Watching the Disney PIXAR movie Inside Out, I was reminded of my work with children. They experience the world in such different ways than adults. Children have feelings and emotions that they may not understand and cannot put into words. To them, these feelings have a life of their own, as they may take over their bodies…leaving them even more lost and confused.

Children may experience a variety of unexpected events, such as:

• A 10-year-old girl (deeply invested in hockey) has lived in a small town all of her life. She has a close-knit group of friends that she’s know throughout her childhood. Suddenly, her family must move out of state to a big city that is five hours away by plane.
• Three kids (aged 11, 12, and 13) are told by their parents that they are getting a divorce.
• A 15-year-old teenager is dumped by the love of his life.
• An 8-year-old boy waited for his dad to pick him up from school, but his dad never showed. The next day he was told by a teary-eyed mother that his father had passed away in a car accident.

The above situations can leave children feeling:

• Sad
• Angry
• Scared
• Worried
• Confused
• Hurt
• Lonely
• Frustrated

These are all normal reactions for children (and adults, too). With the help of supportive parents, family members, and friends, these feelings can often be overcome. Sometimes, though, the situation may feel a little overwhelming, and finding extra help with a counselor can be beneficial.

Counseling for children who are going through unexpected changes and don’t know how to cope, can be a great way for them to work through their problems. Art and play therapy give children different outlets for them to be able to express their feelings, thoughts, and emotions. They are encouraged to work through their struggles and find solutions in their own language. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps children and adolescents by giving them tools to change their negative thoughts and ideas into more positive, effective ways of coping.

If your child is feeling out of control, lost and confused due to changes that life throws his or her way, please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment with one of our Orlando mental health counselors.