How do you feel about psychotherapy for a child of 6?

Question

My son is 6 and he may have some emotional trauma from things that occured between the ages of 1 and 3 and I am trying to figure out if it would be best for me to try to educate myself on how to work through this with him or involve a therapist. I saw a therapist as a child and to me it was a little traumatic in itself. I feel lost but I only want what is best for him.

Answer 1

I would take him to a child psychologist -if in fact, his behavior warrants it. MOST kids (but not all) don't have much of memory before the age of three. The fact that you were traumatized by one as a child probably says more about that particular therapist than about child psychology in general. Should you decide to take him to one, go to the first appointment and tell the therapist exactly what your child has been through. Your chances of being able to help your son yourself, if there is a problem,.are probably pretty slim. As his mother you are too close to the issue. You sound like a very caring, educated and loving parent. I wish the very best.

Answer 2

Between one and three he probably doesn't remember them, how much do you remember about being one? If you tell him about it and act as if he SHOULD be traumatized, he will be. I don't know anyone that truly remembers anything, at that age they can't even process things or understand what they mean so they can't actually remember a situation as you do. See what I'm saying? A baby might experience a traumatic situation but he doesn't KNOW its a traumatic situation therefore doesn't suffer trauma. At that age they are simply about how they feel and oh thats a pretty shiny thing over there I wonder what it tastes like, but nobody remembers when they were teething and it hurt. It seems as though you are trying to apply grown up ideas to a childs recollections and that just isn't the way it works, they can't process things they don't know exist. Its sort of like this, say parents get divorced and the parents think the kids are devestated by the relationship between the parents failing, they AREN'T, they have no concept of what an adult relationship is and don't even realize that the two of you have a relationship aside from them, its not in their experience so how could they?

Are you sure this isn't more about you worrying than him actually remembering anything at all? I think, unless he's having some serious issues which you didn't mention here, taking him to a therapist would do nothing but make him THINK he should be sick or sad or something. If he's ok just let him be ok. I understand your concern but remember a child can only grasp what it is in his life experience to grasp, and that isn't much between 1 and 3, he is perfectly capable of sensing your anxiety and suffering because of that though.

Answer 3

I am a nanny that is certified with a degree and I also have an associates degree in psychology.10 years ago ,I worked with 2 little boys 6 and 10 year of age.Their mom had been killed in a car wreck. Their father hired me to help out as he worked. They were so out of it. They couldn't function at home let alone school. So, I suggested to the dad for me to find a suitable therapist that has experience in this form of trauma , and thankfully I found a suitable candidate.He helped the boys immensely. Along with my persistence, they open up to me. Their father sought therapy also which helped him and enabled him to communicate with his boys.Thankfully,everything worked out!!
I know you said therapy didn't help you as a child but you should give it a chance. The therapist will help you by giving you helpful hints on how to help your son and an update on his progress every time that you go. If...you have no insurance,there are places that offer people a sliding scale based upon their income. These places have social workers, psychiatrists too. Good luck to you and i pray your son gets better soon!!!

Answer 4

I would try and work with my child first. A parent's love can heal a lot and doesn't cost a thing. Your child may not need any therapy. I'd wait to see if he exhibits any signs of trauma before even bringing it up to him. If it becomes too difficult or you can visibly see your child is in need of something more, then I would get in touch with a therapist. Be "choosey" as to who your child will see and don't hesitate to switch doctors.

Answer 5

If he is suffering from emotional trauma three years before, you need to get a professional involved, for his sake. You have already had 3 years with no luck so involve the therapist.

Answer 6

Aw, I am so sorry to hear that. I think it is smart of you to act upon this problem early in his life. Teach him to open up- that he can't keep feelings bottled up like many boys are taught how to do.

I would research and find a really really gentle and friendly children counselor. Maybe meet with them first to discuss a plan of action- even if they met at your home or a safe place. An office can be so cold and intimidating to a child. Don't tell your son it is a counselor... maybe just a friend you can talk to together. Good luck.

Answer 7

You have got to be kidding right? At 6 all a therapist could do is CREATE new memories for your child. Sheesh let him grow up.

Answer 8

Therapy can be good if it is the right therapist. I'd meet and talk with one yourself who is used to dealing with that age of children. If you don't like the therapist you then can decide not to bring him.

Answer 9

For a child to need therapy at 6 years old I suggest the whole family go. If not then I suggest you pray on it and ask God to give you wisdom on how to support and love your child.

Answer 10

traumatic for a six year old would be go to bed now.
But if you think he needs help and you don't know how
then you need to learn how to help.As I have found love is the best tool to help. It takes time a lot of time