Is your child often worried or fearful? Anxiety could be to blame. Fortunately, Franklin Square, NY, psychologists, Dr. Renee Clauselle and Dr. Francyne Zeltser of Child and Family Psychology, offer treatments that can help your child manage his or her anxiety.
Common anxiety signs
Most children feel nervous or worried from time to time, whether they're concerned about a test in school or an upcoming move. Often, anxious feelings quickly fade once a stressful situation ends. Unfortunately, anxiety can become a chronic problem in some cases. If any of these symptoms occur often, your child may be struggling with anxiety:
- Worrying constantly
- Frequent stomachaches or headaches
- Restlessness
- Negative thoughts
- Anger
- Fatigue
- Trouble separating from parents
- School avoidance
- Worrying that family members will die
- Difficulty sleeping or reluctance to sleep alone
- Nightmares
- Avoiding social situations or other situations the child finds stressful
- Shaking, crying or sweating when faced with stressful situations
- Problems concentrating
- Emotional outbursts and tantrums
- Worries about other people judging them
- Phobias, such as fear of crowds or animals
How do psychologists treat anxiety in children?
During your visit to the Franklin Square, NY, psychology office, you and your child will discuss anxiety symptoms and their effect on your son or daughter's life. This information helps the doctor make a diagnosis and prepare an individualized treatment plan for your son or daughter.
A type of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is very effective in helping children manage anxiety. The therapy teaches children how to change the way they react to stressful or upsetting situations and helps them understand how their feelings, thoughts and actions are related.
Psychologists gear treatment to your child's age. For example, playing games and role-playing with puppets can help younger children feel more comfortable sharing their feelings. By using the strategies they learn during therapy, children can soon begin to control their anxiety and prevent it from becoming overwhelming. Your child's psychologist may also recommend a few ways you can help your son or daughter cope with anxiety.
Concerned about your child's anxiety? Call (516) 750-4841 to schedule an appointment at the Franklin Square, NY, office of Dr. Clauselle and Dr. Zeltser of Child and Family Psychology.