TherapyWorks

Changing Lives

  • About
    • Our Therapists
    • FAQ
    • TherapyWorks Cares
    • Fees
      • Fees
      • Insurance
      • Benefit Verification
    • Careers
  • Services
    • Children
      • Child Anxiety
      • Angry Children
      • Depressed Children
      • Child Trauma
      • Grieving Children
      • Therapy for Autism
      • School + Academic Issues
    • Teens & Tweens
      • Teen Anxiety
      • Teen Depression
      • Angry Teens
      • Teen Trauma
      • Teen Self-Esteem/Confidence
      • Teen Social Skills
      • Grieving Teens
      • School Stress
    • Adults
      • Young Adults
      • Depression
      • Anxiety
      • Trauma
      • Anger Management
      • Stress
      • Work Stress
      • Grief and Loss
      • Relationships
      • Personal Growth & Personal Development
    • Family
      • Managing Step Family Transitions
      • Family Stress / Conflict
      • Divorce and Separation
      • Parenting Support
      • Therapy for Moms and Moms-to-Be
    • Couples
      • Infidelity and Affairs
      • Couples in Conflict
    • LGBTQ+ Mental Health
    • BIPOC Mental Health
    • Group Therapy & Classes
    • SHIFT Coaching
    • Online Therapy Services
    • Community Outreach
  • Blog
  • Better Together Live
    • Better Together Live | Season 2 Episode 3
    • Season 2 Episode 1 | Alsana
    • Episode 1 | Discovery Mood
    • Episode 2 | Good Sam Hospital
    • Episode 3 | Roots Collaborative
    • Episode 5 | NAMI SCC
    • Episode 6 | Empower Professional Organizing
    • Episode 7 | lifeSport Fitness
    • Better Together Live | Episode 8
    • Better Together Live | Episode 9
    • Better Together Live | Episode 10
    • Better Together Live | Episode 11
    • Better Together Live | Episode 12
    • Better Together Live | Episode 13
    • Better Together Live | Episode 14
    • Better Together Live | Episode 15
    • Better Together Live | Episode 16
    • Better Together Live | Episode 17
    • Better Together Live | Episode 18
    • Better Together Live | Episode 19
    • Better Together Live | Episode 21
    • Better Together Live | Episode 20
    • Better Together Live | Episode 22
  • Contact
    • Join Our List
    • Contact Us
    • Locations & Directions
      • Los Gatos
      • Capitola
      • Scotts Valley
    • Make a Referral
  • Helpful Resources
  • Schedule

Parenting Support

As a parent you want the best for your children. With that, you may be concerned or have questions about certain behaviors they exhibit and how to ensure they get the help they need.

It is important to be aware of warning signs that your child may be struggling. You can play a critical role in knowing when your child may need help.

Some of the behaviors to look for include:

  • Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
  • Seriously trying to harm or kill himself or herself, or making plans to do so
  • Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
  • Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others
  • Showing severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
  • Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make himself or herself lose weight
  • Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
  • Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting himself or herself in physical danger or causing problems in school
  • Using drugs or alcohol repeatedly
  • Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
  • Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality

If you notice any of these behaviors, it may help to consult with a school counselor, school nurse, mental health provider, or another health care professional.

Because children often can’t understand difficult situations on their own, you should pay particular attention if they experience:

  • Loss of a loved one
  • Divorce or separation of their parents
  • Any major transition—new home, new school, etc.
  • Traumatic life experiences, like living through a natural disaster
  • Teasing or bullying
  • Difficulties in school or with classmates

How can I introduce my child to the idea of counseling?

Some children may be hesitant about talking to a therapist or coming in to therapy all together. Don’t worry; this can be expected. However, helping your child better understand the process and the many benefits of talking with a counselor can definitely help. In general, providing an explanation that is concrete, positive, and not overly detailed can be helpful. Additionally, you may wish to describe the therapist as an expert in helping children feel better and be happier day to day. If you are having concerns about getting your child to come in for their first appointment, please let us know. We can give you specific pointers on how to make your child more comfortable based on his or her individual situation.

How can a therapist help my child?

By engaging in child therapy and play therapy with a trusted and compassionate TherapyWorks therapist, your child will have the opportunity to explore, express, and better understand his or her feelings in a safe and comfortable environment, while also learning new skills to better manage responses to life’s ups and downs. Essentially, the relationship your child builds with his or her counselor can promote positive change by providing invaluable opportunities to learn and grow.

How to make the counseling experience a success

Parents play a vital role in the success and outcome of child therapy. Meeting regularly with you during your child’s treatment gives us an opportunity to talk about the progress being made and helps us create a more effective plan moving forward. Often, parent coaching is advised to help you understand how to best support and guide your child outside of the therapy sessions. In addition, family counseling may be a valuable component that can enhance your child’s counseling experience.

Schedule Now

Offices in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz/Capitola & Scotts Valley

Location & Directions

Our TherapyWorks Team

CEO & FounderClient Care Coordinator

Schedule Now!

Learn More

Follow us

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • yelp

Recent Posts

The 3 Stages of Burnout (And How to Spot Them Early)

Live Better: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference in Your Mental Health

Therapist-Approved Gift Guide: Thoughtful Gifts for Everyone On Your List

Top Factors Impacting Kids’ Mental Health Today

Suicide Prevention: Resources and Support for Those in Need

The Importance of Mental Health Check-Ins for School-Aged Children: Supporting Academic Success and Well-Being

The Importance of Friendships for Mental Health

Escape Stress: Discover the Best Relaxation Spots in Santa Cruz

Contact

Email:  hello@mytherapyworks.com

LOS GATOS OFFICE
P: 408-508-6789
F: 408-399-8909
A: 334 Village Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Click for Map

CAPITOLA/SANTA CRUZ OFFICE
P: 831-525-5000
A: 519 Capitola Ave. Suite A, Capitola, CA 95010
Click for Map

SCOTTS VALLEY OFFICE
P: 831-525-5000
A: 125 Bethany Drive, Bldg B, Suite 101, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Click for Map

Happily serving our local communities, including Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Soquel and Aptos.
Copyright © 2025 Therapy Works of Los Gatos · All rights reserved · Responsive site by Fremont Web Solutions          Sitemap