Anxiety is unique in that many symptoms are similar, but can present differently between people. Counselling helps someone explore their presentation of anxiety, and digs to to find an understanding of where it comes from, and how to manage it effectively.
Like depression, there are a number of approaches in counselling to address anxiety. Often times, a mixture of these is most effective. These approaches include:
- Communication
- Boundaries
- Validation
- Autonomy
- Co-regulation
- Parenting
- Mutual Understanding
What to Expect
Similarly to Family Therapy, sessions include structure around how you communicate to ensure that both caregivers and their child can express their concerns, thoughts, and feelings. Focusing on the above is central to this work.
There is not one path to this, as all families are different in how they operate. As such, an important part of counselling is to find a way that works for each family unit. Clients should expect to continue to practice new skills developed during session at home. This helps to adapt to, and learn, new ways of interacting. This helps to fine tune the ability to connect with one another.
Common approaches to parent-child counselling include (but are not limited to):