in the treatment.
At times, family therapy sessions may be necessary to resolve conflict that could be contributing to the child's anxiety.
During treatment, children and adolescentes are thought to replace negative thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and anxiety.
Additionally, they learn strategies to regulate emotions, manage stress, and improve relationships.
To help children/teens with anxiety, I utilize a combination of techniques and strategies, according to the factors that contribute to their anxiety, the child's learning style, and the family's preferences.
The modalities of treatment I utilize have been proven to be effective through scientific research.
I have been trained in multiple modalities of treatment and I implement interventions from different approaches such us, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Theory, EMDR, and and Family Systems Theory.
A successful treatment requires flexibility and adaptation to meet the needs of each individual and family.
As a child and family specialist, I will partner with you to support your child.
Besides offering a wide variety of culturally competent treatment options, I can also assist you in finding community services and resources to further support your child's growth and healing.
Babies and toddlers can also experience anxiety.
If your infant has experienced trauma, please click here to visit my trauma therapy page.
The first years of life are the most formative in human brain development and have the potential for lifelong consequences, both positive and negative.
it is very important to identify problems early in a child's life and utilize safe, effective therapeutic treatments.
The earlier children receive help, the more effective the results will be.
In order to help infants, I implement age appropriate strategies and help parents learn effective parenting skills/tools to manage children's behavioral challenges and emotional regulation problems.
Psychotherapy sessions help children’s mental health while supporting and strengthening primary attachment relationships between children and their parents or caregivers.
If you have concerns about your infant, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
amarilys reyes, LMFT
26711 N. Isabella Parkway, Santa Clarita
Copyright © 2021-2024 AMARILYS REYES, LMFT - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy